Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Food For Though: Skin Care vs. Cosmetics

As many of you know, I am an Independent Consultant with Arbonne International, and I am building a business through that company. My business is still growing though, so currently, I do still work a full time job. For my full time job, I manage a beauty department for a national chain store. Every week, we get our sales reports in, and this tells us how each area of our department is doing. The main areas that I focus on are skin care and cosmetics. I'm not sure how other stores or beauty departments sales figures look, but one thing that I've noticed every week for the past few months now is that cosmetic sales always seem so much higher than skin care sales.

This got me wondering: What is more important to you ladies? The instant gratification of using cosmetics, or the long term benefits of using skin care items?? HMMM!!!!

Now, for clarification, cosmetic items would be considered your foundation, powder, concealers, etc. Skin care is considered to be cleansers, toners, moisturizers, eye creams and such. In the mass market (drugstores, department stores, etc.), companies are constantly coming out with new cosmetics that are formulated to clear breakouts, control oil, hydrate the skin, and fight the signs of aging...basically, watever your skin concern is, there will be a makeup that will cover it up! But what about good old fashioned SKIN CARE?? Do you ladies still find it important to cleanse, tone, and hydrate the skin with cleansers and moisturizers formulated for your skin type and concerns? Do you find it important to simply take care of your skin so that your face can ultimately become "makeup optional"?? Just a curious question that I've been wondering for a little while!!

Personally, I'm huge on skin care. I think its really important to actually care for the skin by cleansing it and keeping it hydrated. I also think its important to protect it by using SPF and other ingredients that will help it during the aging process (I WILL age gracefully gosh darn it!). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my cosmetics! On any given day, the least I wear is bronzer or blush, mascara, and a good lipgloss (Arbonne Lip Polish in Posh is my color of choice (; ), but I still find it more important to care for my skin so that I don't feel that its necessary for me to leave the house wearing makeup. Plus, I feel that since your skin IS in fact your body's largest organ, good skin is a sign of good health.

So fill me in ladies!! Whats more important to you, wearing cosmetics or having an actual skin care regimen? I'd love to know!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Icon: Kimora Lee Simmon

As I grow older, I am influenced more and more by entrepreneurs. Mainly because, even though I'm in the early stages, that is what I am. One entrepreneur that I absolutely love and have so much respect for is Kimora Lee Simmons, so it is only right that she be placed in my Icon category.


Kimora Lee Simmons grew up in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri (she's a mid-western girl too...I'm originally from Ohio ;P ) and was raised by a single mother. Growing up, Kimora was teased by other kids at school because she was so different. Being of Japanese and African American heritage, and nearly six feet tall by age 11, Kimora was most definately an oddity at school, and kids even called her "Chinky Giraffe" (how hurtful!). To boost her confidence, Kimora's mother enrolled her in modeling classes...while her appearance was odd to others, it was beautiful and something to be celebrated in the modeling world.
Her mother was right. By age 13, Kimora had been discovered by a scout for an agency, and was eventually shipped off to grace the runways of Paris, France. Soon after, Kimora was discovered by Karl Lagerfeld, Creative Director for the House of Chanel, and she served as his muse. Before even becoming an official "adult", Kimora had graced the covers and pages of top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar.

Kimora entered the world of fashion design when she produced custom made baby t-shirts that read "Baby Phat" for the female models to wear during 1999 Phat Farm Men's Collection runway show at New York Fashion Week. Soon, everybody wanted that t-shirt, and from there, and entire women's collection was launched, and Baby Phat was born. Kimora served as creative director of Phat Fashions, and was the driving force behind the brands, ad campaigns, marketing, and business strategies. In addition, Kimora also stars in the Style Network's "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane", and is author of the book "Fabulosity: What It Is and How to Get It." She also is heavily into philanthropy, and donates her time and support to numerous charitable organizations. Kimora Lee Simmons has achieved so much in her short life of only 35 years, and on top of everything that she does, she also is a mother of 3 children, and a wife.

Kimora truly inspires me. She knew what she wanted from a very early age, and worked hard (and continues to do so). It is so common for people to say how badly they want something, yet they are unwilling to sacrifice in order to acquire what they truly want, but Kimora is a perfect example of what vision, goals, and determination can bring about. I love the fact that she is a young business woman who is able to balance her normal life of motherhood and being a wife. I love the fact that she shows her two daughters and son exactly what a strong woman should be, and that any goal is attainable no matter what your circumstances are. What I love most though, is that even though her over the top personality makes her seem like some type of "diva", when you see Kimora in action, she is truly just a real person, and is truly someone to be admired.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Top 5 Beauty Must Haves

So, I was thinking about all of the beauty products that I use on a daily basis, and I realized that there are just certain products that are in constant rotation. These products are definitely my MUST HAVE ITEMS. I just cant live without them. With the change of the season, and all of this cold weather, my must have items have adapted to the weather. Here is a list of my Top 5 must have beauty items for the winter:

1. Arbonne BefoRE Sun Lip Saver
WHY?: First off, I'm addicted to lip balms. My lips have a tendancy to get very dry, so I am constantly using this product to keep them hydrated. A little bit goes a long way with this lip saver, and I love the fact that, unlike the majority of lip products, this one contains NO mineral oil, chemical dyes, fragrances, or animal byproduct. PLUS, it also has an SPF of 30, and if you know me, you know I am all for sun protection.

