There is nothing quite like radiant, glowing, clean, facial skin!  With summer around the corner, now is the perfect time for your skin to shine!  Daily exfoliation helps to lift away dead skin cells, excess oils, dirt, makeup, and everyday pollutants from the air; all of which lie on the skin’s surface and absorb into the pores over time.  Exfoliation has also been proven to make skin softer and supple while decreasing pore size, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone and textures.

Below are two types of B3 Beauty Approved facial tools that have done wonders for me and my clients over the years.  Check them out to see which would suit you and your daily cleansing and beauty routine best!

Standard Facial Brush or Facial Sponge:
PRICE: $
WHERE: drug stores, mass market retailers, specialty retailers, and online
HOW: You must rotate the brush head in circular motions around your face and troubled areas.
PROS: inexpensive, easily accessible to purchase, lightweight, easy to store, and waterproof
CONS: disposable, more effort to use, takes more time, and bristles tend to wear out sooner

Electric Facial Brush:
PRICE: $$ to $$$
WHERE: mass market retailers, specialty retailers, and online
HOW: The brush head will spin for you while you rotate the brush around your face and troubled areas
PROS: Removes 3X-6X more makeup and skin impurities, reusable, rechargeable, waterproof, easy to use, and quick to use
CONS: costly to purchase and maintain

Did you know…
When you exfoliate your skin on a regular basis, you are allowing for better absorption of topical creams and lotions that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants!

If your skin is clean and healthy, daily makeup can be minimal and goes on effortlessly.  All the makeup in the world doesn’t compare to naturally clean and glowing facial skin. Exfoliation is one way to get you to healthy skin!  Maintaining it is another.

So my beauties, if you haven’t done so already, give it a swirl and whip up a healthy glow by trying a facial brush or sponge in your daily cleansing routine.  Trust me– you will be so glad you did!

B3 You.  B3 True.  B3 BEAUTIFUL!

-NB xo

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Nicole Alesi of Stuff By Nicole, is a professional Illustrator living in the heart of New York City.  You can learn more about her by visiting her website.  You can also find Nicole on facebook, twitter, and Etsy!  

Let’s get in there and clean it up!  We’re talking about your gorgeous liver and how we can help you treat this hardworking organ with the respect it deserves.  Did you know your mighty liver allows nutrients from your food to enter your bloodstream while catching toxins like pesticides and mercury?  Thanks to your liver, it takes all that junk and moves it out to be eliminated from our bodies through waste.  Now THAT’S a job!  Here’s a quick recipe to help keep our liver happy and working at its full potential.

Pineapple- Kale Juice
½ cup pineapple
4 cups chopped kale leaves (no stems)
2 large cucumbers
½ lemon
½ cup mint leaves
2 artichoke hearts (from can or jar)

Use a juicer to mix all ingredients together.  If you don’t have a juicer, use a blender on high.  Just add 1 ½ cups of water and remove the pulp with a strainer.  Pour and enjoy!

Did you know?  Pineapple contains digestive enzymes.  Kale is rich in compounds that support enzymes in the liver. Artichoke can improve bile flow. 

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"Hello! Click on ME to learn more!" -Sincerely, the pHresh greens can

For a daily dose of PH balance, may I suggest  pHresh greens, a company started with the intention of detoxifying, balancing, and energizing the body from the inside out.  pHresh greens is a 100% organic alkalizing superfood of powdered greens that you add to liquids.  There are 3-4 servings of raw vegetables in just 1 teaspoon!  Visit them on facebook to learn more!  You’ll find delicious smoothie recipes and fun factoids that will have you thinking twice about the importance of your health and how to keep that balance every single day.  It doesn’t take more than a spoonful to help make that happen.  Bottoms up!

When you’re clean on the inside, proper absorption of nutrients take place and you have bundles of energy to go ‘round on the outside!  Trust me when I say, your liver and loved ones will thank you!

B3 You.  B3 True.  B3 BEAUTIFUL!

-NB xo

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Nicole Alesi of Stuff By Nicole, is a professional Illustrator living in the heart of New York City.  You can learn more about her by visiting her website.  You can also find Nicole on facebook, twitter, and Etsy!  

Alphabet Beauty- C- CONCEALER

Do you have under eye circles, skin discoloration, blemishes and/or scars??  If you said YES to any or all of the above- Congratulations!  You’re an aging human being and you are NOT alone! Despite waking up and noticing things that weren’t there before (random gray hair, an odd wrinkle, an angry pimple, etc.) aging truly is a privilege.  We are alive and shakin’ –moving through this life with laugh lines, sun-spots, and under eye circles all proof that we are living fully. That being said, we don’t have to succumb to the signs of aging or have it bring us down. THANK GOODNESS FOR CONCEALER!  It hides a multitude of sins and when applied just right, can make you look fresh and flawless.  Check out these 3 fun and easy tips that are sure to save the day!

