Beauty Basics of Skincare

Beauty Basics of Skincare Segment on Fresh Living

I would say most people know that washing your face is the first basic step in taking care of your skin. But, how often should you do it, with what tools, and what cleansers should you be using? Aha, not everyone will be able to answer that one…therefore, I am addressing the very basics of skincare.

Starting off with the right cleanser will get your skin on the right path. What to look for? While you definitely want a cleanser that removes dirt, makeup residue, and oil-clogged pores, you also need to watch for ingredients that help to soothe the skin as well. Without soothing agents, the cleanser can strip the skin of it’s natural oils and natural protective barrier, leaving your skin feeling dry and crackly.

My favorite cleanser right now is by My Dermatician. It’s their new Clean Root Cleanser. Here’s what’s in it, and why I love it:

Binding Marshmallow Root, Dragon’s Blood, and a five-ceramide complex create a hydra-bond effect. Ceramides assist the natural protective barrier and reinforce the lipid and water cohesion within the cellular walls. Clean Root Cleanser™ allows the skin to quickly remedy to normalize the pH balance for pure bouncy skin.

  • Multitasking Gel
  • Ceramide Conditioning
  • Deep Clean with Root Hydration
  • Brighten and Heals Skin
  • pH Balanced to Healthy Skin
  • Reduces Inflammation
$35 at MyDermatician.com

So this cleanser does all that I said you needed and more. Cleansing the skin should be done twice daily and this is the product you should be using.

I’ve also just added the new Sonic Vibrating Cleanser Brush. This really amps up the cleansing step. Such a great design and helps brighten my skin on my face AND body! I use this brush with my Clean Root Cleanser to get the absolute best clean! It is a dual-sided brush so I can use the front side for my face and the backside for my body. I love that it’s fully waterproof so I can take it into the shower with me. Here are the highlights of the Sonic Cleansing Brush:

$79 at MyDermatician.com
Features:
– 5 Speed
– Wireless
– Waterproof
– Portable

– Skin friendly, environmental friendly and waterproof silicone, which is safe and non-irritating.
– Designed with a micro-porous structure that helps prevent bacteria.
– 3000 touch points on front side is recommended to clear the everyday oils and residual makeup residue from the face.
– The unique silicone points on the back are designed to help more problematic areas and/or body acne.
– Five frequency variable speed gently exfoliates by using vibrating technology.
– This pulsating technology dislodges embedded debris.
– Lower speeds are designed to help alleviate tired, puffy and dark circles around the eyes.
– Medium frequency pulsations focus on wrinkle prone areas, de-stressing expression lines, brighten skin and restore skin’s elasticity and firmness.
– Intelligent reminder function which automatically stops in three minutes is easy for you to master the time of usage.
– The battery will be fully charged after two hours with provided USB rechargeable cord.
– The ergonomic streamline design concept makes it easy to grasp and use.                         – The Dermatician is a wireless device that charges through three metal points inside the stand.

Now comes the important step of toning the skin! Don’t skip this! If you are not toning your skin, you are basically wasting any products you put on after washing your face. That anti-aging serum? Not going to be much help if it can’t be absorbed, right? Hence, toning. Toning will provide the much needed added protective barrier to the skin which helps in preventing dehydration. It also will aid the skin to a healthy PH, allowing it to receive the active ingredients in your serums, essences, and moisturizers. I use the Milky Blood Toner by My Dermatician. This product, like their cleanser, comes packed full of ingredients to help stabilize the skin’s barrier and allow for product absorption.

$28 at MyDermatician.com

Once your skin is toned, you can now add those essences, ampules, and serums! What order to apply them? I start with the most fluid product first, which is usually your essences. They are more like a water base and are very quickly absorbed into the skin.

Next up is your serums. These are usually a bit thicker and more gel like. Apply by massaging into the skin in an upwards motion, and then pat the skin to push product into the pores. This helps the skin really soak up the goodness!

Lastly, it’s time for your moisturizers or balms. These are usually a thick cream base and are best applied last. Again, same method of application here: massage, then pat.

By following the proper steps in the basics of skincare, you too, can reap the benefits of glowing, healthy skin.

xoxo

Missy

Spina Bifida Awareness

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month —a time to celebrate the hundreds of thousands of people living with Spina Bifida. Every October, we share community stories that challenge us to raise more awareness and support around those living with Spina Bifida.

Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. 

So, I have to share my little niece, Ariah, with ya’ll. She is the cutest and most determined little girl.

