Oh Mr Sun!

So now that the awful long winter is over ( I don't enjoy the cold, can you tell? ), and we finally have sunshine and nice weather, it is time to think about sunscreen a little more. With skin cancer awareness month coming it is good to brush up on the facts and clear up some of the confusion around SPF UVA and UVB.

What is SPF ?
( sun protection factor ) is a measure of a sunscreens ability to protect against UVB and UVA, it indicates how long it will take for UVB rays to redden skin when using a sunscreen.
An SPF 15 sunscreen, screens 93 percent of the sun's UVB rays. SPF 30 screens 97 percent and SPF 50 screens 98 percent.
Both UVB and UVA are both harmful so look for an SPF 15 or higher, and broad spectrum or UVB/UVA on the product. Apply product 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours and after water use.


UVB
Ultraviolet Burning rays ( short wave )
Damages your outer most layer of the skin causing redness and burning. It is a key player in skin cancer. The majority of UVB rays affect us from April to October during the day from 10am to 4pm, however can still affect us all year round especially if you are around high altitudes or high reflective surfaces like snow and ice in the winter.


UVA
Ultraviolet Aging Rays (long wave)
Although UVA are less intense than UVB, they still affect us. UVA causes aging and wrinkles.
In recent years it has been discovered that UVA has damaged cells in the epidermis called keratinocytes therefore UVA contributes and maybe even initiate the development of skin cancers.


Applying sunscreen is very important in preventing skin cancer. Sunscreen has other benefits like protecting your skin and face from toxins and preventing moisture loss in your skin.

There has been recent discussions' of how the chemicals in sunscreen are doing more harm than good, and if this bothers you, there are sunscreens that have more natural ingredients and "physically" block the sun.

For those of you who cringe at the thought of chemicals sinking into your sink I found a site that has a great list of physical sun screens : http://safemama.com/cheatsheets/sunscreen/
Personally I think I'm going to check out the badger sunscreens, it is great to know what goes into our bodies!

Check out these links for more information:
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/your-sunscreen-might-be-poisoning-you

http://www.skinacea.com/sunscreen/physical-vs-chemical-sunscreen.html#.U1caDLmNTIU

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/19/sunscreen-benefits_n_3464687.html

http://theglossy.sephora.com/articles/506



Enjoy the sun & be safe!

Amy xo

One Product Three Ways!

Before I became a makeup artist, I knew little about makeup techniques and used each product as it was designed for. For example, I used eye shadow as eye shadow and  blush as blush etc. Even during my training not much was said about using different products in different places. It wasn't until I really started practicing that all the rules went out the windows. Now don't get me wrong, some products should not be used else where, like mascara! But for the most part, makeup is just another medium to be use. So get playful! Today I am going to show you something I do on a regular basis for my usual day look, very simple, quick and very easy!


One Product Three Ways

Featured product:
M.A.C sheer tone blush - TENDERLING

Other products:
M.A.C MATCHMASTER SPF 15 foundation 1.0
M.A.C PREP+PRIME (translucent finishing powder)
Maybelline great lash mascara






BEFORE - BARE FACED

PROCEDURE:

Apply moisturizer, foundation and powder all over your face.
Using the lovely face chart below ( I know it looks ridicules! ) follow the lines with the blush.
Apply mascara and curl lashes.
You can add lip color, but here I just opted for a lip balm

 <--- I look a bit like a lion here! haha

AFTER
This give your face definition but is still very natural looking



 

 

Let me know what you think! I love feedback. Also which product is your favorite to use and where :)

 

Thanks for visiting,

 

Amy xo

 

Head 2 Toe Women's Show - Annapolis Valley

Hey everyone,

Sorry its been so long, I've been super busy, but I haven't forgotten about you!

Since I decided to go into business I have done lots of volunteering, and last month I had an opportunity to work with Michelle Darrell from Daydreamer Photography at the Head 2 Toe Women's Show in the Annapolis Valley. We had a booth set up and I did makeup for some beautiful ladies that were modeling clothes for Boso Bamboo Boutique.

This was my first women's show, and although I was very busy, I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank goodness I had Michelle there with me, she was amazing! She was able to answer any questions people had, take before and after pictures and promote our businesses. We had a draw for a Free Pamper Party - congratulations to Sarah Lindh from Coldbrooke who won. This is something that Michelle and I have come up with and are very excited to be doing our first one!

Here are some great shots that Michelle took of the show!