Tips on keeping your skin healthy in your 20's

As a licensed Esthetician in the sweet ol' state of Jersey-- not joisey, we spend a lot of our summers soaking up some rays on the beach and in the pool. I see a lot of my older clients complaining about their time in the sun. They say, " If only I knew then what I know now!"  They are seeing changes in their skin and they are desperate to do something about it! While I could go on forever about how to treat aging skin, I have to save that for another day because this is Tips for skincare in your 20's!

First Prevention is KEY. But I hate to burst your bubble my lazy chikas, but putting on sunscreen only when your on vacation or having a day at the beach is not enough. The place people absorb the most of those harmful UV rays is when your in your car, driving on a daily basis. In most cases if your often the driver, you'll have more damage on the left side of your face and as a passenger, the right. But fear not, because you can prevent it from happening. Wearing at LEAST a SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. Its also a bonus if you wear makeup with SPF for added protection. But it is not enough by itself as we tend to often miss spots and apply a thinner layer of makeup.

Wearing sunglasses will also help you protect your delicate eye area.

Next find a licensed esthetician near you. I work at Ulta and we offer free face mapping to help identify your skin type as well as any skin conditions for free. A esthetician can help you establish a regular skincare routine to ensure your skins cells are turning over properly and staying hydrated. 

Which is actually my next tip! Drink plenty of water! I know this is a common sense thing but its important to drink the recommended amount of water daily. Water flushes out toxins and keeps your skin glowing .Dehydrated skin can become inflamed so if your not big on the taste or lack their of of water, try crystal light. Or another sugarless mix in!

Along with other healthy skin habits like regular facials and taking your makeup off every night, you will have healthy skin from your 20's till infinity and beyond.

#InfluensterNation

Today Influenster announced a new, updated scoring system.

The best news is that its faster and more realistic.

It calculates a score based on your social media. 

You can link up all your social networks to Influenster, and it will give you a score based on your online presence and activity. Finally, a fair way of scoring!

If you haven't heard of Influenster, I definitely suggest checking it out. The website is a hub for trendsetters, a place to discover and share new products. Essentially, your social media presence can earn you samples of food, household items, beauty products and so much more! They have even been known to send full size items from time to time, anything that can fit in a box. What we Influensters like to call a voxbox :)

 You have to put in a little work though.

Nothing too tough, you start by building a profile and filling out mini surveys to earn badges.

Then you can start reviewing. You can review anything you've ever loved or hated. Things like household items to beauty supplies, the list is endless. We do all of this in hopes to get a voxbox, try out all the cool freebies you get each month, and share with the world what we think about them. Its not for everybody, but I think Influenster is the best term to even describe us.

If you want to learn more for yourself, I have a blog review of the Jolly voxbox. Another great idea is to look on Influensters facebook page and check it out. Also, you can hashtag #voxbox on Instagram and see past and present voxbox's!

Have a great night, and Happy Reviewing!

Red carpet trends to wear in real life

Hello Everyone!

After much anticipation, we now know what trends to expect this season.

Weather you prefer silver, bronze, or gold, the reoccurring metallic trend can please anyone. Or for a rock and roll princess look, classy lace and leather teams well. Unfortunately, I have no events where I would be wearing a floor-length gown, but I am loving the looks we're seeing on the red carpet! I took some time to find the trends we saw at recent award shows, and make a list of fashion and accessories to be worn by real women in the real world.  

INC International Concepts Metallic Fishnet-Knit Sweater

I love this sweater!  The sweater is a relaxed fit that fits at the hip, it looks great on any body shape. Pair with a cami and black skinny jeans and you have a lax version of Taylor Swifts Gucci dress.

You can purchase this at Macys for $39.99 

Daisy Skater Skirt

This trend is definitely making a comeback again this spring. You can mix it up with a faded 90's floral or a bright bold pattern. This skirt is fun and flirty and can be worn high waisted.  Oh AND it has an elastic waist band so its comfy :) You can get your own at Rainbow for $12.99.

Aztec Hourglass Midi Dress

Aztec style prints are popping up all over.  The fearless, vivid style takes confidence to pull off. But the outcome is wearing a pattern that will draw all the right kinds of attention! This can also be bought at Rainbow for $16.99.

Black Liquid Faux Leather Dress

This dress is remarkable. I feel like there isn't much to say because this dress says it all. Wear bold, chunky gold jewelry with this to make it pop.This dress is from the Tracy Dimarco collection by Princess Armor $40. I love everything Tracy and Princess Armor design. From clothes to jewelry, they have it all. Tracy's husband Corey has a male fashion line with them as well. His and Hers shopping in one place? DONE DEAL! Check out them out on instagram @tracydimarcoeps @coreyeps @princessarmor

I can't wait to try these out in my closet. At the end of the day you have to wear what makes you comfortable. Rock it with confidence and it doesn't matter what you are wearing. When I wake up in the AM and get dressed up in full glam, I do it for me. Because when I take the time to look my best, I know I am ready to be my best me.

