Face First Boutique Blog

Have you turned up the heat in your home yet?  Does your skin feel a little itchy?  It’s the season for dry skin so load up on the moisturizers.  Cover your skin from head to toe to keep hydrated.  There are plenty to choose from out there and it can get a bit overwhelming.  Curel Ultra Healing® lotion is one of my favorite body lotions–great for the body, but don’t use it on your face.

The heat in our homes and the cold weather do a number on our skin.  So, just as we add layers to keep us warm, we need to add layers to protect our skin.  Lightweight moisturizers are perfect for summertime, but for the winter months your moisturizer should have a richer consistency.

Just a bit of information when looking at labels…

Vitamin                        Benefit to skin                                     Also known as

Vitamin E                     Reducing fine lines and wrinkles        Tocopheryl

                                    Preventing and treating sunburn

                                    Antioxidant

Vitamin A                     Can improve acne or psoriasis          Retinyl

Reducing fine lines and wrinkles        Trenitoin (active ingredient

Helps fade age spots                          in Retin A

Azulene                       Anti-inflammatory and detoxifies         L-ascorbate

Derived from Chamomile

Extremely calming and soothing to the skin

Blue in color

Vitamin C                    Boosts collagen production                Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles         Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant

Our moisturizers contain the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for proper skin care. 

Azure Cream is a moisturizer for all skin types.  It has a rich consistency without feeling heavy. 

Moisturizing Fruit Balm contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and helps to control bacteria.  Beneficial to oily skin.

Multi-Vitamin Revitalizing Cream is a wonderful anti-aging cream containing the all important Vitamins A, C, & E among other essential ingredients. 

Learn more about these products in our Skin Care Products section.

Don’t forget the lips!  While lip gloss certainly has its place, nothing works better than balm to chase away dry, chapped lips.  Try Prescriptives Lip Specialist®.  Another option is Neutrogena Lip Nutrition Lip Balm® which comes in a variety of flavors.  Or simply apply Vaseline® before going to bed.

Be honest, who among us put on our mom’s party dress  and high heels and paraded around the house pretending to be the next Miss America?  I know I’m not the only one!

When it comes to beauty pageants don’t let stereotypes fool you.  I had the privilege of working with contestants for the Miss Connecticut USA and Miss Teen Connecticut USA Pageant at the Stamford Hilton last weekend and met some of the most poised, intelligent, and gracious young ladies. 

I expected at least one “Pageantzilla” to come marching into the dressing room.  You know the one that horrifies even the worst “Bridezilla” who thinks she has every reason to be rude.  But, I am happy to say, I did not come across one impolite delegate in the group! It was pretty refreshing, actually, to see how respectful they were, not only to me and staff members, but also to each other. 

The evening gowns were beautiful and the cocktail dresses tasteful.  But when it came time for the “swim suit stroll,” I felt for them.  No one likes to walk among family and strangers in a bikini and heels.  These girls, however, managed it with grace. 

I know you’re waiting for some juicy gossip or a “cat fight” story, but sorry, none to tell.  The lucky winners were Monica Pietrzak, a 25-year old personal trainer from Manchester, as the new Miss Connecticut USA, and 17-year old Tiffany Teixeira of Bridgeport as the newly crowned Miss Teen Connecticut USA.  Congratulations girls!

Generally speaking, this was a positive life experience for all who participated.

Okay ladies, autumn is here.  I know it’s hard to let go of summer, but put away the pastels and floral prints and buy yourself a nice crisp white shirt.  You can even spice it up a bit with a little ruffle, which is totally in now. 

While you’re at it don’t forget to change your makeup color palette.  It is just as important to let go of the Just Coral and Sunkissed lipsticks and pick up a warm Spiceful or make your lips pop with a Cherry Bomb. 

You should be excited about this time of year.  Your kids are back to school and you can treat yourself to some new fall colors.  Check out our Makeup Wallets and Eye Quads where you’ll find all kinds of great choices. They’re portable for that Columbus Day getaway to Nantucket, or if you’re like most of us, the weekend at the ball field.

Speaking of nice crisp white shirts, I attended a fashion show fundraiser in Cohasset and was introduced to some very chic clothing boutiques.  All you local gals should check out Pink Tulip in Cohasset, Crossing Main in Hingham, and Ports & Company in Cohasset.  You’ll find all the latest trends and unbelievable accessories. You won’t be disappointed, I promise!

