The newsletter from Makeup University about the use of sunscreen brought out the best in you guys! Thanks for reading.

Okay, here's the short of it: it's got to be paba free, after all, if you use a microwave and drink water out of plastic; you have already endangered your health enough.

High numbers above 15 are synthetic, so if organic matters to you, keep it at 15 or lower.

UVA and UVB is the key in maximum protection

Barriers work well in conjunction with the numbers: such as a large brimmed hat, sunglasses, light weight cotton long sleeved shirts to wear over your swimsuit when you are not in the water

What the numbers mean: let's say it's 15: that means you have 15 minutes of protection before you need to put some more on.

If you have been sweating or swimming, now you really need to put some more on. Yes, it takes time to absorb into your skin and get the level of protection marked on the bottle. It doesn't matter if it is designer sunscreen or drugstore, you just need to use something. And if you heard the shot glass amount is enough for your whole body, it's true. One full ounce will cover the parts that need covering.

For those skeptics that say wearing sunscreen is bad and blocks the benefits of the sun and Vitamin D absorption: I say, you don't live in the desert do you?

In the SouthWest United States, when we walk from our home, to our car, to our job, into the store, to the mailbox and back, we have got enough Vitamin D rays.

Trust me.

Enjoy the holiday weekend...I"m sure many of you have already started!!

Could you use an image update? Would you be interested in learning the simple secrets to being current in trend yet not look ridiculous?

Spend 2 hours learning the latest trend and how to incorporate it into your everyday life. Individual assesment and coaching provided to maximize your resources: which is cosmetics, time and budget for new items.

Join Makeup University Inc for a cosmetic coaching appointment to update your style.  Wardrobe and hair will be covered as well.

To rsvp please call 480-283-5811, this is a small class for maximum individual time and service. Workshop fee is $79.  Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex accepted. NO checks.
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Below is a copy of the listing for the new book...tee hee, it's exciting to be asked to write a book about all the information I share with my brides while getting their bridal trial makeup look on.  I hope this information helps brides have a $2000 dream wedding instead of a $28,000!
Enjoy, and thanks again!
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Do you want to have a dream wedding? Do you refuse to go into debt before you start your lives together as husband and wife?

If the average wedding costs $28,000, otherwise known as a new mid sized car, or down payment on a house, how do you get started in your marriage without a financial fight looming behind the honeymoon door?


Simple. Plan your dream wedding and refuse to pay inflated wedding costs. Much of the event can be planned by you, and by following the simple guidelines and shopping in this easy to use digital book, you too can have a memorable, beautiful, dream wedding in celebrity style without going broke before the marriage even starts.


In the book you will learn how to feed a party of 100 from appetizers to cake by doing a portion of your wedding event planning at Sams Club or Costco.


The book includes:

• what Sams Club offers for appetizers, hot food, cold deli plates, and finger noshes for the guests
• how to keep it hot and  stay in the food  safety regulations...or how to keep it cold
• paying $8 a serving  for cake is ridiculous...get the information to have cake at  less than a dollar a serving
• the photo service secrets
• drinks all around, the cash bar conundrum and what to do about it
• a gift registry that you can really use with no regifting hassles
• flowers for the entire wedding party, table settings and the ceremony..plus a toss away bouquet

There are so many money saving secrets inside this book, plus how to have a Colin Cowie "looking" wedding and reception without his fee. I'll help you walk step by step in the planning and creation of a gorgeous wedding while saving money and frustration.

My goal in this book is to help more brides have their dream weddings, stop fighting about the cost with their soon to be husbands, and relax and enjoy the marriage event.

Say no to being "Bridezilla" and hello to a happy, loving, memorable event!

For more information, please contact me through EBAY.

I ship the cd book within one day of receiving a cleared payment, I use USPS standard mail at $2.50 per bubble package, please visit my other listings on saving money on your wedding day bridal beauty, and as always, thanks for letting me be a part of your once in a lifetime event! Enjoy the information, no refunds.
www.makeupuniversity.com

A popular anti-aging ingredient for skin is Vitamin C. In anti-aging treatments Vitamin C is the most effective ingredient. The skin receives many good benefits from Vitamin C. Not only does this vitamin help get rid of the free radicals that can damage your skin but it also helps your body increase the production of collagen.  The majority of cosmetic and skin products include vitamin C.