2. Coconut Oil
WHY?: It may sound strange that I use coconut oil in my hair, since generally, it is used for cooking, but this stuff is the TRUTH. My hair is very curly, very frizzy, and very dry. I use coconut oil as a light weight oil for my scalp and on the ends of my hair. As soon as I put it in my hair, I feel an instant difference. My hair is immediately more hydrated, softer, and more managable. When my hair feels super dry, I also use this for deep conditioning treatments. I'll use whatever deep treatment I'm using at the moment, and add a little bit of coconut oil to the mix for an extra dose of hydration. You will not believe the shine that my hair has after. I love this stuff!

3. Arbonne FC5 Skin Conditioning Oil
WHY?: As soon as the weather got cold, my eczema started acting up. I mean acting UP!! I've always had a small patch of eczema on my left hand, but this winter, I recently developed small patches on the back of my left arm, and around my elbows...it's so annoying and itchy, and not to mention unattractive. But when I use my Skin Conditioning Oil, the itch almost immediately goes away, and the irritated area seems to almost disappear. This oil does not leave you actually feeling "oily" either. And I just LOVE how it smells! FC5 products contain cells from strawberries, mango, kiwi, carrots, and pumpkin that stay freshly entact until they make contact with your skin...so the skin is getting all of the soothing and hydrating benefits of these ingredients at their finest. I also use this a cuticle oil around my nails to keep my cuticles hydrated. Even my little dog Macho loves FC5 - everytime I use this on my hand he tries to lick it off!

4. Water
WHY?: Okay, this sounds like a no brainer. I absolutely love drinking water. I'd rather drink water over anything else. I love nothing better than an ice cold glass of water. Sometimes, I can tell that my skin is just SCREAMING for water..not to be used topically, but internally. After 25 years of being in the skin that I'm in, I know my skin very well. When it tells me it needs exfoliation, I exfoliate. When it tells me it needs a deep pore cleansing, I use a mask. When it tells me that its tired, I give it a break by not wearing makeup and getting rest. And when it tells me its thirsty, I drink water. Simple as that.

5. Arbonne Clear Advantage Spot Treatment
WHY?: Oh, the joys of acneic skin. This post just made me realize that I'm a huge skin care mess...seriously! I have breakouts, oily skin, and eczema...I'm a hot little mess! But seriously, this product works wonders on those random pimples that pop up and just seem to stick around for days. I find that within a few hours of using this spot treatment, my pimple has already begin to disappear a little. If I use it again before going to bed, I almost dont have a pimple in the morning when I wake up. This product is a must have for keeping my skin clear enough so that I dont have to wear makeup (unless I want to). For the most part, I'm a minimalist. I love makeup, but I dont always like to wear makeup because I break out so much, plus I dont always have time to do my makeup the way I'd like. So with my spot treatment, I'm in the clear...literally lol! My breakouts get treated in a very effective and efficient manner with this little tube of treatment. Plus, unlike a lot of other spot treatments, it doesnt dry the skin out as it is treating the problem area. The Clear Advantage Spot Treatment is good stuff.


So what are some of your favorite items that you just cant live without this winter? Do you have a favorite hand cream, eyeshadow color, hair product? Fill me in!!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Make It Happen

When I was a kid, I was in love with Mariah Carey. She was so young and talented it was sick. Even still as an adult who has followed her career for the last 20 years, her voice still sends chills down my spine and I'm still amazed by her talent. Some of the words she sings truly touch me. Whether it be about love or life, Mariah's songs are amazing. One of my all time favorites is "Make It Happen". This song says so much to me. Mariah sang about her faith that she could make her dreams happen. She sang about how her road to success was NOT an easy one, and there were times when it was incredibly hard, but she still kept going towards her goal because she knew it was meant for her. This song is so inspiring to me, and I absolutely love her voice on this single. My love for this song, these words and her talent is so strong that I just had to share it with you guys...hopefully, you'll love it too, or maybe you can find inspiration through her words and experience like I did. Enjoy :)



Arbonne 5-in1 Essential Massage Oil

"Its been a long time, we shouldn't have left you without a new beat to step to..."


...well...I shouldn't have left you without a new post to read!! Sorry for the hiatus, I've just been pretty busy between work, building my Arbonne business, and life in general. This post was inspired due to a current life event. You see, I'm finding myself on a quest for health lately, and in that quest, I've began excercising like a mad woman. I've been taking zumba and body sculpting classes and they're kicking my butt (and also lifting and toning it too!!). My body has been so achy lately and my poor out of shape muscles are so SORE! So tonight, I had to do something to ease the pain!! I decided to try a nice, hot bath. I'm not usually one for baths...generally, I prefer a shower, but my muscles were begging for it.


