Trick or Treat...Have fun! Be Safe!

Need a costume in a hurry...Be a deer for Halloween

So, you were going to stay home and hand out treats or watch a scary movie, but suddenly you and your friends decide last minute to dress up and go out!  Fun! Spontaneous! Yikes!...you don't have a costume.  Well, for this quick costume trick, you just need a brown outfit (sexy or sedate is your choice), a piece of black ribbon or a black headband, a couple of branched twigs from the tree in the backyard and your make-up.

It's all about the make-up.  Go really heavy on the bronzer around your cheekbones and dab on white dots there and on your forehead.  Color the tip of your nose black and draw a line using your brown eyeliner that connects your eyebrows to your nose.  Go heavy on the eyeliner and mascara and a light pink on the lips!

Brunette to Blonde...are you sure?

Thinking of going from brunette to blonde...here are some tips to help you decide.  After all, brunette it beautiful...so you want to consider carefully before taking the step. 

 

1. Is blonde complementary to your eye color and skin tone?

The truest test is looking at childhood photos to see if you had any natural blonde in your hair when you were young—but if you didn't, that doesn't mean you can't try it now. Ultimately you're looking for a shade that will complement your coloring, keeping in mind that non-brassy, ashier blondes complement cool skin tones, while golden shades work better on warmer ones. It's also worth nothing that blonde can have an especially washed-out effect on yellow undertones.

2. Can you dedicate time and money to multiple appointments and at-home treatments?

Simply put: a transformation isn't going to happen overnight. Natural looking blonde hair may take several steps:  ​going from ​sombré ​to babylights to a whole head of highlights to the whole head.

Furthermore, ensuring your hair is healthy enough to keeping going lighter and lighter is another task in and of itself. ​"You need lots of moisturizing treatments in-between each service to help maintain healthy hair.  Hair masks are a non-negotiable part of the process.

3. Is your hair in healthy shape? Coloring damaged hair is about much more than just split ends or straw-like strands, it can affect the color itself and how it is absorbed in the hair. As a rule of thumb, you should always proceed with caution, but if your hair is in particularly bad shape (color, sun, or heat damage), perhaps wait until it's in better health to begin a blonde transformation.

4. Are you willing to cut down on hot tools? If we can't pry a 1-inch curling iron from your dead, cold hands, you're not the best candidate for a drastic color change. Because your hair is inherently suffering damage from going lighter, you're going to need to cut back on hot styling tools as they cause internal damage that weakens the protein cross-links. To use them wisely, keep them on lower temperature settings and always use a heat protectant to minimize damage/keep your color looking fresh.

5.  Are you prepared to also change some or all of your cosmetics?  The big change will also affect how your skin tone appears, the best color for your eyebrows, cheeks and lips.

Ally Answers....Make-up tricks to looking well rested (when you are not!)

I sometimes work a second job in the evenings to make ends meet, but it will leave me looking pretty haggard the next morning.  Do you have any tricks besides concealer?  Patti, Bush, MT

Ally:  I do have a couple of tricks you might try. 
1. Avoid piling on the foundation.  Instead use a tinted moisturizer to brighten the skin.  Then use a beige eye pencil - it will help counteract redness around your eyes.
2.  Use a warm pink lipstick.  It distracts people's eyes from other facial imperfections.
3.  Use a cream eye shadow and blush instead of a powder (which tends to accumulate in those small lack-of-sleep wrinkles. 

Hooray for Gail!

Gail, the Villages, FL, won the Men's Den Box of Beauty.  Gail says, "So excited".  We say "Congratulations" and the Box is on its way to you today....enjoy!

Double Waterfall Braid

The best thing about braids is they keep hair neat all day and they don't require stylist expertise...just some patience.  This tutorial on a double waterfall braid might take more than a little patience at the beginning, but imagine the compliments!  You could even get creative with hair chalk and make this a great holiday style.  If all else fails, exchange braiding with a friend!

Find beauty in all things! & Think PINK

Achieving the perfect foundation with GloMinerals

Glo Professional GloMinerals are classic mineral color cosmetics that contain antioxidants and other pharmaceutical grade ingredients with firming, toning, healing and moisturizing benefits.  This video shows you how to easily create a flawless foundation in 3 easy steps.

What your lipstick tip shape says about you!

Fresh, new lipstick is always fun.  The tube is neat and the stick of color is inviting.  As the tube wears down, the shape at the top is no longer how it first looked when it was brand new, but that shape now that the tube is half used can reveal facts about you...even if you doubt this...open your used tube and look at the tip.  Match it to the shape below and see what it reveals!

