Holiday Giveaway Part 3: Milani Infinite Liquid Eye Liner (and Review)

As I write this, many people across the world are celebrating the New Year. Here at Beauty Is Within, I'm celebrating a new me...and a new YOU! And that means another beauty giveaway that inspires you to go bold and try something new.

Tired of that same color eye liner that you've been wearing for the past decade? This New Year giveaway consists of four colors of Milani's Infinite liquid eye liner: Everlast (Black), Forever (Bronze), Infinite (Blue), and Eternal (Green).  Winner takes all!

I sampled "Endless" which is a dark purple. This was my first time trying liquid eye liner, so I had a little difficulty getting a nice, straight line.  I don't know if it's because the eyeliner is thick or that I'm just liquid eye-liner challenged.

All in all, I like this eyeliner.  The color is very rich and definitely waterproof.  The company claims that you can wear this for up to 24 hours without a smudge.  Because my skin tends to get a little oily around the eye area, this eyeliner works great for me.  This eyeliner stayed put even after taking a warm shower and washing my face with soap.

So, are you ready to add some bold new colors to your eyeliner collection? 

Rules for the giveaway:
Update 1/11/2010 - This giveaway is now over


1. Leave a comment on this post and share an eye makeup tip...

AND/OR...

Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. Here is a sample tweet you can use:

Enter to win the Milani Eyeliner Giveaway @youarebeauty. Visit: http://www.beautyiswithin.net

Please note that your Tweet must reference "@youarebeauty" so I am notified of your tweet.

2. Two entries maximum per person (one comment and one tweet).

3. If entering via a comment on the blog, please send me an email (maria@beautyiswithin.net) with "BIW Milani Eyeliner Giveaway" in the subject line, so I can notify you via email if you are a winner.

4. Giveaway ends January 7, 2010, 11:59 P.M.

5. Winner will be notified on January 8, 2010.

6. Giveaway is open to everyone!

Winter Fashion For Ski Bunnies

Winter is officially here...and that means it's time to take inventory of your winter wardrobe to see what you need to get during your next shopping excursion.  There are many after-Christmas sales and bargains right now, so actually it's a perfect time to stock up on winter fashion staples.

I've been thinking about going on a couple skiing holidays. With the 2010 Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver Canada in a couple months (and it just so happens my cousins live in Vancouver), I may just go on holiday and learn how to ski while I'm there. 

However, being from Southern California and all, my wardrobe consists mainly of short sleeves and tank tops - not exactly what you would call winter fashion. It was just recently that I bought a new trench coat and sweaters.

I went into research mode to find out what the ski fashion scene looks like nowadays. Here's what I discovered:

• Bright colors, including white, yellow, green, and blue are trendy right now....but then, other sites say that bright colors are out and plaid is in.  Go figure.
• Baggy, loose, and long coats are in. 
• At the Schick Fashion Exposed show in Whistler, the one-piece suits and fitted shapes were popular. 

After browsing through a few sites, I realized that ski fashion is different around the world. What's considered trendy in one part of the globe isn't so hot in other parts of the world.

So, as I always say, wear whatever winter fashion flatters your body and feels good to you!

Lady GaGa: Staying True to Herself

"I'm an outspoken and extreme dresser. I am inspired by photography and art, but mostly by New York." -- Lady GaGa

As I reflect on the past year and the different fashion statements that were made, one person stands out in my mind as a fashion icon: Lady GaGa.

Lady GaGa has truly made a name for herself for her eccentric fashion and catchy pop singles. This chic really knows how to capture the world's attention. Call it publicity stunts or whatever, but Lady GaGa seems to be very comfortable with her sense of style. She's been quoted as saying:

"I was a bit insecure in high school. I used to get made fun of for being either too provocative or too eccentric, so I started to tone it down. I didn't fit in, and I felt like a freak."

Isn't it interesting that the people who were made fun of in high school all grow up to be successful?

Do you know why they became so successful?

They stayed true to themselves. They don't care what people say about them. They know who they are. Instead of letting people bring them down, they turn that negative energy into something positive.

As we head into the New Year - a time when many of you will be making new goals - think about what you can do to express your true, authentic style. Try something new, bold, and different! Whether it's a new hairstyle, a makeup makeover, or a different way of dressing...Revive that beautiful spirit inside of you ;)

Holiday Beauty Giveaway: Burt's Bees Tingling Treats

It's the second giveaway for the holiday season! This beauty giveaway is for those who love Burt's Bees products...