While I let the tub fill up with hot water, I decided to "Arbonnize" my bath lol. I wanted to create an incredibly relaxing experience for myself because its very rare that I even get to relax like that, so I grabbed what was left in my bottle of Arbonne's 5-in-1 Essential Massage Oil from their Detox line.
I only had a little bit left in the bottle so I just poured it all in. As the tub filled, I could smell the Lavender, Bergamot, and Pepermint Oils filling the air in my bathroom. I was relaxed just by the smell! When I got in the tub, my body immediately felt calm. I literally just soaked and gave my muscles a much needed massage. I didn't feel extremely "slippery" or "oily" at all. In fact, my skin felt wonderful! My skin looked and felt extremely hydrated and conditioned. With the change of weather, my arms and a small area of my left hand have been a little irritated and itchy with eczema, but when I finished soaking, my skin felt so good that I completely forgot about the eczema. It was wonderful.
The essential oil blend that is used in this product contain stimulating marine derived ingredients to help remove toxins and deliver nourishing minerals. Deep skin conditioning is provided by linoleic acid derived from sunflower, safflower, jojoba, lavendar, and olive oil. Bisabolol from chamomile provides calming and anti-irritating effects. I use this product daily by mixing it in with my body cream, and I sometimes use it alone, but I really love the effects that I'm seeing from using it as a bath oil.
This 5-in-1 formula preps skin for further detox treatments and can be used for body and facial massage, as a bath additive, as a purifying facial steam and for relaxing aroma therapy. By using it as a bath additive, I basically covered all the uses in one shot!!
As I said before, I use this oil very regularly, but I'm glad I found another use for it! To purchase this product, visit www.melissawilson.myarbonne.com and click on the "shop online" tab!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

The Story of Cosmetics

Throughout my personal search for the best beauty products for myself, I've taken the time to educate myself on ingredients that are included in a lot of beauty products. I am able to read ingredient labels well enough to know if the products that I am interested in purchasing and trying on myself, and potentially recommending to friends and family, are not only effective with beneficial ingredients, but safe as well. A lot of ingredients that are used in cosmetics and other beauty products contain toxins that can be harmful to the body. They can increase the risk of cancer, cause reproduction problems in men and women, and even increase learning disablilities. Crazy, huh?? Whats even more crazy is that the FDA has no regulation of the ingredients that go into our products, and does not even assess how safe these ingredients are! Thats just insane!!

I found this video that really brings to light the dangers of using "just any" products on yourself and your loved ones. I consider myself to really be aware of what I'm using on my body, but this video really drove something home to me: the importance of using pure, safe, and beneficial products and informing the people that I love (and even who I dont know) about making better decisions about what they use as well. Its so important.

PLEASE watch this video. Maybe it will make you think the way it made me think about things. Maybe you will learn something you didnt know before. Maybe it will drive you to take action like I am. Message me with your thoughts, and if you are interested in learning how you can make a difference in your life and the life of others through choosing better products, please feel free to contact me.

Here's the link to the video: The Story of Cosmetics

Enjoy.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Sunday Giveaway! : Arbonne Virtual Illusion Lash Enhancer


WIN THIS TODAY!!


Arbonne Virtual Illusion Lash Enhancer 0.25 fl. oz
($34.00 value)


Do you ever wish your eye lashes were longer, fuller, and stronger?
Magnify your eyelashes with this science-based, nourishing formula that helps transform the appearance of volume, texture, density and radiant shine in lashes. Strengthening and conditioning ingredients revitalize lashes, helping to prevent breakage, and promote longer, thicker looking eyelashes.
Recommended for:
All skin types
Usage:
Using the applicator brush, apply along lash line as with an eyeliner. Use twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, after removing eye makeup. In the morning, allow five minutes for the product to dry before applying eye makeup.
*No purchase necessary. Win this product by entering your name, address, and telephone number to melissawilson@myarbonne.com . The 10th entry will be chosen as the winner. One entry per person.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Icon: Aaliyah



There are some people who have truly inspired fashion, beauty, and pop culture as a whole. When the word "icon" is spoken, people like Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Lopez, Farrah Fawcet, or even Rihanna may come to mind. But for me (and many other people), Aaliyah is an icon who should never be forgotten.


Aaliyah was only 22 at the time of her passing, but she had been on the scene since the age of 15. She began her career as a shy, beautiful tomboy wearing sunglasses, bandannas, hats, sneakers, Timberland boots, and baggy clothes.





As Aaliyah got older her style (both fashion and musical) matured with her. The sunglasses came off and the clothing became more "womanly", yet she still had her "tomboy" edge to her. As a Tommy Hilfiger model, Aaliyah beared her belly, wearing tiny tube tops and bandeaus, but also wore her pants baggy and low, showing the rim of her Tommy boxers.




















In the last years before her incredibly untimely death, Aaliyah's style truly came into its own. She embrased the woman that she was becoming showed it by wearing dresses, heels, and form-fitting clothes.




No matter what, Aaliyah was always tasteful, and alway classic. Truly a natural beauty, Aaliyah never wore tons of makeup caked on her face, or clothing that was inappropriate. She was always conscious that she had young women who looked up to her, and presented herself in a way that was fashionably respectable. As a person, Aaliyah was very down to earth and her entire style reflected that. I feel that although Aaliyah has her fans that will be forever loyal to her (myself included) and will always remember the influence that she had no only in the music world, but also in style, there are still people who seem to forget the impact that Aaliyah Dana Haughton actually had. She was classic. Aaliyah was on the edge when it came to fashion. She was, in her own words, "sassy yet classy. Never trashy." Truth.
As we approach the 9th year since Aaliyah's tragic death on August 25th, I felt that her spirit should stay relevant. If she were alive today, I can only imagine how music and fashion would be. They say the good die young, but to me, Aaliyah was great. That being said, I believe that Aaliyah was, is, and always will be a true ICON.