• Rounded Tip to a Point.  You find that your personality is polarizing: People either love you tremendously or actively dislike you. This doesn't bother you, though — you take pride in being opinionated and bold enough to share your thoughts in front of others. Despite your intense exterior, you are always the first one to offer support when a loved one is in need.
• Flat Top.  People often call you the wittiest person they know, and they're probably right — you've always been quick, intelligent, and funny; a combo that makes you a natural charmer. Still, you get frustrated during discussions and have a hard time not arguing with people who disagree with you, so that aspect of your personality can annoy your loved ones. You prefer documentaries to most genres of film, especially romantic comedies that you find unreasonable.
• Rounded Smooth Tip.  Your living room is your favorite part of the house — you love keeping it tidy and comfortable enough for a group of guests to come over. Taking care of your family is the most important thing in your life, but you also take pride in letting out your artsy side via hobbies like music, writing, or drawing. You have probably never received a speeding ticket.
• Slant Close to Original Shape.  As a kid, you felt uncomfortable breaking the rules. Even today, you get nervous about disappointing other people or hurting someone's feelings. On the bright side, this empathy has made you a lovable person that is always a valuable component of every team you're on, both in the workplace and socially.
• Flat Top Concave.  You don't mind getting your hands dirty when it comes down accomplishing tasks — after all, your biggest pet peeve is not finishing something you've started. Your curiosity knows no bounds and you're never afraid to ask questions or take risks, which got you into trouble as a child. As an adult, though, these qualities have led to you getting what you want out of your career, romantic endeavors, and social life.
• Sharp Angled Sides.  Smart and sexy, you are naturally good at flirting — a trait that makes you the envy of your friends. When on vacation, you prefer to do unique activities rather than just lay around by a pool all day. People occasionally think you're cocky or vain, but you just know who you are and are proud of your accomplishments. You're very, very good at karaoke.
• Sharp Curved Top.  As a child, you always found yourself getting crushes on those around you — a habit that continued into your adulthood. You have tons of love to give and enjoy helping. You're incredibly creative, which is wonderful, but you tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You love all animals, but you're definitely a dog person due to canines' fun energy and unconditional loyalty — traits you value in yourself, as well.
• Sharp Diagonal Tip.  Charismatic and ambitious, you have always been a natural leader. At parties — which you love to organize and attend — you are often the center of attention, making those around you laugh until their eyes leak. Your eagerness to be in charge and in control can annoy those around you on occasion, but you undeniably get things done, making you an integral part in the lives of your family, friends, and even coworkers.

 

 

The secrets to applying mascara!

Long, luscious lashes are a cosmetic necessity. Applying mascara effectively is essential to full, natural looking eyelashes.  Follow these five rules to get perfect eyelashes.

• Eyelash curlers are essential. Lash curlers are the key to giving lashes that “wow” factor. Be sure to choose one that creates a beautiful upward curl (ToolWorx has a great one!). With a delicate pumping motion, move from the lash base upward for maximum results. Always curl before applying mascara, not after. When bare, the eyelashes are suppler so the crimping of the lash isn't as damaging.
• Let lashes set between layers of mascara.  Practice a little patience between each coat. Giving a little bit of air time between each coat will allow the mascara to set and build upon each layer instead of gooping up as one big clump.
• Prevent “spider lashes” with a lash comb.  Avoid spidery clumps by combing lashes after applying mascara.  A metal-toothed lash comb is key; apply a coat, wait a few seconds, brush through eyelashes, and then apply the next coat. Mehaz Retractable Eyelash Comb is perfect if you don't have one.
• Don’t layer different mascaras.  Some formulas will not mix well and end up clumping However, some mixing and matching does work. If there’s a wand you prefer over another, clean it off and use with your favorite formula or as a lash comb.
• Condition and treat your lashes daily.  Just like your hair, your lashes need a little TLC. Lash conditioners work as a primer, creating a smooth surface for mascara. Growth treatments stimulate the eyelash growth cycle, making it longer, so lashes come in longer, darker and thicker. Full results take 2-3 months, while improvements show within 4 weeks. gloMinerals, Ardel and Babe all have great conditioners.

 

 

  

Trick or Treat for Stacy!

Congratulations Stacy, Palm Harbor, FL on winning our Trick or Treat Box of Beauty.  Stacy says "Thank you so much for this Fabulous Giveaway."  We say, "You are very welcome! Enjoy it all!"

Steps to a perfect weekly body exfoliation

As we age, our body's ability to slough off dead skin cells slows down.  Doing a full body exfoliation each week will leave your skin with a much more youthful glow and help eliminate those dry patches and ugly little skin bumps.  Below is step-by-step instructions to get the most benefit from your efforts. When you're done you're going to feel like you've been to the best spa in town!

