HOT new lip trend

Loving this new lip trend that is futuristic and super sexy!  If you're looking for a bold statement and are completely bored with ALWAYS playing up your eyes this hot new trend is for you!  It's all about blending and layering.  Pick a lipstick. Then pick another one, then another. Now pick a contrasting liner and then maybe a gloss or two.  Say Whuutt??  Stay with me here!  I know you're probably thinking "Oooh girl SJ be crazy!"  Just trust me on this one!   The point is to create a one of a kind rich shade that could never have come out of a single tube.  You'll have to jazz up your creative side on this one!

 

As you can see this trend is not for the shy or timid.  This look also adds the appearance of fullness in the lips and a sexy vibe of confidence.  The trick is to start off with a bright bold color (bright red, orange or fuchsia) then pick a shade darker or even completely different.  If you start out with orange, layer a blue red over top, if you start out with fuchsia layer on a berry or orange.  Get my drift?  Just keep blending and layering until you get a base color dripping in uniqueness.  Then pick a liner or two.  I prefer reds and wine colored liners (for depth).  Here's where it gets fun! Tap on your favorite shimmery eye shadow in either a pearl or bronze color right in the center of your bottom and upper lip. SO HOT!  Now finish with a gloss in any shade!  I'd go for a iridescent one with specs of gold or hot pink! Voila! You've created a sexy one of a kind multidimensional lip!  To keep this look staying bold and to prevent colors from bleeding outside the lip line it's best to prime your lips first.   Just remember to have fun with this, take your time and keep your eye color minimal!  We want all the attention to be on those lips!

 

 

 

BE BOLD.  BE SEXY.  BE DARING.

 

XO~ SJ 

Baby it's cold outside

Brrrr.  It's freezing out!  Living in Wisconsin seriously wreaks havoc on my skin!  The climate can be so extreme with the below zero temps and then the insane heat and humidity in the summer months! Girl can't catch a break around here!  Because of this nonsense I go the extra mile everyday to keep my skin hydrated, even toned and glowing!  First and foremost you have to feed your body the right nutrition, glowing skin starts from within!  Make sure you'e getting your omega 3's and eating all your fruits and veggies.  The Omega 3's are going to help reduce dryness and inflammation. (perfect protection against the harsh cold winds on our pretty faces)  Omega 3's can be added into your diet by eating seafood, flax and chia seeds, just to name a few!

Second is your fruits and veggies! YUM :) The nutrients found in produce literally can turn back the hands of time.  Fruits rich in Vitamin C help rebuild the collagen in your skin. More collagen = less wrinkles.  Veggies that hold boat loads of Vitamin A (dark leafy greens) and beta-carotene (carrots, mangoes, sweet potatoes) work as antioxidants preventing cell damage and premature aging.  Vitamin A also works wonders for keeping acne under control.

A well balanced diet protects your skin from the inside out.  Don't forget to drink a hefty amount of water as well!  Hydrated skin looks soft, supple and radiant.

Now for topically protecting your skin against the cold climate. It's important not to over or under exfoliate.  Listen to your skin, your face should never feel tight from dryness or rough in texture.  I prefer to use a manual exfoliator twice a week.  I love love love Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub by Glo Therapeutics.  Sloughing off the dead dull skin allows for deeper penetration of your moisturizer as well!  Pick a moisturizing creme that is deeply hydrating and nourishing.   Lately I've been using AVEDA Brightening Creme.  It absorbs into my skin quickly  leaving me soft, hydrated and a little brighter!  Also, don't forget to protect your pout.  Save your lips from becoming a cracked hot mess with lip balms rich in shea butters or oils like almond or olive.  If you follow these steps for winterized skin you'll see and most definitely feel a difference!  Just remember to nourish your insides and pamper the outside with lots of love and TLC!  Stay warm dahlings!!

