Dear 16 Year Old Me

Have you seen this video? I'm predicting that it's about to go viral, and for a good reason.

I must be good this summer and wear SPF more often. And not damage my skin. I am accountable to you guys now!

Speaking of SPF, do you have any recommendations for sunscreen that doesn't smell, leave a white cast, or cause breakouts? I know, I have many demands, but those are the reasons I avoid it at times. Don't follow my lead - I know I'll regret the damage my 14 year old self has done to her skin. Living in the piping hot Middle Eastern sun didn't help either. Throughout the years I've become more aware of the damage the sun rays can leave on the skin, whether it's sun spots, sunburns, wrinkles, new moles, and so forth. I used to let myself bake in the sun but as of late I probably have one semi-bad burn per year. Sounds bad, but this is a huge improvement for me. This year I will be burn-free!

I'm learning that the beauty bronze glow can be achieved with the help of products such as fake tanners and illuminators. My L'Oreal Sublime Bronze in Medium Natural Tan started smelling funky so I tossed in to the trash. I'm looking to try a different product though; the shimmer in the L'Oreal self tanner made me look like a glitter ball in the sun. Recommendations would be appreciated. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money on these products, so drugstore options are the way to go. I've tried Jergen's Natural Glow fake tanner but regardless of my efforts in turned streaky. Not a pretty look. What is your favorite way to create that bronze glow?

Skin cancer can happen to anyone of us. Remember that. It's better to be cautious now than to regret it later.

xxxx

-Leetal

Best of Beauty: Met Ball 2012

Photo source: Marieclaire.co.uk, Elle.co.uk, beautyeditor.ca

Weight Loss Wednesday Update

I know, I know! I've been bad. It's been a week since my last post and believe me- I feel guilty! I think about posting every day, but there simply isn't enough time! Celebrated a family member's birthday last weekend, plus I had a makeup job, which I promise I'll post about. Work has been leaving me physically and mentally drained; it seems that all I want to do after work and exercise is pass out in bed for eternity. I also haven't been feeling well, but I'm happy to say that (I think) I'm better. So expect some fun posts soon.

That aside, it's time for our weekly weigh loss update! As we speak, I am sitting in my bed suffering from the aftermath of a boot camp class I took with my friend. The class was yesterday, but it feels as if I'd be in pain for a long while. This is the first time I've ever done boot camp style exercise in a long, long time. And boy, this made me feel out of shape! The class was lead by a muscular guy that wouldn't take no for an answer. By minute five I was almost in tears. We were instructed to perform a bunch of exercise routines involving variations of the usual; jumping jacks, squats, push ups, sit ups, and so forth. What made this different was that the class really stressed speed. It all had to be completed and fast. When each person would slow down, he would come and shout that we need to speed up and keep going. I felt like I had Jillian Michaels as my trainer, except mine was kind of laughing at me. The other factor that made this class difficult is the number of times each move was repeated. It might be difficult at first, but let me tell you, it is vicious when it is in the hundreds. The cramps kick in, and you can't breathe. My respect for The Biggest Loser participants just grows and grows...

I didn't think I'd survive, but somehow I did. We completed the last fifteen minutes in pairs, which was much nicer since we could encourage each other and laugh together, while the others were focused on their routines. By the end I felt like jelly. I'm so glad I didn't quit, even though I was so tempted to do so. I will say, however, that I want to find a different workout that will be right for me. Since my friend and I were in such pain, we decided to postpone our morning workout to the next day. So I took a walk instead. We are going to hot yoga again, which will be interesting... to say the least. I hope that my body won't be as sore...

I weighed myself in the beginning of the week and I lost 3 Ibs! I'm very happy, though I feel like I managed to damage the success with food this week. I'd weigh myself now, but a family friend borrowed the scale to weigh her luggage for a flight. I'm struggling to find food options that work for me. I live in a very limited space where lots of cooking isn't much of an option. I try to eat at least one salad a day, and sometimes I manage to eat two. I find that if I work mornings, my eating habits are a little different than afternoon-only days. I'm awake for more hours, and the lack of sleep adds to my need to munch. Most of the times I have control over it, but once in a while I don't, and I feel guilty about it. Lately I've been taking fruit, veggies, dried fruit, and health bars to snack on. It's a constant struggle because sometimes a piece of fruit doesn't satisfy me and I'm tempted to grab what my students at the preschool are eating. It's something I've been working on for the last month and I mostly just avoid the unhealthy snacks.

