Stephie Estie | Page 29 of 39 |

Skin Tip: Adding Hydration to Oily Skin!

January 16, 2015

When you have oily skin that’s feeling a little bit dry and tight, switching to a heavier moisturizer results in hydration but at the same time can also make you breakout. Mixing a few drops of a hydrating serum formulated with hyaluronic acid into your moisturizer increases your skin’s water content (something all skin types can benefit from), adding moisture without the heaviness of an oil.

My favorite to use is Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster but brands like Kate Somerville, PCA Skin, Renee Rouleau and Dr. Dennis Gross carry similar products.

Thanks for tuning in and I’ll see you next week,

Stephanie

Oribe Gold Lust Collection Review!

January 15, 2015

$55; birchbox.com

A few weeks back, I did a post on my current hair care products and because I really loved the Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray, I treated myself to a couple of other Oribe goodies. I have been hearing rave reviews about Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Oil and thought it would be a perfect item to try for my curly, color treated hair. After scrolling through multiple sites that retail Oribe products, I purchased the Gold Lust Collection from Birchbox since carried a set with 1.7 oz of this oil along with travel sizes of the Gold Lust Shampoo and Gold Lust Conditioner that when used in conjunction, “strengthens and rejuvenates hair to its natural brilliance.”

Gold Lust Shampoo

The Gold Lust Shampoo is described as a rejuvenating cleanser that, “combines centuries old healing oils and extracts-cypress, argan and maracuja-” with a “revolutionary bio-restorative complex to balance the scalp and reinforce the inner strength of each strand.”

Both bottles of shampoo and conditioner are virtually identical so embossed on the top of the bottle is the letter ‘S’ signifying ‘shampoo’. This scent to this shampoo, like most of Oribe’s hair care products is laced with Calabrian bergamot, white butterfly jasmine and sandalwood. Personally, I love it. For a shampoo that’s formulated without sulfates, it lathers nicely and the best part, it rinses clean without stripping hair. As much as I like this shampoo, unfortunately there is an ingredient or ingredients that made my skin itch, so I will be sending this back. (Side note: I have very weird skin so sometimes it’s more difficult for me to find something that works amazing and that won’t cause a reaction.)

Gold Lust Conditioner

Using the same oils and extracts as the shampoo, this “ultra-hydrating conditioner softens and revitalizes, smoothing each cuticle to undo the damage of time (and style).”

Again, Oribe’s signature scent is present in this conditioner and the letter ‘C’ is written on top of the bottle for easy identification. The consistency is pretty thin for a conditioner as I am more accustomed to using thicker, masque type consistencies. Sadly, I didn’t find this conditioner hydrating and in fact, it seemed to tangle my hair even more. For a conditioner that boasts healing oils, I expected my hair to feel smoother which sadly ended up feeling and looking frizzy on the ends of my hair.

Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

This oil is said to “deeply condition, strengthen and smooth-imparting intense nourishment and incredible shine. Works wonders on dry, damaged and color-treated hair.”

I agree with all the reviews out there on this product that state this oil doesn’t weigh hair down. It’s incredibly light-weight and absorbs quickly into hair. My ends are pretty dry and when I applied this oil on them, it helped their appearance slightly but not by much. Perhaps this would work better on my hair if it was straight, but I’ve been leaving it curly and I’ve found other products that work just as well, if not better, than this one.

Note: These products are formulated without parabens, sulfates (SLS or SLES) or sodium chloride. They are also color and keratin treatment safe, offer UV protection for hair, vegan and cruelty and gluten free.

Bottom Line: I wasn’t impressed with this line. Had I not reacted the way I did to the shampoo, I wouldn’t mind buying the shampoo as it’s hard to find a shampoo for curly hair that cleanses well without stripping it. Some shampoos clean too well while others I feel don’t clean at all, leaving a greasy appearance to hair. This shampoo manages to strike the perfect balance but alas, it wasn’t meant for me. 🙁 The conditioner and oil are items I would skip out on though.

Have a favorite hair care product you love? Share your favorites below!

Stephanie

Makeup 411: Easier Application!

