Spring Board to Spring Cleaning

Every spring my Mother would clean the house from top to bottom.  I was always extremely happy when she would get to my room because she would really clean it; throw away old stuff, clean out all the stuff  from under my bed and organize my room beautifully. It would smell fresh and clean and almost look like a  new room. No matter how hard I tried, I could never clean my room like my Mother when she was in spring  cleaning mode. 

Now that spring has sprung….it is time to put the old spring cleaning principle to work on our hair and  make-up products and accessories.  Make-up has a shelf life and spring is a great time to re-organize and clean out our stashes.

 A great place to start is your make-up drawer.  Be sure to recycle containers when you can.

• Discard any crumbling or hardened powdered eye shadows, blushes, foundations.
• Throw away any waxy or sour smelling lipsticks, cream foundations, eye shadows and blushes.
• Replace mascara after 3 months use.
• Wipe off the containers of any make-up that you are putting back into the drawer.
• Use drawer organizers to keep your make-up orderly and neat.

Wash* your make-up brushes with a conditioning shampoo.  (This should be done 2 times per month at  least.)

*How to wash your make-up brushes…….

Wet each brush and then swirl with a little shampoo and lather the bristles in the palm of your hand.  Rinse the bristles until the water runs clean and squeeze out the excess.  Lay the brush on a towel to dry.

Next is the hair drawer.

Wash your hair brushes and combs. A cleansing shampoo works fine. (Should be done at least bi-weekly)

Clean curling iron barrels and flat iron plates with a soft cloth and a little alcohol.  It will remove any product build-up and keep your irons from sticking to your hair.

Use drawer organizers to organize your hair accessories, shampoos and conditioners.

Consolidate old conditioners and shampoos. These products can be used to clean your hair and make-up brushes.

Finally, let’s clean out our make-up bags….

• Start with a clean, new make-up bag, replacing your old bag at least yearly. As with the make-up drawer, discard any crumbling or hardened powdered eye shadows, blushes, foundations.
• Throw away any waxy or sour smelling lipsticks, cream foundations, eye shadows and blushes and replace with new make-up.
• Replace mascara after 3 months use.
• Wash* your make-up brushes with a conditioning shampoo.  (This should be done 2 times per month at  least.)

 
With clean brushes and make-up bags we have a good head start for a fabulous Spring.   Cheers!

About the Author
Valerie currently is a freelance hair and make-up artist with over 20 years experience and has worked on many projects including “Deal or No Deal” for NBC and “Ten Years Younger” for TLC. She has magazine editorials from In Style, Malibu, First, Life and Style and many more.  She continues to work on movie press junkets, video shoots, editorial photo shoots, and photo shoots for models, actors and musicians as well as advertising and commercial shoots, doing hair and make-up. 

©2010 This article was excerpted with permission from Valerie Noble.  Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state,  Reprinted with permission by Valerie Noble for www.valerienoble.com. Originally published in www.WomensOnlineMagazineLosAngeles.com, April 2010.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine Los Angeles. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.

Do It Yourself (DIY) Hair Color

Whether money is tight or abundant, there are always some of us who like to DIY (Do It Yourself) when it comes to our hair, including hair color. Today DIY hair coloring has been made easy with kits designed for any type of color you’d like (the drugstore hair isles are full) and many are as easy as shampoo-in. Even so, there are some colors and instances that should be left to the professionals. 

Do DIY if:

• You want to cover grey and stay close to your natural color
• You want to add shine and enhance or tone your natural color
• You are going only 1 or 2 shades lighter
• You want to go darker

 Do Not DIY if:

  You have medium brown to dark brown or black hair and you want to go blonde or get blonde highlights

• You want to go lighter and you don’t want any reddish or gold tones in your hair
• You want to go darker after being blonde
• You want to remove or lighten a dark color immediately after coloring your hair dark
• You want to correct a color that turned green or orange.

 
Hair coloring basic rules
 

• Dark hair has undertones of red, orange and yellow that have to be removed before you can get to blonde
• Hair cannot be lightened unless the formula contains peroxide and ammonia
• Overlapping bleach or highlights on previously lightened hair will weaken the hair and cause breakage
• Color glosses can be used over any color to remove brassiness, tone hair, add shine and condition

 Types of Hair Color

Semi-Permanent Color/Color Glaze- Temporary hair color that can enhance your current color or darken your current shade.  Cannot lighten hair, lasts 6-8 shampoos and washes out with no roots. Contains no peroxide or ammonia (which is drying to the hair) and adds conditioning and shine.