Carol's Daughter Hair Smoothie

This has been such a hot summer so far, and my hair is really feeling the effects of all this heat. I've also been swimming a lot (I'm a pisces...I LOVE the water!) and being in a chlorinated pool a few times a week is also taking its toll on my hair. I've been doing a pretty good job of keeping my already dry curlies hydrated by shampooing immediately with a shampoo that is specifically designed to remove all cholrine from the hair, then I'll ALWAYS use a good conditioner and leave it in for a few minutes longer than normal. My hair is always easy to detangle and never feels too dry.


With all the heat and chlorine that my hair is being exposed to however, I felt that it is necessary to get a little more intense with hydrating my hair. For my birthday back in March, my sister bought me a gift card to one of the only places that gives me serenity on this earth...you got it! SEPHORA! I've been holding onto this gift card for months now debating on what to buy. So yesterday, I rushed out of work and knew exactly what I wanted to use my gift card on. I purchased the Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie for $20. I've used other products from Carol's Daughter before, and honestly, I wasn't super impressed with them all. I felt like some of them were either too heavy for my hair, or just not heavy enough. I figured that if this treatment is heavy, that will be a good thing though. Plus it smells like a little slice of heaven in a 8oz jar.




According to the Carol's Daughter website, the Tui Hair Smoothie "is an intense, deep conditioner rich in essential oils and Shea and Cocoa butters that provide moisture and protection to dryness and brittleness. The creamy, nutrient-rich ingredients immediately detangle unruly hair and boost shine." Sounds just like what I have, and exactly what I need. This hair smoothie is also free of parabens, mineral oils, petrolatum, and artaficial fragrance.


I haven't tried it yet. I'll probably deep treat my hair after my swim today. Most likely, I'll use it with a plastic cap and my hooded dryer so that I get a really intense treatment. I'm excited to try and I'll post results when I'm done!


Has anyone ever used any Carol's Daughter products? Has anyone ever used one of their Hair Smoothies? What are your thoughts?

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Attitude of Gratitude


Today, I had a minor aggrivation meltdown on my FaceBook page. I was just aggrivated that I had spend about an hour typing something and then when I went to complete it, everything got ERASED!! Ohh man, was I ever aggrivated!! But, I was quickly calmed when a few of the people on my friends list began to comment on my status with kind, thouhtful words.

One person told me that she has been following my progress in my professional life. That comment truly opened my eyes to a few things. First, it made me realize that I actually AM making progress in my career. Everyday, no matter how small or large, I am taking steps out of my comfort zone and building the person who I am becoming, both personally AND professionally. This also made me realize that all of my hard work isn't for nothing. People may not be saying anything or leaving comments or subscribing to my blog, but they sure ARE taking notice to the work that I am putting out there. If this one person is following my progress, that can only mean that there are more people doing the same!! So, with that said, I just wanted to send my gratitude out to those of you who do take the time to read my blog or view my website. I appreciate those of you who may be telling friends and family members what it is that I'm doing in order to ultimately reach the road of "sweet success". I'm so appreciative of that. Also, I'm not super religious, but I do believe in God, so I also have to thank Him for giving me the ideas, creativity, and talent to share with you all and for you to enjoy. Because at the end of the day, I'm doing exactly what I love, and I'm just glad that I can share it with others who choose to enjoy and learn from it as well. So I just wanted to make sure that everyone out there knows that I'm thankful for your support and for following me, and for staying current with my progress.
Its always been said that if you have an attitude of gratitude, good things will come your way...

So thank you guys! You make me want to do MORE!!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Summer Skin

These past few weeks in Rhode Island have been crazy as far as weather goes. One day it is blazing hot, and the next day, it's pretty chilly. Recently though, we've been feeling more summer weather than anything. Even though I'm loving the warm, sunny days, my skin is hating all the humidity and heat! Normally, I'm a very oily skin type. Okay, I'm actually an oil slick! My skin gets very greasy and shiny throughout the day, and I'm also very prone to breakouts. Having oily skin has its up's and down's. On the up-side, us oily girls will age slower than normal or dry skin types. However, we still battle with shine, oil, pimples, and blackheads. I guess the long term benefits of oily skin do outweigh the short, but while I'm still young, I need to control all this oil on my face!!



Since my skin has been extra oily in this heat, I've decided that its time to change up my skin care routine a little bit. First, I'm making sure that I'm exfoliating my skin at least once each week (no more than twice because I don't want to cause irritation!). Second, I've been alternating my cleansers. I have one that is oil free and specifically made for oily/combination skin types, and I also have one that contains salicylic acid in it that will help to fight any break outs before they occur. I'm also using a daily moisturizer that contains salicylic acid as well. Since my daily moisturizer does not contain an SPF, I always make sure to use one after I hydrate my skin. Even though I have some pigment to my skin (I'm still pretty pale!!), I can't afford to be outside in the sun with no protection since I know what the consequences can be. I take that very seriously. And of course, I use a good eye cream which varies from day to night. My eye cream for daytime has an SPF in it, but my night eye cream gives me the serious anti-aging benefits (since our skin renews itself at night and takes in products better during that time, I do most of my anti-aging treatments at night time). Here's what I've been using:



1.) Arbonne Fresh Cell Scrub

2.) Arbonne FC5 Purifying Cleanser

3.) Arbonne Clear Advantage Cleanser

4.) Arbonne Clear Advantage Daily Moisturizer

5.) LaRoche Posay Anthelios SPF60 Fluid (no, its not Arbonne, but it IS GOOOOOD STUFF)

6.) LaRoche Posay Hydraphase Eyes UV SPF29 (once again, not Arbonne, but still good and it has an SPF)



...at night time, I use the same cleansers and moisturizer, but I also use the following in place of #5 and #6:



5.) Arbonne RE9 Advanced Night Repair Creme

6.) Arbonne RE9 Advanced Corrective Eye Creme



My routine hasn't seriously changed from what I do in the winter, but I've noticed that I have been aggressively fighting oil like its nobody's business!!!