1. Apply oil to skin.  Cover all skin lightly with an oil like Earthly Body Hemp Seed Glow Oil which is a spray so it's easy to cover hard to reach places or BodyDrench's Agran Oil Emulsifying Dry Body Oil.
2. Take a dry brush to skin from the feet up, brushing in short, light strokes.  Yes, that long-handled, soft bristled brush that comes with bath sets and hangs in your shower actually has a function.  Just don't hang it in the shower...use it dry.
3. Step in the shower and, using a body scrub, like any LaLicious sugar scrub or Dermalogica Body Therapy Exfoliating Scrub,   start at the feet again and massage the skin in a circular motion on up the body.
4. Rinse off using lukewarm water, then apply a salicylic acid body wash to skin (DermaE Very Clear Astringent is a good one), paying more attention to heels, elbows and knees. If you have a tendency towards back and butt acne, make sure to apply there as well.
5. Pat skin dry and apply your favorite moisturizer while skin is slightly damp.

Age of Beauty - Essential Looks for Autumn/Winter 2015/16

Schwarzkopf Professional created this video for stylists and we thought we'd share it with you.  It's sort of a fashion and hair fashion showcase for those with a mature style and totally fun!  Schwarzkopf brand lines include BC Bonacure, Blonde Me and OSIS+. 

Holiday party make-up

Every year about this time, we all start making lists, checking them twice and enjoy looking forward to upcoming events and remembering past moments.  If you're like most busy people today, you mean to get it all done early, but life just seems to happen and then you're rushing.  That's why I found this video for you.  Next time you're shopping for your favorite beauty products (at beautycarechoices.com, of course!), spend a little time exploring the cosmetics section for something new and exciting just for you...and create your "holiday party" make-up kit. 

LaLicious Now has Bubble Bath & Shower Oil

LaLicious...six delightful scents...Sugar Tiare Flower, Sugar Lemon Blossom, Sugar Kiss, Brown Sugar Vanilla and Sugar Coconut...has added Shower Oil & Bubble Bath product to match their extraordinary body creams, exfoliating body scrubs, lip butters and hand creams.  These are a personal favorite...sugar kiss lip butter sits on my nightstand. If you've never tried them you are in for a treat!




Plus, they've added "The Oil" to enrich your skin from head to toe.  This oil has powerful anti-aging and anti-oxidant benefits.  It's make with coconut and marula oils and other blend of effective plant extracts.  The fragrance is an intimate blend of peach nectar, coconut milk and creamy musks.

Congratulations Jennifer!

Yeah! for Jennifer, Rochester, NY.  She's the winner in the "Think Pink" Box of Beauty.  Jennifer says, "I am thrilled...".  We hope you enjoy it all!

Wella Professional has a new line of Fabulous Styling Products



No matter your style, the new EIMI line of products has you covered.  Define, smooth, mold & shape with gorgeous texture.  They all have a fresh fragrance that is never intrusive, but always delightful.  Add volume with Dry Me to blow dry in volume, Body Crafter to add fullness to any style, Perfect Setting to keep those curls strong and vibrant all day, Boost Bounce to give your curls added shine without frizz, Root Shoot mousse to lift or Sugar Lift to get a touchable scrunched texture with shine. 

 

 

Little Secrets for polishing your nails!

If you are out of your favorite Quick Dry product for drying your nail polish faster, dip your painted nails in a bowl of ice-cold water to help them dry faster!

Rub a small amount of olive oil around your nails before you polish or begin an art design.  It makes removing little "outside the line" mistakes much easier.

Hide a chip in your new manicure by putting a quick coat of a sparkle polish over it.  The glittery polish is supposed to look sort of uneven, so it hides the chip and adds a bit of jazz until you have the time to re-do.

When adding decals to your polished manicure, be sure to seal with a clear top coat.  It keeps the edges of the decal from peeling and gives a much more authentic painted-on look to the art!

Glitter polish can stick to your nails like crazy when your trying to remove it.  Use a small pad of felt, rather than a cotton ball...it works like a gentle scrub pad!

How to Contour for a Flawless Look

Most of us use a blush to finish our look, but if you really want a sophisticated and flattering make-up, contours and highlights will give you a look like your face was done by a professional make-up artist. Introducing their new Contour palette, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics also created this video with step by step demonstration of how you can create that model runaway look. 

Flat Irons - tips and tricks!

Pictured:  GHD Birds of Paradise
Collection 1" Flat Iron

There are different kinds of hair straighteners. Choose the one that is right for your style: Ceramic: If you don’t want to burn your hair use a ceramic straighter.  Titanium: If you want to style hair within minutes, choose the titanium one because it heats up fastest.  Tourmaline: When you want a shinier, straighter look, you should choose tourmaline straighter.