Personally, I'm a big fan of Burt's Bees products. I've been using their products for a couple years now, including the lip balm, lemon butter cuticle cream, and the peppermint foot lotion.

Now is your chance to win three of the products that are part of the Tingling Treats Gift collection:

Beeswax Lip Balm (.15 oz. Tube)

Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Bar (4 oz. Bar)

Peppermint Foot Lotion (3.38 oz. Tube)

The peppermint foot lotion really is a treat for your feet. I like applying it right after I've given myself a pedicure. The soles of my feet tend to get really dry during this time of year and this lotion softens them up pretty well.

Rules for the giveaway:

1. Leave a comment on this post and share a beauty tip...

OR...

Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. Here is a sample tweet you can use:

"Enter to win the Burt's Bees Giveaway @youarebeauty. Visit: http://www.beautyiswithin.net"

Please note that your Tweet must reference "@youarebeauty" so I am notified of your tweet.


2.  Two entries maximum per person (one comment and one tweet).

3. If entering via a comment on the blog, please send me an email (maria@beautyiswithin.net) with "BIW Burt's Bees Giveaway" in the subject line, so I can notify you via email if you are a winner.

4. Giveaway ends December 28, 2009, 11:59 P.M.

5. Winner will be notified on December 29, 2009.

6. Giveaway is open to everyone!

Day 1 Holiday Beauty Giveaway: Melvita Argan Oil

The holiday season is in full swing and it wouldn't be a fun and beautiful season without some beauty giveaways, right?

I've lined up some goodies for you, dear reader, as a thank you for reading this blog and sharing your comments. Ok, it won't be Oprah or Ellen DeGeneres type of giveaways, but hopefully you'll be excited anyways ;)

For the first day I'm giving away Melvita's best selling product, Argan Oil.

According to the Melvita website, argan tree kernels have been harvested for centuries for their "miraculous" benefits. Argan oil is good at protecting your skin and hair from toxins in the environment as well as protection from premature aging.

I haven't tried out the argan oil myself, but I do like that Melvita is committed to fair trade practices and beauty without synthetics. The company has been around since 1983 and the number one certified organic beauty brand in France. 

Find out more about Melvita by visiting their website:  http://usa.melvita.com/

Rules for the giveaway:

1.  Leave a comment on this post and share your experience using organic beauty products

OR...

     Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter.  Here is a sample tweet you can use:

"Enter to win Melvita's Argan Oil @youarebeauty.  Visit: http://www.beautyiswithin.net"

     Please note that your Tweet must reference "@youarebeauty" so I am notified of your tweet.

2.  Two entries maximum per person (one comment and one tweet).

3.  If entering via a comment on the blog, please send me an email (maria@beautyiswithin.net) with "BIW Day 1 Giveaway" in the subject line, so I can notify you via email if you are a winner.

4.  Giveaway ends December 25, 2009, 11:59 P.M.

5.  Winner will be notified on December 26, 2009.

6.  Giveaway is open to everyone!

You Are True Beauty

"They say that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder; if only we could all perceive beauty with the eye of totality, each unique expression of existence on this planet perceived in its perfection..."

This is what Isha Judd says in her post, Where Does True Beauty Lie?

For me, true beauty really does lie in the eye of the beholder. Your definition of beauty may be different from my definition of beauty. However, I will add that no matter who or what I'm looking at, I look for the beauty within them...because we are all beautiful in our own ways.

Charlotte Kuchinsky says in her article, "What Is True Beauty?":

"In truth, beauty should be looked at as a combination of physical attributes, inner spirit, personality, intelligence, and heart. Such a definition would greatly expand how the human race views the concept of true beauty. Few, if any, individuals would then been considered average, since no two people are alike and all have something unique to offer the world..."

Wouldn't the world be boring if all women looked like Angelina Jolie or Megan Fox? I use them as an example because they've been perceived to be two of the "most beautiful" people.

We are all unique and beautiful in our own ways, but too many of us are focused on what's "wrong" with us instead of accepting ourselves for who we are and what we look like.

The next time you catch yourself saying, "I hate my ___", turn that statement around and say, "I love my ____"

Instead of saying, "I feel fat" say "I feel love"...

When you THINK and FEEL beautiful, you will BE beautiful! It's a matter of changing your mindset and getting into the habit of believing that you are indeed beautiful. True beauty is realizing that YOU are beautiful!

Find out more about discovering your true beauty by visiting my other blog, Project Inner Beauty.

Exercise Clothing That Motivates and Inspires

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been on a journey to get back in shape and lose some of the belly fat. It’s been about a month now that I’ve been going to the gym. I go every other day and do a ton of ab exercises, plus I get about 20 minutes of cardio in.