What about you guys? Do you change your skin care routine based on the seasons of the year? How do you take care of your skin during extreme weather conditions?!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Product of the Week: Arbonne Lip Polish


Every girl wants the perfect lip gloss right? You know, one that gives the perfect amount of color, while still being neutral...and best of all, NOT sticky!

Well, I think I just may have found that lip gloss! Arbonne's Lip Polish is just that...just the right amount of color without being too bright or not bright enough. Lip Polish is perfectly pigmented, yet natural looking. Unlike other lip products that may have a "perfumey" or fruity taste, Arbonne Lip Polish has no taste at all. But the best part about them is that they are absoluely, positively, NOT sticky! That's right! This lip gloss with not get your hair stuck to your lips, or make you feel like you have a heavy coat of paint on your lips! They're great, they're amazing and they come in seven different colors for only $22. Not bad...not bad at all!!
Have you guys ever tried or heard of Arbonne? What are some of your favorite lipsticks and glosses?

Monday, May 31, 2010

My Curl Concoction

With warm weather and hot, humid days quickly arriving, I've decided that it is best embrace my naturally curly hair for the summer months. During the winter, I felt that straighteing my hair was an easier option becaus I wouldn't have to leave the house with wet hair on cold days. However, seeing as how we've already experienced quite a few high humidity days here in Rhode Island already, I'm thinking that the 2-3 hours that I spend round brush blow drying my hair and flat ironing it may not be worth the work. So curly it is!

In the three years since I stopped relaxing my hair, I've tried so many different creams, serums, gels, mousses, conditioners...the list goes on! You name it, I've probably tried it!! So after a recent visit to my tried and true stylist and former employer, I decided to try out her recommendation. She recommended that I try using Paul Mitchell's "The Cream" leave-in conditioner and some of the "Super Skinny Serum" as well. I'll admit, at first I was a little weary. I mean, my curlies are NOT like everyone elses. They are dry, brittle, and COMPLETELY frizzy!! I was skeptical...until I tried it!


I've always felt that in order to get the definition in my curls that I want, I needed to use gel. But, when I use gel, it makes my hair hard and it just doesn't feel..."right". So after I washed my hair, I took small sections of my hair and applied my little concoction. A dab of The Cream, and a squirt of Super Skinny. I've always loved Paul Mitchell products and when I used to relax my hair I'd actually use them to get a little curl as well. But yes, I washed my hair, then applied my mix section by section. Immediately, I began to see definition in my curlies. I was pleasantly surprised! I washed my hair at night, so instead of just letting my curls dry, I took each section that I applied product to and did two strand twists. That way, my hair wouldn't get frizzy as I slept. Once my hair was all twisted up, I tied it down with a silk scarf, and I ALWAYS sleep on satin pillow cases. Then off to bed I went!

In the morning, I was very surprised that my hair was 100% dry! Usually, when I go to bed with my hair wet, I wake up with it still wet! It must have been that Super Skinny Serum at work because it is supposed to cut drying time. I smoothed on a little more Super Skinny as I took each twist out, and I noticed how soft and shiny my hair was. I also noticed how defined each section was. I separated each section, and this is the final look that I got...




This look is very quick and easy to achieve, and usually lasts me about 3-5 days. At night, I simply put the twists back into my hair to keep it from getting too frizzy and its a wrap!!

So, what do you guys do with your hair in the hot humid months? Do you go curly, toss it in a ponytail or bun, straighten, or what?

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Let Me Make You Beautiful!!

Lately, I've been feeling as though part of me is missing. Let me explain...

For as long as I can remember, I've had a love affair with all things beauty. Even if I didn't have another person to work, I'd use myself as a real-life "mannequin". I can vividly recall long nights back in high school when I would stay up twisting and pinning my hair into intricate styles the night before school so that when I woke up, my 'do would be did and I'd have time in the morning to focus on my makeup. I was probably the only girl who would come to school in 11th grade with a face full of makeup...blue and green eyeshadow included! I've always had a passion for using my hands and imagination to create beauty. And I've always been passionate about sharing that beauty with others, and helping the to feel their most beautiful and relaxed.

Ever since I stopped working in salons, I've felt like part of myself is missing. I love the atmosphere of salons. You can normally find some good music going, ladies laughing and chatting, the smell of shampoo, and just the overall feeling of hospitality, and even friendship. I miss being a stylist in a salon. The problem is that with my current job, its a bit difficult to provide a regular schedule for my clients as to when I could be there. Also, there aren't very many salons here in Rhode Island that I'd like to be in...I'm very picky! Since the salon environment is full of women, I have to be picky because working with women can be a bit tricky! So, in lieu of missing the salon life, I've decided to bring the salon to you!