For DIY try: John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze

 Demi-Permanent Color- Temporary color rinse that is great for blending grey and moderate grey coverage. Contains low peroxide and little to no ammonia so hair fades with no roots. Cannot lighten hair and lasts 24-26 shampoos

For DIY try: L’Oreal Paris Healthy Look Color Gloss

Permanent Color- Permanent hair colors use peroxide and ammonia to change and deposit color permanently.  It does not wash out and needs to be touched up every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain the roots.  Most color formulations can lighten hair 2-4 levels.  It also permanently darkens hair and fully covers grey.

For DIY try: Garnier Nutrisse Nourshing Color Creme

Bleach- Bleach contains peroxide and ammonia and is used to get light hair colors. 

Not recommended to DIY

Highlights- Pieces of hair are lightened permanently with bleach to get a multi-dimensional look.  Roots can be maintained between 8-12 weeks.

Not recommended to DIY

With these tips, you can visit the pro when needed and easily cover grey, add shine and conditioning and enhance your hair color in between pro visits. Give yourself a spring-time beauty boost with a color glaze.

About the Author
Valerie currently is a freelance hair and make-up artist with over 20 years experience and has worked on many projects including “Deal or No Deal” for NBC and “Ten Years Younger” for TLC. She has magazine editorials from In Style, Malibu, First, Life and Style and many more.  She continues to work on movie press junkets, video shoots, editorial photo shoots, and photo shoots for models, actors and musicians as well as advertising and commercial shoots, doing hair and make-up. She also is the co-founder and beauty editor for RegardMag.com.

©2010 This article was excerpted with permission from Valerie Noble.  Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state,  Reprinted with permission by Valerie Noble for www.valerienoble.com. Originally published in www.WomensOnlineMagazineLosAngeles.com, March 2010.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine Los Angeles. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.

10 Surprising Beauty Boosters

It is amazing how the quest for beauty has become such an all-encompassing pursuit for women and now even men.  We spend so much time and money trying to get to a superficial level of beauty….one that is dictated by the most popular celebrities.  Although, I think following the beauty styles of celebrities can be fun….I really think that using them as examples of the best beauty choices and being obsessed in emulating them is a disadvantage to us all.

 With so much information available on how to be beautiful, I think we sometimes forget that real beauty is self-confidence. In all my years as a hair stylist and now a make-up artist, I have always helped and encouraged my clients work with what they have. People rarely need the drastic procedures they are convinced they have to have in order to look more beautiful.  I think being confident in who you are along with some easy beauty boosters brings beauty to its highest level. 

 Here are 10 easy beauty boosters that can help you show off your personal beauty confidence without the time and expense of more extensive procedures.

 1      A Nice smile- White teeth and healthy gums are immediately noticeable and can raise your beauty quotient. Be sure to brush and floss daily and get your teeth brightened as necessary.

 2      Well groomed eyebrows- Nicely arched eyebrows can give you an instant lift because they open up the eye to create a polished look.  With maintained eyebrows, you can literally walk out the door with mascara, a little bronzer and lip gloss and look pulled together.

 3      Short natural nails- Long nail extensions are not only an expense but they ruin the nail bed underneath with long-term use.  With such an array of fabulous nail colors available, now is the time to switch to a short natural nail.  You will be surprised how nice your nails can look.

 4      Say no to extensions- Hair extensions are a great temporary enhancement.  I recommend the temporary ones that can be clipped on. Long-term wearing of the more permanently attached extensions, however, can lead to hair loss due to breakage and tension. And once you get hooked, it’s an expensive habit. Get a fabulous cut or trim instead. 

 5      Wear a facial sunscreen everyday- Wear a tinted moisturizer with a sunscreen or a sun block every day….even in cloudy weather.  It gives you protection from the damaging effects of the sun is a great way to keep your face from needing more expensive skin treatments.  Plus be sure to cleanse your face and moisturize at night.

 6      Shiny hair— Glossy hair always looks healthy and beautiful. There are so many hair serums available that deliver a beautiful glossy shine and provide additional conditioning. Just a few drops can make your hair look amazing.

