Fitness; Staying Fit On The Road...

Staying fit and healthy on the road doesn't necessary have to be strenuous... There many ways to stay on top of your fitness regime.
Aside from keeping a healthy diet, most hotels typically have a fitness center and they may not be what you are used to  with your health club accommodation they are usually stocked with the basics of treadmill, free weights, leg press and/or abs apparatus. Can't/Won't leave your room? You can always use body weight, chair or floor.
Here are a few things I like to do when I am traveling and have a few to spare for fitness =)

Running
Running is so invigorating to me specially when I am near an ocean and it's not humid outside, Usually my only form of heavy cardio which I take advantage of when I can, treadmills bore me and running outdoors gives me a chance to explore the city and sounds weird but it actually relaxes me =) So don't forget to pack a comfy sneaks and load up your phone with your favorite tracks and inquire at the concierge for the nearest park/trail.

Bodyweight & HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
Gloomy outside? Pushups, Dips and Squats gets me energized. Most hotel rooms usually have a basic desk or table (perfect for pull reverse pull-up) and chair (dips or inclined pushup) in the room so why not utilize it =)
For those who find the previous sets boring, intensify it with some plyometric and HIIT intervals with jump rope, burpees, mountain climbers, jump squats, plank jacks. I love combining bodyweight and HIIT because I don't need to do this for an hour, 30 minutes of HIIT is enough to keep your metabolism going throughout the day. Try my calorie/fat burning hotel room/"makeshift gym" buster =)
Please make sure you are healthy enough to do all these intervals, these are MY routines and it's what my body can tolerate so feel free to adjust it to your own resistance. Safe travels, Stay Happy and Healthy =)

50 jumping jacks or jump rope to warm up
50 squats
50 burpees
30 seconds jog in place
30 mountain climber
40 seconds plank jack
30 seconds side plank (both sides)
30 seconds jog in place
15 pushups/inclined pushups
15 dips
15 reverse pull-ups
Rest for 1 minute
Repeat 4X or however much time you have to spare =)

Burpees

Mountain Climber

Plank Jacks

How do you stay in shape on the road?
Comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :) 

TIPS-Y Friday; Oily Skin Fix

Glowing, dewy skin is definitely one of the most coveted feature by many....until it becomes greasy looking and if you have an oily or combination (like my self) it becomes a total mess but there's a few mattifying creams and primer to help keep that greasy look at bay....
Before applying foundation, start with a light, moisturizing mattifying lotion to absorb the excess oil from your skin and keep you matte. Excess oil breaks down your foundation so it is important to choose a moisturizer and/or primer that will help keep you matte.
**Also, when applying foundation it is best to use a sponge or the beauty blender to press in the foundation on to your skin and when setting, press and roll the powder with a powder puff instead of dusting with a brush.

A few of my "go-to" products...
In the summer I have used these products and they have helped tremendously :)

Mattifying Primers are definitely essential to my makeup routine and here are a few of the many in my collection that I've found to work.

Do you have any oily skin mattifying tips of your own?
Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :) 

Skin Care Products I'm Loving Right Now...Autumn Edition

So my obsession about skin care (with all the new products that are in the market promising great results) continues...
I mean I have sooo many products in my arsenal but I have narrowed it down to my current top faves to share with you.

With the Autumn season finally breathing it's cold breeze upon us, I have switched back to my creamier face wash which is my Philosophy Purity to remove my makeup and and in the morning I use the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle cleanser just to remove the night's build up (yes you can have a build up throughout the night lol).

 

For Toner, I have rekindled my love for Lancome's Tonique Radiance after I cleanse at night and in the morning, I use Murad's Essential C Toner to prep for my serum and moisturizer application.

My Serum routines have grown exponentially over the years and I have been rotating a few favorites for the sake of not allowing my skin to get used to one product and right now I am really loving these serums, cremes and peptides. At night after I tone, I use Dr Brandt's Wrinkle Release cream on my forehead, Yes I have 3 stubborn line that refuses to diminish, and with using this cream twice a day I've noticed that the lines are smoother and almost disappearing so I guess the cream works =) then for the rest of my face I use the Ole Henricksen Enlighten Me Skin Tone Corrector or Elemis Pro Collagen Quartz Serum followed with Tarte's Maracuja Oil.