Her journey into the world was a rough one, not only for her, but for her mom and dad. My brother and sister-in-law. No one was aware of her condition. She was born with a giant fluid filled sac on her spine, requiring immediate life-flight to Primary Children’s Hospital for surgery. It was a scary and long process before it was clear that she was going to make it.

Fast forward and she is now 19 months and learning her way around in her wheelchair. She is also learning how to stand and walk, using her parallel bars. She is quite the determined little thing and loves to do things on her own. She wants to be just like her big sister, Avery.

Having been blessed with two special needs children in our family has taught us to celebrate life’s little moments. To be thankful to live in an era where there is help and support for these little warriors. To her courageous mom, Alyssa, we are so proud of how you have taken on this unexpected challenge in life and have been the rock and support Ariah needs. Not only are we seeing what amazing things this little girl can do, we are witnesses to the incredible loving power of a mom who is determined to give their child their best life.

I love my family. I am proud of my nieces and nephews and am aware of their abilities and cherish their little personalities. Being an Auntie has been such a blessing in my life. I love my littles.

To learn more please visit https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/

October Awareness Month

Wow, I can’t believe it is already October. This month is very special for our family. Not only is October Down Syndrome Awareness month, but it is also Spina Bifida Awareness month. (see my next post) Why is that important to me? Because our family has been blessed with BOTH!

First came my darling nephew, Nash. His arrival was super scary and it was touch-and-go for several days. I don’t want to get into the medical details but let’s just say, he is definitely a miracle!

Now, at 22 months old, he is thriving! His sunshine demeanor and heart-warming smile are one of the many, many, attributes this lil guy has. We celebrate his every milestone, his every achievement, even what some may consider a small improvement. He has taught us all so much in just these short 2 years. My biggest takeaway? He is able. He is able to live a FULL, happy and successful life. He is able to participate in all that life has to offer.

Let’s celebrate their ability! Their ability to be and do so much more than we ever gave them credit for. Instead of looking at his DNA as a negative mutation, we look at it as an “angel” mutation. He is an angel. He brightens our lives with every breath he takes. We are the lucky ones to have been given this gift. HE is lucky because he got the best mama, my little sis. She has had to learn so much, not only in the medical care for him, but how to teach him, even the little things like sipping water from a cup, or straw! (which was a HUGE achievement this month) She has taught him sign language and he knows over 35 signs. It is seriously the cutest thing to watch. He is always blowing me kisses on our video chats and signs, “auntie” constantly.

Practicing his signs, somewhat reluctantly. haha

So, happy Down Syndrome Awareness month, my little Nash! We are definitely AWARE of you and all the Down Syndrome Angels among us!

Nash and his big brother Braxton.

Fall Beauty Report

Let’s kick off this Beauty Report by diving right into the Fall Beauty Trends.

Hairstyles this year are going to be much shorter as people are heading into the salons and wanting their Quarantine hair chopped off. The most requested look? The long Bob, or “Lob”. A flattering look on all face shapes.

The “LOB” on J-Lo, does it get any cuter? Image Credit: Getty Images

To style the hair we are seeing super fun hair accessories. Not just for little girls anymore! Headbands, Pearl Clips, Satin Scrunchies, Stylized elastics and more.

Some of my new fall favorites are from the latest Beauty Brand Launch, Bellefixe. This all new hair accessory brand is adding some flare to hairstyles everywhere. This line provides quality, on-trend pieces that inspire people to accessorize their beauty – one clip, pin or headband at a time. To get yours, visit Bellefixe.com

Let’s talk makeup trends for fall. The fluffy brow, bolder winged eyeliner, and of course, the RED lip!

Image by Getty Images

When it comes to eyeliner, the winged look is my go-to! It elongates the eye shape and provides the perfect definition. This season though, we are seeing it a little more bold. Also using colored liners in orange and blue are making quite the statement this fall.

The winged liner look in a cobalt blue

When I saw that the classic Red Lip was here to stay for Fall, I wasn’t surprised at all. This is a FABULOUS way to add some glam to your look. I love a good red lip and pairing it with a winged liner, Uhhmazing!

My look at the Pinups 4 Pups Fashion Show – RED Lips all the way!

All these looks can be achieved with the newest Makeup Brand Launch by Selena Gomez, Rare Beauty. Rare Beauty is breaking down unrealistic standards of perfection. ​

This is makeup made to feel good in, without hiding what makes you unique—because Rare Beauty is not about being someone else, but being who you are.

My absolute favorite in the line is the “Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner Pen”. This formula glides on smoothly, no tugging at the skin, and stays on all day, providing a deep, intense, black pigment. For $19 at RareBeauty.com, it’s a MUST-Have for any season!

Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner – RareBeauty.com

Which fall trend are you loving right now? Share them with me by tagging @RebelBeauty on IG.

xoxo,
Missy

Pumpkin Spice Makeup Tutorial

I LOVE this time of year! The leaves begin to change, the cooler weather sets in and…..PUMPKIN SPICE officially arrives! Now, not only can you have it in your latte, you can add some warm flavors to your makeup look!

In this video I used:

*Real Her Eyeshadow Palette in “Embrace Yourself”
www.RealHer.com

*Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner
www.RareBeauty.com

*Real Her Mascara in “Eye am Beautiful”

*KISS Lashes in 01
www.KissUSA.com

*Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream in “Brave”

No more “MASKNE”

Watch my TV Segment on Fresh Living to get all the tips!

At this point it looks like wearing Masks everywhere we go is the new norm, and as we are just getting used to it, we now have to deal with those pesky skin issues like “maskne”, (acne caused by wearing a mask). So what can we do about it? Incorporate some new things into our beauty routines:

My Dermatician Anti-Microbial Skin Mist – $28

First off, let’s talk germs, bacteria and viruses! Yuck, but guess what? They thrive under your mask…perfect humid environment to run amuck and cause skin issues. Which brings me to MyDermatician.com and their NEW Anti-Microbial Skin Mist. This hypochlorous acid formulation kills germs and viruses on your skin, safely! Totally safe to spray on your face, your kids, your pets (yes, spray your pets paws to eliminate unwanted odor and bacteria which will end up on your bed if you have a dog like mine who refuses to sleep anywhere but on my pillow.) I keep a bottle in my purse so when I’m out and about in public spaces, I know I can safely eliminate any bacteria and viruses which may have landed on my skin. This helps prevent those nasty acne flare ups too! Way better than trying to slather hand sanitizer on your face! (BTW- Don’t ever do that! Sooo bad for your skin and not to mention, it stings like a beast!) So head over to MyDermatician.com and grab your bottle for $28.

Wearing more makeup on your mask than your face? Time to switch brands!

This next issue is for all you makeup lovers out there, like me. We refuse to stop wearing our makeup just because we have to wear a mask. However, it’s pretty nasty when you take your mask off and it has more makeup on it than your face! So here are some tips you can incorporate to keep that makeup on your face and not on your mask:

Switching your foundation to Covergirl’s OutLast All Day Wear Stay Fabulous foundation. This liquid formula goes on super smooth and sets to a beautiful matte finish that stays put! It is transfer resistant and great for mask wearers.

Covergirl also has a line of Outlast Liquid Lipsticks which provide intense color with maximum staying power! No worry about this lipstick rubbing off!

CoverGirl Outlast Foundation and Liquid Lipsticks: CoverGirl.com

You can also add use a makeup setting spray, like Skindinavia’s Bridal Finishing Mist. I’ve been using this formula for years on my clients because it:

  • Prevents color shifting and fading
  • Keeps makeup in place all day
  • Works up to 16 hours
  • Oil-free
  • Paraben-free and hypoallergenic
  • And like all Skindinavia products, vegan and cruelty-free

Grab a bottle today!

$29 at Skindinavia.com

Lastly, oil blotting papers are a huge help to remove any surface oils and/or makeup sitting on top of the skin. Don’t have any? No worries! Grab a kleenex and separate the layers of tissue so you have just one. Use it to spot treat excess oil and you’re ready to wear your mask without worry of makeup rubbing off!

Liked my tips? Please follow me on Instagram @RebelBeauty

Thanks for stopping by, have a beautiful and safe day!

xoxo

Fall Beauty Finds!

Rich Moisturizer, Superhero Cosmetics & the first FDA-Cleared Transparent Face Mask!

Great skin is always #1 on my list, however I don’t always have hundreds of dollars to spend on skincare.  I have LOVED the OLAY Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer. As we enter the dry, fall and winter months here in Utah, our skin needs a potent moisturizer. This one is great because it is non-comedogenic and we can wear our masks over it without fear of getting “Maskne”.  Win!! 

Another great reason to switch to OLAY is that during the month of September they will donate $250 for every limited-edition Camo print jar sold on Walmart.com to SWAN – Service Women’s Action Network- an organization that supports, connects and advocates for servicewomen.  LOVE!

