Café Beautique has a new Guest Blogger!!!

Hermanas!!!

Last week I was talking to one of my most adored amigas, the lovely and fabulous Ms. Squirrel. She lives in tres-chic Frankfurt, and travels back and forth to the US to do those things yo mamma told you not to. She is amazingly energetic; loves her Barchen (one of my dear, dear hermanos), and has a cutie cat named Cleo.

Long story short, after Ms. Squirrel read me the riot act for not investing some doolah in proper skin care, I invited her to share her good ways with us. If I am a bit obsessed with maquillaje and hair styling, Ms. Squirrel (aka La Ardilla) is the skin care mage. Soooooo, that said, stay tuned for her appearance on the Café Beautique later today.

Just a taste of her wisdom:

My little apartment is located between a waxing/ nail studio and a beauty salon, across the road from one of the top hairdressers in town and a luxury cosmetic store just next to it, it is my mission to keep those shops running!

So watch out Café Beautiquersssss.... we are about to be invaded by a Squirrel with a sultry attitude for all things skin!!!

Siempre, Bella.

Bella's 1-2-3 for making yourself younger....

Hermanas!!!

Remember I was telling you about my public library beauty book haul? Well, amongst those books was one from certain make up artist with a title along the lines of "Look 10 Years Younger", which I will not even link because of its high lameness content. Blah. Though it did got me thinking...

Many of us cannot or will not ever go under the plastic surgeon's knife; for whichever reasons. Some of us won't even consider less invasive procedures like Botox, etc. But one thing is for sure: our skin will age, and no; there is nothing creams and concoctions can do to stop that. So then, are we doomed to look like our abuelas way before it is time??? [insert horror scream a-la Jamie Lee Curtis here]


OH NO!!!


I have found that makeup can -and does- help me in looking my age. Also, by observing mujeres all over the world, I know wrongly applied makeup makes us look older. So here is a quick quick collection of things I have found quite helpful to make me look as fabulous as my 37 years.

1. Any good Object D'Art is Primed.

Primer. Daily. Yes. No excuse. There should be legislation against putting on foundation or the eye shadow without first prepping the skin. Younger divas can get away with just moisturizing; but some of us have to add the primer.

Why? Well, the way primers work, they form an even canvas over your skin; and can be quite good at filling in fine lines. Some of them have light reflecting particles which add to the youthful look you want. They all prolong the staying power of make up and eyeshadow. Plus, eye primers do not let e/s crease... and creased eyelids are one of the #1 offenders.
So prime away. If you have mixed or oily skin, it might be best if you moisturize at night.

2. Shimmer only if needed.

Don't you looooove shimmer???? I know I do. However, as our skin ages; shimmer can be quite tricky. Specially in our eyes. And it makes our flaws more evident. By flaws I mean incipient arrugas...crow's feet.

As a rule of thumb, I rarely use a shimmery eyeshadow. Specially not during the daytime. Matte eyeshadows provide not only more definition to your eyes but also draw attention away from those minor [or not so minor] imperfections.

If you still resist letting go of the sparkly.... brush it lightly, preferably over the matte eyeshadow. And do use it below the brow bone, that is not punishable in my rules.

However, two places you are better served by shimmery shades are your lips (they do not go into the lin lines like those really sexy dark matte lipsticks do) and your nails (they draw attention away from hands with lines, yah know???).

3. Maintain that Mane.

About 3 weeks ago, my adored friend, the ultra gorgeous Native Chic from Georgia cut her hair and announced it on Fabebook. I almost died and she had to revive me. You see, this hermana has one of the most luxurious and sexy manes I have ever seen (which of course makes me relatively jealous now and then). Turns out she did not go all 1920's flapper and just trimmed her layers.

But.... some derelict who is now on my hitlist did tell her that "women her age should not wear their hair long". EXCUSE MEEEEE????? A valid and well deserved WTF. This is such a big lie. Women over 25 can wear long hair and make it look like a million euros.