For my daytime, I use Ole Henricksen Truth Serum accompanied by the Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil and have recently incorporated Lancome's DreamTone to finish. These combo gives my skin a brightening and hydrated effect that allows my makeup to apply and blend effortlessly. Of course it goes without saying during the daytime routine an SPF is a must and my current fave is the Shisheido Oil-Free UV Protector with SPF 42 to prevent any more spots/freckles on my cheeks., yup the Miami sun has definitely done a number on my skin =\

For my under-eye darkness issues, I have been loving the Lancome Genefique Eye Cream for my night routine and pat it under eye and around my orbital bone up to my lid and for my daytime, I pat Kinerase C8 Peptide Under Eye treatment on you guessed it, under my eye. (Don't put cream on your lid, it WILL crease up your makeup, and if you do, make sure you use an eye shadow primer and/or base to keep it from creasing.)

 
Another Lancome product that I have also gone back to using is the Pure Empreinte Masque ($35-3.4oz), This mask has been a staple on my vanity for my once a week beauty treatment but have strayed once I discovered the Glam Glow ($19-.5oz/$69-1.7oz) which I've decided to just use it sparingly on special occasion so I picked up the Lancome to alternate for my regular once a week. I've also picked up this Boots No7 Energizing mask from Target for $16.99 and it's a peel off mask that I use more frequently like every other day (yes, gentle enough to use that frequent) or on the days I really don't want to wear makeup, it's perfect for a BB/CC cream days.

I think that's it... I know that's a LOT of products but you know there's always logic behind my madness lol, as much as I love makeup, there are some days that I want to walk around bare faced with just the essential moisturizers and SPF with no makeup and just be care free and when I do wear makeup, I want it to look flawless and my makeup does not look good if my skin doesn't but mainly, I want age gracefully :)

What are your products to combat free radicals and anti-aging?
 Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :)

Lancôme DreamTone

Lancôme recently introduced a trio of new serums to their most coveted skin care line-up, and I am super ecstatic to share that I am in the process of reviewing and testing DreamTone oh about two days ago since I received it in the mail =), Yes I know I was a bit too excited to share my thoughts with you because I have seen so many amazing reviews online already and I couldn't wait to get mine up! Meantime, here are some information on these new customized skin tone correcting serums.

[Copied from Sephora website, ""]

"What it is:
A new-generation customized skintone correcting serum.

What it is formulated to do:
This powerful skintone correcting serum targets imperfections and leaves skin looking flawless. Dark spots and blemishes will appear diminished, color imperfections and redness will be reduced, and the look of sallowness will be replaced by a warm, peachy glow. Overall, skin will look smooth, beautiful, and healthy.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

Research results:
Immediately:
- 74% saw glowing skin
Within 7 days of use:
- 70% noticed a more even skintone
- 76% saw dullness reduced
Within 4 weeks of use:
- 69% saw the appearance of dark spots reduced
Within 8 weeks of use:
- 78% saw color imperfections reduced
Based on global self-assessments of women of multiple ethnicities in an 8-week study:
- 72% said it was so powerful, they dared to bare their skin"

PRICING & AVAILABILITY:

$98 (1.3 oz.)

Available this Fall at Lancôme counters and www.lancome.com

 

Price is a bit out there but if it works, would you cough up the pricey tag of this product?
Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :)

TIPS-Y Friday; No Makeup Day

Once a week or every other week, Give your skin a break and don't wear makeup for a full day to give your skin a chance to breathe and recover from all the makeup you have piled on your skin.
Instead, Do your skin a huge favor and declare a "Skin Pampering Day" with an extensive skin care regimen once or twice a week to incorporate with your beauty regimen. (extensive and updated skin care routine will be up next week).
Make sure that you moisturize to eliminate the beginnings of fine lines and wrinkles.