By the way, don’t forget to stop by my table at the Octoberfest this Saturday, October 4, at the

Marshfield Fairgrounds and enjoy a

free

5-Minute Makeover!

I was catching up with my college roommate the other day.  She called to ask if I made house calls (she just loves free facials!)?! We’ve known each other for more than twenty years, so she didn’t sugar coat her feedback on my web presence: “babe, I love the website, it’s cool and sassy like you….but girlll that blog is lame. Where are YOU? Where’s your personality”? And then she delivered the ultimate death bell to my blog…“it’s boring”. Ouch….ok I agreed to let her review the next installment before publishing.  I have to admit that when I’m writing I revert back to my business school training and it can sound rather stiff.  So, with the watchful editing of my own personal ‘genie’, I hope to create a meaningful way to share both my passion for all things beautiful and some personal stories that you may relate to. [Please email me with any topics that interest you, for use in future blogs!]

A good part of that two hour conversation (2 hours? no wonder we only catch up once a year) was spent reminiscing about the past. We laughed about all the time we spent experimenting with makeup, and how the ‘genie’ wishes she still lived with me. Why? Well because I always did her eye shadow ‘look’ before we went out. Back in those days, Purple Rain was not only a hit Prince song….it is also what I said her face looked like the next morning because she hadn’t removed the ‘look’! Oh…guess I can sling a few ‘home truths’ too!  [Thankfully, with the new mineral formulas—purple rain is a thing of the past; ask me about the beautiful lavender shadows to highlight your summer tan!] Some things don’t change with time. She still wants my help in putting together some of the latest looks ….and she was after me to come to Jersey and update her look. Here’s an inspirational tip: call your gal pals, (especially if you are too busy) get them together for a makeup party and catch up at the same time. It’s multi-tasking that’s good for the art and soul!

The right make up can make you feel great, but nothing beats the love of old friends to make you feel beautiful!

Last month I had the pleasure of working with a great group of women at a Mom’s Night In: Makeup Workshop.  The hostess made everyone feel very comfortable in her beautiful cottage-by-the-sea home.  Many questions were asked and answered.  Each guest learned something new from a  color they didn’t think they could wear to how to manipulate a liner brush.  The night concluded with a house full of happy ladies.  For me that’s a job well done!

One question I am frequently asked is, Is toner really necessary?  Let me give you some basic uses for toners.  These may help you decide whether toners are for you.

1. Toner helps restore the skins natural pH and oil balance.
2. Toner can calm and soothe the skin.
3. Toner helps remove impurities and cleanser left behind after washing.
4. Certain toners can be used as a hydrating mist throughout the day.
5. Toners recommended for oily skin contain ingredients to help reduce oil gland secretion and dry up blemishes.
6. Toners help tighten pores and smooth the appearance of the skin.

It’s important to keep in mind there are many varieties of toners.  Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

For anyone who is considering building a website, allow me to share my experience with you.  I have never done this sort of thing before and initially it was very overwhelming.  I have to say, American Computer Technologies in Marshfield made the entire process painless and exciting.  They answered every question I had, which were many, with patience and without delay.  Pam Snell and her team could not have been more helpful and professional.  Thank you American Computer Technologies!

Now, to some skin related topics… What we eat and drink, how we exercise, our sleeping patterns, and generally how we feel, all affect our skin.  Taking care of the inside of our bodies is the first step to taking care of the outside of our skin.

Food related tips:

·          When cooking, instead of frying your food, try broiling, grilling, or baking instead.

·          At the grocery store, know that fat-free is a serving which contains no or an insignificant amount of fat.  Low-fat is a serving which contains no more than 3 grams of fat, and no more than 1 gram of saturated fat.

·          When ordering out, look for broiled, baked, grilled, or roasted items or look for a healthy heart symbol.

·          Refrain from caffeine as much as possible.

·          Drink plenty of water.

Workouts that don’t make you feel like you’re exercising:

·          Walk at a brisk pace

·          Mow the lawn

·          Rake leaves, spread mulch

·          Dance

Tips on getting a good night’s sleep:

·          Drink a glass of water before going to bed (hydrating helps prevent nighttime leg cramps).

·          Read for at least 15 minutes before shutting off the light.

·          Concentrate on taking slow, deep breaths (this helps stop your mind from wandering).

Enjoy your day!

Welcome to Face First Boutique.  I hope you enjoy navigating thru my website where you’ll find high quality skin care and mineral makeup products.  You will also find tips on how to make the most of these products.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.