Tip #1- How To Properly Apply Concealer Under Your Eyes:

• Use your finger to pat a bit of concealer starting from the inner corner of your eye and following it around the orbital area.  Do not rub it in.  Pat it gently and in quick motions until it is fully blended into your skin.  Think of an upside down triangle when applying to get full coverage.
• Remember to use a setting powder to lock your concealer in place.

TIP #2- Double Duty! (Use as an eyelid primer too): 

• Use your finger to apply concealer to the eyelid in a patting motion from the lash line upward toward the brow bone. Concealer acts as a great eyelid primer in a synch!  Make sure to gently blend the concealer into the entire eyelid and follow with your favorite eye shadows.
• Eye shadow will look more pigmented and powder shadows will lock the concealer in place!

Tip #3- Best Facial Placement For Concealer:

• NOSE & CHIN- Hormonally, women tend to get red around the nose area.  Dabbing a bit in small circular motions and blending outward will help kill some of that red in both areas.
• FOREHEAD- Hormonally, women are likely to get red between the eyebrows as well.  You can spot-conceal here and remember to blend upward and outward.
• UNDER EYES/ ABOVE CHEEK BONES- When you place your concealer under your eyes (thinking upside triangle) you are also hitting the upper apples of your cheek.  By doing this, you are adding brightness to the face and opening up your entire eye area.

Did you know? Concealer comes in many forms and can be water or oil-based!  Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best concealer for you!

Concealer Categories: Powder, Liquid, and Solid.

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POWDER
Coverage: Light to Medium
Best For: Optimal to Oily Skin
Texture: Soft, Dry, Light
Forms: Mineral Loose Powder, Pressed Powder
Best Application Tool: Brush

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LIQUID
Coverage: Medium-Full
Best For: Dry to Optimal Skin
Texture: Creamy, Fluid, Damp, Light
Forms: Tube, Wand, Liquid Pen
Best Application Tool: Clean Finger Tips, Brush, Buffing Sponge

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SOLID
Coverage: Medium- Full
Best For: Dry to Optimal Skin
Texture: Creamy, Thick, Oily, Sticky
Forms: Compact, Pot, Stick, Pencil
Best Application Tool: Clean Finger Tips, Brush

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So, gorgeous– what concealer is best for your skin type and cover-up needs?

Concealer is a GREAT beauty aid and can really help us through some rough times.  No matter what you are trying to conceal, remember that you ARE beautiful.  Aging is a grace, even when pimples, sun-spots, and scars can seem less than graceful and glamorous.

B3 You.  B3 True.  B3 BEAUTIFUL!

-NB xo

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Nicole Alesi of Stuff By Nicole, is a professional Illustrator living in the heart of New York City.  You can learn more about her by visiting her website.  You can also find Nicole on facebook, twitter, and Etsy!  

Hello there B3 Beauties!  Today is brought to you by the letter B and B is for BRUSHES!

Makeup brushes can completely enhance your makeup experience, while taking your makeup look to the next level!  Want great brushes but don’t want to break the bank?  Below are links to my favorite sites selling top-notch makeup brushes at incredibly affordable prices!

(Online Sites: Products found online only.)

Sigma Beauty:  MAC quality brushes at seriously gracious prices.  This company is stocked with other beauty goodies from brush kits to makeup sets and accessories too!

Coastal Scents:  A wide range of beauty, health, and wellness products along with daily discounts and featured products!  Extremely affordable brushes and brush care items for your everyday makeup use.

Lauren Luke: A YouTube phenomenon (panacea81)  and makeup guru who started her own line of makeup brushes and the reviews are outstanding!

(In Stores: Found in most department stores, pharmacies and mass market retailers.)

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman: This celebrity makeup artist and YouTube guru of pixiwoo, created a line of Taklon Bristled brushes which are stylish, ultra plush, and smooth to the touch.  All brushes are color coded to help make application simpler and bristles are synthetic, making them 100% crulty-free! Sam’s expertise really shines through with these gorgeous brushes!

ecoTools: Vegan brushes that are earth friendly and made with recyclable and natural materials such as bamboo. 100% synthetic hairs are incredibly soft and apply product effortlessly.

Sonia Kashuk: Make-up artist/ entrepreneur, Sonia Kashuk, is a pioneer who is responsible for creating the unique category of “luxury at mass.”  Her line of brushes and products are easily accessible, well crafted, and whimsically designed. These products will add flare to any makeup kit!

Photograph: Candid Moments Photography

Remember– no matter which brand you purchase, high quality makeup brushes and tools DO NOT always have to cost an arm and a leg!