XO~SJ

"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity"

Hello Dahlings! I hope everyone is well and that you're enjoying your week thus far.  I'm looking forward to the weekend myself! :)  Today I woke up startled from the most peculiar dream.  It took place in the Renaissance time in an old castle.  My father was frozen and I had to hide him from an enemy attack. There was a map with threads pinned to it connecting different cities. Bizarre.  I went to an online dream interpretation site and supposedly it's symbolic of business plans and ventures. The fact my father was present and frozen meant I should put a halt on  decisions or plans in matters of business.   Not quite sure what all this means but it got me thinking about Coco Chanel.  Her life story is my inspiration.  Everything she built along with her perspective on life and fashion is what continuously moves me forward with building my own business and a life I love.  She found herself and her true calling in her love of simplicity and elegance.  She was strong, feminine and a true leader.  Some people believe to make it in this world you have to have your "lucky break".  I don't believe that for a second.  What you have to have is a vision and believe in it, commit your heart and soul to it, not be afraid of hard work and never under any circumstances second guess yourself or be afraid to take risks.  It's not luck that gets you where you're meant to be.  It's courage, perseverance and an unapologetic sense of self.  In order to shake the dream I had last night and the idea of "freezing" my business plans I'm focusing on Coco's  success and how against all odds she built an empire of fashion and beauty.  Although I do trust in my intuition and my dreams, I also trust in CHANEL.  So, here's to you Coco Chanel, thank you for paving the way for women entrepreneurs everywhere.   

                                                                           

                                                                             

XO~ SJ

                                                                           
     

Dolled Up Vs. Dressed Down

The Katie Couric show recently did a special on the multi billion dollar beauty industry and how it impacts us in our culture and as women.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about the topics of conversation.  For example, did you know that the average woman spends a full week of every year "putting her face on".  THAT'S 168 HOURS!!!  I'm guilty of this for sure and in my profession I only contribute to adding on even more hours. This is all coming from a new documentary style book called The Beauty Experiment written by Phoebe Baker Hyde.  "I was confusing self-confidence with looing great" -Hyde  For one whole year Phoebe stopped wearing make-up or styling her hair and even refrained from buying one new piece of clothing. Phoebe claims she's never felt more beautiful or more confidant.  The glamour girl that I am I don't think you could pay me to give up my primping time but it really does make me think about this veil of security cosmetics seem to provide.
This brings me to my second issue: Are we as women treated differently depending on how dressed up or dressed down we are?  Apparently the answer is YES!  Not only that but studies have shown that in business if a woman wears no makeup she isn't as likely to be considered for the position but a woman who wears the basics (mascara, blush lipstick) would more than likely get the job.  Even if the bare faced beauty had greater skills...MIND BLOWING. To add to this pile of crazy it's also been said that if an above average attractive woman was to be interviewed she automatically is assumed not as bright or capable for the job at hand and has to continuously prove herself. JUST BECAUSE SHE'S PRETTY!  Society must be smoking the crazy pipe because to survive in this world you have to walk the middle line of beauty.  Too much or too little and you're toast. Oh and God forbid you're a bombshell of a beauty, then you have to work extra hard to show your smarts or to be taken seriously.  I love being a woman but holy crap sh*t just got real!

Below is a link to a video from the Katie Couric show.  They did a social experiment of a pretty girl in public asking strangers for help.  First they show her dressed up and second they show her dressed down.  You'll be amazed how differently she's treated depending only on how she looks.  It brings me back to the Classic film Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts is turned down by the snobby Rodeo Dr ladies even though she has a pocket full of cash. Why?....Because of her appearance!   It's a crazy crazy world.
 CLICK LINK FOR VIDEO   >>>      http://bcove.me/lf2zo001

My favorites from The 2013 Golden Globe Awards

 This years Golden Globes were the most beautiful displays of soft femininity. The women were glowing and channeling some serious energy from Old Hollywood's most elite.  Visions of Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo and Tallulah Bankhead kept coming to mind.  In a word the ladies were CLASSIC!  Every look below has a different take or twist on the soft Romantic Look.  Commonalities between them all is the main focus is on the eye area with lush lashes and black liner on the upper lash line.  All theses ladies were finished with nude/rosy blush and either a neutral peachy/dusty rose lip or a classic berry stain. The ladies accentuated their skin tones by sticking close to their natural hair color and not covering up their skins glow with unnatural pinks or orangey bronzers.  What really tops off this uber feminine look is the soft finished waves so gracefully swept to one side or elegantly pulled off the face. The dresses were also soft  neutral colors in the most female flattering fishtail cuts that created an alluring hourglass shape to die for.  So classic, so romantic and I'm left feeling breathless!