I bring this up today because when it comes to vitamin C and your skin, the cosmetic products that you use and the benefits you get can vary widely.

For instance: did you know that the last U.S.A. vitamin C plant closed in 2006?

I quote the Seattle Times, June 3, 2007 article: "China Corners the Vitamin Market" 'In less than a decade, China has captured 90 percent of the U.S. market for vitamin C, driving almost everyone else out of business. Chinese pharmaceutical companies also have taken over much of the world market...According to an industry group, China makes 70 percent of the worlds penicillin, 50 percent of its aspirin and 35 percent of its acetaminophen (often sold under the brand name Tylenol", as well as the bulk of vitamins A, B12,C and E.'  The Wall Street Journal has dubbed the situation "OPEC of Vitamin C".

So here's my suggestion for your cosmetic vitamin C needs: shop locally and look for labels that say "Made in the USA".  For resource on Arizona local and independent stores, visit: http://www.localfirstaz.com/

Next, use the database included in the www.earth911.org website for more resources and information.

Also, I trust these brands: Arbonne International, Zia Natural Skincare, and Ecco Bella. They are Earth friendly, plus responsible when it comes to recycling, reusing and reducing.

If you would like some "do it yourself" beauty, try this simple at home facial mask:
Mix 2 egg whites with four tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Apply to the face and let sit for 15 minutes until dry. Rinse well with warm water. The results are tightened pores and brighter skin.

Where to get oranges locally? If you are in the Phoenix Valley, visit The Orange Patch off of the Loop 202 and Val Vista. They are worth the trip!

Now you can eat your vitamin C and wear it too!

For more information on healthy vibrant skin and how to color it up with Fall trend, please visit
http://www.makeupuniversity.com

 

 

Welcome back to school! One of the best parts of a new school year is the fall style line up and getting to buy a new wardrobe and accessories! Especially new accessories like makeup.

Each season the cosmetic industry puts out a "color story" or trend.  This fall is no different and there are two main looks to include in your back to school wardrobe.

My favorite is the return to 1940's noir glamour.  Here is the one item you must get for your Fall look: a great red lipstick.  Preferably matte red. A nice, deep, dark tone of red.  I have some favorite brands to recommend to you because of the companies commitment to the environment and botanical ingredients. Take a look at and experience these:

1. <strong>Arbonne International "Frankly Scarlett".</strong> The company is highly devoted to Earth with recycling efforts, use of post-consumer plastics and papers in their packaging, plus only using sustainable resources in their products that are pure, safe and beneficial.

2. <strong>Aveda "Uruku Annatto".</strong>  Aveda has long been an early pioneer of botanical ingredients with minimal packaging that is 100% post consumer recycled materials.

3. <strong>Cargo Plantlove "Joshua Tree"</strong>. Cargo has created this lipstick in an environmentally sound compostable tube.  It's not as red as I would like, but I regularly drive through the Joshua Tree Forest here in Arizona, and the color will work for our second Fall trend.

4. <strong>Lorac "Explore".</strong> As a company, there are some efforts towards recycling, and I only mention this one because it is by far the best color, texture and slip I have found in a matte red lipstick.  It's also known as being the "Moulin Rouge" lipstick worn by Nicole Kidman as Satine in the Baz Luhrmann film of the same name.

Now here's how you wear that red lipstick and make it look fabulous:
Start by exfoliating your lips with either your toothbrush while you are brushing or a soft textured facial scrub, keep your lips hydrated with a moisturizing balm, use an over the counter tooth whitener (I like Crest Whitestrips for ease of use and good results on a budget...visit their website for free coupons: www.whitestrips.com), line your lips with a nude liner and apply your lipstick with a brush for the best application that doesn't get squirrely on you and begin to resemble Bob the lead singer from the Cure.