Have a great weekend :) Stay Beauty-Full!! 
Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :)

Product Rant or Rave; Rimmel London's POP your look mascara

I was doing a CVS run on a Monday afternoon and was browsing the makeup isle in an attempt to pick up some of the newly released "Butterfly Mascara" from L'Oreal and I couldn't help my self when I bumped into this display of POP mascara by Rimmel London. They retail for 3.99 at your local CVS/Walgreens. They are limited edition for Fall (hence the necessity of me trying it lol) I only picked up the 3 of 4 shades they have because I have a plethora of black ones in my arsenal already so didn't really have any justification for picking up another one specially if I was originally picking up the butterfly already, Anyway, pardon the prattle.... I have the Pop Turquoise, Pop Purple and Pop Green. I love all the colors but I gravitated towards the Turquoise more than the other two, probably because they seemed to bring out the brown hue of my iris more than the other two. Also, the Turquoise has a bit of shimmer to it than the green or purple, they come out more matte.
It takes about 3 coats to really see the color pop on my dark brown-almost black lashes so if you have a blond or lighter lash color, I would say it will show up more vividly.
The formula is nothing to rave about and claims to Volumize, Lengthen and Curl...Again a whole lot of promise for 3.99, if you ask me and it seemed just as that (read more about my other mascara review here)... It did not provide any volume, it did lengthen a little but prior to applying I curled my straight lashes and after one coat it flattened it right back to straight and had to turn to my go to heated lash curler to curl them back up. It also started to get clumpy after third coat, but the heated lash curler definitely help melt the mascara and smooth out the clump so I suggest using a heated lash curler after the third coat and apply a fourth to add more length and more color.
Another tip to bring out the vibrant color of this mascara is using a mascara primer (I used Lancolm's Cils Booster). The white base really helped in making the mascara color pop specially when your lashes are dark like mine.
As far as longevity, I think it's fairly long wearing. I had it on for a good 6-7 hours and it didn't smear, melt or smudge. (although, that may be credited to the use of a heated lash curler). Easily washes off with your makeup remover or soap and water.
So overall, It's neither a Rant nor Rave because if you enjoy a little pop of color on your lashes, it's definitely a nice way to add that, and much cheaper alternative to test out before committing the higher end brands, for under $5 it's totally worth it even just to play around.. if nothing else, you can also just streak it sporadically on your hair for a fun twist =) Sidenote; Halloween is around the corner so may be a good time to test it out, personally I wouldn't mind rocking this every now and then when a night, day, situation calls for it =)
Below is just a quick demo of the Pop Turquoise on the upper lash and the Pop Green on the lower lash.

 

 

Would you buy into this Fall's hype of tinted mascara??
 Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :)

Fitness; Cardio and Strength Training for 10 Minutes

I hear this a lot, "I would love to get more workout in but I just don't have the time.." I don't judge and I do understand that not everyone has 30 let alone an hour to spend at the gym, but....I am quiet sure that you have spent at least 10 minutes in front of your tv, or checked your social network for longer than that.... Okay enough prattle, here's a quick 10 minute circuit to help you kick-start your Monday ;) Have an amazing and productive week!!

Repeat 3X
30 seconds of jumping jacks
10 to 15 reps of push ups
20 to 30 seconds planks
30 seconds of wall squats
10 to 15 reps of bicep curls with 10 lb weights
10 to 15 reps of tricep dips (either using the edge of a chair or stair steps)
30 seconds of butt kicks (or running in place)

What's your Ten Routine? or 20, 30 or 60 ;)
Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :)

TIPS-Y Friday; Lipstick + Concealer= Perfect Orange Corrector

So this one time at an on-location gig...pause...(go ahead have your American Pie moment lol) Ok, are you back?!? lol... Anyhow, I had cleaned out my kit the night before heading out to my morning gig and I had forgotten my corrector palette, and thought eh no big deal, I just hope none of the clients suffer from bad under eye circles or at least very minimal....ummmm of course that would be theeee most perfect scenario right?!?!? So turned out I have 2 girls with really dark under eye circles, one fairly light olive skin and the other darker, yellow undertone olive skin. I've always been more of a corrector fan than concealer as it usually comes out ashy on darker skin. Soooo if you are ever faced with this same predicament, here's a lil trick that I found to work really really well and have saved me more than once and of course that one particular day =)

Have you tried this trick before? How did it work for you?
Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :)

Skin Care; Serums...What are they and what are they for?

I have been on this skin care kick lately and every month, I have been trying something different to see how these products improve, maintain or react to my skin, (Updated skin care will be posted later). Let's talk serums... What are skin care serums?