Follow me on Insta madglamxo

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Golden Globes 2014 Fashion and Beauty Trends

Hello Everyone! 

The Golden Globes came and went, but it gave hollywood an excuse to show off the hottest fashion trends to kick off the new year. Missed the show? I'll give you a quick re-cap of the red carpet trends everyone is dying to try out!

1. Crimson Everything

Apparently when trying to find inspiration for their golden globe looks, celebs used the red carpet as their muse! Everyone wanted to be bold and make an impression. We saw every shade from crimson to bordeaux. Red was on everything from lips to accessories to dresses. Start off your year by catching everyone's eye. Love Jlaws classic look.

photo: US Weekly

2.Champage Dresses

Shimmering metallic dresses were popping up all over tonight.  The great thing about a gold nude champagne is that it flatters every skin tone. Zooey Deschanel was stunning in my favorite nude look. Her dress used spikes to put a fun spin on her look paired with a shimmery skirt.

Photo: Glamour

3. Short and Faux bobs

And they're back! We've already seen a ton of short cuts popping up this season, but the faux bob made its comeback tonight in Taylor Swifts tresses. If you are afraid of the commitment a faux bob is the perfect way to play and try out this fun style.

Photo: Glamour 

4. Color Blocking

Color Blocking is showcasing the hottest body's on the red carpet. We saw a ton of dresses with rich colors that make a statement. Color Blocking screams sophistication.

Photo: Perez Hilton

5. Bold Jewelry

Bright, Bold Jewelry illuminated the red carpet. Weather it was used to enhance an outfit or grab attention all on its own, bold jewelry is essential to capture the spotlight.

Photo: Perez Hilton

The 2014 Golden Globes were all about being in the spotlight and the glamour of Hollywood.  If there is one thing we can learn from this season's trends, know that it doesn't matter if your on the red carpet or the runway, 2014 is bringing glitz and glam to fashionistas everywhere. We don't need to be invited to an award show to look like we are going to one right ;)




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My tips for a flawless face

Happy New Years Everyone!

I can not believe 2014 is already here.

Although I wont set myself up for failure with a resolution, I do plan on being the best me. I want to learn as many beauty tips and tricks as possible this year. I learn something new with every video I watch. So on that note, I wanted to show you what I learned this year by teaching you my face makeup routine.

1. Moisturize and Prime!

This step is so so important. If you want a healthy, dewey look do not skip this step. 

In this picture I have Jergens soft shimmer lotion, Smashbox photo finish foundation primer, and Caudalie vinosource creme sorbet. The Jergens is what I use when I want a little shimmer. Im sure you figured that out lol.  Caudalie is my favorite. What is pictured here is only a sample, I save it for special occasions.  It makes your face so soft and hydrated.  Unfortunately its a bit pricey and I cant afford it right now, but if I could I'd buy a lifetime supply. The Smashbox feels like your putting silk on your face. I am in love with it. So to begin my routine I put on moisturizer first, then my primer. Put it on in a circular motion, starting on the cheeks and working down then backtrack to the forhead. I put the most product on my cheeks and chin, which is where I need most coverage. Dont forget your neck!

2. Foundation 

I would love to use MAC every day. I do have alot of MAC products but I cant afford a full on MAC makeup routine. So I wound up finding a few replacements and this is one of them. Pictured is CoverGirl outlast stay fabulous 3in1 foundation.  Its a primer, foundation, and concealer all in one. However I still use primer and concealer.  I would wear this while sweating and still get complimented on my beautiful skin. Its a great drugstore replacement. I put the foundation on the back of my hand to warm up the foundation. Then using a foundation brush, I swirl the foundation in circular motions on my cheeks down to my chin and neck and the remaining on my forehead.  I then continue to blend the foundation in circular motions until its blended in. 

3. Set with powder

Powder is the key to long wear. I use MAC studio fix foundation in NC20. Apply in a circular motion with a powder brush.

4. Concealer

Most people put on concealer before foundation. In fact you should be doing the opposite.  Why? Because most of the time foundation will cover most of it. You'll only need a little concealer for the really dark spots and in my case, my dark circles. 

Pictured above is MAC concealer in NC15. Use a concealer a shade lighter than your foundation to brighten under your eyes. Apply with your fingers, patting under your eye lightly but rapidly. Less is more!

