New Year New You ~ 10 Habits Of Women With Beautiful Skin

Although some lucky girls are born with beautiful skin, most of us are not. For most of us beautiful skin is something we work to have. And for those of you born with it, it is something to work to maintain. (otherwise like your youth you will wake up one day to find it has gone.)

Katie Bunn by Eric Cassee

New Year, New You ~ here are 10 habits that women with beautiful skin already have, and that you need to develop this year to give you beautiful skin.

10 Habits Of Women With Beautiful Skin.

1. They never go to bed with their makeup on.

No matter how late they get home, no matter how tired they are, women with beautiful complexions cleanse their skin every single night before bed.

And don't believe the swirl-tap-buff crowd when they tell you their crushed mineral foundations are safe to sleep in. Never sleep in your makeup.

2. They never leave the house without sunscreen.

Nothing, and I mean nothing ages your skin as badly as sun damage.

Although a bad burn at the beach is detrimental, its the everyday exposure to the sun that causes the most damage. Walking from your car to the office, walking across the street, even driving your car - the daily exposure to sunlight that we think absolutely nothing of ages us more than anything.

Women with beautiful skin wear a free standing facial spf (not just one that's built into their moisturizer) every single day.

3. They drink plenty of water.

Skin cells, like any other cells in the body are made up of water. Without water they cannot function at their highest level. If your skin is not getting enough water, the lack of hydration presents itself by making the skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin is less resiliant and more prone to wrinkling. Drinking plenty of water helps the skin to look luminous and vibrant.

4. They get their beauty sleep.

Nighttime is when your skin repairs and restores itself. If you get enough sleep your skin cells can rest and refuel. 

Ideally you need 8 hours of sleep per night. Your body releases growth hormone during the last stage of sleep, so unless you are getting 8 to 8 1/2 hours of sleep you are missing out on that last burst of growth hormone. Growth hormone plays a role in bringing blood supply to the skin surface, oxygenating the skin and improving the overall luster and tone of the skin.

5. They use retinA or a retinol product regularly. (or every night)

Everyone over the age of 35 should be using a retinol or retinoid product. (RetinA is the stronger, prescription only product)

Starting in your 30's your skin begins to break down more collagen and to make less. Less collagen leas to more wrinkling, sagging and uneven skintone. RetinA helps to stimulate collgen synthesis at the same time slowing the activity of the enzymes that break down collagen.

The skin also appears smoother and firmer.

Your skin might feel irritated at first, so start by applying a very thin layer every 3rd or 4th night, and build your way up to every night.

6. They have regular facials.

There are many benefits to having regular facials. Starting with the fact that they are so relaxing! A little pampering can go a long way, plus there is so much benefit to the steaming, the deep cleansing, the massaging, the masks - all of it.

Your facialist is going to get to areas you miss with your daily skin care routines, and she is going to use professional grade products that are more high performance than those you use at home.

7. They make good use of their dermatologist.

From chemical peels to microdermabrasion, from microneedling to laser treatments - there are so many treatments available to take your skin to the next level of fabulous. Women with beautiful skin tend to avail themselves of many of them.

8. They make good use of injectables.
And not bad use of injectables.
When injectables are done well they look completely natural, and nothing like the fish lipped, over inflated, mask of horror, completely artificial look that you see everywhere (especially Scottsdale, where I live).
Injectables when done correctly can gently smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, add volume back into sagging facial features, and generally keep everything looking good.
The key is to go to someone really brilliant at injecting. Don't buy a deal on groupon, don't shop your a bargain - it quite literally will be written all over your face! Do your research and find the best people in your town or city and have a look at their work before you buy.

9. They don't overdo it.
Women with beautiful skin keep balance in their skin care, and all their ancillary treatments. They don't go overboard with injectables or laser treatments, or peels and microderm treatments. Everything in moderation.

10. They master flawless makeup application techniques.
Women with beautiful skin keep their skin well moisturized and then do their makeup flawlessly. (makeup grabs onto dry skin and looks cakey).
Beautiful skin covered in a thick layer of gunky makeup no longer looks like beautiful skin. It just looks awful. Choosing the right formulation and shade of foundation, applying it sparingly and evenly and understanding that the job of foundation is to make the skin look like flawless, beautiful skin are all key components.
Foundation needs to look luminous and sheer, not thick or opaque.

Learn about Dermasweep here
Learn about microneedling here
Learn about chemical peels here
Learn about Juvederm Tear Trough fills here
Learn about botox here and here
Learn about Radiesse Cheek and temple fills here

image credits:
Photographer Eric Cassee
Model Katie Bunn
Hair Will Zecco
Makeup Corinna Cooke

New Year New You ~ The Difference In 9 Most Popular Massages

So you've decided to treat yourself to a massage to get your year started, but when you look at the menu board there are so many different massages to choose from.
Which one best fits your needs?

