Spread Beauty to Other Women

When you live in the U.S. or any country where you have necessities readily available, you can easily take things for granted. Many women have makeup, fashion, and other beauty products overflowing in their bathrooms while there are women in other countries who would be ecstatic just to have a chapstick in their purse - if they even have a purse.

Every morning I wake up and give thanks for all that I'm given. I have an abundant life and I sincerely wish that every woman could have what I have. There are women in other countries who don't have the opportunities that I have. I truly believe that if there were more empowered girls and women out there, the world would be a much stronger place.

That said, I'd like to introduce to you a website called The Girl Effect. There are many projects available for girls to become involved with and if you've been thinking about how you could make a difference in the world, this is your chance! There's also a group on Facebook that you can join to help spread the word or meet other supporters. Thanks to Sarah Conley of StyleIt for sharing this.

Here's a video overview of The Girl Effect...

Giving back to the community is what makes you even more beautiful!

Glasses vs Contact Lenses

My poor eyeglasses. They’ve been through a lot these past 5+ years. They’ve survived accidental squashes by unsuspecting buttocks, puppy chewing, and numerous drops on the ground. Even though my prescription has changed a little, I still continue to wear them when I want to give my eyes a break from wearing contact lenses. I get so many compliments on these glasses that I just can’t seem to part from them!

However, like some people, I sometimes feel “nerdy” when I’m wearing my glasses. I know, I shouldn’t even be concerned with what other people think, however, this is the way that I feel…I do feel “smart”, but I still feel self-conscious and not as "beautiful" as I do when I'm not wearing them. Is there anybody else who feels the same way?

Nowadays I mostly wear contacts. I found out about a website, LensShopper.com, where you can shop and compare different types of contacts and submit your eye-related questions to their optician. Who knew that there were so many types of contact lenses out there?

May Is Better Sleep Month: Sleep Tips For a More Beautiful You

STATS:
According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 70 million people in the United States are affected by a chronic sleep disorder or intermittent sleep problem. Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression—which threaten our nation’s health.

FROM THE EXPERT:
According to a report from Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, Americans with sleep disorders may be relying too heavily on sleeping pills instead of trying safer non-drug remedies. “Most people who have trouble sleeping do not need sleeping pills,” says sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus. “The scents in Aromatherapy Sleep products are scientifically proven to help provide a better night’s sleep. I recommend that those who have trouble falling and staying asleep try the formulas before turning to more drastic measures like sleeping aides.”

TIPS:
Dr. Michael Breus, PhD, sleep expert and author of Beauty Sleep: Look Younger, Lose Weight, and Feel Great Through Better Sleep, offers tips to get a better night's sleep:

* Take a hot bath: “Taking a hot bath before bed heats up our body’s core, then cools it down just like the process when we sleep,” says Dr. Breus. “Therefore a hot bath can trigger a biological function that our bodies associate with being at rest.”

* Get a relaxing massage: “A relaxing massage is a great way to de-stress and help us get ready for bed,” says Dr. Breus. “Ask your partner to give you a massage using Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Body Lotion to help relax or apply the formula yourself very slowly, taking deep breaths along the way.”

* Be aware of surroundings: “Our surroundings play a huge role in the quality of our sleep,” says Dr. Breus. “By using the Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Pillow Mist on your bedding you are creating a calm environment that is conducive to sleep.”

Photo Credit: Mayr

Horror on TV: Kiddie Beauty Pageants

The other day I was flippin' TV channels and came across this VH1 show, Little Beauties: Ultimate Kiddie Queen Showdown. What the @*!? I was mortified to see these little girls being primped up like little porcelain dolls just to engage in a beauty pageant. I know, I know - I shouldn't be judgmental, but I think it's heartbreaking to think how these girls will grow up to be insecure and constantly thinking about their looks.

What do you tell your little girl when they don't win? Oh sorry, Honey, but you just weren't as pretty as the winner. Why would you want to put your little girl through that?

In one scene a mother was attempting to put lip gloss on her daughter and the daughter just wasn't in the mood...

"I have to do this!" the mother exclaimed.

"You don't HAVE to do anything!" the daughter shouted back. Hilarious!

Here's a little clip of the show...