January 14, 2015

Applying your eye makeup before foundation makes it easier to clean up any eyeshadow fallout that may occur. Also, in case you make any mistakes, it easier to swipe it off and begin again without having to worry about messing up your other makeup.

What makeup shortcuts do you like to incorporate?

Happy Wednesday,

Stephanie

The Versatile Blogger Award!

January 13, 2015

Hi readers! Hope you all had an excellent weekend. 🙂

8 incredibly great blogs have nominated me for The Versatile Blogger Award! A big thanks to Someday Sunny, Makeup Crush Blog, Plus Beauty, Pores for Thought, Avon Insider Blog, Same Tay Different Day, Talking About Beauty and Thoughtsandthings1 for this!

The Rules:

1. Link the person who nominated you

2. Share 7 facts about yourself

3. Nominate 15 other blogger who have less than 200 followers

4. Notify all nominees via social media/blogs

My 7 Facts:

1. Although I don’t mind seeing blood, just hearing the word blood makes me feel weak.

2. I get mistaken for Persian all the time.

3. When I was 6, I wanted to be a ballerina, detective, doctor, teacher and model. I figured I could choose one for each day of the week. 🙂

4. The smell of cigarettes makes me physically sick. I can’t be around people who smoke for long without feeling nauseous.

5. I’m a stickler for manners. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ go a long way along with respecting others.

6. Carnations and tulips are some of my favorite flowers.

7. I once had a blind date at Knott’s Scary Farm. Yikes! Yeah, that didn’t go well at all.

My nominees

I’m breaking the rules a bit but if you’re reading this, then I nominate you. 🙂

Thanks for reading and I’ll work on my other awards when I get a chance.

Enjoy your Tuesday,

Stephanie

Skin Tip: Less Sugar for a Youthful Look!

January 9, 2015

Most people’s resolutions at the beginning of the year are to eat healthier. If you need an extra incentive to eat less processed and sugary foods, consider this. A diet high in sugar accelerates the aging process and can result in inflammation, puffiness and loss of skin radiance.

Have a lovely weekend,

Stephanie

Winter Skin Tips!

January 8, 2015

Good morning readers!

Here in SoCal we’ve experienced a drop in temperature, albeit I’m sure everyone else probably laughs at our concept of ‘cold.’ 🙂 Regardless of where you’re located, you may have noticed a change in your skin. Combination skin may start to feel more dry and dry skin may have a lot of flaky patches scattered throughout. Here’s a few tips that will help winter skin woes.

Sun Protection!

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, then you know SPF is an absolute must- rain, shine or snow. Winter doesn’t eliminate the sun’s harmful rays. In fact, even participating in snow activities can produce severe skin damage because snow reflects UV rays. Use an SPF of at least 30 and if you need help deciding which sunscreen is best for you click here. Don’t forget lips need SPF too!

Moisturize!

All skin types can benefit from a moisturizer. Skin has a higher propensity to loose more water during colder months causing the skin to become dry. Switching to cream based cleansers and heavier moisturizers with argan or shea butter can be great remedies for dry skin. Humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid are also great in that they attract and retain moisture levels within the skin.

Diet!

Studies have shown a connection between dry skin and essential fatty acids (EFAs). Incorporating good sources of EFAs, such as salmon, avocado or almonds can help. (Click here for more information on EFAs). However, ALWAYS consult a medical professional and/or registered dietitian before implementing any changes in your diet to verify there are no contraindications with certain medical conditions or medications.

Avoid Hot Showers!

Although a long, hot shower may sound like the perfect solution to end (or start) a day, hot water can damage the skin barrier. A damaged skin barrier is more susceptible to increased sensitivity, inflammation, dryness and an aged appearance. Keep showers short and warm.

Exfoliate!

Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells that can accumulate on the skin, causing a dull and flaky appearance. Scrubs with jojoba beads are a good at home option while chemical peels containing lactic acid are excellent professional treatments;sensitive skin may benefit from gentle enzyme peels. However, if your skin is cracked, hold off on exfoliating as you can further aggravate your skin. Focus on hydrating and repairing the skin barrier and consult a dermatologist and/or esthetician for further guidance.

How do you switch up your skincare routine when colder weather sets in?