When I saw that Revlon launched a limited-edition Wonder Woman 1984 collection, I totally geeked out!  Normally in September we are headed to FANX to celebrate our beloved superheroes. Since the pandemic has ruined that for us we can at least get our “Superhero Fix” with this beautiful collection featuring the iconic Wonder Woman logo. My fave is the Ultra HD Matte Lip Mousse, in Scorpion Red, it will have you feeling “powerful” all day!

Lastly, I get soooo sad when I have to put a mask over my beautiful red lips, and expertly sculpted cheekbones, that I scoured the internet for a fix, and boy did I find it!!  The first ever, FDA-cleared Transparent Face Mask!  YES!!  Not only can everyone see your beautiful face, but this mask is so much more comfortable and breathable!  It won’t fog up, and it provides the protection we need during this pandemic.  So go sport that bold lip and give Covid the middle finger!

For more beauty tips and tutorials visit RebelBeauty.com and I’m also on IG @rebelbeauty

How to Get that Summer Glow!

Everyone looks better with a healthy glow, am I right? Keyword being “Healthy” though, people! Stop baking in the sun and get your glow on with my new favorite Self-Tanner by South Seas! They have so many formulations, so there really is something for everyone! I LOVE using their Tanning Mousse on my body for a deep, natural, island tan. For my face, I use their Tahitian Glow Lotion….this stuff smells amazing and you are instantly transported to a tropical paradise! Seriously, I love this product. You can pick up some for yourself at SouthSeasSkincare.com

My girl, @MorganNorstrand looking flawless in her SouthSeas Self-Tanner!

I was browsing the makeup aisle in my local Walgreens in search of an inexpensive but glamorous bronzer…I found it! Wet & Wild has a great selection of shimmering bronzers for under $5! I grabbed them all and headed to my studio to play.

Normally when applying bronzers, I like to leave the “Diamond” of the face untouched by bronzers, but with this look I applied the bronzers to the nose as well as inner apples of the cheeks…be sure to watch the video…since this is tricky to explain in words. haha

Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for being here!

xoxo,

Missy

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Summer Beauty Must-Haves on KUTV’s Fresh Living

I think I can speak for all of us when I say, thank goodness it’s FINALLY Summer! With the temperatures rising…so do our moods. Sunshine is good for the soul! But before we head out to enjoy the much anticipated rays…here are some of my top picks to add to your Summer Beauty Rituals!

First up is my go-to solution for the perfect streak-less glowing tan: South Seas has multiple options when it comes to their fabulous formulations of self-tanners. Their “Hottest” item is by far is their Sea Foam Tanning Mousse. It’s super easy-to-use and when applied with their Bronzing Mitt, you get a streak-free finish that smells amazing! I have used my fair share of tanning products over the years, and have had some not so great looking tans, not to mention the obvious “I’m wearing a self-tanner” smell that seems to enter the room before I do! Thanks to South Seas, I no longer have those issues…and guys, the scent their formula’s have is seriously amazing. You’ll want to apply it everyday just so you can smell like you’re on a Beach Vacay in the islands! Their Sea Foam Mousse is a steal at just $24, and you can pick it up at SouthSeasSkincare.com

SouthSeasSkincare.com

Next up is a no-brainer when it comes to Summer Beauty Must-Haves: Waterproof Eyeliner & Mascara! Maybelline has launched their new Falsies Lash Lift Hydrofuge Mascara and at only $8.99 at Target.com you should definitely add it to your Makeup Bag! This mascara has fibers in it that allow you to build up your lashes to insane lengths! Apply multiple layers and don’t let it dry between coats…you want to maintain a clump-free lifted lash look!

When it comes to eyeliner, I’m a sucker for anything in a pen. It seriously makes application so quick and easy and with the Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Eyeliner in Waterproof…you’ll have that gorgeous winged liner even after a dunk in the pool! At just $6.99 do you even need to think about it? Get it now at Target.com

The perfect duo for Summertime

This last item makes me giddy like a 13 year old! It’s the Limited Edition Chi x Barbie Collection! Yes, that’s right pink lovers…Barbie and Chi have come together to give us the trusted hair brand’s favorite styling tools…now in Barbie Dream Pink! EEK! Can you stand the cuteness? Not only did they release the Hot Flat Iron and Curling Iron in the iconic Barbie pink, but for a limited time your favorite CHI hair styling products come in the pink packaging as well! Now we can live like Barbie all summer long with great hair! Available at Ulta.com

Limited Edition Chi x Barbie Collection

Well there you have it, my friends! My Summer Beauty Must-Haves! I hope you enjoy these great products! Have a great Summer!

xoxo,

Missy

Teen/Tween Beauty

Teen Beauty Segment on CBS Affiliate, Fresh Living.