I'm not sure what compelled me to watch the entire show, but I was just awestruck that this kind of stuff still goes on. Well, what would make me think otherwise, I don't know. Note to self: Stay away from VH1!

The "You Are Beautiful" Project

In my blog readings today I came across this website that is dedicated to helping spread the word that "You Are Beautiful". The message has been posted in various parts of the country through graffiti on city walls, posters on buildings, and stickers posted in random places. If you want to help out, you can request stickers and contribute to the project.

By the way, have you told yourself that you are beautiful today?

Melanie of Platinum Blonde Life has posted her reminder...and I'll be posting mine soon!

Bringing Sexy Back Into Your Life

I love this post, "Stuck on Sexy" by Plumcake of Manolo for the Big Girl. Each of us has a different definition of what "sexy" means. It all goes back to the idea of "you are what you think", so if you think being sexy is about a cardigan sweater set, jeans, and a pair of tennis shoes, then by all means wear it and wear it with confidence!

For me being sexy is about being true to myself and expressing myself in ways that I choose to. I was reminded of this when I watched a rerun of Saturday Night Live when Christina Aguilera was the host. She's one celebrity who has had the spotlight on her for the "raunchy" outfits she wears. There was a skit with Christina Aguilera playing herself and these other celebrities come into her dressing room to make comments about her reputation and style of dress. Aguilera explains that she's simply being true to herself and condemns society's double standard placed on women which is true - if a man expresses his sexuality, he's "sexy". However, if a women does it, she's labeled a "ho".

I'm not as daring as Christina Aguilera when it comes to dress, but I have my fair share of sexy attire. However, what makes me feel real sexy is knowing who I am, what I want to accomplish in life, and not having to pretend to be something I'm not! Now, that's true beauty ;)

The Pressure To Be Beautiful

Do you think media has changed the way we look at beauty? This article at RGJ.com says that women still face a great deal of pressure to be beautiful at all times.

I believe that now more than ever we are barraged with images of skinny women with airbrushed bodies and faces in fashion and beauty magazines.

So, what can we do? What magazine is going to step and say, "Ok, we're going to have women of all shapes and sizes be represented in our magazine."

I've seen a magazine like Oprah's "O" magazine do this, but what about those that are read by many younger fashionistas - magazines like Teen Vogue or Elle?

Paris Fashion Week: Beauty Looks for Spring 2008

Paris Fashion Week is in full swing and I've been busy over at The Runway Scoop doing reviews of the runway shows. All the reviews are about the latest Spring 2008 collections, but today I did stop to notice the makeup for the Valentino show...

Valentino's models have that very fresh, dewy makeup. I love the pairing of lavender eyeshadow with light pink lipstick and just a tad bit of barely there blush.

Pictured here are models (from left to right): Anja Rubik, Gemma Ward, and Tanya Dziahileva (Photo Credits: WireImage.com)



Balenciaga's models had a very natural look for the spring. Barely any color at all... Pictured here (from left to right) are: Shannan Click, Kinga Rajzak, and Danijela Dimitrovska (Photo Credits: Style.com)

America Ferrera: The Natural Beauty of the Emmys

The Emmy Awards come on tonight and The Red Carpet Style Awards blog has reported on some of the fashion at the Entertainment Weekly's 5th Annual Emmys Celebration...

I love that America Ferrera has come au natural. Some may think that her look is a bit boring, but I love that she's decided to just go against the celebrities' ideas of the beauty status quo. America's hair is carefree - not processed - and her face is the epitome of natural beauty. She actually looks much younger without all that makeup.

Photo Credit: Wireimage.com

Enter the Dove/Beauty Is Within Giveaway!

When I first started this blog, it was just a way to share my knowledge of fashion and to help women realize their true beauty - both inner and outer beauty. Never did I think that I would be approached by PR people or companies wanting me to review their products. Those types of things were for fashion magazines, right? Well, times are changing and bloggers now have quite a bit of influence when it comes to the fashion and beauty industries.

As part of my blog honor pledge I will disclose that I was approached by M80, a firm that represents Dove. I was asked if I wanted to try out the latest Dove hair care products and do a giveaway here at Beauty Is Within. Since I'm a big supporter of Dove projects, I obliged to try out what they had to offer...

