4th Annual Beauty Awards

Typically, each fall I like to put together a post on my favorite beauty discoveries. However, last fall came and went without such a post because I hadn't uncovered any new beauty finds that felt worth writing about. Then suddenly, all the great beauty products I'd been looking for seemed to find me all at once. Thus, I present the 4th (almost) annual belly dance beauty awards.

Note: I am not paid or compensated in any way to write about the products I pick. I haven't even received free samples of any of these items. I just include 'em cuz I love 'em.

Kayo Concentrated Slimming Serum

In my day job, I sit at a desk 8+ hours a day. And like most other Americans, when I'm not at a computer, I'm still frequently looking at my phone, Kindle, iPod, Fitbit, or other electronic device. Whih means a lot of looking down. And what does that translate into? Tech-neck wrinkles. Yup, horizontal lines on your neck that have developed from the frequent and prolonged head position of looking down. I have them. I purchased this product after reading multiple reviews that other users weren't using it as intended for cellulite, but instead were using it for neck wrinkles to great effect. I was hesitant about spending the money on this item, but finally decided it was worth a try. So glad I took that leap. Are my tech-neck wrinkles gone? No, it's not magic, people. But are they greatly reduced? Yes. Was the money worth it? Absolutely.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch

These are a game changer. Despite being in my 30s, I still get the occasional breakout. And like everyone of any age, if I have a zit, I want it gone as fast as possible. Enter the Cosrx patch. You just place the patch over the blemish before you go to sleep, take it off in the morning, and ta-da! Your unslightly pimple is either gone or greatly reduced. If it was a larger blemish, it might take more than one application. The patch acts as a small hydrocolloid bandage and literally pulls the gunk out of your zit (which you will see in the patch when you pull it off). When my husband recently had a zit, I gave him a patch to try and he was surprised to see how well it had worked by the next morning and gave them his stamp of approval. My recommendation: keep these stocked in your medicine cabinet.

Aveda Tulasara Wedding Masque Eye Overnight 

It doesn't matter how much sleep I get, I have dark circles under my eyes. I'm sure that I could pull a Sleeping Beauty, sleep for 100 years, and still wake up with dark circles. It's just genetic. Thus it been my lifelong battle to try and diminish the look of those circles. Enter Aveda's Tulasara eye treatment. They call it a masque, but to me it doesn't feel any different than putting on eye cream. However, the result is very much different. Are my dark circles completely gone? No, pretty sure I'd need a fairy godmother for that one. But they are drastically reduced, to the point that I'd even consider going to the gym or grocery story without undereye concealer on, something I never would have done before.

Verb Blow Dry Brush

I've been a Mason Pearson user for a long-time, so I was a bit surprised that I went from liking a $100+ brush, to loving a $14 brush. When I blow dry out my hair using this brush, it ends up shinier and smoother than I can recall it being in a long-time. I also like that the bristles have just the right balance of firmness and flexibility, as well as being long enough to reach and massage the scalp while brushing (which promotes hair growth). Winner.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Mask with Lemon

I've been coloring my hair purple for about a year now. To get a vibrant shade of purple, I have to unfortunately bleach the hair shaft first. As can be expected, my hair is not that pleased about having such a harsh chemical applied and I can see more damage and frizziness than I used to see. Which is why I love this hair mask. It fixes hair color, while promoting shine and restoring the scalp. It hydrates hair while cleansing, exfoliating, and nourishing the scalp. It's your ultimate hair and scalp multitasker. Now I can have my proverbial purple cake and it it too.

Hum Nutrition

Beauty starts on the inside. I'm a fairly big proponent of using vitamins to help supplement a healthy diet and lifestyle. In our fast-paced modern lifestyle, it can be hard to consume all the nutrients we need. Or some of us may have environment factors working against us (hello, lack of sun in Seattle!). Or perhaps an illness or disease where the body has increased nutritional needs. I've been taking vitamin supplements pretty much my whole life. But it wasn't until recently that vitamins have turned over a new "glamorous" leaf and become chic and sophisticated.

Enter brands like Ritual, Care/of, and Inner Me. However, my favorite of the new wave of vitamin manufacturers is Hum. From what I can tell, Hum maintains high quality in their products, while making it fun and chic to take your daily pills. You can take their 3-minute quiz and go with their selections, or go with your own choices. Two choices that I like (and are also on the cheaper side of their options) are Killer Nails (Biotin) and Here Comes the Sun (Vitamin D). I take these two daily and can tell the difference when I don't. You can buy items individually through Hum or Sephora, or you can can sign up for a Hum monthly subscription to reduce the cost.