Check out this list of the 9 most popular massages and what they are about, courtesy of Lifehacker.com

A good massage is truly a treat and offers many health benefits, but as you've noted, massage places tend to offer lots of options on their services menus. In fact, there are over 200 differentmassage techniques and types, all treating different needs and providing various benefits. Let's break it down. Here are nine of the most popular types of massages and when you might want to choose them.

Massages for Relaxation and Stress Relief

Some massages are more soothing than others, leaving you feeling like you've been wrapped in a cloud and the "reset" button pressed on your body.

Swedish Massage

This is the most common type of massage therapy, and what many people are thinking about when they hear the word "massage" or try to give someone else or themselves a good massage. Swedish massage uses a combination of these basic movements:

• Long, sweeping strokes (effleurage), usually used at the start and end of a massage
• Muscle kneading and rolling (petrissage), where the muscles are worked on just like kneading dough
• Friction, where deep pressure is applied to a particular spot with the thumb, fingertips, or knuckles
• Rhythmic tapping (tapotement), fast percussion movements like chopping and even pounding. (About.com notes, however, that percussion techniques have fallen out of favor for Swedish massages because they're not relaxing—the way that karate chops to your naked, oiled body could be distracting)

Best for: An intro to massage, stress relief, relaxation, releasing cramped or tense muscles, couples massage

Hot Stone Massage

During hot stone massage, your body is not only weighted down with hot, smooth stones, but the masseuse also uses the stones to massage your body. It's like being caressed by the smoothest (rollerball-like) hands, but also being scorched by them for a "Yeeooowwww!….Ahhhhh" effect. A hot stone massage is mostly relaxing, but it also is more invigorating than your run-of-the-mill massage, thanks to the almost-too-much heat bringing you back to focus on the moment instead of letting you drift off. The heat helps release the tension in your back and shoulders, mostly, so those muscles can be worked on more effectively. 

Best for: "Centering" yourself, releasing very tense muscles, relaxation

Chair Massage

You've probably seen these strange contraptions at conventions, the mall, nail parlors, and maybe even your office. Chair massages have you sitting face forward in a chair so the therapist can massage mostly your neck, shoulders, and back. The good thing is you don't have to take off your clothes or have oils slathered all over you. The bad thing is you don't get a thorough whole-body massage as you do with other methods, and, since this is often done in public places, it can be very distracting and not as relaxing. Depending on the massage therapist, however, a chair massage can really get the tension out of your upper body.

You might see other kinds of chair massages, like massage chairs in malls you put a few dollars in to sit in, but if you're going to spend money on that, you might as well buy a good massage pillow for home.

HoMedics SP-20H Ultra Plus Shiatsu Massage Pillow

Amazon.com: $53.99

Buy now  20 readers bought this

Best for: Quick massages when you've been walking all day, stress relief

Massages for Treating Pain and Specific Conditions

Traditional massages are great when you just need a little stress relief and relaxation. When you have knotted muscles, however, or have more specific ailments, more attentive techniques are required.

Deep Tissue Massage

As the name suggests, deep tissue massage applies deep pressure onto specific trouble points. It feels very much like someone is torturing you on purpose by pushing into your knotted muscle, and the massage can leave you feeling sore. It's not just more pressure all over your body, however (which would be true torture), it's very specific, methodical treatment. As Moyer Wellness explains:

Deep Tissue is a very specific massage treatment in which the therapist uses knuckles and elbow's to "strip out" muscle tissue as far down to the bone as possible. Sound invasive? It is! It is definitely not for everyone. However there are millions of people out there that would never have their treatment any other way. This modality can be helpful to the following people: athletes who are considerably harder on their bodies than the average person, people who are undergoing physical therapy to aid in the breakdown process of scar tissue, (AFTER PROPER HEALING FROM THE INJURY HAS OCCURED), or anyone who has very dense tissue and thus responds better to the work.

...It is very important to ALWAYS speak up and let your therapist know if you need the pressure to be corrected, (i.e. if you need them to lighten up because it is too deep, or to apply more because it is not deep enough). Most everyone needs more pressure in some areas and less in others. This occurs because muscle tissue that contains Trigger Points is more sensitive to pressure and can be tender to the touch.

This is not the kind of massage to ask for if you expect to feel relaxed during the therapy, and afterwards you might feel sore for a couple of days.