Can you just imagine the big smile on my face when I opened up my mailbox today and was greeted with the smell of sweet cucumber and green tea! You would have thought I had never seen or smelled shampoo ever in my life ;) Of course, the photographer in me just had to take a picture (with props, mind you!) I will be doing a full review of the shampoo and conditioner in a couple weeks after I've tried them out...

Check out the latest Dove hair video:




Now, here comes the best part, Dear Readers...

In partnership with Dove, I've decided to do a giveaway for their latest hair products (the same shampoo & conditioner I received) PLUS I'm throwing in a $25 gift certificate to my jewelry shop AND a Beauty Is Within t-shirt! (T-shirt is available in three colors) Winner takes all!

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment here with a beauty tip to share with fellow readers - that's it! Contest ends on 9/30/07 and I will publish all the tips shared in a future post! Winner will be announced on October 1, 2007.

Make sure you enter the URL of your blog/website when you leave your comment so I know who you are and can contact you if you win. If you don't have a blog/website, please email your contact info to maria [at] salondemaria [dot] info.

Seven Steps To a More Beautiful You: Step #7 - Develop Your Own Style

Well, we've finally reached Step #7 on this journey to a more beautiful you. Let's recap the previous six steps:

1. Smile!
2. Exercise
3. Know That You Are Beautiful
4. Thou Shall Not Judge
5. Take Care of Your Temple
6. KnowYour and Follow Your Dreams

This last step covers the topic of buying clothing that you love and developing your own style. Yes, being beautiful is about what goes on within you, but I also believe that the outside reflects what's going on in the inside. It's important to care of your body and make an effort to present yourself as a confident, beautiful person. Part of that includes dressing yourself from head to toe in fabulous gear!

I'm not talking about going out and buying all designer fashion and going for broke. What I'm saying is that you should only wear clothes that best express who you are (a beautiful, vibrant lady!) and buying things that you absolutely love. You'd be surprised how many women I hear say something to the effect of, "I saw (enter celebrity name) wearing something like that in (enter Fashion Magazines). I'm going to buy it!"

Just because you saw a celebrity wear something or believe that "everybody else" is wearing it doesn't mean that you should wear it - unless, of course, you love it too. I've also heard women say that they won't wear something because it's "so last season". If you love something that was big last season, by all means you can still wear it this season! There are many ways you can update a piece and make it into your own style.

Developing your own style and mastering your look is about wearing things that you love, wearing pieces that make you feel comfortable, at the same time enhances and compliments your body shape.

So, there you have it! Follow these seven steps and you'll be on your way to becoming a more beautiful person - the type of person that attracts all the best that life has to offer! If you have any tips to add, I welcome your comments!

The First Natural Beauty Summit Coming to France!

Taken from the Natural Beauty website:

"Natural Beauty Summit is a series of international conferences that cover the major developments in the cosmetics industry concerning natural products and sustainability.

The premier Natural Beauty Summit Europe will bring together key stake-holders (cosmetic manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, packaging companies, retailers, industry organisations, investors, etc.) and create a forum to learn and discuss the key challenges the cosmetics industry faces in the areas of natural & organic products and sustainability...."

We're starting to see more and more women becoming aware of the things that they put on their body and face. As such, I think companies that provide organic beauty products are going to see an increase in sales. I, for one, am constantly on the hunt for natural beauty products. By the way, I'm still in love with Bare Escentuals!

Speaking of natural beauty, you may want to check out these natural beauty bloggers for tips and advice:

• Elegant Naturals
• Beauty Secrets Revealed
• The Organic Beauty Expert
• Organic Passion
  

Seven Steps To a More Beautiful You: Step #6 - Know Your Passions and Follow Your Dreams

Ok, we're getting near the end of this very stretched out series of becoming a more beautiful person! If you just happened to stumble across this blog, here are the previous five steps:

1. Smile!
2. Exercise
3. Know That You Are Beautiful
4. Thou Shall Not Judge
5. Take Care of Your Temple

I love to see women who are joyful and doing what they love. It really shows in how they carry themselves and interact with people. When you have a passion for life, there just seems to be a little more spring in your step. You stand up straighter and just have this air of confidence about you. People will start to tell you that you have a certain "aura" that draws them to you.

