Monday, August 10, 2009

Color Me Red

So I was watching the AMC channel the other day and saw a commercial for the newest upcoming season of Mad Men. Now, for those of you unfamiliar with this television series, it just so happens to be one of the best shows on basic cable. The story lines are phenomenal and what first attracted me to the show was the fashion. The whole show takes place in the early 1960's and as huge fan of all things vintage (Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn memorabilia, etc.) I just HAD to watch. Now one thing you will notice is the makeup and how flawless it looks. Red lips are definitely classic and are as much in style now as they were back then. Before you slather on the fire engine red lipstick, just be sure it's the right shade of red for your particular complexion. I have never been one to wear bright or flourescent anything so I always like to wear a hint of red on my glossy lips. My particular fave is Benetint by Benefit. Benetint works as both a blush and a lip tint and it's not overwhelming at all. It's quite subtle. The best thing about it is that is lasts quite a long time. It's only a tint so putting a clear gloss over your lips is a must but even then, the slight hint of red shines right through and will last an average 6-8 hour day (believe me, I know). If a bright shade of red is your cup of tea, then I would suggest Chanel Red No. 5 which is a bit pricey for lipsticks (approximately $25) but you certainly get what you pay for. A classic color with staying power. A darker naughtier color is found in NARS Fire Down Below. Great vampish look! There are so many great shades of red to choose from when it comes to lipsticks and I encourage you to shell out the extra money for a great shade and not go cheap with dollar store quality lips because if you do, it will definitely show. Before you know it, you will be a pin-up vixen! Stay beautiful!

Till next time....

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Thursday, July 16, 2009

See Spot Run...

Well, today I went for my regular microdermabrasion treatment at my dermatologist's office. So far I've been doing the microdermabrasion treatments regularly for the past 8 weeks and have seen considerable improvement in my complexion! I'm sure you have already heard about the benefits of this treatment but for those of you who are clueless as to what exactly this is, I'll give you a quick rundown. Tiny, rough granules gently buff away surface layers of the skin. The tratment is quick, painless, and best of all - inexpensive. Since I've been doing these treatments, I have become a huge advocate and I would highly encourage anyone to try even one session!

Beginning with my first treatment, I instantly saw results! Skin was smoother, superficial acne scars appeared lighter, and there was a glow like one I had never seen before. I fell in love. So now, 8 weeks later, my skin is flawless. Even my doctor complemented me on how dramatic results have been. 8 weeks earlier, I had a few acne scars and hyperpigmentation on my skin from past breakouts. My skin was a bit dull and I was always covering up with foundation and concealer. The treatments combined with SPF worked wonders on my skin and I highly encourage everyone to try it. I personally enjoy going to a professional but there are many home kits available. Sephora carries a great microdermabrasion kit called B. Kamins Chemist which has received great reviews. Even if you have perfectly flawless skin, this treatment is essential to slough off dry, dead skin. It will minimize breakouts and your skin will glow!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Man in the Mirror...

Well, another day goes by as we grieve the recent passing of the greatest, larger-than-life, and most inspirational musician of all time. Hate him or love him, we can all hum or sing our favorite Michael Jackson song and we have all (at some time or another) tried to moonwalk. I reminisced on his career along with the rest of the world as I laid on my couch and watched his music videos. I couldn't help but once again, speculate as to just how drastic his appearance had changed over the many years spanning his career. I remember the reports about his skin color changing condition called vitiligo as well as the rumors (unfounded or not) about skin bleaching. Regardless, one thing was clear and Jackson himself had admitted to having had more than one plastic surgery. The first of which was on his nose supposedly for his sinus problems. More surgery came after and his change was so gradual that before our eyes, he went from a cute little boy with dimples to an unrecognizable asexual human with pronounced features.

So many people undergo cosmetic surgery for many different reasons but if you find that you are willing to undergo this painstaking procedure to hide physical features that you yourself find unattractive, or to attract someone of the opposite sex, or even to hide from that person you see in the mirror, then you should look within and makeover the inside first. Easier said than done, I know. Of course you first have to admit that you even have issues on the inside to begin with. My advice to anyone considering having cosmetic surgery would be to first take a few weeks, or months even to think about reasons you want to have the surgery and understand that ANY type of surgery is VERY dangerous. Because cosmetic surgery is so prevalent in certain parts of the country, it is taken lightly but let us not forget the minority of people who die during surgery. The stakes are just too high which is why surgeons are instructed to counsel patients. I personally have not been under the knife and I would be lying if I said I have not looked in the mirror and saw some areas which could use some additional help but it is nothing that I can't change through a rigorous workout or a well-padded bra.

MJ was a beautiful person, no matter what he looked like on the outside and let me tell you, the inside is really what counts. If you are beautifully made up on the outside and your insides are ugly, then you have just wasted your time and money, my friend. Take a look at the "Man in the Mirror" and make a change!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Beauty Addicts

Welcome to my first blog! I have dedicated my inaugural beauty blog to all the beauty addicts who practically live at MAC, Sephora, Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, etc. and who constantly have deliveries of their coveted beauty products mailed to their residence, whether it be a tiny apartment or a massive cathedral-style mansion. We all have that one thing in common...we love to look flawless and we make no apologies for it! I'm a natural beauty but I need my exfoliating and moisturizing products and yes, I do go to the grocery store wearing makeup and even though it is not the high def mascara with eyeliner and concealer with foundation, I do wear a hint of powder and a bit of mascara to bring out my natural beauty. I just love it when I hear guys tell me how much they love girls who are natural beauties who don't wear makeup but then they swoon over the celebrities who would never be caught dead without makeup like Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie, etc. Shut up already! I get more attention with than without makeup. I enjoy looking good and I LOVE all my beauty products! That doesn't make me any less of a natural beauty! My name is Naughty Natalia and I am a beauty addict!!!! I think Amy Crackhouse said it best when she sang "Try to make me go to rehab, I say No No No".....Sephora, here I come!! Ciao bellas!


Till next time.....