Stephanie

Disclaimer: The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.

5 Ways to Cope with a Bad Day and Stress!

January 6, 2015

Hi readers! How was your New Years? Now that the holiday season is behind us, I should be back to my normal posting schedule, so let’s get to it. 🙂

We’ve all had those days when the moment our alarm goes off, everything seems to go wrong. We’re running late to a meeting and suddenly our car starts having trouble. You pop into the store to buy something and suddenly you can’t remember your pin number if your life-or items- depended on it. Or, sometimes negative and toxic people you have managed to distance yourself from somehow weasel their way back into your life and cause you grief. Whatever the case may be, you’re likely to wind up with a monster headache and stress.

So, how do you cope?

Here are five things that work for me and can maybe function for you when your day is less than stellar.

1. Get Moving!

A trip to the gym always helps ease my stress. Whether it’s running, dancing, yoga, or walking, exert all your energy and focus on this activity. You’ll instantly feel and look better too! Beauty bonus: As your heart rate increase, it sends oxygen to your skin and creates a healthy glow. Who doesn’t want that?

Me and my friend at Insanity con Carlos Alvarez

2. Read!

I love to read and there is no faster way for me to forget my problems once I pick up a good book. Be it an educational book or murder mystery, immerse yourself in someone else’s world for a bit.

3. Create a Calming Scent-Sation!

A few drops of lavender essential oil before I take a take a shower or mixed into lotion in conjunction with deep breathing helps ease my mind. A good friend gave me a doTERRA lavender sample and I fell in love with this. If you’re reading this Shanyn, thank you! 🙂

4. Indulge in a Masquerade!

As much fun as donning a mysterious mask and killer dress may be, it might be a weekday so apply your favorite face mask instead. A DIY version of a facial, it’s a mini treat that can instantly improve your stressed out complexion.

5. Drink Tea!

Catch up on your favorite shows by curling up with a hot cup of tea. Choose any blend that has soothing properties such as chamomile and lavender.

If nothing else, you can always sleep it off and wake up to a fresh start in the morning. 🙂

What are your favorite ways to deal with stress and/or a bad day?

Stephanie

Happy New Years + 100th Blog Post!

December 31, 2014

Happy New Years Eve readers! Can you believe how fast this year has gone by? It seems like it was just last month that I was welcoming 2014 and now we’re at the cusp of 2015! It’s insane.

I appreciate every single one of you that reads, follows and/or comments on my blog. I’ve written 100 blog posts so far and my subscribers are growing little by little each day- all possible thanks to you guys. 🙂

Here’s to wishing 2015 is filled with lots of love, happiness and health for all. I’ll leave you with an inspiring quote that I’ll take as my new year mantra.

See you next year,

Stephanie

Liebster Awards 1 and 2!

December 29, 2014

Hi everyone! Hope your weekend is going great and that you all had a lovely Christmas! 🙂

I was nominated for two Liebster Awards by Katie from Plus Beauty and Chanelle Hayley . I’m truly touched and grateful that they thought of me as they both have amazing blogs so if you’re not following them yet, head on over there and follow them. 🙂 I decided to incorporate both awards here as opposed to having two separate posts but I will answer both sets of questions given.

The Rules

Post the award on your blog.
Thank the blogger who presented this award and link back to their blog.
Write 5 random facts about yourself.
Nominate 5 bloggers (they should have less than 3000 followers)
Answer 5 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees 5 questions.

5 Random Facts About Myself

I straightened my hair chemically for about 8 years
My favorite color is red
One of my favorite books is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
I used to practice calligraphy- so elegant
I find ballroom dancing fascinating

5 Blog Nominees

theworldofcos.wordpress.com

beautybybrookeleanne.wordpress.com

janandjot.wordpress.com

avoninsiderblog.wordpress.com

amysbeautydiary.com

Questions from Chanelle

What is your favourite holiday and why?

I would have to say Christmas because I get to spend time with all of my family that has a great holiday spirit, whether we are having an ugly sweater contest, decorating silly hats, eating delicious food and desserts, or finding elves on shelves. Throw in Christmas lights and music (yes, I do love me some Christmas tunes) and it’s the best time of the year- minus of course all the traffic, rude people, etc.