Want to check out the beauty archives? You can also read the 1st Annual Awards, 2nd Annual Awards, and 3rd Annual Awards.

Photo Credits: Good Housekeeping (top image), all other photos via manufacturers websites

3rd Annual Beauty Awards

It's the 3rd annual belly dance beauty awards! Every year I like to post about the top beauty products I've discovered in the past year. Here's my new favorite discoveries since last year's post!

1. Dior Diorshow Maximizer Active Plumping Lash Primer - I previously had eyelash extensions for almost two years. While I absolutely loved the look, I did not love the time or price of upkeep, which eventually lead to me having them removed. But man, did I miss that big lash look. Enter Dior's lash primer. I discovered this product while checking out at Nordstrom Rack. I noticed how amazing the lashes of the girl ringing up me were, and she told me she used this product. I immediately ran out and purchased this primer, and it couldn't have been a better choice. The result was dramatic and noticeable, even to others. When I went to get a facial, my estitician asked me if I had lash extensions on. Nope. And my husband even noticed that my lashes looked longer. And seriously, what guy actually notices your lashes!? Damn, that's a good product.

2. Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum - Who doesn't love a 2-in-1 product? This is a eyeliner and lash growth serum in one. It's also the easiest to use liquid liner I have ever used. If you are an eye makeup virgin, this is your product. If you have been around the block and back, this is also your product, because why wouldn't you want a product that's easy to apply and stays in place, even through back to back classes?

3. Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 - Another 2-in-1! If you've ever put on your full face of makeup, and then realized that you forgot to start with a layer of sun protection, never fear. This beauty toolkit essential is a makeup setting spray and SPF in one. Sprays on light and clear without leaving  you feeling like you've added a layer of gunk to your face. Great for SPF touchups throughout the day, especially if vacationing somewhere warm and tropical. Also great for setting makeup before gigs in hot rooms or under warm stage lights.

4. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - In last year's beauty awards, I'd listed a dry shampoo from Lush. But then I discovered this one and now I'll never go back. It's a ingenious spray. Here's what you do: you just spray at the roots, and voila! You spray in volume and spray out excess oil. There's no white residue leftover like with many traditional powder-based dry shampoos, and it really does add noticeable volume and enhanced style.

5. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Spray - A solution for body blemishes was another product I'd included in last year's awards, and another area where I've found an upgrade. Neutrogena's Body Clear Body Spray is now a permanent fixture in my beauty arsenal. It's a power house at preventing acne, and if you do have a blemish that pops up, will cut your healing time in half or, even less. It's designed for the back, and even sprays up side down. It does not stain or bleach the color out of clothes, so you can use it and put your costume on (if say for instance you want to use it between sets to prevent any perspiration that might be sitting on the skin from building up and creating acne). And I've even used it occasionally on my face when I'm had an unfortunate blemish pop up. And the icing on the cake? All this can be yours for less than $10.

6. Make Up For Ever Artist Plexi-Gloss - I've written about it before, but heavily pigmented lipsticks can suck the life and moisture right out of your lips, especially if you have sensitive skin like me. That's why I love heavily pigmented glosses, like this one by Make Up For Ever. In the darker shades, it adds enough color to wear alone for performances, but won't feel you with dry and cracked lips after. If you are looking for a color suggestion, I love 304, which is fun and bright pop of color in red-coral.

7. Kaplan MD Perfect Pout Lip Mask + Lip Balm - Want to take the lip care a step further? Then I recommend Kaplan's lip mask and balm. The mask gently dissolves dry, cracked skin and then the balm seals in the healing with a dose of intense moisture. Great for either before or after shows, during wintertime, or whenever your lips needed a little extra care.

8. Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel - Nothing beats a professional chemical peel for smoothing fine lines, plumping skin, and getting you to glow. But this at home peel is the next best thing for at home skin maintenance. Juice Beauty's Green Apple Peel uses fruit enzymes to exfoliate off dead skin and reveal glowing skin underneath. Whenever my skin is looking a bit tired, I slather on a treatment of this to see instantly revitalized skin. Also comes in sensitive and blemish control versions.

9. Peter Thomas Roth Laser Free Retexturizer Exfoliating Scrub - If you couldn't tell, I'm big into skin exfoliation. It's one of the key cornerstones of youthful, radiant skin. I love this exfoliating scrub. It's gentle enough to use daily and helps reduce the size of pores, prevents blemishes, and eradicates dull-looking skin.

10. Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle - Hair can take a beating from too much blow-drying and heat styling. Help your hair out with Beauty Protector's leave-in conditioner. Another multitasker, this spray detangles, protects against heat, fights frizz, safeguards color, adds shine, and tops it all off with a yummy, fruity scent. Another product that I don't leave home without.

Annual Belly Dance Beauty Awards

 

Beauty-related posts have proven to be popular topics on this blog, including my post last year on my favorite beauty products for belly dancers, as well as Mellilah's guide to stage makeup.  Thus, we are instituting an inaugural annual beauty awards post. Since my last beauty post round-up, here are the latest and greatest products I've discovered that I think fellow dancers may enjoy as well.

1.  Benefit They're Real Push Up Eye Liner - I love this new liner from Benefit! The patented, flexible applicator allows for "tight" lining, which is the most effective placement of liner for making your eyes look bigger and more defined. It also dries quickly and doesn't smudge. I would add the disclaimer that it's not for eye liner newbies, as you need to get it right the first time, as you can't smudge out any mistakes, or reline over a second time, due to the fast drying nature of the product. But this shouldn't be a problem for anyone reading this blog, because belly dancers are eye liner aficionados, right?

2.  Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray - I've owned a large quanity of failed beach sprays in the past. But after discovering this gem not any more.  It actually delivers on its promise to create beachy waves without crunch.  This product will be most effective on individuals who already have some level of natural wave to their hair.

 

3.  Style Sexy Hair 450 Blow Out Spray - I am frequently asked about my hair and how I achieve my "signature" big curls look.  I always say my secret is hot rollers.  But before I style with hot rollers, I always start with a blow out, and this spray is my new hands down favorite for heat styling.  It's an incredibly light-weight product and doesn't leave any residue or film in hair.I spray it in before blow drying and voila, my hair is soft, silky, and ready for styling.   

4.  Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish - Let's get this out of the way: There is no at-home polish that can compete with a salon shellac/gel manicure in terms of drying speed and durability. That being said, Sally Hansen's gel nail polish is a pretty close second for a fraction of the price. It dries fast, stays on relativity chip-free, does not require placing your hands in miniature tanning beds, and doesn't take off half of your nail when you try to remove it. Slide into your local drugstore to pick up your own bottle.

5.  Buxom Lash Mascara - Buxom Mascara seems to be gaining a secret cult following. It's certainly my favorite and go-to for mascara. It goes on clump-free, both lengthening and defining lashes with striking effect.  Maybe best of all, it stays put with no mid-day under eye smudges.

6.  Cane + Austin Retexturizing Body Pads - With all the working out and physical activity that dancers participate in, skin can take a beating. Especially when you combine it with makeup, spray tans, and hair products, you can create a breeding ground for bacteria and acne.  That's why I love these glycolic pads for exfoliating and treating skin.  These are designed especially for the body and are the most effective product I've ever had in eliminating bacne.  They are pricey, but if this is a skin concern of yours, they are worth every penny.

7.  J. Cat Beauty Wonder Lip Paint - These amazing little beauties are the perfect cross between lipstick and lip gloss. They deliver intense pigment on the level of lipstick, dark enough for the stage, but in the form of a stain that doesn't dry out lips like a heavily pigmented lipstick does.  I'm always prone to chapped lips and most lipsticks make the problem worse for me, but I can wear these all day long with no pain to my pucker. Best of all, these beauties start at just $4.99 a tube, and if you use the code 25JCAT, you can get 25% off for the next month!

8.  Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss - This is another great lip product that doesn't dry out lips. I would say these aren't pigmented enough to stand alone on stage, but they are a great for added shine applied over a lipstick or for wearing alone when you aren't performing.

9.  Joico Gold Dust Shimmer Finishing Spray - This is a fun product for adding subtle shine and shimmer to locks, especially as they catch in the glow of stage lights.  I use this product after I've styled and sprayed my hair with a firm-hold hair spray.  I then add this product as a final finishing touch to bring out that extra sparkle.

10. Lush No Drought Dry Shampoo - Dry shampoos are another product that I've had quite a few disappointing purchases of. I've even had most of the cult favorites, like Ojon and Philosophy, but no luck.  It wasn't until I found this product by Lush that my faith in dry shampoo was restored. It actually works for cutting greasy shine and replacing it with volume. Perfect for after a sweaty class or between dance gigs.

