Tag Archives: beauty tips

Brushing Up With Beautiac

Believe it or not, I only recently started to realize the importance of ensuring I have clean make-up brushes! I think I just took it for granted that because I’m the only one using my brushes and I use colors so minimally that I don’t need to clean or change them often. Having blogger/vlogger friends who specialize in beauty has really made me aware of not just make-up how-to’s, but maintenance and sanitation.

Enter Beautiac: An ethical and environmentally conscious company who has developed a system where the subscriber will never have to clean any make-up brushes ever again! I was honored to try out their VIP package (pictured below), which includes three disposable brush heads (foundation, powder & blush), three universal handles, a dye-free blur sponge, an antimicrobial safe bag and smart make-up brush stand.

The brush heads snap on and off very easily, which should make monthly maintenance quick and simple. The brushes themselves are soft and holds any foundation or powder very well. The brush stand not only holds all of my new Beautiac brushes, but also fits all of my smaller, finer brushes. I’ve traveled back and forth to San Diego from Chandler in the time I have been trying out these Beautiac brushes, and the antimicrobial safe bag is so handy, and I get peace of mind knowing they’re safe when I’m in hotel rooms.

Finally, Beautiac has incorporated the “4 Quadrants” as a part of their social cause initiative: Environment, Cruelty Free, Women Empowerment and Health & Wellness (which you can read about here). An important aspect to me was the Environment Quadrant, because it explains how they recycle their brush heads through TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box Program.

For those who want to participate in this wonderful subscription box through Beautiac, you can use the code ANY10 at check out and get 10% off!

Cheers and have a wonderful weekend!

FTC Disclosure: I received the product in exchange for a product review. Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

San Diego Style Bloggers: Recap of the Beauty Blogger Workshop at Bellus Academy

To quote the charismatic actor Matthew McConaughey: “Alright, alright, alright!” Here is my recap of the San Diego Style Bloggers at Bellus Academy in Poway. Along with yummy desserts, coffee and goodie bags, it was a fun day filled with learning all about wonderful beauty tips for hair, make-up and nails. I arrived a bit late, so I came in during the hair styling demonstration given by stylist Erik Thrane. He did an amazing updo style. While pinning up the model’s hair, he mentioned that a good way to keep one’s hair pinned up securely was to weave the hair into the bobby pin, then pin it up into the hair.

Stylist Erik Thrane: Follow him on Instagram at @erikthranecolorist

After the hair styling session came a wonderful makeup demonstration by artist Marina Estrella. She gave so many useful tips. For instance, she explained that for mature skin (like myself), avoid shimmer and don’t do full coverage. Instead, mix color with moisturizer to give a more satin look rather than matte. A tip I used pretty much right away was regarding applying lip color: put the majority of the lip color while your mouth is relaxed, then smile to place the rest of the color. My favorite tip of the day: “Blending is everything. Blending is the secret of life…” This is something I will carry with me forever!

Makeup artist Marina Estrella: Follow her on Instagram at @marinaaestrellamua

The last demonstration of the day was nail art by Ally Caraveo. The entire time she spoke, she painted the nails you will see in the middle picture below. She stated she draws her inspiration from street art, graffiti, and tattoos. Wherever she draws her inspiration, it results in something incredible! Then the Director Of Spa Nails, Trudy Reynolds (pictured with Director of Community Relations, Leilani Angel), gave us some information regarding shellac and what it means in relation to nail care. This truly was a lovely event presented by Be Social PR, and our hosts at Bellus Academy were perfect!

Nail artist Ally Caraveo: Follow her on Instagram at @allycaraveo

Leilani Angel and Trudy Reynolds of Bellus Academy

Top photo: A quick selfie with Nicholle of Topknots and Pearls and Tiffany of Glitz and Glam. Bottom photos: Another shot of my lovely shirt from Wardrobe Ritual and my vintage Céline clutch purse (outfit post here).