Next, pair that amazing red mouth with a full brow and black or eggplant shade eye liner and you've got your 1940's glamour going on!  A creme pot eye liner or liquid eye liner will give you the most dramatic effect. So for your "daytime going to school" version of this look; try wetting a slant tip brush, dip it into your dark purple shadow and make a soft smudgy line close to your eyelashes.  You still get the drama with out the "queen for a day" look.

Our second Fall trend is a return to a "fresh scrubbed" look.  Here, it's simple. You must have amazing skin to pull it off.  The look is built around healthy vibrant skin that is dewy and moisturized, put a light gloss on the lips, follow with a soft coat of mascara, wear a fuller eyebrow ( hold in place with clear gel ) and sheer cheek stain...like Tarte, Lorac Sheerwash or Benefit Benetint.

It's simple, easy and can go from school day to football game party with the addition of your great red lipstick.

If you are wondering where the "less is less" comes from, it's not the makeup...it's the carbon impact.  

This school year, why not decide to start off right by starting with less.  

I challenge you to commit to recycling in your house or dorm room. Reusing: get at least two uses out of each product you purchase. Finally, reducing your carbon impact.  Maybe you plant a tree, carpool, ride your bike more, or switch to a fluorescent light bulbs.

You can test your carbon impact and learn more by visiting: http://www.self.org/cnc.asp

Remember, beauty is more about who you are on the inside than how you look on the outside.

For your green beauty, red lips and solar tanning needs, please visit me at www.makeupuniversity.com

To learn more about recyling/reducing/reusing...please visit www.earth911.org...especially if you are on your way to Burning Man.

p.s.  you can find all these products and goodies, right here! On Ebay!

Did you know that the official retail season begins on August 1st?

It's start slowly with "Back to School". Then gains speed with Memorial Day weekend. Before you know it, full tilt with Octoberfests and Halloween. Followed by a slippery fast paced slide into Thanksgiving then whoosh! Right into Christmas. Hallelujah, what a ride.

I bring this to your attention because you may be going to the lake, tubing, or grilling with friends in the backyard for Memorial Day. Before you know it, you will have air travel plans for somewhere delightful.

Air travel, and any travel, whether it is by train, plane or automobile causes stress on the skin.  If you are like me, it's the stress plus the massive amount of cappuccino I've consumed to add to the dehydration that stress causes. The main place this shows up is on your face.  Exactly where everyone and anyone is looking at you when you interact in your travel.

If you could, would you be interested in a way to turn back the stress, relieve the appearance of it on your face, and rejuvenate your senses a bit while traveling and enjoying the soon to be here holidays?

It's one simple step. A spring water atomizer.

This is a can of spring water in a delivery system similar to aerosol, but not quite the same. There are two different brands to choose from, they come in two different sizes: small and large.  Think carry-on or check-in?

I recommend a small can for carry-on and at anytime you feel like it, hold the atomizer about 8 inches away from your face and give it a good, light, satisfying, refreshing mist.

If you are wearing makeup, allow the mist to dry, then using a press and roll motion with your fingers covered in a tissue or a velvet puff, re-set your makeup.  Don't rub.  It will smear your makeup and defeat the whole " refreshing", "rejuvenating" affect we are aiming for.

The inside cabin of an airplane, in my opinion, has enough oxygen to barely sustain life, and is not enough to keep your skin plump and healthy looking.  Your skin when dehydrated loses elasticity and when pinched, will not return quickly to it's normal position.

If you drink caffeine or consume alcohol suddenly you turn into one big raisin faced traveler strapped into a metal tube hurtling along through space.

Now, what to do with that can when it is empty? Some are recyclable and will be marked according. So check it before you put it out at the curb in the blue box.  If it is not recyclable, save them for when the kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and neighbor kids are over.

The cans can be decorated by covering with colored construction paper and be made into: flags for Memorial Day, pumpkins for Halloween, turkeys for Thanksgiving and dressed up as a Christmas tree for Christmas and a menorah for Hanukkah. Oy! Now put it on the mantle or front lawn for decoration.