I am currently offering "At Your Service Beauty Services"! I offer mini-manicures, mini-facials, pedicures, makeovers, and hair services...all at your convenience, right in your own home! My prices are very reasonable, and you will get nothing but the best products (and YES, ARBONNE is included!!) If you have a group of friends who would like to just spend the night in and get mani's, pedi's, and facials, let me know and I'll grab a bottle of wine and make you all beautiful!! There is nothing better in my book than relaxing with some of your closest friends and getting pampered! I am available for all events as well. If you or anyone you know is interested in any of my services, just let me know!! Contact me:

melissawilson@myarbonne.com
mwilson3183@gmail.com
401.678.0179

Eventually, I'll end up back in a salon, but until then, I've gotta keep my skills up and creative juices flowing, and I cant think of a better way!! Let me know if I can make you beautiful!!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Just A Random Beauty Though...

I'm constantly exposed to a large variety of beauty products. My full time job as a Beauty Advisor at a national retail store exposes me to a lot of economy brand proucts. By economy brand, I mean brands such as L'Oreal, Neutrogena, Revlon, etc. I also work with premium French brands such as La Roche Posay, Vichy, and Lierac. Other brands in the premium category include Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Lancome. In my personal venture as an Independent Consultant with Arbonne International, I am exposed to products in the ultra premium product category.

While at work today, I began thinkin to myself...

In the past, I've used economy products. Personally, I would find that these products would work for a little while, but the results that I would see were not consistent. I'm very oily and prone to acne, and when using economy brands, my skin would be great one minute and then break out again. My mom is always shopping for something, and she would order Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel, as well as other Philosophy products. This is when I began to notice the difference in my skin when using premium skin care products versus economy brands. The texture of my skin began to change. Instead of excessive oil and pimples, my skin began to look clear and smooth. At one point, I had landed a Consultant position at the Clinique Counter in Manhattan. When I began to use their 3-Step skin care system and cosmetics from this brand, I began to notice a huge difference in how my skin looked. The oil in my skin was controlled, but I wasn't using a bunch of products with salicylic acid that were creating reverse effects on my skin (too much salicylic acid will absorb the oil in your skin, and eventually trick your sebaceous glands into producing MORE oil...leading to MORE breakouts. The result is NOT cute). I also noticed that when I used better quality cosmetics on my face, the results were much nicer as well. The makeup wore better. The eye shadows had stronger pigment and did not look chalky or wear off during the day, as some economy brands do.

For the past few months, I've been using ultra premium Swiss skin care products from Arbonne. And let me tell you, I've noticed a major difference in my skin. Now, I'm not being biased because I'm and Independent Consultant. I'm being honest because I've worked closely with a number of different brands, and I've also used a million different products. I have not had a problem with lots of oil or major breakouts since I've started using these higher quality products. When I wear makeup, I find that it looks and feels incredibly natural on my skin. In fact, the ingredients in the cosmetics actually benefit my skin rather than clog my pores and increase breakouts. I think I'm just finding that products that are better quality, and made with better ingredients are just better for me.

So, my though at work today was what do most women prefer? Do most women look for a great price on their skin care and cosmetics? Or, are consumers more partial to the quality of their beauty products?

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Did You Know...??


Did you know that 90% of visible aging is caused by external factors? The main cause of skin aging is not time or family genes, but it is actually from the sun's UV rays.

So what does this mean to you??

Well, this means that you are able to PREVENT 90% of the aging that will happen to your skin simply by using sunscreen!

Do you use sunscreen on a daily basis?

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Arbonne Eye Liners


Its been a while since I've written anything...I kind of consider myself like singer Sade. She only records and releases songs when she has something to say. I guess that's how I am with my writing...I can't post if I don't have something to say! So, after two months, I've finally got something to rave about!

I'm definitely a skin care and makeup junkie. I've been playing with makeup since I was about 5 years old. I remember it like yesterday...my first makeup set was Tinkerbelle. The face powder was 12 shades too light, the lipstick was HOT pink, and everything felt like chalk and wax! But, I loved it and wore it every day. My experimentation with cosmetics and skin care started years before I knew I'd ever be trying to build a career in this industry, and I'm always looking for THAT product that just WORKS.

With that said, let me tell you about Arbonne Eye Liner. Back in March, 2010, Arbonne reformulated their cosmetics line, so you know I had to get my hands on some of the new products. I purchased Arbonne's new eyeliner in Cocoa and Plum, and I'm in love with them.

First, the colors are beautiful. They come out with deep, rich, natural looking pigments. The colors are very distinct, and true to tone, but they aren't "wild" colors. They add just enough POP without looking too "made up".

The eye liners are retractable (which is always a plus for me because I do NOT want to be carrying around a bulky sharpener. I carry more than enough unneccesary items with me!) But the great thing is that the eye liner actually does come with a sharpener built into the bottom for those indivduals who are looking for an even finer application. Creative, huh? I thought so too.

Applying Arbonne Eye Liner is quick, easy, and incredibly smooth. These liners are almost effortless. The eye area is the most delicate part of the face, and there is no pulling or tugging on your eyelid as you try to line your eyes with Arbonne Eye Liners. There is no more lighting the tip of your liner with a cigarette lighter to make application smoother, either. They glide right on. The creamy texture allows for a smooth, flawless application!

Lastly, once the eye liner is on, it stays on! Since I've started using these liners, I've never had to check to make sure that my eye liner hasn't fallen on to my cheeks! Raccoon eyes are no loner a part of life! These liners STAY PUT!!