I have so much more I want to talk about, but it will have to wait for another time! I hope all is well with you, and that my obstacles and progress are and will be an inspiration to some of you. I sure can relate to other bloggers who go through the time process of relearning food habits and introducing more exercise into their lives. It might just be the beginning but I'm in full force and I don't intend on quitting.

xxxx

-Leetal

New Series: Weight Loss Wednesday

In an attempt to change my recent unhealthy habits, I present to you a new series: Weight Loss Wednesday! In the past six months or so, I haven't been taking care of my body, and believe me, it shows. What once was a daily fitness routine and a proper diet has now become a daily struggle to get myself moving. I can find plenty of excuses: an exhausting job, a growing social calender, etc, but the truth is, I was just plain lazy! All I wanted was to lounge in bed instead of putting on those sneakers and breaking a sweat. Not only did my body suffer but also my state of mind. I started to feel tired throughout the day, and had trouble sleeping, and overall felt unhappy. I wanted to change but didn't know how to get myself moving. I read fitness blogs and magazines like Self (one of my favorites!), prepped myself for the day ahead, but the minute stress kicked in I forgot all about it. I would start the day great but temptation exists throughout my job and seems unavoidable; it requires a lot of strength and discipline to say no- discipline that apparently I didn't have. Well that's about to change my friends! Every Wednesday, I will update you in how my fitness routine is going, from my food choices to exercise routines and the struggles that come with that. I'm hoping that having people accountable to my choices will lead to better decisions during the day.

Getting myself out and going is already half the battle for me. Once I'm out on the go I have no problem working out. I'm currently enjoying the process of discovering new fitness regimes and deciding which one works for me. I've realized that in order to get the best results it is best to vary your workouts daily. I would recommend changing it up each day, from cardio, to strength straining or yoga. It's important to keep challenging your body. If you stick to one workout routine for a long period of time your body will get used to it and you won't see as much of a change in the long run.

Yesterday I finally got to try a new workout with my friend and I have to say I'm in love! Hot yoga sounded dreadful to me (I mean, who likes to work out in hot temperatures, anyway?), but this class given me something I haven't had in a long time: peace. Don't get me wrong, it's a vigorous workout and you sweat like a pig (in one class you can lose around 900 calories!), but I have never felt so proud of myself after a workout (besides hiking in the Grand Canyon, perhaps). The class put me at ease and while I felt like jelly by the end I also had a big smile on my face. For an hour and a half, nothing else mattered. I didn't want to leave... By the end of the class I felt like my body had released all the toxins and I was a new woman. My mind was clearer and I was ready to face the day ahead despite being mad tired. I think the class kept me more relaxed than I would've otherwise been in my stressful job. At the end of the day I secretly wished I could do it again (if only for a bit) to cleanse my body and mind.

My body is super achy but in a good way. I feel as if I worked muscles I didn't know existed before. Since I signed up for a new student unlimited two weeks plan I was planning to go again today, but it didn't work out last minute because I had an appointment during the same time. I'm going to try my hardest to stick to this routine. If my week could consist of long walks, cardio and yoga I would be very pleased for now.

I would highly recommend everyone to try a hot yoga class. A workout that's good for the body, mind, and soul? Keep it coming!

Have you tried hot yoga before? What did you think? What is your favorite fitness routine? I would love to hear all of your thoughts and suggestions.

xxxx

-Leetal

Image source: http://www.springstoneyoga.com/

Currently Lusting After...

-Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

-Le Metier de Beaute eyeshadows

-Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars

-Dior Amber Diamonds highlighter

-Guerlain Rouge Automatique lipsticks (Especially Girly)

-Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush

-Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel (Previously called Bronze Universal)

-Hakuhodo makeup brushes

-YSL Rouge pur Couture Glossy Stains

-Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum Mask

-Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush

-Illamasqua blushes

-Guerlain By Emilio Pucci Écrin 4-Couleurs Eye Shadow Palette in Capri

-Super + By PerriconeMD skincare line

-Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer

-Claudelie Beauty Elixier

Vampy Sunset Makeup Look

Hey guys!

Today I'm featuring the beautiful Chelsea in a look I've never done on her before. I typically like to keep Chelsea's face looking natural; playing with soft neutrals on the eyes and keeping her lips light. As stunning as that look is on her I've gotten bored! So I bring you here a sexy vampy look, featuring shades of  plum, burgundy, navy, and rose gold. I had fun and used a statement blush and kept the lips rather dark as well. This look is certainly not for the shy. I would probably wear this on a night out if you're comfortable with a powerful eye and lip combo. I'm definitely a rule breaker when it comes to that. To make this look more wearable you can swap the bold lips for a softer stained look using similar shades.

What I like about this look is that the overall look changes depending on the light and angle you're viewing it. In some shots, this looks more sunset inspired, looking far warmer and more golden, while on other shots the face looks more vampy and cooler, hence the name! Regardless of which you prefer, this look is sure a head-turner!  I hope you try it out!

I added blue mascara to Chelsea's lower lashes to bring out the brown and whiten the whites in her eyes and to brighten up the overall look.

After the initial lipstick application, I stained a darker, more purple lipstick onto the middle part of Chelsea's lips to give a more stained look, as if she's been drinking red wine. 

She's just too cute!

Products Used:

Face

-Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation SPF 12 - #1

-Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in #1

-MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 15 in NW20

-Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Luminous Matte Pressed Powder in Medium

-Nars Laguna Bronzer

-Mac Powder Blush in Magenta (Matte)

-Laura Mercier Rose Rendezvous  Face Illuminator

-Make Up For Ever High Definition Powder

Eyes

-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

-L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in #405 Pink Sapphire

-L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in #407 Gold Imperial 

-Smashbox Photo Op Eye Enhancing Palette for Brown Eyes

-Mac Eyeshadow in Cranberry

-Mac Eyeshadow in Woodwinked

-Mac Eyeshadow in Smut

-Mac Eyeshadow in Sketch

-Chanel Illusion D'ombre in #86 Ebloui

-Maybelline New York Master Eye Drama by Eye Studio in Midnight Master

-Maybelline New York Lash Discovery Mascara in Very Black

-Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara in Royal Blue

Lips

-Mac Lipstick in Rebel

-Revlon Lipstick in #657 Fucshia Fusion

-Covergirl Lipstick in #335 in Embrace 

Hope you enjoyed!

xxx

-Leetal

-

FOTN

Last night I went out with some friends and my boyfriend. Wore a black and paisley maxi dress so I wanted a dramatic smokey eye with some cool eyeliner action. I love liquid or gel eyeliner because it has the power to transform the eye shape, and therefore the look. When I wear eyeliner like the one from this look I feel like my inner Cleopatra comes out. The next step is to grow some hair on this head....

FOTN - With flash

FOTN - No flash

FOTN - No flash, florescent lighting

Close up

FOTN side view. No flash

FOTN - With flash

Products used:

Face

-Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

-Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15

-Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in #1

-MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 15 in NW20

-Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Luminous Matte Pressed Powder

-Nars Laguna Bronzer

-Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric Second Skin Blush in #1

-Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray 

Eyes

-Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion

-L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in 890 Bronzed Taupe

-L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in 408 Gleaming Bronze

-Chanel Ombre Essentielle in 75 Magic Night

-Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Hustle

-Clinique Brush-On Cream Eyeliner in 02 True Black

-Maybelline New York Master Eye Drama by Eye Studio in Midnight Master

-Maybelline New York Lash Discovery Mascara in Very Black

-L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black

Lips

-Estee Lauder Electric Intense LipCreme in #715 Fatale

Hope you liked it! I need to figure out a better way to capture FOTD photos, especially during the night when the light doesn't show the true colors of the look. As for now, these will do.

xxx

-Leetal