Bonus!  Ipsy - If you don't already have an Ipsy subscription, you need one.  For only $10 a month you get a cute makeup bag of beauty swag with approximately five products, mixed between sample-sized and full-sized. It's a great way to try new products and see which work for you without a big investment. You can use this link to bypass the waiting period and sign up for your own subscription.

Favorite Beauty Products for Belly Dancers

The makeup, the glitter, the sparkle, the shimmer.  If you want to be involved in belly dance, you better like to play dress-up, because makeup and beauty products are required.  In a big way.  I've compiled a list of my favorite beauty and beauty-related products.  Whether a dancer, performer, planning a special night, or just heading to the office, I think you'll find something in this list to add to your makeup bag.

1. Estee Lauder Daywear BB Creme: If I were to only apply one beauty product in the morning, this would be it. It's an oil-free antioxidant moisturizer and foundation in one. It goes on light, but provides exceptional coverage, so I use it for the stage as well.  And best of all, it has 35 SPF coverage, because I'm sure you never, ever leave the house without sun protection on, right?
2. Sephora Collection Blotting Papers: I have a tendency toward afternoon t-zone oiliness.  I've never bought into the idea of applying a layer of powder over oil to mask shine.  Why not just remove it? These little blotting papers do the trick.  And now they come with added beneficial ingredients infused, such as tea tea oil, salicylic acid, lavender, or Vitamin C, depending on your skin concern.   
3. Conair Ion Shine Hot Rollers: Hot rollers are the secret to creating volume, movement, and body in hair.  A Conair set from the drugstore works just fine.  I would recommend "jumbo" size to get big luscious waves.  (By the way, I wrote a whole blog post on hair care and styling here.)
4. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: I used to apply eyeshadow and two hours later I would have big creases guaranteed.  Not anymore.  I apply this primer first and my eyeshadow stays in place.  Also great for beach vacations.  Use this product and your eyeshadow will still be on when you exit the water.
5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow:  Apparently Urban Decay has it figured out when it comes to eye makeup.  Because not only do they make my favorite primer, they also make my favorite eyeshadow.  They have a broad spectrum of fun, bright colors, and many with that staple of the stage - glitter.
6. M.A.C. Paint Pot: Another area where I used to have melting and smudged eye makeup.  This  cream eyeliner pigment goes on thick and dark, and then dries without becoming flaky.  Stays on through multiple sets and accidental eye rubs.  I never use any other type of eye liner anymore.
7. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Skin Creme Protectant: A Jill-of-all-trades skin product.  You can use it to gloss lips, shape eyebrows, smooth cuticles, protect cuts, and more.  I predominately use it over lipstick to add shine.  But I've also used it to effectively soothe rashes and irritated skin.  I also really like it for after performances to restore moisture to my lips after wearing heavy matte colors.
8. Duo Eyelash Adhesive: That eyelash adhesive that came with your lashes? You can toss that straight into the trash.  Duo eyelash adhesive will ensure that through multiple performances your lashes will remain in place, rather that slowly migrating around to different parts of your face.
9. Crest 3D White Strips Gentle Routine: I always keep a supply of these white strips on hand.  If I've had to much coffee and my teeth are looking less than white, I'll pop one of these in, which I've even been know to do on route to a gig.  I have sensitive teeth and gums, and as such can't use a number of whitening products on the market, but these are gentle enough to not cause any pain.
10. Trader Joe's Tea Tree Oil: This is always another staple in my medicine cabinet. It's cheap and it works wonders on clearing up blemishes and helping heal scars.  If you're not near a Trader Joe's, pretty much any other brand that's 100% Austrlian Tea Tree Oil works just fine as well. 
11. Dior Bronze Natural Glow Self-Tanner: Being a natural shade of pasty white, I've tried quite a few at-home self-tanners in my lifetime and this one is my favorite. It adds a nice subtle tanned glow, dries quickly, doesn't permanently stain clothes or sheets, and goes on streak-free, even for the novice self-tanner.
12. Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Skin Purifying Wipes: Combine sweat, spray-tan, and hair products and you have a recipe for back acne, especially if you just let the combo sit on your skin and percolate. Enter the Dermalogica wipe. The salicylic acid in these wipes helps remove that film of junk from skin and minimize breakouts. Especially during summer time or when I know I'm a long ways out from a shower, I stash these in my bag and give my skin a quick wipe down after sweaty performances.  
13. Yes to Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes: These facial cleansing wipes require no water.  They are gentle enough for sensitive skin, but tough enough to take off your layers of stage makeup.  Great for on-the-go removal of excess makeup and perspiration after performances.
14. Lancome Juicy Tubes: I am a slave to this hydrating lip gloss, and in particular, the Tickled Pink color.  Not enough color to wear alone on the stage, but great for every day or wearing over lipstick for added shine.
15. Bauble Bar Jewelry: Love, love, love this site. I am a convert. I no longer buy jewelry from anywhere else. They have gorgeous jewelry at pretty reasonable prices, including free shipping and free returns. You also collect points for each purchase, which can be used immediately after on your next purchase to discount your price. Everything I've bought so far has stood up to wear and tear, with no broken clasps, missing gemstones, or tarnishing.