Happy shopping!

B3 YOU.  B3 TRUE.  B3 BEAUTIFUL!

-NB xo

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Nicole Alesi of Stuff By Nicole, is a professional Illustrator living in the heart of New York City.  You can learn more about her by visiting her website.  You can also find Nicole on facebook, twitter, and Etsy!  

Do you experience dry, flaky skin on your face or hands from time to time?  Here are two, super-simple recipes to follow when making a facial mask using nutrient rich AVOCADO as the main ingredient!  What’s extra special is you can take the recipes below and save some on the side to actually eat.  That’s right!  100% all natural face/ hand masks that will nourish your skin from the inside-out!   Let’s Get Started!

Avocado Mask 1 (for Sensitive- Normal Skin)

WHAT:

½ avocado

2 tbsp. plain yogurt

3 tbsp. pure honey

1 sea sponge

1 med. size bowl

1 fork

1 washcloth

1 clean, gorgeous face—YOURS!

HOW:

Scoop out the avocado from its shell and place it in your bowl. Mash it up with a fork until the chunks are small.  Add the plain yogurt and pure honey to the avocado mash.  Mix all ingredients well.  Take your sea sponge and dip it into the mixture.  Begin to apply a liberal amount all around your face.  Leave the mask on for 20-25 minutes.  Begin to gently remove the mask in sections with a warm washcloth. Viola!  Your face will feel smooth and soft after this healing treatment!

Avocado Mask 2 (for Normal- Oily Skin)

WHAT:

½ avocado

½ lemon

1 full dropper size of Argan Oil

1 med. size bowl

1 fork

1 washcloth

1 clean, fabulous face—YOURS!

HOW:

Scoop out the avocado from its shell and place it in your bowl.  Mash it up with a fork until the chunks are small.  Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and argan oil to the avocado mash.  Mix all ingredients well with a fork.  You can actually use your clean fingers to mix these ingredients together as well. Added Bonus: the argan oil is particularly nourishing to your finger nails and cuticles.  You can apply this mixture to your face with your hands. Leave the mask on for up to 30 minutes.  To remove, use a washcloth with warm water to gently wipe away the mask.  Skin will feel smooth, soft, and refreshed after this treatment!

Did you know?  

Avocados are rich in:

• Protein
• Calcium
• iron
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Omega 3 & 6
• Vitamins A, C, E, K, & Folate

Cheers to glowing, refreshed, healthy skin from the inside- out!  (Now please pass the Avocado mix because I’ve got some dipping to do.)  

B3 YOU.  B3 TRUE. B3 BEAUTIFUL!

-NB xo

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Here’s Nicole!

Find Nicole on:                                                                                                                

Website- Click here to learn more about Nicole and her work!

Facebook- Click the link and join her fb page!

Twitter- Follow her fun tweets!

Etsy- Shop Stuff By Nicole products here!

Blog- Want some delicious eye candy?  Go here!

To view the complete list: Thumbtack Rocks!

To view my Thumbtack page: B3 Rocks!

Thank you Thumbtack.com for making me a very happy and proud makeup artist today!  Hard work is paying off and these nuggets of joy remind me of how important it was to have followed my heart.  Everything changed when I finally did.

Try to do what you love.  Start where you can.  And always, ALWAYS be grateful.

BE YOU.  BE TRUE.  BE BEAUTIFUL.

-NB xo

Fun News!  Introducing the new CVS/pharmacy Beauty Club card!

The CVS Beauty Club card was created as an extension to the already popular ExtraCare program that CVS offers.  (If you don’t already have that card- GET ON IT.)  The Beauty Club card will provide members with extra special beauty benefits when shopping online or in-stores. The logo resembles the Sephora Beauty Insider card, and it seems the rewards are just as sweet too!

Beauty Club Membership Includes:

• 10% off beauty shopping pass upon enrollment
• $5 in ExtraBucks rewards with every $50 beauty purchase made
  
• $3 in ExtraBucks rewards on the member’s birthday as well as special beauty offers throughout the year

Not too shabby and of course, it’s FREE to join.  CVS has surprising discounts on cosmetics and other beauty aids.  If you have manufacturers coupons in combination with their savings- BONUS!  For more info and to Join click here: CVS Beauty Club Card

B3 YOU. B3 TRUE. B3 BEAUTIFUL.