When using a flat iron, the #1 best advice is: Make sure your hair is completely dry.  If you hear a sizzle, it's not!  The heat from a flat iron can break down the bonds in the hair, so use the lowest temperature setting for the style you want.  Most hair types do well between 275-375 F.  Your hair's texture will determine where you fall on that scale.  Finer hair needs a lower heat setting.

Use a heat protectant product.  They add moisture to your hair and prevent the natural moisture from evaporating.  They also form a protective barrier over the hair cuticle to help prevent damage and help your hair keep its shine.  If you don't have one, try KMS Free Shape Hot Flex Spray or Kenra Platinum Hot Spray 20.

Get the look! Get curls, waves or straight hair all with your flat iron!

Get straight, shiny hair.  Use the flat iron by sectioning your hair into at least 4 layers.  Use clips to keep the layers separated.  Then straighten a layer of your hair at a time. 


Add longer lasting curl to straight hair by rolling a strand into a coil, wrap it in foil and press it with a flat iron.

Create a cool crimp by starting with straight hair. Grab a one-inch section of hair and position your flat iron at the root.  Twist your wrist back and forth as you glide the iron all the way to your ends. 

Use your flat iron to seal in your temporary hair chalk.  Your temporary color will last longer.

Get sexy, undone curls by starting with the flat iron near your scalp.  Wrap a one-inch section around the flat iron plates as you simultaneously turn the flat iron away from your head (kind of like curling the ribbon with scissors).  Continue pulling the iron down the section of hair until you reach the ends.

Get textured, 2 day hair, even on freshly washed hair.  First lightly mist hair with a salt spray, like Tigi Catwalk Sessions Spray or Surface Swirl Sea Salt Spray, then loosely braid a few one-inch sections of hair around your face.  Run the flat iron over the braids, let cool, then undo them.

Applying Hair Chalk to add a punch of pizazz to your style!

There are all sorts of reasons why you might just want to add a punch of color to your hair style, from Halloween scary to Holiday merry (or even to shock your granddaughter by showing her your cool side-lol)!  We've got Babe Hair Chalk in eight bright colors and a quick video to show you how easy it is to apply!  Go wild! Have fun! And if you try it, be sure to send us a pix of your success - e-mail: beautycarechoices@charter.net and we'll be sure to show everyone!

Six tricks to achieving shiny, voluminous hair!

Adding thickness and volume to even fine hair is easier than ever thanks to the science and technology of new and innovative styling products.  Below are six of the best that will transform your tresses!

1.  Use a hair plumping, strand volumizing shampoo.  Panthenol plumps up the hair fiber and gives you the look and feel of thicker hair.  Try L'Oreal Professional Serie Expert Volumetry Anti-Gravity Shampoo or Lanza Healing Volume thickening Shampoo.  While you are shampooing, treat scalp to a circulation-boosting massage.

2.  Use L'Oreal Texture Expert Densite Thickening Primer or other fiber building product after shampooing to build density and thicken each strand.

3.  Build body with a body boosting brush.  A large, at least 2" round brush is the secret to a full blowout.  You new must-have for volume.  If you don't have one, try the Ion Fusion by Spornette (available in 2", 2 1/2" and 3").  It's ion technology will help close the cuticle to make hair look shiny and sleek.

4. Today's super-light, feather-weight oils make it possible for even persons with the finest hair to have all the shine they want.  Moroccanoil Treatment - Light will add the shine and moisture without making hair look or feel limp.  Just remember to first put a drop (or two) into the palm of your hand and rub you hands together.  Gently work through your hair, starting at the ends.

5.  Use a Blow-Out extender when needed (like day 2)Amika Perk Up or Matrix total Results Miracle Extender are both great for this!
.  The new generation of dry shampoos has been formulated with high-tech oil absorbers so you still get tons of texture, but without the chalky residue. 

6. Get a better hairspray. If it seems no matter what you do and your best styling efforts, your fine hair falls flat in minutes, then your solution is Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Insta-Thick Hair Thickening Spray.  Its mix of polymers, dry shampoo and ultra light conditioners provides a bouncy blow-up that lasts for days!

How to apply false strip lashes! This video makes it easy!

Applying false eye lashes is easy once you watch this video.  Think big, long spikey lashes for Halloween or full thick lashes for a night on the town or the soon-to-be upon us holiday parties.  I-Envy lashes are available at Beauty Care Choices.

Alma styles with Suavacito! Fantastic!

Since we have started selling the Suavacito brand of pomades, it's been an amazing experience.  These products are so popular, even we were surprised.  Try it for your style or buy it for the man in your life....he'll love it!

Love Pravana!