Oh, and I won the raffle! Day of relaxation, here I come!

Nail Week: Tips for a Longer-Lasting Mani & Pedi From Bellus Academy

This is week is “Nail Week” on Any Second Now where I’ll be reviewing a few new nail products and colors (all pictured above). To kick it off, here are some great tips for longer-lasting care for your nails from Bellus Academy’s Director of Spa Nails, Trudy Reynolds. I’ve definitely used a few of these tips myself, including using oil on my nails and cuticles and wearing gloves when washing dishes!

Hello Chip Free Nail Polish: Tips for a Longer-Lasting Mani and Pedi

Women have all been there. They get a mani and pedi and the next week it has somehow chipped! That means back to the nail salon to have nails redone. Bellus Academy Director of Spa Nails, Trudy Reynolds, is here to help. She gives her at-home daily care tips to help preserve your next mani and pedi. Hello chip free nail polish!

For a longer lasting manicure and pedicure Trudy recommends:

·         Apply SolarOil with Cuticle Away. This product is applied to fingers; follow up with a good moisturizer for the rest of the hands and arms. The SolarOil acts like a shampoo and conditioner for nails and should be used daily, especially before bed.

·         Wear gloves to wash dishes! Washing dishes can take a toll on a manicure. Be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect polish the next time you do the dishes.

·         Reapply Top Coat. Reapplying a top coat after the manicure helps preserve the polish life. If wearing CND Vinylux polish, we recommend the purchase of a CND Vinylux Top Coat.

·         Use FootLogix Products for Pedicure. Consult your nail technician for the appropriate product that is specific to your needs. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and use daily for a longer lasting pedicure.

Bellus Academy has three campuses located in San Diego County alongwith a fourthin Manhattan, Kansas. They continue to elevate the beauty and spa industry through breakthrough education in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Make-up Artistry, Spa Nail Technician and Massage Therapy and innovative business practices. To learn more about Bellus Academy, please visit www.bellusacademy.edu.

(FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.)

Warm Weather Skin Care Tips From Bellus Academy

With the spring weather being so warm lately, it’s hard to believe there ever was a winter this year in San Diego! Now that Dominic is older, warmer weather means getting ready for days spent outdoors. Not only do I have to protect his skin, but my skin as well. The folks at Bellus Academy have some tips to share on how to protect your skin during these upcoming days having fun in the sun. Thank you Bellus for always providing important beauty tips!

Spring means warmer weather, which translates to more time enjoying the outdoors. But warmer weather doesn’t mean it is time to neglect your skin. More time in the sunshine gives you more reasons to protect your skin. Bellus Academy’s esthetics expert share their warm weather skin tips to help defend your skin while out and about under the sun:

·   Sunscreen. Applying sunscreen every day is one of the most important tips to remember when spending long periods of time out in the sun. When choosing this crucial skin care product, make sure to choose one that is at least SPF 15 (SPF 30 for lighter skin), that is water resistant and that protects against UVA rays—the rays that penetrate below the skin—and UVB rays—the rays that cause sun burns and reddening. Sun screen should be reapplied every two hours for maximum protection. Also, remember to throw away last year’s bottle; sunscreen has a short shelf life and old sunscreen won’t protect skin from harsh rays.

·   Lip balm. Don’t forget your lips are skin too! Make sure to apply lip balm like you would sunscreen, which is every two hours to keep lips from sun burn and cracking. Also, lip gloss won’t cut it; gloss attracts the UV rays instead of repelling it.

·   Exfoliate. Many know that it is important to exfoliate in the winter, but did you know that it is important to exfoliate during the spring and summer also? Exfoliating helps remove previous sun damage and also keeps skin looking fresh and rejuvenated.

·   Water Spritz. Since the sun is harsh on skin, spritzing water on your face helps to moisturize and calm skin from the heat and helps prevents facial sun burns.