Native Chic, my cousin Mamita Financiera and yours truly are living proof. I can tell you that with more than 20 years apart between us all, we sport our long hair with a lot of pride and style. Why??? Because we take very.good.care of it. We nurture it, trim it, use the correct shampoo, some of us color it, etc. It is worth it. If our hair reflected our biological years and crazy adventures... not so hot. So take care of those tresses - specially if you process it or expose it so sun, blowdryer and other alien stuff. Or chop them off. There, I said it.

Note for chicas who color: if you are going lighter, for the sake of the Goddess do not allow those roots to grow. It might look quirky and even en-vogue when you're 20; but when you reach say, 43, it looks just dejado, careless, and sloppy. OH! and o.l.d.

I am sure I will think about more tips and ways in which our make up can help us look fresher and younger. Now it's your turn.



Siempre, Bella.



p.s. All of the above has no meaning if you forget to take your vitamins, eat properly, exercise, meditate....

Café Giveaway: Beau Bain Luxurious Bathbombs

Hermanas!!!!


You know I am all about enjoying a looooong bath with delicious products and well, some luvz... So I was quite happy when, a couple of weeks ago, the bubbly Kimberly at Beau Bain asked me to try and test and dish about the latest in Beau Bain's bath bomb collections.



These bombs are, well, the bomb!!! They come in nice semi-transparent boxes; with a label saying exactly what the scent is. Delightful ---- some days I do not want to smell like peach, and I do forget which bomb is which; so this was great. Obviously, they make perfect gifts without having to freak out and wrap a thing. They are also wrapped within the little box in tight plastic; which is amazing since it preserves the bomb in great condition and does not let any of the scent escape!!


The subtitle of the bombs is "Luxurious Moisturizing", and yes... they are. I am not kidding you hermanas, the feeling of softy creaminess in my skin after the bath was delish and -Rojo says- quite alluring **blush**. Loved it. The bombs make nice enough mini-bubbles and the scents are delicate and oh-so-nice. How can this get ANY better???? well... the ladies at Beau Bain are giving not only one, but TWO complete sets for you, my readers / lectoras from the Café Beautique.

• Behind door number 1, we have the Lavender Collection. Really subtle and relaxing blends of lavender -duh- with other equally yummy ingredients like vanilla, rosemary and (my fave) Black Amber.

• Behind door number 2, the luscious Spa Collection. Hermanas, I do not believe in the afterlife, but something tells me that if it does exist; it has this combo in it. Lemongrass, coconut, peach.... oh dear!!!! These are purrrfect for preparing for a long night out! Rejuvenate and wake up!
  

So there!!! IF -and only if- you would like to spend hours in your bathtub pampering your skin (fine, you can invite the hombre to join you!), here is how to participate in this giveaway, which is open to hermanas in the US and Canada!!!

Leave me a comment telling me which collection would you like to win (Lavender or Spa Collection. Please leave me your email! Giveaway open until for a whole week -- closing Sunday, March 8th at midnight PT chicas, so go for it!

Siempre, Bella.

p.s. Bath tip: when you take one of these long lovely baths, do not towel dry - airdry your bod hermanas!!! Hey! You indulged ina long bath, so now go lay down like the diva you are; letting the scents and moisturizers in the bombs get into your skin. You deserve it.

Weekend Facials Galore

Hermanas!!!

I bet you all partied like it was going out of style last weekend. Fess'up. You know you did. And then your cara and skin pays the price: eyes look bloody, swell, pores go crazy, etc. You know the drill. And in these times of (here comes the "B" word) budgeting wisely; few of us can afford to buy expensive face masks. Do not panic; there is a lot you can find in your pantry that will make you look fresher and feel less guilty for sins of parties past!

For quick one ingredient masks, you can use any of these. Spread on your luvly visage, let stay for say 20 minutes, wash with lukewarm water and feel like the diva you are.

Yogurt: talk about fresh hermanas! Make it plain of course.

Honey: just make sure your pores are open (splash of warm water beforehand so pores are open) and suck up all the honey goodness.

Banana: mash mash mash, apply and enjoy the free-spa smell.

Aguacate: [avocado] again, mash mash mash apply. For better spreading, add a bit of olive oil. A bit, don't overdo it, since the avocado has enough oils to make your face happy.