-NB xo

PART ONE: Identifying Skin Tone

The PINK Family (Light)

You are very fair skinned and usually burn easily when exposed to the sun.  You may tan slightly afterward, but you usually burn first.  Your skin has pink, bluish-red, rosy or porcelain undertones.  (example: Nicole Kidman, Liv Tyler, and Marcia Cross)

The YELLOW Family (Light-Medium)

It is most common to find the majority of Caucasian, Asian, and Light Mixed Race people fall in to the yellow skin tone category.  You will most likely tan after exposure to the sun.  However, too much sun may result in a burn.  (example: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu)

The OLIVE Family (Medium)

Those who are Latino, Mediterranean, Fair-skinned African American or Dark Mixed Race will have olive undertones.  When exposed to the sun, your natural golden color will become richer in pigment.  Usually no burning occurs unless extreme exposure took place. (example: Eva Mendes, Halle Berry, Thandie Newton)

The BROWN Family (Dark)

Anyone African American, deeper complexioned Indian, or other dark skin color, will fall in to the brown skin tone category.  You will not burn in the sun and your rich brown color will deepen.  (example:  Viola Davis, Alek Wek, Regina King)

PART TWO: Identifying Skin Undertone (Am I Cool or Warm?)

It is very important to know that your skin UNDERTONE are the colors that lie deep beneath the skin, (your distinct color) which will never change.  No matter how light or dark you are, we all have an undertone.  This color acts like a shadow underneath the skins surface. The tone of your skin (the Epidermis, top layer) can change and usually does with sun exposure.  When you know your skins undertone, you are able to make better choices suited for your unique coloring.  These choices will compliment your eye color, hair color, clothing, cosmetics, and even your teeth!  That’s right, picking the wrong foundation or lip stick colors can actually give teeth a more yellow or gray hue.  Ick!

Try this quick tip to discovering your Undertone:

• Look at the inside of your forearm.  If your veins appear blue or purple you are cool (usually fair to light skin tone).  If your veins appear green you are warm (usually olive or deeper skin tone).

The chart below will help guide you when choosing your cosmetics and clothing.  **Notice the cool colors have more blue hues and the warm colors have more yellow and red hues.

I believe in having fun with makeup and fashion and that there really are no set rules.  Always experiment with the many products available in stores and online.  The above information helps you understand your skin’s foundation and from there, you are better able to build upon it.  My hope is that once you know your skin tone and undertone, you’ll feel better about what colors to look for when shopping.

B3 YOU. B3 TRUE. B3 BEAUTIFUL.

-NB xo

The New Year is fast approaching and another decade down.  We move into this new decade by ringing in 2011 with bells and whistles filled with hopes and dreams for new beginnings and better tomorrows.  I don’t know about you, but 2010 has been a hell of a year for me!

There were many gains and fruitful opportunities.  It was just a matter of looking and keeping my mind and heart open to all the possibilities available.  I started a new business, friends and family supported my new endeavor fully and with gusto, I turned 30 and my dear friends gathered and orchestrated a surprise birthday I won’t soon forget, we celebrated the marriages of loved ones, went away on vacation, I happily worked with new clientele, reconnected with old friends, babies were born, babies were made and will be born, and the blessings continued to flow.  With all good things, there needs to be balance it seems, and because things don’t always go as planned, there were also losses.

It is times like these where people show their truest colors, shades and all, and life becomes a little bit clearer.  Perspective is achieved, hearts ache, and those who matter most know exactly how and when to be there by sharing their love and helping to make even the small things that much easier.  They’ll stock your fridge with homemade food so that when you get back, cooking isn’t on your “to do” list.  They’ll call and ask, “How are you?” and really mean it when listening to the answer.  They’ll take the time to write a beautiful card filled with so much of themselves and mail it.  They’ll travel hundreds of miles to be by your side just to hold your hand.  They’ll personally deliver food, they made, from their restaurant to the home where everyone is gathered just hours after the loss.  They’ll put together a book filled with recent memories and dedicate it to the person we miss the most.  From this darkest loss, there is a bounty of beauty and light and I’m grateful for every morsel of it.  In it, we see the blessings, which allows us to better cope with our new found reality.

This New Year and every year after it will be different.  Changed.  Altered.  And that’s OK.  Because nothing stays the same no matter how wonderful and easy or how painful and hard.  I can’t help but feel hopeful that 2011 will bring about exciting things for a lot of people!  Good and wonderful things are on the horizon… they always are.  Just remember to keep your mind and heart open to all the possibilities available and always (and I mean ALWAYS) grab it with both hands.  I pinky promise to do the same, while also doing the necessary work it takes to make real change happen.

Wishing you and yours a very HAPPY, HEALTHY and LOVE-FILLED New Year!  Cheers to 2011!  Cheers to YOU!

-NB xo

This post is dedicated to my sweet father-in-law, Terrence Patrick Brennan.  You are forever in our minds and our hearts.  You gave us all many beautiful memories to share with each other and future generations.  Thank you, Dad.  “I Love You” can’t be said enough.  xo