Adele

Isla Fischer

Amy Adams

Jennifer Lopez

Jessica Chastain

Megan Fox

 

XO~ SJ

BB cream vs. CC cream.

You don't have to go far these days to see a new  add campaigning the newest trend in beauty/skin care, BB creams (Beauty Balm).  These one step wonders are promoted to be an all-in-one facial cosmetic product.  BB creams replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock.  Originating out of Asian culture, this past year they've been all the rage from drugstore brands to high end department stores.  Claiming to treat imperfections while providing coverage.  I personally still felt I needed more coverage or a less slick/oily feeling base.  Although I do love the concept, I just worry about the potency of the active ingredients.  I still kept with my routine of hydrating serum, eye cream and Vit-C moisturizer. 

Just as I'm adjusting to this new BB sensation word on the street is the next new trend is a CC cream.  CC cream or "Color Correcting"  cream is the new all-in-one phenomenon coming our way.  I personally haven't used one as of yet but  from what I'm researching CC creams definitely seem more up my alley as far as texture and consistency.  "Unlike BB creams, CC creams have a lighter texture," says Rachel Kum, co-founder of Rachel K Cosmetics in Hong Kong. "This results in a formula that's extremely easy to blend."   CC creams are more focused on coverage, I'm definitely am excited about this!  The lighter less oily texture is perfect to wear under a light dusting of mineral powder.  I still have my doubts on the potency of the "corrective" ingredients so I probably still won't be giving up my active result oriented serums and eye creams.  I'm looking forward to getting my hands on one of these CC creams.  My only hope is that they truly are a bit less oily feeling than the BB. I do love the dewy and hydrated look of a BB, just pretty sure I'll appreciate lighter textured, more color options and blend ability of the CC.    

XO~SJ

You are my sunshine

 

HaPpY FrIdAy!
I'm feeling uber chipper this morning!  Happy people + Happy Colors is what I'm groovin on today. I'm here to spread the love and sparkly sunshine! :) This Friday I'm showing my appreciation & love of when gorgeous photography meets a bold POP of color!  I put together some images to inspire and make your day just a teeny weeny bit brighter!! (If you're curious as to what tunes I'm groovin to this am while posting, Mr. Bowie is waiting for you below)

 

                                    "Talking bout Monroe and walking on snow white"

                                                                          XO~ SJ

5 ways to have more fun NAKED

 Strip down to your birthday suit, kick off your knickers, go au naturel however you want to put it JUST GET NAKED!   Here are 5 fun activities to do in the buff that will leave you feeling renewed, divinely glamorous and sexy as all hell!

When I'm at home enjoying my naked self  I always start by setting the mood with some upbeat tunes that make me want to shake my money maker! (Shakira, Beyonce, a little "My first name ain't baby, it's Janet, Miss Jackson if you're nasty")   Anything that makes YOU feel good!

Start by laying down a large body towel over the space you plan on using, preferably in front of a mirror.  Get ready to commit the next hour to being nakey...
DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT- This luxurious hair mask is best done in the nude because this way you won't ruin any of your clothes or your boyfriends favorite old T-shirt.  If you are a DIY kind of girl you can make a homemade mask simply by mashing up a banana adding 3 TBS of mayo and 1 TBS of olive oil.  Mix well and massage into hair and scalp.  Twist your hair up and either wrap a towel or shower cap around head and let it will soften even the driest coarsest hair in 30-45 minutes.  If you'd rather save the food for in the kitchen my favorite hair mask is MASQUE NUTRI-THERMIQUE by Kerastase. This mask is heat activated and always leaves my hair silky and shiny! 
BRIGHTEN THAT SMILE-  Now that your hair is up and being treated throw on a 30 min teeth whitening strip! 
FACE MASK-  Treat your skin to a nourishing mask!  How you choose what kind of facial mask depends on what's going on with with your skin.  If you have more sensitive skin reach for one that will hydrate, calm redness and soothe. Like Soothing gel mask by Glo Therapeutics Or if your skin is more on the oily side you could always try CLARIFYING MASK by MURAD.  Either one will help balance out any imperfections on your skin! 