First off, let me just congratulate you mom’s out there that are raising teens! What a difficult age, am I right? It’s like terrible two’s but you can’t pick them up and put them in time-out anymore! Plus, not only are their attitudes getting worse, but their skin is too! Thanks to the teenage raging hormones! UGH! I hated my teen years because the havoc my hormones played on my skin was a nightmare!

I knew when I had kids that I wanted to protect them from those harsh years of acne, and bullying! Sooo…we taught our daughters when they were young about the importance of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing ones’ face. It became part of their daily routine, just like brushing their teeth…and it has paid off!

Even though they were establishing good habits and keeping their skin clean, when those hormones went haywire…they started getting pimples…everywhere! We tried a lot of different products and brands and finally found the solution that worked for them.

Prana SpaCeuticals created a teen Acne line called, “BanAcne”. It’s formulated using banana extracts and oils to help rid the skin of infectious bacteria and create a healthy foundation that is protected from breakouts. It’s been life changing for my girls! The formula is gentle and safe for their young skin and it actually works! Hallelujah!

Prana SpaCeuticals BanAcne System – $73.00
SAVE 20% Using CODE #Alonetogether

There are a lot of great products from Prana SpaCeuticals that I love for myself as well! Be sure to check out their entire line at PranaSpaCeuticals.com (My personal favorites are their hydration masques, my skin feels quenched and supple which is difficult to do when living in the high desert) Bravo!

Skincare, Masks & Hand Sanitizer from Prana SpaCeuticals

Next up, let’s talk oily teenage hair! Gross! I don’t know how it can get so bad in only 24 hours! These girls wash their hair everyday and still somehow end up oily some days. Thank goodness we found COLAB Dry Shampoo!

COLAB is a multi award-winning dry shampoo that’s suitable for all hair types, colors and textures.

Their incredible formula effectively absorbs oil and instantly refreshes roots with an invisible, lightweight finish. Yes, I can even use it on my dark hair!

Hair feels clean, soft and beautifully fragranced in an instant.

What’s more, COLAB is totally vegan friendly, comes in a range of incredible fashion-forward fragrances and has been created by a team of beauty industry experts.

What more can I say? It’s everything you want from a dry shampoo and more…because it’s only $5.49 at Target, Wal-Mart and Rite-Aid. Uhhhmazing!

COLAB Dry Shampoo $5.49 at Target.com

As a professional Makeup Artist, my daughters have been around glitter, glitz and glam their whole lives! So much so, that I thought they wouldn’t have an interest in makeup until they were much older….to my surprise they started asking when they could wear certain things like Mascara, or Lip gloss when they were around 10-11.

I never wanted them to feel they couldn’t wear makeup. (That backfired on my parents when I was teen…because I “couldn’t” wear it, only made me want to wear A LOT of it even more!) So..I’ve let my daughter’s slowly transition into wearing tinted chapsticks, or colored mascara’s.

Now that my Lillybug is almost 13, she’s been experimenting with eyeshadows and blushes….but thankfully she is still perceptive to what Mom has to say about properly applying it at her age. She can wear pretty much any color of the rainbow and it still looks age-appropriate because she knows HOW to wear it.

One of my biggest concerns about raising daughters in this delusional world of “Beauty” is that they will lose sight of themselves by trying to conform to someone else’s idea of beauty. I think as Mom’s we need to set examples of self-love and sharing positive vibes with our offspring.

I was delighted to find RealHer Makeup. A brand that stands for something amazing! Check out their Mission Statement…it says it all!

“We are a high quality, CERTIFIED CRUELTY-FREE and PARABEN FREE makeup brand featuring empowering and inspiring affirmations on our product. Our mission is to inspire and bring out the best in every individual, to know their worth, to feel proud of their individuality, to love each and every one of their flaws, and to not fear who they really are. Each of our products come with a self-affirmation to remind us everyday that we are enough.”

Boom! Need I say more? Well, I will, because I never know when to stop talking! haha As a professional Makeup Artist my level of standard for cosmetics is ridiculously high. I was over-the-moon with the formulations that RealHer Makeup created. So much so, that I can tell you….I USE THEM EVERYDAY!! (insert gasp here)

When I heard about their sister line – Love You First, I knew it would be perfect for my girls. Designed for the younger fashionistas, this line has everything for our girls to feel empowered and look fabulous! My daughters love their eyeshadow palettes as well as the sparkly lipglosses. You can never go wrong when glitter is involved.

RealHer.com

I hope you love these teen-friendly products as much as we do!

xoxo,

Missy