So to save face while traveling, please consider a spring water atomizer.   I know you will enjoy it.

For all your traveling, crafting, and green beauty needs, please visit me at: www.makeupuniversity.com

Or should I say, "how to control weeds and wrinkles with the same cure".

To begin this story, let me introduce you to the Redneck Fishing Tournament held in Bath, a remote river town south of Havana, Illinois. This event requires no lures and no tackle box.  What it does require is a large net, safety goggles and a boat.

A few years back, in an effort to control weeds in the Great Lakes region of rivers, the game and fish department introduced an exotic and non-native species of fish called the bighead and silver asian carp.

They consume vast amounts of plankton that native species feed on.  Hence, we have some really fat carp and some starving native fish, birds, beavers, raccoons and snails. The asian carp reproduces as fast as it eats and has no natural predator in the Great Lakes region. Their population is literally clogging the waterways for other fish, birds, wildlife and boat traffic.

In the Redneck Fishing Tournament, where the only two rules are: no poles and to fish at your own risk, all you have to do to win is catch the largest flying carp in your net.  Yes, I said flying.  The large and strong fish when agitated or startled, fling themselves out of the water and high into the air.

I know it sounds funny and there are some humorous photos and video clips on the internet, though it is actually more serious.  Too many carp are starving and destroying the local plant and animals meaning the Great Lakes are being destroyed and there is no way other than hundreds of years in elapsed time and preservation plus reduction of the carp population to repair the damage.  

That is until, the homo sapiens needed a facial.

I girded myself with research, facts and science to be a part of the solution for the asain carp overpopulation in the Great Lakes of the United States of America.  

But what can one makeup artist do?  

Teach you about consuming cosmetic products that contain the asian carp collagen.  That is one bonus to this big fish, their skin is literally packed with oily lipids and collagen.  Everything a wrinkle needs to be wiped out!

Another bonus to the asian carp collagen filled skin is that the carp are a vegetarian fish.  This means extremely low risk of toxins transfered transdermally from the fish to your face.

There are only a few companies right now that are using the asian carp collagen and they are harvesting the carp from the United States.

So here's what you can do today to help make a difference for our precious Earth environment  while being part of the solution for the Great Lakes preservation:

1. If you enjoy collagen based products,such as; face wash, anti-aging serum, wrinkle filling serums or peptide technology based collagen enhancers, look for those that contain asian carp collagen.
2. Write your state Congressman and Senators about promoting the sale of Great Lake carp collagen and use in cosmetic products.
3. Make asain carp for dinner. Below is a recipe to try. Be brave and tell me how it is.

This recipe was found on activeangler.com and if you see the bottom, originated at fishingworks.com

<strong>Carp Tacos</strong> (very apropo since I live in Arizona and love tacos)

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground carp
• 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• Sliced tomato (or salsa)
• 12 flour tortillas
• Shredded lettuce
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Taco sauce
• Sour cream

Before shredding the fish, remove mud vein, or redish-brown section of meat. Cook the shredded fish in the oil until its color changes. Add the taco seasoning and water. Cook until nearly dry, stirring occasionally. Heat flour tortillas in a dry fry-pan, turning to lightly brown on both sides. They should still be soft and pliable when warm. Fill each tortilla with fish mixture. Add grated cheese, taco sauce, lettuce, tomato chunks (or salsa) and top with sour cream.

This recipe has been generously contributed by www.fishingworks.com.

I must give credit and honor where it is due: thanks to author Dennis Behreandt for his cover story in the August edition of The New American.  That's where I first learned about the asian carp destruction.  At first I was mad but quickly decided I wanted to be a part of the solution and started to create this article about carp and cosmetics.

Who knew that carp and cosmetics would ever be used in the same sentence?

Enjoy the knowledge and if you have questions about green beauty or carp, please contact me by email through the website www.makeupuniversity.com

For how-to's and information on how to go green in your house and community: visit www.earth911.org