SUGAR/SEA SALT SCRUB- This is where the large body towel comes in handy.  Spend the next 10 minutes giving yourself a good scrub down.  A simple and effective home remedy is to mix together 1/3 cup sea salts or sugar or sugar in the raw with 1/4 cup olive or almond oil.  Really take your time massaging the grainy mixture into your dry skin. Body scrubs are best done on dry skin because it allows the oils to be easily absorbed. Leaving your skin feeling incredibly soft and nourished.  After you've rubbed down every nook and cranny it's now time to hop in the shower or bath and rinse off!  Be sure to rinse and shampoo your hair last.  The steam will reactivate the treatment mask.

SUNLESS TANNER-  Get your glow on in the middle of winter!  There are many formulations of sunless tanners but my favorite is SELF TAN BRONZING SPRAY by ST. TROPEZ.  This particular product always leaves a natural looking healthy glow to my skin and the spray applicator allows for even coverage.  Sunless tanners are awesome because they instantly make me feel prettier and are a reminder that summer will come again!  If you really haven't gotten your naked fix after following all these steps you can always continue the nudist festivities  by letting your tanner air dry for the next 10 hours!  I'm not judging! :)

I hope this leaves you feeling soft, feminine and sexy!  Spend more time pampering yourself and loving your body in it's most beautiful state, NAKED!

XO~ SJ

Beauty Inspiration Boards for 2013

In my mission for creating the most awesome 2013 I decided to make two Vision/Inspiration Boards to help motivate me this year!  I totally recommend all of you to try this!  It doesn't take much time and is a total blast! I'm a visual person and this activity not only boosted my creativity but really helped me visualize and realize all my dreams and goals that I have for myself both personally and professionally.  I put mine up on a wall that I pass by everyday to help me stay focused and keep my eye on the prize!  It really is a kick ass way to keep yourself motivated and moving in the right direction.

• This first board is for my profession/business.  Bleu Jeanne Beaute is my day spa that I'm opening! I'm trying to inspire myself to stay strong, focused and creative.  My goal is to not lose momentum and get discouraged by set backs.

• My second board is all my personal dreams and goals for the year.  It's all about my quest for love, my girlfriends, health, creativity and finding my inner strength!

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Hopefully this technique of manifestation works!  Vision/Inspiration boards are a great tool that not only open up your mind but help inspire you to turn your dreams into reality!  I'm loving it so far, trying to stay super positive and grateful. Looking forward to what the future holds!

                                                                   XO~ SJ

What are YOU thankful for?

Holy Moly! We're only 8 days into 2013 but already I can feel the shift of good things to come!  Oh yeah and let me tell you it feels Oh So Good!  To tell you the truth I honestly don't believe things have changed much around me.  It's rather a change on my perspective or looking for the good or even being grateful when life decides to hand me a sh*t sandwich!   My focus this year is on building deeper relationships with the ones I love, giving back and giving thanks, to have more fun, to dream up creative ideas to share with YOU and finally to create,  nurture and grow a business that I LOVE!  It's a pretty sweet feeling! :)

 

How I'm going to MAKE IT HAPPEN:

• Spend more quality time with those who are dear to my heart.  Really take the time to listen and get to know them.  Who they are and what their dreams are. Love them!
• Start and end every day being thankful for this amazing life! Really being grateful for all the ups and downs life is offering me.
• Seriously shake my caffeine addiction! :) Holla! 12 days off coffee...
• Do things that inspire and put my creative side into over drive! EX: MORE ART MUSEUMS, WALKS IN NATURE, PAINTING, WORKING WITH COLOR, WRITING, READING.
• Create...Create...Create...
• Dive deeper into my world of Beauty. Expand my knowledge of my craft!
• Learn and grow from others in my field! +Mandy Rogers Coyle  (<she's amazing!)
• Learning new Marketing ideas and putting them to use
• Continue my education by attending skin care seminars (more knowledge to share with YOU!)
• Learn from my mistakes both big and small 
• HAVE LOTS AND LOTS OF FUN!  Making sure I still take the time to stop and smell the roses! POP a few bottles of bubbly and just chill! :)

I'm so overjoyed and thankful for this awesome opportunity to share my dreams and goals for 2013 with you !  Let's get excited and make a difference!  Just a tiny shift in consciences towards being more thankful for the little things will brighten not only your day but your soul as well!  No beauty product can provide the glow like the glow you get from your own inner light shining through!
                                                     INNER LIGHT=BEAUTY 

 

XO~ SJ

Luscious new perspective on Organic Skin Care

The days of stuffy burlap wrapped organic products are over! Juice Beauty along with Alicia Silverstone are making "going green" more glamorous!   So I have to admit I've had a girl crush on Alicia Silverstone ever since she starred as Cher in the cult classic CLUELESS!  I mean what girl didn't want to be her!?  Seriously the world would be a far more beautiful place if they started making movies like this again!

"So, okay, I don't want to be a traitor to my generation and all, but I don't get how guys dress today. I mean, come on, it looks like they just fell out of bed and put on some baggy pants and take their greasy hair, eww, and cover it up with a backwards cap and, like, we're expected to swoon? I don't think so!"

"Cher's main thrill in life is a makeover, it gives her a sense of control in a world full of chaos"

 My Alicia girl-crush is back in a big way and totally toying with my emotions!  She's making a huge impact on the world of beauty by joining forces with an amazing skin care line Juice Beauty.   Juice Beauty is an organic and eco friendly line using yummy ingredients like organic juices, aloe vera and honey!  (Learn more about Juice Beauty and their mission)  Alicia's take on putting the glamour into organic skin care is truly a refreshing new and delicious perspective!

"Quick, easy and absolutely gorgeous, with none of the harsh chemicals found in other beauty products, Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty products make my skin feel happy, and will make any girl on the go feel glamorous, inside and out"  ~ Alicia Silverstone

XO~SJ

How to achieve a Champagne Glow

Nothing makes me happier than hearing the POP of a Champagne bottle before noon on a Sunday!  Attending Sunday brunch with my sister Kimberlee or a group of girlfriends is my ideal Sunday funday.  In my quest for glamour and in honor of one of my favorite Sunday activities I've put together some to die for Champagne hued products! This neutral tone can provide an amazing soft glow and has an undeniable sense of sophistication.    

SKIN First step in gorgeous glowing skin is your base.

1. Conceal any imperfections.  I LOVE Secret Camouflage by Laura Mercier   
2. Apply a sheer foundation.  Sheer Glow by NARS is my go to for light coverage 

EYES  To keep things feeling fresh, sophisticated and within our champagne palette try not to focus on too much drama around the eyes! Think light and bubbly...

1. Apply lightest shade on brow bone and inner corners of eye. Medium shade on lid and up into the crease. Then focus darkest color in outer crease.  I'm a HUGE fan of eye shadow trios and LOVE On Stage trio by Smashbox .

CHEEKS  To pick the best Blush color really depends on your skins tone. Natural is best for this particular look so you're going to want to reach for one that best reflects your skins natural pink tone. 

1. One color that is universal and looks AMAZING on everyone is Orgasm by NARS

Lips  Keeping with our theme we're going to line our lips with a neutral liner and then apply a creamy champagne gloss over top!

1. Perfect shade for all skin tones is Xtreme Lip Creme by NYX in Nude Peach Fuzz 

This natural palette is a stunner every time, you can never go wrong when you stick with the classics!    Happy Sunday ladies I hope you're enjoying your mimosas or champagne cocktails in style! I know I am...