Your turn! What would you add to this list?

Photo Credit: Unknown

Secrets to Shiny, Healthy Hair

No matter if you're up on the stage or you're simply sitting on your couch, we all want our hair to look shiny and healthy. I get quite a few comments and questions on my hair. Everything from how do I get those big volume waves, to complete strangers asking me where I got my extensions done. (For the record, all the hair on my head is my own.) I've even had the person behind me in line at Starbucks decide to pet my hair. Based on this interest, plus some specific requests that I feature a post about my hair care, I've decide to divulge all my hair secrets.  Honestly, my hair really isn't that different from anyone else's. I have medium-thick wavy, brown hair. But over the years I've learned to care for it and found the right products for my hair type. Since we all have different hair types, what works for me obviously won't work for everyone, but hopefully you can find an idea or two to add to your own hair care routine.

Start From the Inside
Outer beauty starts on the inside. What you eat today literally becomes the components of your cells for tomorrow. Our food is the building blocks of our internal organs, bones, skin, and hair. So it's important to eat nutrient-dense, vibrant foods. I eat a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, especially salmon. And I limit wheat, dairy, and processed foods. I also take vitamins everyday. Stress, which so many of are under daily, can cause hair loss, as it leaches Vitamin B out of the body. Adding a supplement to your diet can be advantageous. The portion of my vitamin regime focused on hair is the Hair, Skin, and Nails multi-vitamin supplement made by Futurebiotics, which has a high concentration of B vitamins.

Hair Care
Even if you want to retain your long hair or are trying to grow yours out, regular trims are essential. If you don't get the dead ends cut off, you're compromising the health of your hair and ultimately slowing the growth of your hair. I get about three inches cut off every four months. I also always get layers cut in, especially around my face to add lift, texture, and body. I see Carly at Salon Divine, who is great with layers.

I try to limit washing to every other day, as too much shampooing can strip hair of its natural oils and shine. Not to mention it's just time-consuming! I alternate between using John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo and Conditioner and Therapy-G Antioxidant Shampoo and Conditioner. Overall, I like a very thick conditioner as my hair is prone to tangles and this also helps keep it hydrated. I do also color my hair with an all-over non-bleach color to add depth and dimension. I see Lori Hansen, who I highly recommend. And after my shower I always finish with Ojon Revitalizing Mist, which is a leave-in detangler. Before bed, I brush my dry hair from root to tip, which spreads oil from the scalp along the hair shaft and also stimulates growth in hair follicles.

Hair Styling
I highly recommend investing in an expensive hair dryer and brush. For a hair dryer, you want one that drys at a high heat, thus drying your hair faster, which limits the exposure time of your hair to damaging heat styling. I have a professional ionic tourmaline dryer made by Bespoke Labs. For my brush, I use 50-50 nylon and boar bristle brush by Mason Pearson. Yes, a Mason Pearson brush is a bit pricey, but it comes with a lifetime guarantee and it's an item you'll use every single day. In my opinion, it's worth every penny. Before blow drying, I spray the roots with Aveda Volumizing Tonic, which provides a noticeable volume lift. I also rub in a small amount of Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother, which protects against heat styling and helps smooth and soften hair. I turn my head upside down and I use my Pearson Mason brush as I blow dry to blow dry my hair out straight.

Once dry, I set my hair in hot rollers. I am a huge fan of hot rollers and they are my number one hair recommendation. They will give you big, bouncy curls, and can sit in your hair while you get ready.  And, as they aren't as hot as a curling iron, they aren't nearly as damaging to your hair. A Conair set from the drugstore works just fine. Look for ones that have a minimum of 3.5 inch rollers, while 4 inches is even better. I set my style with a liberal application of John Freida Frizz-Ease Hairspray.

A few final items I keep around are Ojon Shine & Protect Glossing Mist for days when my hair is looking a little dry. And on non-shampooing days if my roots are starting to look oily, I apply good old Johnson and Johnson baby powder. But be sure to rub it in well.

Hope you found these tips helpful!