..And if all that isn't good enough for you, Arbonne Eye Liners are formulated mineral oil free, vegan friendly, use natural botanicals, and include Vitamins C and E which help to brighten and keep the eye area hydrated. So, not only do they work, but they work WELL, and are good for your eyes!! Can't get any better than that!

These liners are fabulous! They are available in six colors including Charcoal, Ebony, Cocoa, Olive, Toffee, and Plum. Arbonne products are sold only through Independent Consultants, so if you are interested in trying Arbonne's Eye Liners, or any of their other products, let me konw!

So, what are some of your favorite liners, and what do you like about them?

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Beauty and Network Marketing Go Together Like Birds of a Feather!

My main profession is within the beauty industry. At the age of 18, I decided to enroll in cosmetology school. By 19, I was a licensed professional, and the very day that I graduated from school, I started working as a stylist in a salon. For the past 5 1/2 years, I've diligently worked my way around the beauty industry. From working hands on as a stylist, to exploring other avenues as a make-up artist, and eventually developing a love for skin care, I am truly on my way to becoming an expert in the field. So what made me decide to get into the field of Network Marketing? The two just don't seem to to fit. Or do they?

I was first introduced to Network Marketing by a random friend request on FaceBook. I befriended a woman who is an Independent Consultant for Arbonne (the company in which I am now and Independent Consultant for). As I was checking her page out, I became incredibly interested. Being that Arbonne is a skin care company, my interest was sparked immediately. What also drew my attention was the "marketing" part. You see, I recently completed a Certificate in Marketing this past December. As I delved into this unheard of concept a little bit deeper, I discovered the earning possibilities that the network marketing industry provides. I was completely blown away. Right away, I felt like this was the opportunity that I had been praying and waiting faithfully for.

The network marketing industry tumbled into my life at just the right time. Exactly one week prior to "discovering Arbonne" and network marketing, I had gone through a very personal situation that I would never have had to go through if I were better off financially. Once I learned what exactly this opportunity that fell into my lap was all about, I made a promise to myself that this would be my solution for the future. Network marketing was my answer. It IS my answer. This industry has great earning potential, and as a young woman who is just beginning her life, there is no other option in my eyes. What other industry offers anyone, no matter your education or experience level, such immense financial stability? What other industry allows you to become a President of your own company and teach others how to do the same? What other industry allows you to leverage your time and TRULY focus on the important things in life like spending time with loved ones and just enjoying your LIFE without being on your employer's time? The answer to that is none. No other industry offers the simple things in life as just a normal benefit of working.

I am so thankful that I found this opportunity. I feel that without my awareness of the network marketing industry, my future would not be my own. It would belong to whoever I work for. My time would be worth whatever someone else feels I deserve. Network Marketing and the MLM industry allows one not only to take control of their life, but also to LIVE their life. And for that opportunity, I am greatful.

Are you someone who is content with existing in a job where the hourly pay is minimal, your time is not your own, and growth potential is limited? Or, are you someone who is interested in living and experienceing your life, structuring your time as you please, and promoting to top levels within the company you work for? I'm always big on helping others learn, grow, and advance, so if you're someone who is truly interested in living the life you dream of and deserve, check out this link for some free information on network marketing:
Free Network Marketing Advice

...If you have a great leader, or if you ARE a great leader, there is no way that you can be unsuccessful!

Monday, February 1, 2010

How Are Your Actions Reflecting Your Desires?

I've been reflecting on my life and the things I want lately.

I think this serious reflection may have come about because on my next birthday, I will be turning 25, and I feel as though I should be in a "different" place than where I am right now. Now, I must admit that when I was younger, I was completely unfocused, and didn't set goals to save my life. And also, we're currently in this crazy recession, so it's truly difficult to get ahead right now. However, I still feel that for myself, I should be further along in life...more stable and more independent.

So this brings me to ask the question: How are my actions reflecting my desires??

I really had to sit down and think about this one. After posing my initial question, I had to ask my self, "Self, what ARE your desires anyway?" The answer to that is very simple for me to answer. I want to be able to pay off my debt, move into a place of my own, purchase a new vehicle, help my parents out (because they always help me...its time to return the favor), invest my money for the future, enjoy my career, travel, and spend more time with the important people in my life. Those are my desires. I've always used the phrase "Don't talk about it, be about it", and I truly feel that right now, that's exactly what I need to do.
So, what am I doing to work towards fulfilling my desires? First off, since I've always been passionate about the beauty industry, I'm currently holding three (yes, THREE) jobs in that industry. I work as a Beauty Advisor, who specializes in skin care. I also work as a Stylist in a salon. Lastly, I'm Owner of my own home based network marketing business with a skin care base. Each of these positions push me a little closer to fulfilling my desires because they give me knowledge, experience, and the opportunity to network. My ultimate goal is to grow my home based business, invest in opening a few Salon/Spas (and developing a training system for my staff...possibly even opening a cosmetology school), and retiring at some point in my 30's. Some might say I'm crazy, considering this recession and all. However, I beg to differ...the steps that I'm taking now just might lead me right where I think I will end up. In fact, I'm quite confident.

So I ask you, my friends, how are your actions reflecting your desires? Are you actively taking steps to reach your goals?

Just think about this...if you continue to do exactly what you're doing right now, where will YOU end up in five years?

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Skin Care.....So What?!?!?