5. Blush and Bronzer

Using blush and bronzer really completes the look. I love MAC blush in gingerly. The bronzer is NYX when leapord gets a tan. Apply with an angled blush brush. Focus the blush on the top cheek bone. A great tip for bronzer is to apply in a 3 shape: forehead, hallows of your cheeks, and under your chin. Use small light circular motions to blend the colors together together and with your foundation for a flawless. 

Here is the final look! I think the most important part of makeup is your skin routine and deserves the most attention.  This routine is also great for covering ance and blemishes. I hope this helps, I would love to hear some of your favorite products and tips! Also please dont mind my hair in this pic, it wasn't done yet. :)

I wish everyone a beautiful glamorous new year. 

xoxo Nicole ♡

Influenster Jolly Voxbox Review!

A few weeks ago I recieved a jolly voxbox complimentary from influenster. I want to share with everyone all the awesome goodies that were included in the voxbox!

Inside the jolly voxbox was

1. Puffs Tissues 

This particular travel pack really came in handy. I had lasik surgery last week and these were a life saver. I had to constantly put eye drops in my eyes.  I loved how soft they were. Plus they have lotion in them, which prevented the skin around my eyes from chafing.  My recommendation is to always have one of these in your purse!

2. Ducklings Mini Rolls

These miniature versions of the original are so cute! Influenster sent me a pink zebra print, they know me so well :) I love the prints they come in though!  I looked at some other prints on Instagram and Im sure I would love all of them. Can't wait to look up some DIY Projects to do with these!

3. Skinny Cow Chocolates

Let me start off by saying I am not a peanut butter chocolate fan. I like pb and chocolate, but its not my fav. However these are so good! A whole bar is only 130 calories. So its not like your eating one piece and thats supposed to satisfy you. I also love that they sent a whole box in the voxbox. I cant wait to try other flavors.  The caramel one looks amazing!

4. Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer

Again, I think influenster knows me well. The color they sent me is so me! The color comes out shiny and sparkly.  Throw on some gloss on top and your lips are in their prime. The color is stargazer. If you would like to see it first hand check out my Instagram.

5. New York City HD Color Trio

NYC always has great affordable products. As you can see in the picture above these colors are vibrant without primer! This trio creates a natural look that pops. It will give you those big doe eyes you're lusting for.

I hope you find my reviews helpful. I will be happy to awnser any questions you may have.  I also want to thank influenster for the jolly voxbox and the opportunity to try and review these products!

Nicoles Favorite Hair Products

Hello dolls!

I really love trying out and reviewing new things. One of my favorite websites is influenster. Its a website where users can review products and get points for their reviews.  The cool thing about this site is they send out voxboxs that you may qualify for.  A Voxbox is a package of goodies that they want you to try out and review on their website. I will review voxboxs if I get them :) It is also an amazing way to find out if a product is worth your time. It's not just beauty products either. You can review groceries,  home decor and many other things. It's a great site for trendsetters :) leave your email in the comments and ill send you an invite! 
Other than reading my reviews on Influenster,  I wanted to share some of my favorite beauty products with you. Most things I share are budget friendly. There are a few things that are essential to my beauty routine that require a splurge every now and again.  But we all deserve to treat ourselves right ?

1. Chi Silk Infusion

I am loving this product right now. My hair is in that awkward stage where I can't do too much with it. I've been putting it up in a sockbun lately but not before putting some of this in my hair.  It helps tame my flyaways and help the bun itself look smooth and polished.  Just always remember to use a little (about the size of a dime) and never go close to your roots to prevent greasiness. 

2. Biotin and Super Vitamin B complex

As I said before my hair is at an awkward stage.  I am trying to grow it out. I believe that biotin does help your hair grow and b complex help build the tissues. Its not scientifically proven but ive had success with it. However science does agree that it gives you stronger, healthier hair  skin and nails. If I am wrong then at least my hair is healthy! 

 3. Bed Head thickening spray and Herbal Essences Hair spray

What I love about the bed head is that if I want some extra volume (and I always do;) I can go directly to the root with this product.  It is activated by heat, so I spray some at my roots then blowdry them up wards. My roots are instantly thicker and can hold volume longer.  The herbal essences hair spray smells amaziiing! And it has a pretty great hold. I love it because it is inexpensive. Together they create some volume magic.

Thats all for today. I hope you enjoyed my hair favorites! If you have any questions about any of the products leave a comment or follow me on instagram :) @madglamxo

Check back tomorrow to see some of my makeup favorites!

♡♡♡♡♢♢♢♢♢♡♡♡♡

☆love always☆

♡Nicole♡