So, how do you develop this kind of radiant energy that puts a little color in your face and brings out your true beauty?

My advice would be to do what you love and simply follow your dreams! Nothing is more attractive than to see someone who stays true to his/herself and has a passion for their work. You see that twinkle in their eyes that you don't see from people who live mundane lives. They smile more and their cheeks are flushed with excitement.

Read more about women following their passion over at BlogHer. One of the panelists during this session was Christine Kane, a phenomenal singer and a perfect example of someone who is beautiful because she knows who she is and she follows her dreams!

Encourage women to follow their dreams with this graphic t-shirt designed by yours truly! Available in my gift shop.

The Beauty of Mariah Carey

I seem to have some critical blood flowing through me today because as I browsed through Glamour I could not stop analyzing each and every ad. I voiced my opinions about an Elie Tahari ad over at TheRunwayScoop and now I can't seem to stop thinking about this ad for Mariah Carey's perfume.
I understand the marketing team wanted to evoke a certain mood from this ad, but was it really necessary to show her almost naked body? I can appreciate it from an artistic point of view. Yes, the woman's body is beautiful and all...But we see enough of it in the media that and somehow that artistic element is lost.

Perhaps I'm just being way too analytical today...

That said, I do love Mariah Carey's music. My all time favorite is the self-titled album she released back in the early 90's. Actually, I love all her old-school albums and many of her latest singles. However, I have to say that Mariah Carey may have gotten caught up in the music industry "standards" of how women should dress and look like. I loved Mariah's style back in the days when she first started out. However, that's not to say that people don't change. I certainly am not wearing the same things I wore back in the 90's!

You can find Mariah Carey's new perfume over at her website: mariahcareybeauty.com

Fashion and Beauty Blog Link Love

I have a handful of fashion blog feeds that I go through on a daily basis, so today I thought I’d share some of the interesting posts I came across…

• Style It shares a video of Jay McCarroll striking back against all those rumors of him being homeless. Someone, please give this man a job!

• I just bought my first big wide belt for this fall and lo and behold, it looks as if that will be the “It” accessory for the fall. Check out the belted looks that Coquette shares…
  

• I must agree that it’s wise to take inventory of your clothes in order to find out what you should be shopping for. In other words, shop for what you need versus what you want!

• Lanvin is definitely on the A-List for these phenomenal fall ads…So simple, yet so vibrant. The contrast is outstanding…

• It’s Guest Blogger Week over at Back In Skinny Jeans and Steve M. of Blogolob has given us a male perspective on beauty and the issues that women face in a Barbie world. By the way, stay tuned to Back In Skinny Jeans because I have submitted a guest post as well!

Seven Steps To a More Beautiful You Series: Step #5 - Take Care of Your Temple

If you have children, you try your best to protect them. You want to give them the best in life and you want them to be happy, right? Well, why not treat yourself - your body - with the same care and respect?

Here in the U.S. so many women have body issues that stem from a disrespect for their bodies. A woman’s body is a temple. The body is a Divine being that is to house a Divine Spirit - your Spirit.

You can take care of your temple not just by exercising - which I mentioned in step #2 - but by eating healthy foods and having the discipline to eat just enough so that you’re satisfied. Taking care of your temple also means not abusing drugs, alcohol, or becoming addicted to toxic things like cigarettes.

Here are some affirmations you can say to yourself to help you take care of your body:

• My body is a temple that deserves the utmost care

• I take care of my body and my body takes care of me

• I eat when I need to and not because I want to

• I am a Divine Being

Read the previous four steps to a more beautiful you:

1. Smile!
2. Exercise
3. Know That You Are Beautiful
4. Thou Shall Not Judge

Resources of Interest:

Inner Focus, Outer Strength: Using Imagery and Exericse for Health, Strength and Beauty

Inner Beauty: Discover Natural Beauty and Well-Being with the Traditions of Ayurveda

7 Steps To a More Beautiful You...Step #4: Thou Shall Not Judge!

I know I haven't been on top of the series that I began a couple weeks ago and I do apologize! For those of you who have just stumbled across this blog, please read the first four steps to a more a beautiful you...