So, I work as a Beauty Advisor for a national retail store. It is part of my job to talk to people about skin care, products, and building a regimen. I want to educate my consumer. Its not that I push products on people, but its very common that they come to me looking for a solution to their skin concerns. This is where a consultation comes in. During a consultation, I try to get to the root of their problem by asking questions, like if they have any pre-existing skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, etc., if they are sensitive at all to any specific ingredients or fragrance, and I discuss their skin type (dry, normal, combo, or oily). I also like to find out what it is that the client or customer is currently using, and why they are looking for something else...and to my chagrin, what I find is that people aren't really using much of anything!!! Let me elaborate:

It is unbelieveabley common for people to tell me that their skin routine consists of them just "splashing water" on their face to cleanse it, or even using a simple bar of soap. Water alone does not remove dirt (do you just use water to wash your body in the shower?), and bar soap normally isnt pH correct to your skin (skin has a normal pH of 4.5-6, whereas a bar soap has a pH of around 9-10...can we say DRY SKIN?!)

A normal skin care routine usually consists of a quick and easy three step process: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize. At times, depending on your skin condition or concern, a fourth step of "Treating" the skin may be added. These steps, when used for your specific skin type and concerns, have been clinically proven to improve the quality and health of your skin. However, I speak to so many people on a daily and weekly basis, and its so suprising to find out how many people are NOT following these three steps.

There are all sorts of excuses as to why people do not properly take care of their skin: "I dont have time", "I cant afford it", "I'm not really into beauty". Let me give you the one reason why you SHOULD find a little extra time, money, and interest for taking better care of your skin.

Your skin is the largest living, breathing organ of your entire body. Your skin acts as a barrier to all of your internal organs, and protects them against external environmental aggressors. Your skin probably does the toughest job of all your other organs...without your skin, your organs will be exposed, and you will not survive...you don't see people walking around without skin, do you? People spend so much time and money on methods to keep their insides healthy (sure, you SHOULD be taking care of your body from the inside out), however, no one seems to think about taking care of themselves from the outside in.

By making a daily habit of Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing your skin twice each day, your skin and body will thank you. Some would ask: "Twice each day??!! Isn't once each day enough?" The answer to that is an honest "NO". The cleansing process in the morning prepares your skin for the day. If done correctly, it will remove any impurities that have found your skin overnight, prepare your skin to recieve moisture and makeup if you wear it, and it will also protect you from external aggressors such as pollution, and the sun's harmful rays which cause Cancer. When done at night, the cleansing process will remove all the dirt and debris that have found your skin throughout the day, prepare your skin for treatment (anti-aging, acne, etc.), and ultimately correct and improve your skin concerns.

So, the moral of this story is take care of your skin!! If you already are, then GREAT JOB!! But if you are someone who just "doesn't have time, money, or interest", my professional recommendation is that you find it. Those three steps could actually improve your life, and in some cases, save it.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Welcome!

Hello there, and welcome to my blog!! Let me introduce myself...

My name is Melissa Wilson. I'm 24 years old, and I am located in Rhode Island (for now!!). I'm a licensed cosmetologist and skin care specialist. I have been studying the beauty industry for almost six years now, and this is something that I am very passionate about. As a cosmetologist, my focus is on hair, skin, and nails, however, my main interest lies with hair and skin. This is because the two go hand in hand: people notice you from the neck up (in most cases lol) when they first meet you, and if you are confident that you look your best, then you will be confident in any situation. I am also very passionate about the health of your skin and hair. Your skin is your body's largest living organ, and your hair is an appendage of the skin...so take care of it!!!

So, let me tell you a little bit about my experience. I worked as an assistant in a salon while in cosmetology school. This means that I shampooed clients for stylists, swept up hair after their cuts, and basically did all the work that nobody else wanted to do. Once I became licensed, I became a stylist. I've worked with many different product lines, and have attended many different trainings for hair styling services. I have worked under and next to numerous stylists, whom I have learned a great deal from. I've also met a lot of great people. My interest in skin care and cosmetics came about while I was living in New Jersey. I began working at Macy's Herald Square in Manhattan as a Clinique Consultant. The knowledge that I gained from working as a Clinique Consultant, combined with my Cosmetology training, gave me the fundamentals I needed in order to speak confidently to others regarding their beauty concerns.

I have been trained in numerous hair care and skin care lines, and I take special interest in learning about what makes each line different and effective. I make it a point to further my experience and education. I am constantly attending trainings, seminars, and tradeshows, or just reading books and online articles about the industry. In addition to my cosmetology and skin care training, I also went to school for Marketing, and am working towards my degree in the field.

Currently, I work as a Certified Beauty Advisor for a national retail store. I also work part time as a Stylist in a salon. I provide hair and skin care services. In addition to those two endeavors, I own and operate a home based online skin care business. I'm quite a busy girl!! In my spare time, I enjoy sleeping (gotta get the beauty rest!!), learning, spending time with friends and family (and my Chihuahua Macho!), and just trying to enjoy life in general.

...So there you have it!! That's Melissa Wilson in a nutshell!! Please feel free to check back on my blog regularly. I plan on posting LOTS of useful information here for anyone interested in the beauty industry, or in the marketing/sales industry. If you have any questions, or if I can help you in any way, please let me know! Hopefully, you will enjoy my blog, and find the content here very useful.

Thanks for reading!!!