With both the avocado and banana; end with a warm then cold water rinse; so your pores open+absorb+close.


Coffee grounds: BEST exfoliator ever. But for the love of the Gods, make sure the grounds are cool , don't want any of you burning your caras, mmmm'kay? Also great for making your eyes un-puff after a noche loca.

If you have more time and want to get creative; or if you have specific issues to deal with; try these quick combos:

Yogurt/banana+sugar. Leave this one on for about 10 minutes. I must say, this is one of my all time faves. I always use raw or brown sugar.

Tatziki. Well, not quite. Tatziki is made out of yogurt, lime juice and slices of cucumber. This is quite the mask for those hermanas who overdid the partying and need some wake me up!!

I do not recommend making your own Oatmeal mask for one reason: oatmeal can be too rough on your facial skin, and if you do not know (and I, for one, don't) how to really make it soft, you might just end up looking like a shrimp.

Do you have any secret family recetas you care to share with us here? Any secret weapons for a pick me up on Sunday morning??? Do tell and share the belleza!!!


Siempre, Bella.

LUSH Giveaway for the Boyzzzzz!!!

Hermanas!!!

I always go on and on and on about Rojo and his LUSH addiction -- massage bars, creams, soaps, you name it. Now be honest, how many times have you thought of giving your boytoy a little pampering time? maybe a sexy back rub? a nice facial? The hermanos appreciate pampering as much as we do.

I am WOWzed to announce that the fab people at LUSH are helping the Café Beautique with our first ever giveaway!!!!! Drea -LUSHette extraordinaire- is giving us a preview of a new gift for the hermanos that is coming out for sale on January 19, 2009. Check this out:

A quartet of LUSH products to scrub up your man: Shave the Planet shaving cream with Vitamin E, jojoba oil and Acai juice for super smooth shaves, Cosmetic Lad moisturizer to soothe sensitive faces, Bamboo soap to tone and leave skin smelling like the rainforest, plus a Business Time massage bar with shea butter and coconut oil to get him in the mood to get busy. Wrapped with a fun comic strip, this is a great gift for the superhero in your life.

I think this is awesome -- los hombres deserve some luvz. Also, if you do the Valentine's Day thing (I don't), this could be in your doorstep just in time!!!

Now, to participate, drop me an email (cafe.beautique at gmail dot com) answering this mini-trivia about LUSH products --my beloved Rojo himself will pick the winner from the subscribers who answer correctly! The giveaway entries close on Wednesday, January 21 at midnight EST; and we will announce the winner next Friday (1/23). This giveaway is open only to our hermanas in the US.

1. What does LUSH mean by; “Naked products”?
2. What is LUSH’s signature scent?
3. Which best-selling facial cleanser was taken out of a medieval recipe book?
4. What facial moisturizer used to be Princess Diana’s facial cream of choice?
5. What are LUSH’s two edible massage bars?

I will be anxiously waiting for your responses!!! A good life is a LUSH life indeed!!!


Siempre, Bella.

LUSH Favorites, vol. 2

Hermanas!!!

You all know by now that we are a LUSH family. We got addicted to this way of life while in Canada; mostly due to our girl Kitz's fault. She phoned this weekend and I have been thinking how much I miss talking to her (here's to you Kitz, promise to call you this wekeend!!!). Kitz, like all LUSH soap divas, knows her stuff. Big time. She is fabulous and beautiful.

Back in those days; Rojo would get his hands dry as dry comes. They would crack and even bleed. Poor thing, really. I would also suffer from dry-hand syndrome in the long Canadian winters. So I asked the Kitz girl and she said "Helping Hands", quite solemnly. So I was obedient and bought a pot... specially after she told me that they had carpenters and gardener dudes who came in clamoring for the stuff.

After 2 uses, Rojo's hands were soft. No cracks, no dryness, no bleeding. For real. I tried it as well and I must say: for me being someone who does not like the feeling of creams and oils in my hands; Helping Hands was a godsend. It feels like nothing; absorbs hyper-quickly; does not smell like the attack of the spices, and it lasts for a long time.