Step #1: Smile
Step #2: Exercise
Step #3: Know That You Are Beautiful

I will continue the series with Step #4... Thou Shall Not Judge!

Judging others by what they wear is something that we see and hear on a daily basis. If you turn on the TV to a channel like E!, you'll find someone making comments about another person's dress. When you open a fashion magazine, there's commentary about "Who wore it better".

I admit that I've even made remarks about someone's attire just because it's different from the "norm". However, I've come to realize that we are all different and each of us has a different way of expressing who we are. Yes, even if someone decides to wear one of those muffin tops - keep your mouth shut! Remember that saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say..."

I remember when that picture of Tyra Banks in her bikini was floating around the internet. Just about every fashion or beauty blog I went to was talking about it. The comments that some people made were just plain mean which made me wonder what insecurities these people had that they felt the need to talk crap about Tyra. In my experience, what I've found is that the most judgmental people are the ones with the biggest insecurities.

So, the next time you feel the need to talk bad about another person, turn around and look at yourself instead. Are you perfect?
_____________________________

7 Steps to a More Beautiful You...Step 3: Know That You Are Beautiful

Many women don't acknowledge their own unique beauty. They're constantly looking at other women and wishing that they could look like them. I know I used to look at fashion magazines and wish that I could be just as pretty as those celebrities or supermodels. What we don't realize that it often takes a team of people to make someone look glamorous. Oftentimes the people we think are "so beautiful" are really not when you get to know them.

When we begin to work on our own inner beauty and embrace the fact that we are just as beautiful as those women we idolize, our self esteem is raised to a higher level. Stop comparing yourself to other people! You are beautiful and divine in your own right and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise!

I came across this article, Take Care of Your Inner Beauty, and loved this part:

"A beautiful woman is like an elegant hand-knotted Persian carpet. Each and every silky, colorful thread of her character, nicely woven into her personality, gives a woman an everlasting beauty and attraction."

Exercise: Look at yourself every morning as you get ready to face the day and say to yourself 10 times: "I am beautiful." Say it with emotion and really feel that it is true because it is!

This post is part of the blog series, 7 Steps to a More Beautiful You. Read Steps 1 & 2

“Looks Are Nothing Without Spirit”

That is the tag line for the new fragrance by Antonio Banderas. It’s called “Spirit” and although I have yet to smell it, that tag line appeals to my inner beauty.

It’s true that looks are nothing without your inner spirit shining through. It’s your essence and your personality that makes you beautiful - not the clothes or makeup that you wear.


Many of us envy other women who we perceive as being “perfect”. They have the perfect nose, the flawless face….they get to wear all the finest clothing. Little do we know that some of these women are total bitches who care about nothing and nobody but themselves. It’s almost a waste of outer beauty, ya think?

So, you’re probably wondering, Well, how do I get to have this inner beauty?

Here’s my advice…

* Stay true to yourself. What I mean by this in terms of fashion and beauty is that you wear clothing and makeup that you like and feel comfortable with - not what a magazine tells you to wear. Just because Lindsay Lohan wears Chanel doesn’t mean that you have to.

* Smile and be happy. This may take a bit of work on your part - especially if you are depressed or angry inside. Make an effort to say positive affirmations to yourself in the morning after you wake up. We are all meant to be happy! Surround yourself with positive people and they’re energy will start to rub off on you…

* Be confident. All of us have our own insecurities. Maybe we think that we’re just not as pretty as so and so or maybe we feel that people will make fun of what we’re wearing. When you stand up tall and feel comfortable in your own skin - that’s what people really pay attention to. People are attracted to people who have confidence in themselves and don’t worry about what other people think.

Get Gorgeous Now!

Most of us spend our lives trying to find beauty outside of ourselves. However did you know that you could be beautiful right now? That you could be GORGEOUS right now?

One of the most very passionate people I know has some advice to help us out:

"What if you knew you were already gorgeous? Not 20 pounds less then now. Not after that promotion. Not after that striking stranger asks you out. But today. Maybe you want confidence or sexiness, or peace, or joy, or serenity. Take that word and wrap yourself up in it. Wear it and flaunt it. Try it. See if YOU don’t feel more IT instantly."

Read more of what she has to say in her article, "Gorgeous Is An Inside Job"