Let's differentiate what Serum and Moisturizer are and for....
Serums are comprised of much smaller molecules which gives it a thinner texture (may be used as a stand alone product for someone with an oilier skin and under a moisturizer for those with normal/drier skin) than moisturizers and makes them easier to penetrate into the skin much deeper than the molecules of a moisturizer. Furthermore, Serums typically comes with much more added nutrients in concentrated formulation to target a specific skin "issues", ie; skin brightening (check) hydrating (check) acne treatment/prevention (check) and of course anti-aging (definitely check) while a Moisturizer usually deposits moisture and hydration to skin.

Throughout the years, I have become a bit more mindful with my skin care routines, (yep 3 lines on your forehead will do that to you lol) I've become more conscious at layering and finding products that will somehow intensify my skin care regimen and combat current "issues" and/or slowing the appearance of the errrr "lines", yes I have come to terms with their inevitable arrival but... if I can do anything to slow them down, I sure am willing to try =) Now let's get back to serums...

Serums are most effective when applied twice daily to maximize it's full potency. Ideally, it should be the first product applied to the skin after cleansing and toning, then followed with a moisturizer suiting your skin type and sunscreen in the morning routine. I usually like to apply my serums with my ring and middle finger to avoid wasting this expensive product lol (serums are typically more expensive than moisturizer, I mean they are all costly as it's usually the one I splurge on so I try not to waste too much product on the hands.)

Ok, so we've got that covered, what's next right?!?!? What type of serum does one need?? If you're like me, you'd be tackling acne scars (thank goodness mines are not raised so it's fairly manageable), sun spots (I love the outdoors, specially when I am on the bow of a boat lol, or just laying out pool side or the sandy beach line, but unfortunately my SPF was not enough to prevent these pesky spots from reappearing every fall/winter and seems to be a bit more every year smh) enlarged pores (so this is definitely new to me because I knew there were pores on my face but ummm, they were nonexistent or at least invisible about a year ago and literally realized a couple of days ago that the transition from humid Miami to a much drier So Cal weather has done a number to my skin) and as if that wasn't enough, how about those inevitable lines creeping out on the forehead and/or crow's feet and laugh lines. (so far no smile/laugh lines or crows feet visible on my face "yet" but these 3 lines on my forehead are uber persistent and just won't take a long vacay smh) 

Now that we have ALL of my skin issues laid out for you to read =| (oh I forgot the occasional breakout lol) Let's get deeper into the types and categories of serums. 
Serums comes in a water-based texture as well as oil-based texture which is typically more suited for drier skin and water-based for normal to oily skin. Serums are also categorized mainly as Peptides, Retinol, Alpha & Beta-Hydroxy Acids, Unique Botanicals and Growth Factor and most commonly Antioxidants.

I have really gotten more and more interested in a search for an Antioxidant serum in the last few of years when I started to see the evidence of fine lines and sun spots appearing, although I have always used Retinol and AHA/BHA Acids  sporadically in the past whenever I feel my skin needing that special TLC (which, I know I should have always incorporated antioxidants more with my skin care regularly) Antioxidant serums also are multifunctional and are usually associated with protecting the skin  from pollution/free-radicals, improve the evenness of the skin tone as well as reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Vitamin C-rich serums are a great example. One of my "go-to" is Ole Henricksen's Truth Serum (mentioned on my skin care obsession for summer, that has made it's way into my Fall transition as well :), more detailed review on this line coming up) this serum is perfect to use under your daytime moisturizer and SPF. I've also used Obagi Professional -C serum in the past and that one is amazing from my dermatologist's recommendation (hmmnn need to find one here in So Cal) and Philosophy's Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads are amazing and convenient.

While firmness was never an issue with my skin, also known as loss of elasticity, (at least not yet anyway lol) It's never too early (or late for some) to educate yourself with reading up and knowing what products to use on how to boost the collagen and elastin production/restore firmness on the skin and that is with the use of a lil powerful Peptide-rich serums, I don't personally own one so I can not recommend a particular brand to use, but some commercially marketed ones are the L'Oreal RevitaLift Triple Power Concentrated Serum or the Exuviance Collagen Triple Boost Serum (Let me know if any of you have tried any of these products or have any suggestions that I can try out) 

So again, one of the skin "issues" I have been tackling has been the occasional dullness of my skin and some acne scars from picking at it (yeah I know, I can't just leave stuff alone ehh..) For this I have turned to my dermatologist's assistance for some of her strong AHA peels and of course a dermatologist visit doesn't usually end on a frugal note for me, I always end up coming home without an arm and a leg (not literally of course),  and of course new at-home products kits to play with :), But these visits have been some of my more beneficial visits and glowing results as they tend to be a bit more concentrated grade and definitely used on occasion basis. I usually come home with a Retin-A/Retinol packed kits to use at home and continue the longevity of the initial glow from the derma's office visit and advised to be used sparingly. Some of my go-to Retinol/AHA-BHA Acids (over the counter like sephora/ulta purchasable-yes I think this is a word!!) are RoC Retinol Correxion system, Avene's Retinal (I think this one may only be available at the derma's office), and for drugstore, I like the Garnier Ultra-Lift 2-in-1 Wrinkle Reducer Serum.

For those needing more of an overnight repair serums, My usual go to is straight up drugstore buy of a concentrated Vit E oil but my mom seems to like this Dermasilk Night Repairing Face Lift. I will probably revert to a stronger night repair serums at a later time :) 

In conjunction to using these serums (not all at the same time I hope, although some may be layered with others) You have to make sure you layer with moisturizer appropriate with skin type and SPF during the day time.

Do you have any skin "issues" you are trying to get rid of? Do you use any serum?
Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :) 

Fall Trend; One Jacket Five Looks...and a bonus =)

So waaayyyy before even Autumn poked it's head into the season, I have already began my search for that perfect Fall jacket that I know I can get many use out of, functional and not necessarily have to sell a kidney to buy =\ and this season..... the Structured Jacket has made it's way back in from last year's and I am ecstatic to say the least...
I have been on a hunt for a piece like this for oh I say, a good 3-4 months now lol... yeah I was that serious, I really didn't have any particular color or style in mind and I just thought "eh I will know when I see it" Don't lie, you know you have been there lol.... On a mall stroll with one of the bestie one day and in we go into H&M (one of my weaknesses...) looked around, tried about 5-6 jackets and they were all ehh... then close to the register as I was about to give up, I see this cream colored, exposed silver piping structured blazer....BAM!!! yup that's the one....picked it up, paid for it, quiet happy with the purchase (I think it was $39.95 idk?!?!) and we were walking out when the mannequin on my left "accidentally" tapped me on my shoulder and of course I turned and all I saw was the asymmetrical zipper!!! Anyone who knows me knows I have an obsession with zippers lol (don't judge me lol) Aaannnnddd a bargain at $19.95 C'mon, you're telling me you wouldn't?? So that is what I chose to feature on today's topic.... A $19.95 Asymmetrical zipper, Structured Cropped Velvet Jacket and 5 ways to wear them for Fall :)

Of course accessories, scarves and shoes pairings are just as important in completing these looks. The layering possibilities are definitely endless which is what I love about Fall/Winter Fashion Season.

H&M $19.95

Wore this for a day of errand-running and then visited my niece and sis for lunch/dinner and my niece's first comment was, "Auntie, are you coming from a date?" Umm of course I wasn't but hey if my niece thought it was good enough for a date then maybe I ought to try it sometimes :)

 

This is a great transition look from Summer to Fall. The orange and black has always been one of my favorite pairings for fall.

This was a perfect pair with Fall's plum note and faux leather trim on the neck line matching the faux leather pants. Rock this with a leather pump/booties, silver/black/gunmetal toned accessories, muted/neutral smokey eyes and vampy plum/red lips and you're good to go =)

I don't know where you're at but here in So Cal, Our "Fall" is not really a Fall weather like all other states lol.. We don't have the orange leaves, bald trees, or the nippy weather so sometimes you can still get away with wearing shorts lol... so for those days that we have say upper 70's, this is definitely my go-to look with either a jeweled flats/wedge during the day time or stiletto's at night.

Of course, this would not be complete if I didn't add MORE zippers to the lineup :) Peplum and Zippers need I say more?? :) Pair this with a bootie or stilettos to showcase the zipper detail at the hem :)

***Bonus, I am going to a late lunch/early dinner with a long time high school friend today and stumbled upon this jump suit and decided to pair it with a bootie (I think I'll go with the closed toe one) and my H&M jacket :)

 Well I hope you found my finds insightful and feel free to share your Fall Fashion find.

Is there an item/s you are hunting for this Fall/Winter Season?
Please comment with your thoughts below or email with any queries, don't forget to share & socialize with me on twitter, instagram and facebook ......stay beauty-full :)