 7      Wearing the correct size- It’s amazing how clothes that are too large or too small can make you look bigger.  Don’t worry about the number on the tag….go for a perfect fit.

 8      Great accessories- Great accessories are an easy and economical way to spruce up any look.  Don’t be afraid to show your creativity by experimenting with scarves, jewelry, bracelets, hats and belts.

 9      No smoking- Smoking is not only a huge turn off to real beauty, but the disadvantages are real….stained teeth, loss of taste and smell, smelly clothes and hair, and of course it’s a big detriment to your health and skin.

 10    Good posture- I am always amazed at how many beautiful women (even celebrities) do not stand up straight.  Poor posture instantly comes across as a lack of confidence and doesn’t allow for true beauty to shine through.  Be aware of and practice good posture and you can instantly improve your beauty.  Plus you will look much better in your clothes.

 These simple changes can make the most of your individual beauty.  Be brave enough to show your beauty confidence. Be a style innovator and bring out the best of your beauty confidence.

 About the Author
Valerie currently is a freelance hair and make-up artist with over 20 years experience and has worked on many projects including “Deal or No Deal” for NBC and “Ten Years Younger” for TLC. She has magazine editorials from In Style, Malibu, First, Life and Style and many more.  She continues to work on movie press junkets, video shoots, editorial photo shoots, and photo shoots for models, actors and musicians as well as advertising and commercial shoots, doing hair and make-up. 

©2010 This article was excerpted with permission from Valerie Noble.  Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state,  Reprinted with permission by Valerie Noble for www.valerienoble.com. Originally published in www.WomensOnlineMagazineLosAngeles.com, February 2010.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine Los Angeles. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.

2010 Winter Beauty Must Haves

Winter is here and I can feel the drying effects everyday.  Even though I am in Southern California, it’s mostly because I have the heater on at night when it gets chilly. I can’t imagine what it’s like to live in a really cold city with a wind chill factor and snow like Chicago or Maine.  At any rate, here is my new 2010 Beauty Must Haves list to help us through the colder weather…….

Face

Scrub-
Exfoliate weekly with a gentle scrub to keep winter’s dry skin at bay for a brighter complexion.
Try: Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub

Tinted Moisturizer-
Use a daily face moisturizer with spf 15.  Choose a shade slightly darker than your skin tone to give you an instant sun-kissed look while providing light coverage to enhance your complexion.
Try: Sephora Brand Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

Gel Eyeliner- 
The new gel eyeliners are easy to apply and stay put until you wash them off.
Try: Maybelline’s Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Tinted Lip Balm-
Lightly stain your lips with a sheer natural color while softening and protecting them.
Try: Wet N Wild Natural Wear Lip Shimmer

Mascara-
Ultra-conditioning alcohol-free mascara is a definite winter must-have. Look for a formula that strengthens lashes and won’t smudge or clump.
Try: Fresh’s Supernova Mascara

Hair

Dry Shampoo-
When the weather is just too cold to wash your hair (or you don’t feel like washing), a dry shampoo is a perfect solution to absorb excess oil and product buildup and give your hair a fresh look.
Try: Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Shampoo

 
Leave-In Conditioner-
The newest leave-in moisturizers and serums are wearable reconstructor treatments that provide instant strength, thermal and color protection, shine and manageability on wet or dry hair.
Try: Fortifying Repairative Serum by Pearatin

Body

Hand Cream-
My hands seem to stay dry, probably because I wash them a lot.  I like a cream with Shea butter to add that extra protection.
Try: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Body Scrub-
Body scrubs buff away dull, dry, flakey skin leaving your skin healthy, vibrant and glowing. I love the smell they engulf the bathroom with, too.
Try: Bath and Body Work’s Strawberry Lemonade Juicy Body Scrub

Body Butter-
My favorite body moisturizer is body butter. They absorb easily and do the best job of moisturizing and conditioning the skin.
Try: The Body Shop’s Coconut Body Butter (My favorite flavor).

With these great Winter Beauty Must Haves, we can all make it to spring looking good.  Stay tuned for my Spring Must Have picks……
 

About the Author :
Valerie currently is a freelance hair and make-up artist with over 20 years experience and has worked on many projects including “Deal or No Deal” for NBC and “Ten Years Younger” for TLC. She has magazine editorials from In Style, LA Direct, First, Life and Style and many more.  She continues to work on movie press junkets, video shoots, editorial photo shoots, and photo shoots for models, actors and musicians as well as advertising and commercial shoots, doing hair and make-up. 