·   Make-up Switch. In hot weather, foundation tends to be too thick and heavy for skin to handle. Instead, try a tinted moisturizer that is easily absorbed by the skin. The tinted moisturizer helps keep skin soft and serves the same function foundation would at evening skin tone and as a base for make-up.

·   Bronzer/Sunless Tanner. Instead of lying out all day to achieve that perfect tan, a bronzer or sunless tanner can help you achieve that same look. These products are safer to get that sun-kissed look than sitting-out for hours under the sun.

For more information on Bellus Academy, please visit www.bellusacademy.edu.

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Winter Hair Care Tips From Terrell Mitchell of Bellus Academy

I’ve been very lucky to receive so many tips to share with Any Second Now readers on how to feel fabulous and stay beautiful during these crazy winter months. Here are some great tips from Terrell Mitchell, Alumni Association Outreach Coordinator for Bellus Academy, and the new Grand Prize Winner of Project Runway’s Photo Challenge!

1. Protect your hair from the elements: Where a hat to protect your hair from the weather. Also, make sure to wrap your hair with a silk scarf first, so it won’t snag your hair when you wear a hat for some warmth.

2. Don’t wash your hair everyday: If you normally wash your hair every day, cut back during the winter so you don’t catch a cold with your pores being open out in the cold.

3. Get a Trim: Keep your hair in good health by coming into your local Bellus Academy and getting a nice trim to take care of all the dead/split ends.

4. Get a deep conditioning treatment: This will really help with the dryness from the heater in the home and cold winds outside. Bellus offers the best deep conditioning treatments.

Terrel’s winning submission to Project Runway’s Photo Challenge!

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Winter & Traveling Skin Care Tips from 7 Image Salon

Having just returned from Las Vegas over the Thanksgiving holiday, I found my skin suffering from the wear of travel and weather. 7 Image, a new salon here in San Diego, has provided Any Second Now readers with some great tips for caring for your skin while traveling during the winter, especially with Christmas fast approaching. FYI: 7 Image is owned by Michel Sproles, wife of NFL running back Darren Sproles (if you are a football novice, he started with my favorite team, the San Diego Chargers, but currently plays for the New Orleans Saints). Thank you 7 Image for these great tips!

7 Image Salon Gives Winter and Traveling Skin Care Tips

The holiday season might be the most wonderful time of the year, but colder weather and flying from city to city can sometimes take a toll on your skin. No one likes dry, cracking skin. Don’t fret, 7 Image Salon is here to help with tricks of the trade on how to keep your skin looking its best when out and about traveling this holiday season.

·         Moisturize and stay hydrated: Moisturizing is even more important while traveling and during the winter months; constant moisturizing keeps skin soft and prevents skin from drying out. Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water is important since dehydration is revealed through your skin. Take advantage of those free cups of water from the flight attendant to keep skin nice and soft.

·         Keep showers short: After a long day of traveling and a day in the cold, it might be tempting to take a long hot shower or bath; however, the hot water and soap will strip skin of moisture. It’s best to keep bathing time to 10 minutes or less and only for once a day. If you can’t keep away from your long, hot baths, apply lotion before jumping in to help prevent the drying effect of the soap and hot water.

·         Hydrate Lips: No one likes having to deal with chapped lips! Before applying your favorite lip balm, moisten lips with cool water and then apply the balm to seal in moisture. Moistening with cool water first helps the top layer of skin become more absorbent and allows the balm to lock in hydration and help prevents dry, chapped lips.

·         Skip the toner: Toners often contain an alcohol base, which can strip skin of natural oils and dry skin out even more. But if you must, try to find a toner that is not alcohol based.

·         Keep on shaving: Even though it might be tempting to skip the razor during the colder months, a way to remove dead skin on legs is to keep on shaving. By shaving you’re not only removing hair, but also exfoliating and allowing the skin to absorb lotion better. Resulting in smooth, silky non-dry legs.

For more info about 7 Image, please visit 6050 Mission Gorge Road or online at 7image.com

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this:

Remix this: