Outer Beauty Accents

I recently discovered an amazing new beauty aid, and I’m really excited to tell you all about it. I can just about guarantee it’s different from any other beauty aid you’ve ever tried – it doesn’t come in a jar or a tube, you don’t put it on your face or body, you don’t eat or drink it, and there are no injections or incisions required.

In fact, the only tool you need to use this particular beauty aid is your mind.

The beauty aid I’m talking about is called EFT, which is short for Emotional Freedom Technique. As you probably already know, I’ve teamed up with Brad Yates, the “EFT Wizard,” for a new program called Beauty Beyond Belief. What you might not know is that this amazing technique is not just about making you more beautiful on the inside, but on the outside as well.

The technique of EFT combines ancient Chinese medicine – in this case, the acupuncture points that have proven so effective to Western doctors and practitioners – with proven psychological techniques like affirmations. The result is an almost effortless way to get beyond outdated thought patterns, change behavior and feel happier and better about yourself.

Of course, you might be wondering how a technique that has so much to do with the mind can affect how you look on the outside. The answer is simply that EFT is powerful. If you want to transform your body through exercise, it can give the willpower to stick to your workout. If you want to go on a diet, EFT can help you lose your cravings for unhealthy food, or stop you from eating too much. And if the stresses of day-to-day life are taking their toll on your skin, the relaxation and inner peace EFT can help you achieve will have you looking younger and more relaxed – not to mention happier!

The best part, of course, is that EFT isn’t something you apply, or have done to you, or eat or drink. It’s something you learn and master. And once you do, you will have amazing power to change your life for the better.

Now what other beauty aid can offer that?

For more information on EFT and my Beauty Beyond Belief program, click HERE.

Tags: beauty, building self-esteem, confidence building, EFT, feel beautiful, inner beauty, self image, spiritual growth, your intuition

I remember when aging was just viewed as a natural part of life. But today, at least as far as beauty is concerned, more and more people are deciding that aging is something to be avoided at all costs. And sometimes, those costs are pretty high! Women as young as their early 30’s are getting Botoxed, peeled and plumped – and paying dearly for it. And it’s not just women who do it. More and more men are resorting to the needle and the knife to ward off Father Time.

I understand why women — and those few very strange men – do what they do in the name of beauty. After all, I am a beauty expert! But isn’t there some real beauty in looking like yourself, instead of a department store mannequin? Because, in my opinion, the people who rely on these extreme anti-aging procedures don’t really look younger. They just look a little…plastic.

I firmly believe that there is an alternative. It is possible (and preferable) to age gracefully and naturally. And you can do it beautifully too, provided you take care of your skin.

The first rule, of course, is sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. It’s so important, it’s actually three rules. So many of my girlfriends who lived in pursuit of the perfect California tan in their teens and twenties are paying for it now with wrinkles and age spots. (Maybe the tanning thing is why so many Californians have resorted to the surgically-altered look?) Anyway, no matter how old you are, sunscreen is essential and you need to use it every day.

But what about those of us who are past the age of carefree, baby-oil-aided tanning and are more in that “starting to show the effects” camp?

There are definitely solutions other than injections and surgery. You can improve your skin just by caring for it properly.

Start with a gentle cleanser, and an equally-gentle exfoliator to remove dead, dull skin. Look for moisturizers specifically designed for mature skin – there are different varieties designed to target deep wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity and other issues associated with aging. There are good, effective products in all price ranges. Many top beauty brands have interactive questionnaires on their websites that will help you determine exactly which products are right for you.

Finally, living a healthy, happy life is the best way to insure beautiful, glowing skin. Exercise. Eat right. Drink water. Avoid smoking. Get enough sleep. And try not to stress.

If you follow those few simple tips, your face will look beautiful – and even better, you will still look like you. Which is what real beauty is all about.

Tags: building self-esteem, confidence building, feel beautiful, inner beauty, self image, spiritual growth, your intuition

It seems like every time I go online, there is some new piece of news about Kate Gosselin, the world’s most famous mother-of-eight (the Octomom actually has 13 children). But this latest Kate story had nothing to do with her messy divorce from her husband, or the pros and cons of raising her young children in the spotlight. Instead, this story was all about…her hair.

Kate’s hair has long been the subject of discussion. When the TV series first catapulted the Pennsylvania mom into the spotlight, she wore her hair in a typical shortish, no-nonsense style without much thought about shape or color. But once the show took off, Kate did too – remaking her body with plastic surgery and re-styling her hair into her trademark highlighted, love it or hate it “reverse mullet.” This hairstyle caused such a sensation, there are actually websites where you can “try Kate’s hair” on other famous faces.

So imagine the media frenzy earlier this week when Kate appeared on “The View” with a whole NEW look. It’s softer, it’s blonder, it’s more…feminine. It seems to be suggesting a kinder, gentler Kate. A more vulnerable Kate. A Kate who wants to be loved.

Given the public anti-Kate outcry, could Kate’s new ‘do mean she’s trying out a new image? Of course I can’t be sure, but the whole Kate Hair Saga got me thinking about the role our hair plays in all of our lives.

Some of us are like the old Kate when it comes to our tresses – we don’t give them much thought other than to keep them clean. But the fact is, the right hairstyle really can change your outlook. A flattering, stylish cut can make you look younger, more successful and even happier. The right color can brighten your skin tone and bring out your best features. And different styles can convey different messages – precise angles can show power and authority, while soft waves, like Kate sported on “The View,” can indicate gentleness and vulnerability.

So what does your hair say about you? Does it convey the message you want it to? Or does it say something more like, “I don’t have time to worry about what I look like.” Or maybe “This worked for me in high school and I have no idea what to do with it now!” If one of those is the case, it might be a good time to think about updating your look. Browse through beauty magazines to see the latest styles. Ask a trusted hairdresser about what colors and cuts might suit you. And if it’s time for a change, don’t be afraid to take the plunge and try something new.

Because the great thing about hair is, it always grows back!

Tags: building self-esteem, confidence building, feel beautiful, inner beauty, self image, spiritual growth, your intuition

Through the work I do with women of all shapes, sizes and colors, I have learned all too well how hard we females can be on ourselves – especially when it comes to how we look. Too many of us hold ourselves to ridiculously high standards, often worrying that we don’t “measure up” to the images we see on television and in movies and magazines. So when it comes to the ways we put ourselves down, there isn’t much that surprises me.

That is, until I read the August 5 edition of The New York Times.

There, I learned a fact that I frankly found completely shocking. I learned that over half of all women hate their feet. There are even “I hate my feet” groups on Facebook!

When I first read this, I had to laugh. With all the worrying we women do about our weight, our skin, our hair, our teeth, our breast size and more, who even has the time or energy to focus any negative attention on our feet?

But that laughter was quickly replaced by a more sober, serious realization of the significance of this survey. After all, hating any part of our own bodies – whether it’s our hair, our breasts or even those lowly feet – is symptomatic of the kind of unnecessary; punishing pain so many women put themselves through every day.

I’ve spoken about self-esteem at length, and no doubt will again. But for now, I want to focus on a more immediate, practical solution that – if The New York Times is correct – will boost the self-esteem of at least half of you, while making the rest of you feel great. I want to take some time to focus on your feet.

Love them or hate them, take a look at your feet right now. Think about all the work they do for you — getting you from place to place and holding you upright. If they’re looking less than gorgeous, is it any wonder why? So it’s time to give your feet a treat. If you can afford it, indulge in a professional spa pedicure. They don’t cost much, and they feel amazing (and the technicians are pros who have seen it all, so there’s no need to be embarrassed).

If you’re not ready to splurge on a salon right now, you can easily do it yourself. Start by removing your old nail polish – if any – and gently filing your nails into an even shape. Then soak your feet for 10 or 15 minutes in warm water with some Epsom salts or aromatherapy oil. Experts say a quarter cup of milk in the water helps remove dead skin. Rub cuticle oil onto each nail (do NOT cut your cuticles) and then exfoliate your feet with a scrub and/or pumice stone. Dry your feet and moisturize them with a good, thick cream or lotion (which you can use on your feet every night to keep them soft and smooth). Remove any excess from the nails with some more nail polish remover, and either leave them naked or paint them in your favorite color.

The result should be gorgeous, soft, smooth feet that feel amazing. And what’s not to love about that?

Tags: building self-esteem, confidence building, feel beautiful, inner beauty, self image, spiritual growth, your intuition

Just because we’re living through a recession doesn’t mean we’re ready to let ourselves go completely.  Luckily, there are plenty of luxurious, effective beauty treatments hiding where you least expect to find them – inside your house.  I’ve assembled a list of secret beauty products you can find in your kitchen. 

·       To reduce puffiness around the eyes, try lying down for 15 minutes with slices of cool cucumber over your eyes.  Or steep two tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes, put them in the refrigerator or freezer until cool, and place them over your eyes for 15 minutes.

·       You can prevent chapped lips by combining honey with petroleum jelly and smoothing it over your lips a few times a week. 

·       You can make your own moisturizing skin exfoliant by mixing 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/4 cup milk, two teaspoons of baking soda, one tablespoon of olive oil and five drops of tea-tree oil in a bowl

·       Mashed banana, applied to the face and left on for 15 minutes, is a great anti-wrinkle treatment – for a fraction of what you’d spend on an expensive anti-wrinkle cream

·       For an indulgent, moisturizing deep conditioning treatment, apply mayonnaise to your hair from the ends, working upwards toward the scalp.  Pile your hair on your head; wrap it in plastic wrap and a warm towel for 10 minutes.  Then shampoo as usual.

·       Inexpensive Epsom salts are a great all-purpose beauty aid.  Rub them over your body for the same exfoliating salt rub they use in salons.  Add them to bathwater for a soothing spa soak.  You can even mix in a few drops of fragrant oil to make your own version of expensive salon scrubs and crystals.

Who knows – with natural, organic products all the rage, you may never go back to store-bought beauty treatments again!

Yes, it’s cold outside (especially if you live in Canada, like I do!), the days are short and the skies are often grey.  But there are still plenty of ways to feel (and look) beautiful, even in the depths of winter.  Here are four essential tips to keep you gorgeous and glowing through the end of winter’s chill.

1.     Be good to your skin.  Between the frigid air outside and the drying artificial heat inside, winter can be particularly hard on the skin.  If you haven’t already, now might be the time to switch to a richer moisturizer to soothe dried-out facial skin.  Invest in a good body crème or lotion to tackle dry arms, legs, and especially elbows, feet and hands.

2.     Take care of your hair.  Cold air can make hair your hair drier and more brittle, so if you don’t usually deep condition, consider adding a deep conditioner designed for your hair type to your weekly beauty regime.  A gentle, moisturizing shampoo can also add body and manageability during the winter months.  A leave-in treatment can help cut down on frizzies and fly-aways.  And if all else fails, cover your hair with a cute, warm hat and you’re ready to go.

3.     Don’t neglect your nails.  Winter cold can do a number on your finger and toenails, leaving them cracked and dry.  Whether or not you wear nail polish, you can still keep your nails beautiful through the winter months.  There are many luxurious oils and crèmes designed especially to keep nails healthy.

4.     Add some colour.  What can brighten up a grey winter day?  You, if you add a touch of the colour of your choice to your winter outfit.  Wrap your neck in a warm red scarf.  Pop a pair of bright blue leather gloves on your hands.   Or invest in a cashmere sweater in your favourite colour.  There’s no better way to boost your self esteem – or your mood – than surrounding yourself with the things that make you feel beautiful and happy.

Remember, winter doesn’t last forever – even in Calgary!  So enjoy the chance to bundle up by the fire, and remember, spring is just around the corner.

Aloette Cosmetics offers a unique blend of two products, Nutri-Hydrating Mist and Visible Aid, that when used together serve to provide you with numerous first aid benefits.

Nutri-Hydrating Mist: A scientifically formulated soothing gentle spritz that nourishes and hydrates the skin instantly.  Over 90% aloe vera and silk Amino Acids make this product vital to radiant skin.  Enriched with vitamins A, E, C and B5 complex to increase cell regeneration and reduce the visible signs of aging this product is suitable for all skin types.

Visible Aid:  A soothing and healing creme that contains over 60% Aloe Vera and provide drelief from sunburn, insect bites, minor burns ans skin irritations.

When used together these products help to heal and alleviate symptoms from the following conditions:

• burns
• cuts
• scratches
• eczema
• psoriasis
• athlete’s foot
• stretch marks
• diaper rash
• rashes from shaving and /or waxing
• bruises
• cold sores
• anything medicinal
• scars - the older the scar the longer it takes to heal
• incisions from surgical procedures
• dry scalp

To use:  Spray the area with Nutri-Hydrating Mist first and then apply Visible Aid, use as often as needed.  These products are also very useful for pets.

To find out more about this essential “Frist Aid Kit” visit www.myaloettebiz.com/boldlybeautiful.

Wishing you a beautiful & magical journey to your health, beauty and skin care!

In love and light,

Dawn

Tags: beauty, first aid, health, skin care

The advice according to “Just Try It On” by Susan Redstone is to focus your shopping dollars on the following items:

• Seasonless Separates
• Holiday Gift Sets
• Shearling Jackets
• Lingerie and Pyjamas

November is the best time to find seasonless separates as they just arrive on the racks at this time and your selections will be better if you buy them now.

Towards the end of the month the stores will be filling up with Christmas Gift Sets and they usually sell out very quickly so try to take advantage of their availability before the end of the month.

Shearlings and fuax shearlings start to arrive int he stores now, as well, and if you are in need of a new jacket this is the time to buy!

Finally, lingerie and pyjamas can be found in abundance in the stores now, for yourself, or for Christmas gifts. This is an especially great time to look for warm, cozy flannal sets.

Wishing you a beauitful & magical November!

In love and light,

Dawn

Tags: Christmas, gifts, lingerie

And it’s not a Hallowe’en costume!  According to Susan Redstone, of “Just Try it On!” these are the items you should be looking for in October:

1. Holiday Outfits:  there will be many selections left from September as well as some pieces coming in to spice up the holidays. Glittery sweaters and blouses can add to your holiday look with any of your fall bottom purchases.
2. Parkas:  with winter just around the corner this is the time to invest in a very warm and fashionable parka.
3. Party Shoes:  even if you can’t but a new outfit, buying some shoes to go with the older outfit is a great way to make a new statement and the selections this month will be wonderful.
4. Belts:  what better way to create a fashionable to sweaters and jeans than with a belt.  The belt you choose will make a difference to a seemingly boring, yet very necessary warm winter wardrobe.
5. Costume Jewellery: when all else fails, if you shopped til you dropped in September and your budget is low, look for very fashionable accessories to create a new look to your wardrobe.  The selections will be divine at this time, with new pieces coming in for the holidays.

This is also a great time to start making your gift purchases for the holiday season.  The stores will be starting to stock up on the special holiday gifts this month and it is less stressful to buy a few gifts each month before the holiday season rather than leave it all to the last minute.

I wish you a beautiful & magical October!

In love and light,

Dawn

Tags: accessories, fashion, gifts, Shopping Tips

The stores are filled with fall and winter fashions by now, but what should you focus spending your endeniably hard earned money on?  Thanks to Susan Redstone, author of “Just Try it On” there are some tips for you consider this month.  The best things to buy are:

• Pocket Books and Wallets
• Fall/Winter Bags
• Winter Boots
• Party Dresses
• Sweaters
• Winter Day Dresses
• Winter Separates

These items all offer the best of the best right now, where selection is concerned and that is why it is the ideal time to buy them.  Even the part dresses should be considered now before the prime selctions are gone. If you have the resources, and you know you have that special holiday party coming up, go shopping!

Wishing you a beautiful & magical journey!

In love and light,

Dawn

Tags: beautiful, shopping, tips