Like all LUSH products, Helping Hands tells you exactly when it was made, and when it should be let go of. This is another reason to be a LUSH hermana. Love them. Helping Hands comes in 3.5 oz pots (USD 17.45) and a smaller travel version of 1.5 oz (USD 12.75), this one in a pump.

So, if you are suffering through a dry-hand spell; drop by your nearest LUSH and go for it. It is worth the money. And believe me, I would tell you if it did not.

Siempre, Bella.

Inner Beauty --- Pop'em Pills

Hermanas!!!

No, I am not talking about silent meditation and achieving Zen through funky substances, no, no no. Nothing like that.

When I married Rojo, back in the Canadian prairies; I discovered he was a pillhead. Wait, not in that way. He is an Organic Chemist, and is all about balanced nutrition, etc. When he saw my anti-aging creams, he could not help but laugh hysterically -- which is not his style at all, so you can imagine my non-amusement. After acting offended and saying "well, I need these products to not look older than you", he continued laughing and said: "Bella, these things do not work because [insert 2 hour lecture in the chemistry of aging here]". WHAT?????????

Needless to say, I was broken hearted. "Then what works!?!" He said one word: VITAMINS. And so began my journey into dietary supplements, and my remembrances of when mi madre used to give me and hermano a handful of vitamins, algae, and suspicious emulsions everyday. Boy, I hated them. Specially the Fish Oil. Yucks.

But now, at my 37 very well lived years; I am happy to report I have become a pillhead as well. I try to take a nice melange every morning; and most of the colorful tablets have to do with -you guessed- beauty.

Here are my daily vitamin regime:

Multivitamin for Women

Yes hermanas; we already know we are quite different from los hombres (certainly more fabulous), and our bodies need different nutrition. I am currently taking a Women One Daily from NewChapter. It has pretty much all your body needs for one day of energy and happy fabulousness.

Some hermanas take pre-natal vitamins (even if they are not expecting babes), and my doctor says they are also a good investment -- they tend to be a bit pricier than regular multivitamins. I am happy with my multivitamins.

Vitamin D

When you live in sunny Florida or in Hawaii like my friends Krikit, trailmix and Mrs.Cat (whom I envy for that reason); your vitamin D intake comes from the Sun. If you live in Seattle like yours truly; life is not that sunny. Vitamin D is basic for energy and good skin.

During the winter, I am on a 4,000 units a day regimen; and less in the Summer. Then again; I have a severe vitamin D deficiency my doctor found. Your needs might be different.

Omega Fatty Acids

Turns out Oils are our friends. Omega acids are one of your weapons to prevent breast cancer. They help with cardiac conditions and arthritis. Also, they are great for skin, nails and hair. The most common one is Fish Oik; but I go with a all-in-one product that has Fish, Flax, and Borage seed oils. The one from Country Life is pretty good.

Other Goodies and Tips

I confess that, like with makeup; this vitamin business can get both spendy and addictive. Besides the aforementioned, I also ingest several of what I call "candy vitamins"; like the ones I find at Super Supplements that are specifically formulated for hair, nails, etc. Every now and then I crack open a gelcap of Vitamin E and use it as a facemask while doing dishes.

A trip to your Nutrition Store is worth it. Just make sure to ask as many questions as needed; and have them answered properly. You would not go back to Sephora as often if the folks there d id not know their biz, right??? Same applies to dietary supplements!

Now, of course that dietary supplements do not take the place of eating right at the right times.
Remember that funky looking food group pyramid??? It is, well, accurate.





I try ***emphasis on try*** to eat quite balanced. Rarely do I eat deep fried food; and am happy to say I do not get the munchies as often as I used to. Rojo has indeed converted me into a disciplined eater (most of graduate school I was famous for surviving on Cheetos and Dr. Pepper).


Disclaimer: Before beginning ANY vitamin regimen; always remember to check if you have any allergies. Ask your doctor. I asked mi madre after the fact, and spend 3 very painful weeks due to an allergy. So please consult your physician... or your mom. All supplements have side effects; and I do not want any hermanas collapsing because we thought vitamins are like popsicles, okay????

Siempre, Bella.