 ©2010 This article was excerpted with permission from Valerie Noble.  Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Valerie Noble for www.valerienoble.com. Originally published www.WomensOnlineMagazineLosAngeles.com, January, 2010.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine Los Angeles. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.

2010 Beauty Resolution- Update My Make-up

As we all go down our list of New Year’s Resolutions, here is another question we can ask ourselves. When was the last time I updated my make-up application?  High school, college, never?  As times have changed, so have the styles of make-up application.  Some of the ways we used to apply make-up no longer look flattering or seem old fashioned.   Here is my list of the Old vs. the New….

  

  

Old (What’s Not)
Heavy foundation applied with a sponge
New (What’s Hot)
Light, breathable liquid or powder mineral
foundations applied with a foundation brush
Try: Maybelline’s Dream Liquid Mousse
 

Old (What’s Hot)
Heavy powder to set the make-up
New (What’s Hot)
Lighter-than-air translucent powder that
matches any skin tone
Try: Make-up Forever HD Micro-Finish Powder

Old (What’s Not)
Blush applied on the apples (directly under the eye)
of the cheek like Santa cheeks
New (What’s Hot)
Blush applied under the cheek-bone up
towards the hairline to highlight the cheek
Try: Cover Girl Classic Color Blush

Old (What’s Not)
Lip pencil matching the lipstick
New (What’s Hot)
Lip Pencil 1 or 2 shades darker than the lipstick-
outline and fill in the lips with the pencil then
apply lighter lipstick or gloss
Try: Sephora’s Nano Lip Liner

Old (What’s Not)
Black cake eye-liner
New (What’s Hot)
Gel eye-liner in dark brown, green or purple
Try: MAC Fluidline

Old (What’s Not)
Thick, too light concealer
New (What’s Hot)
Creamy, moisturizing peach-tone concealer 1
shade lighter than your foundation
Try: Benefit’s Erase Paste

A basic day-time make-up application update is pretty easy and can be achieved in 6 steps.
 

1. Foundation and Powder- Apply lightly with a brush to even out the skin tone and give your face a flawless base. (Apply concealer if necessary)
2. Blush- Highlight your cheekbones by applying blush under the cheekbone upward towards the hairline.
3. Eye Shadow- Select a neutral color for the entire eyelid and a lighter color under the brow
4. Eyeliner- Use a gel eyeliner in a dark brown to line the upper and lower lash line.
5. Lip Liner/Gloss- Shape and fill in the lips with the liner, then top with a lipstick or gloss.
6. Mascara – Apply a lengthening and thickening mascara to complete your look.

Day-time make-up can become night-time make-up with a few additional steps.

• Blush- Add a little more blush and a shimmer highlight on the top of the cheek.
• Eye Shadow- Select a more dramatic shade for the eyelid and a darker shadow for the crease.
• Eyeliner- For a smokey eye look, smudge a dark shadow on top of the eyeliner along the upper and lower lash line.
• Lip Gloss- Select a nice lip gloss
• Mascara- Apply an additional coat of mascara for a more dramatic look.

With these easy make-up updates you can cross one resolution off of your list and look fabulous in the process!

Happy 2010….

About the Author
Valerie currently is a freelance hair and make-up artist with over 20 years experience and has worked on many projects including “Deal or No Deal” for NBC and “Ten Years Younger” for TLC. She has magazine editorials from In Style, Malibu, First, Life and Style and many more.  She continues to work on movie press junkets, video shoots, editorial photo shoots, and photo shoots for models, actors and musicians as well as advertising and commercial shoots, doing hair and make-up. 

©2010 This article was excerpted with permission from Valerie Noble.  Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Valerie Noble for www.valerienoble.com. Originally published in www.WomensOnlineMagazineLosAngeles.com, January 2010.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine Los Angeles. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.

3 Fabulous Home Beauty Treatments for a Cold Winter Day

Now that winter is here… I’m trying to get used to the colder weather.  Even here in Los Angeles when the temperature gets to only about 46 degrees at night, it seems really cold to me.  Even if it isn’t really cold, I can always tell the difference the lower temperature has on my skin and hair in terms of dryness.  Now I’m using a slightly heavier moisturizer during the day and loads of night cream at night.