Now that I’m on this exercise kick, I’ve been on the hunt for new exercise clothing. All I have right now are old sweats and old t-shirts – and a sports bra that’s over ten years old! Not that I actually need to be all glamorous at the gym or anything, but I feel more motivated and attractive wearing nice workout clothes. You know, it’s nice to look at yourself in the mirror at the gym and say, “Damn, I’m good looking!”

I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to try out We Pilates clothing. The company has all kinds of pilates clothing, but I especially like the long-sleeve "Grateful" shirt. The shirt is super soft! I've worn it as a workout shirt, I've worn it to bed, and I've worn it just to wear it! Not all in one day, of course ;) Although We Pilates specializes in just pilates clothing, I think you can use their clothing for any type of workout.  If you have anybody on your Christmas shopping list who likes to workout, I highly recommend checking out We Pilates.

I really do feel more motivated (and grateful!) to workout when I'm wearing nice workout clothes. It's like that sassy feeling you get when you put on a pair of really nice designer shoes.

Tips and Exercises to De-Stress and Relax

Many women spend thousands of dollars to maintain their beauty. Whether it's botox or plastic surgery, or something exotic like neck liposuction, they feel the need for a quick fix to their beauty issues. I'm not here to judge women who do use plastic surgery as part of their beauty ritual. I just want to share my thoughts on healthier, more natural ways to maintain your beauty. That's what this blog is all about and that's what I like to focus on. In this post, I want to share some tips on how to de-stress and relax.

Especially now with the holidays here, everyone is running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to shop for holiday gifts. And let's not forget the stress from work with end-of-the-year projects and holiday parties to plan for. If relatives and in-laws are coming in town to visit, that can add even more stress to your life!

I know people who are addicted to stress...and it's not a good thing. According to an article published at the Washington Post, there is a link between stress and aging.

In this video, family and lifestyle correspondent Ylonda Caviness shares stress relief tips and exercises...




I think it's important to give yourself the gift of relaxation this holiday season! One of my favorite places to go when I want to de-stress and relax is the spa. Oh, and the beach is a great place to kick back too ;)

I found out that Rue La La is offering a few spa getaway packages:

• The Holistic Spa Boutique features four luxurious destinations - The Four Seasons in Boston, The Omphoy Ocean Resort in Palm Beach, Hotel Palomar in Texas, and the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica. Packages include hotel accommodations, two exhale fitness classes and massage sessions.

• Exhale Mind Body Spa Retreat Boutique includes an ocean front resort with meals, fusion massages, and certified yoga classes. The retreat dates and themes are available include: January - Resolution: Transformation, February - Restore, Reenergize + Recommit, March - Yoga Spa Revival and April - Core Fusion Bootcamp.
  

Do you have any tips to de-stress?

Photo Credit: Virtual Photography Studio

Guest Post: Ebonni Bryant Shares Favorite Beauty Products and Thoughts on Beauty

This is a guest post from Ebonni of belles and bulls...She shares her favorite beauty products and some thoughts on inner beauty!

I purchased Bare Minerals a few weeks ago from Sephora. A dear friend, Diane, thought it gave her skin a smooth finish. Many beauty products advertise their use of minerals. I was curious, and bought into the new, fun makeup and applied it to my face the next morning. It did, in fact, give me a smooth look! I am a girl after all, so how fun is it to get your counter dirty while playing in makeup!

I must say, I’ve only used it three times since then. Besides Bare Escentuals, I like I enjoy dark purple lip by Maybelline and I love liner by L’Oreal once in a while. I’ll use it again and I get the difference a mineral makes, but what about the beauty within? What would it take for you to leave the house without any makeup on? There is no wrong in “putting on your face” in the morning or applying mascara for a dinner for one at your local bistro or blush for a movie with your lover, but what if what gave you that glow was the you you see at 7am? This is not a feminist outburst. I am a believer in living the life you feel best, but push yourself to see the you that others see. The you that is beautiful because you shared a laugh. The you that is stunning because that run this morning gave you a glow. That you that gives you a pep in your step because you got all you could out of yoga yesterday. Let’s try, if only for the day, to embrace the fresh face we came here with.

MAYBELLINE: Moisture Extreme Lipcolor.  REAL RASIN is the color I chose...

LOREAL...

…also, these lotions are my favorite for moisturizing!

Everyday Shea:

Alaffia Body Cream:

Cetaphil:

Remember to enjoy you!

With fun & passion,
Ebonni N. Bryant
belles & bulls