What was the last movie you watched?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas- love that movie along with Elf!

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Michael Buble, John Stamos and Johnny Depp to name a few. 🙂

A fashion trend you’ve never understood?

Ugg boots. No offense to anyone who loves them but I just don’t see what all the hype is about.

Do you have any highlights of 2014?

I was able to meet and assist celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau!

Questions (Katie)

Besides blogging, what are your other hobbies/passions?

I love to dance! It’s such a great outlet that is both fun and creative. I also love to read and research different topics on beauty, science and health. Yes, I am a geek. 🙂

Why did you start blogging?

Starting my blog provided me with a larger platform to share what I know/have learned about skincare and makeup and to help people with any concerns they had. There is a plethora of information circulating the internet and unfortunately some of it isn’t accurate.

How did you come up with the name for your blog?

Well my name is Stephanie and I am an esthetician so you get Stephie Estie. I think it’s catchy, it rhymes and is easy to remember. (In case you didn’t know how to pronounce Estie, think of it as saying the letters ‘S’ and ‘T’)

What is your next goal in life?

Aside from obtaining more experience in the esthetics field, I am working on completing 100 hours of post-graduate education at the International Dermal Institute. In the future, I would also love to create my own skincare/makeup line.

Who/What inspires you most?

This is a tough one as there are so many people who inspire me. All of you lovely bloggers inspire me with your creative posts,my readers and their awesome questions or concerns, people who work relentlessly towards their goals, and my mother. She is one of the strongest persons I know because she has been through so much yet somehow manages to maintain a positive attitude.

5 Questions For My Nominees

1. What inspired you to write your blog?

2. If you could pick one high end makeup brand to try, which one would it be and why?

3. What do you hope to accomplish in 2015?

4. What is one staple item you couldn’t live without?

5. What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?

So there’s another post sharing a little bit more insight on me. 🙂

Thanks for reading,

Stephanie

Tom Ford Lips And Boys Omar Review!

December 29, 2014

Hi readers! I know my posting schedule has been a bit off due to the holidays but should be back to normal starting next week-at least that is the plan. 🙂

Back in November, for Black Friday I went ahead and purchased my very first Tom Ford lipstick. I’ve read so many great things about them but always winced at the steep $50 price tag. That is, of course, until Tom Ford decided to release a pretty extensive limited edition collection of lipsticks (50 to be exact) entitled Lips and Boys. Granted these lippies are smaller than the normal ones (0.07 oz vs 0.10 oz) , but $32 seemed a bit more manageable than $50.

Tom Ford lipsticks come in a dark brown/black (depending on how the light reflects off of it) case accented with gold trim and the signature TF logo etched into them. The TF logo dissipates after a few swipes though.

The Lips and Boys collection is grouped into color categories: nudes to browns; silvers to blacks; metallics; light pinks to mauves; pop pinks to roses; fuchsia to magentas; corals to oranges; reds; violets to orchards; and plums. I settled on the shade (boy?) Omar which pertains to the metallics family as it looked perfect for the holiday season with flecks of gold.

The color was a bit hard to capture in pictures but this is pretty close. To me this shade is kind of copper with red and orange undertones and flecks of gold that give it a metallic finish. It has a slight vanilla scent, reminiscent of M.A.C. lipsticks. While the formula is hydrating and applies pretty smoothly, I didn’t find it to be groundbreaking but perhaps it could be because the finish is metallic? Whatever the case, I absolutely love the color! It stayed on for about 3 hours and didn’t leave a stain behind, only gold shimmer. Below is a picture of how the color looks applied.

Overall: I love the color as it’s unique and unlike any color I own. However, it wasn’t as long lasting as some of the Tom Ford lipsticks are made out to be. Again, perhaps it might be because the finish is metallic. I would recommend these as a way to try out the Tom Ford line though at a more wallet friendlier option.

They are available now online and through the following retailers: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks.

*Note: These are limited edition so don’t wait too long if you want to try them out. 🙂

Have you tried any Tom Ford lipsticks? What is your opinion on them?

Have a great Monday,

Stephanie