Best for: Treating stiff, painful trouble spots like the shoulder and neck

Trigger Point Massage

Like Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Massage focuses on specific areas of the body, rather than massaging the whole body. In this technique, the therapist pinpoints exactly the "problem" muscle and coaxes it with deep pressure to relax. Deep tissue and trigger point massages are very similar. The difference is that deep tissue massage uses various traditional massage techniques to work the tissue, whereas trigger point massage is literally looking to manipulate or press on that one point that relieves tension in an entire area (perhaps not even nearby). For both, consider this contraption, which is an invaluable tool for torturing soothing sore muscles all over your body. This is a great guide on doing trigger point therapy for yourself.

Best for: Chronic muscle pain and tension

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is a subset of trigger point massage. A highly trained therapist applies pressure to the areas where you have muscle spasms—muscles that are painful to the touch. WebMD explains: Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This medically oriented form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscles points), circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.

Neuromuscular therapy will feel painful at first, but it should relax the muscle and help it get more oxygen and blood flow. 

Best for: Treating injuries and issues like poor circulation or posture problems, lower back pain

Massages for Overall Health and Rejuvenation

While the massages above should all leave you feeling better, some specific types of massages may be better for an overall energy boost.

Shiatsu Massage

A scientific explanation is that shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.

Unlike other types of massage, you stay clothed during the treatment.

Best for: Ailments such as headaches, back pain, and lack of energy

Thai Massage

Thai massage works your entire body. It's one of the most invigorating types of massages, as the therapist rigorously manipulates your body, moving it into yoga-like stretches. (It's sometimes referred to as "Yoga for the lazy".) The therapist uses every part of his or her body—hands, knees, legs, and feet—to not only stretch you but also apply pressure on your muscles and loosen your joints. You might even get walked on! This type of massage is both energizing and, at times, relaxing.

Best for: Improving energy, increased flexibility, overall health and well-being

Sports Massage

Finally, sports massage is designed specifically for the very physically active (whether you're a professional athlete or not). It combines Swedish, Shiatsu, and other techniques to concentrate on the areas that are related to your sport. Athletes often get sports massages to prepare for peak performance, prevent injury, and also treat injury. Sports Injury Clinic, which offersseveral demonstration videos, says:

The benefits and effects of sports massage include physical effects such as circulating blood and lymphatic fluids as well as stretching muscle tissue and breaking down scar tissue.

There are physiological effects such as reducing pain and relaxing muscles as well as psychological affects which include reducing anxiety levels.

Best for: Athletes

The massage types above are some of the most popular massages you can get, but there are many others. Regardless of the type of massage you opt for, be sure to tell your therapist which areas you especially need work on, whether you have any health issues, and, during the massage, how the pressure feels. When you find a therapist you like, you might want to book a standing appointment with him or her for pain and stress relief all year long.

For more information and links, go to Lifehacker

New Year New You ~ Set Your Goals

I am completely goal driven.

New Year to me is get your shit together time. 

Its figure this deal out time.

 Its put plans into action time.

Benjamin Franklin said "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail"

I believe that the things you want in life are just dreams, until you write them down.

Then they become goals.

When they become goals the law of attraction kicks in and things start to happen.

I start each year by writing out my goals in a leather bound journel, and then take time throughout the year to re-read them, give myself progress updates, and add to them. I also check over last year's goals and see how well I did.

If you're not sure where to begin, or if goal setting is new to you and feels foreign, here are some ideas to get you started.

1. What do you want to see, discover or explore? I am a travel junkie, so my travel goals always seem to be at the top of my goal list.
 

Lovers in Venice

 I saw these lovers, all dressed up for each other, kissing in the rain in Venice. And I thought to myself, Venice in the rain with your lover is a pretty good goal. 

2. How do you want your daily life to look? Maybe you want more free time, maybe you want more quality time with people you love.

The more specific you are, the better.

3. What are your financial goals? Winning the lottery or being a millionaire don't really count, it's more about getting specific about how much you want to save/invest/earn etc.

4. What skills do you want to master, improve or learn? This could be hobbies or it could be personal disciplines. It might be something that you are already good at but that you want to improve upon.

improve your swing?

5. What are your career goals?

6. What personal quality do you want to strengthen? Lord knows I need more patience...

7. What are your health and fitness goals? This year I want to go to yoga class 5 days per week. I have exactly zero desire to run marathons, climb mountains or do crossfit. But yoga I love, and I get more out of it if I go to class.

Crow.
Namaste

8. What material things do you want this year? Maybe its a new car, maybe its a house, maybe its a pair of Louboutins. (great goal!!) Whatever it is or they are, identify and then write it/them down.

Red quilted Chanel Handbag

 I'm not sure if its a goal or a vision board item, 

but I seriously want a red quilted Chanel handbag this year.

Nicole Ritchie wears my Chanel dream bag well!

It's your goal list so be as greedy as you want.

Remember:

If your goals don't terrify you then they're not big enough.