At least once a month, throughout the winter months, I like to do a deep moisturizer for my skin and hair.  Here are 3 fun treatments to do on a cold or rainy afternoon or evening.

Moisturizing Facial

This is a great and easy moisturizing treatment right from your kitchen using avocado, honey and aloe vera.  The avocado adds moisture while the honey not only adds moisture but acts as a humectant to hold in moisture and is an effective antimicrobial (which inhibits the growth of bacteria).  Aloe adds a soothing healing effect, great for dry skin.

Start by using your favorite cleanser to clean your face.  Take ½ of a very ripe avocado and mash in a small bowl.  Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of aloe vera.  Mix well and apply evenly to your face and neck and relax for 15-20 minutes.  Rinse well with warm water.  Finish with your favorite moisturizer. 

Try: Yes to Carrots Moisturizing Day Cream.

Moisturizing Hot Oil Manicure

This is a great solution to the dry hands and cuticles winter brings.  
First remove your polish and file your nails to the desired shape.  In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons of hand lotion and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix.  Heat the lotion and oil mixture in a microwave for 20 seconds or until warm.  Dip your fingers into the mixture and let your cuticles soak for 15 minutes.  After your cuticles are softened, take a cuticle pusher and gently push back the cuticle on each nail.  Now take some of the oil mixture and massage it into your cuticles and hands and arms.  Use a cotton pad with little polish remover to remove the oil from your nails.  Now you are ready to complete your manicure with your favorite clear gloss or decedent polish. 

Try: OPI’s new winter color Give Me the Moon, a great wine-purple. 

Moisturizing Hair Conditioner

Turn your regular favorite conditioner into a deep moisturizing conditioner by adding a few extra ingredients.
Take 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of your conditioner and mix in a bowl.  After you wash your hair, generously apply the mixture to you hair.  Cover with a plastic bag and either sit under a dryer for 10-20 minutes or wrap with a towel (this helps the heat from your head to heat the conditioner).  Rinse well with warm water. Finish with a light spritz of a leave-in conditioner. 

Try: Sexy Hair Tri-Wheat Leave-in conditioner.

 You will find that doing these treatments at least once a month during the winter months will keep your skin and hair soft and supple.

About the Author
Valerie currently is a freelance hair and make-up artist with over 20 years experience and has worked on many projects including “Deal or No Deal” for NBC and “Ten Years Younger” for TLC. She has magazine editorials from In Style, Malibu, First, Life and Style and many more.  She continues to work on movie press junkets, video shoots, editorial photo shoots, and photo shoots for models, actors and musicians as well as advertising and commercial shoots, doing hair and make-up. 

©2009 This article was excerpted with permission from Valerie Noble.  Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Valerie Noble for www.valerienoble.com. Originally published in www.WomensOnlineMagazineLosAngeles.com, December, 2009.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine Los Angeles. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.

Bathing Bliss

As fall approaches and the weather gets cooler…taking a hot relaxing bath becomes very enticing.  Although, I am not a bath person, all of my friends and clients love a soothing hot bath.  Turning your bath into a mini home spa can be easily achieved with natural items from your pantry.  All you need to design your own bath experience are some empty muslin or mesh bags and a few natural ingredients….

A relaxing herbal bath can be achieved by simply adding a few commercial tea bags to your bath water.  Or you can make your own bath teas by placing herbal mixtures in a small mesh bag and tie with a string or ribbon.  You can steep the bags in boiling water first, and then add them to the bath. Or you can use very hot tap water, and tie the bag under the nozzle as the tub fills and get in when the water has cooled to a comfortable temperature.  Drop the bag into the water as you soak for a relaxing bath.  Add an organic bubble bath to add lots of foam and bubbles as the tub fills. (A fan favorite is Baby Bee Bubble Bath by Burt’s Bees)

Try these basic bath recipes…..

Lavender Bath

Combine in a bowl

½ cup of lavender buds

½ cup oatmeal  

Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.  Place the mixture in a small mesh bag and tie. Add to the tub as it fills.

Relaxing Herbal Bath

Combine in a bowl

½ cup Chamomile- relaxing and soothing, great for itchy dry skin

½ cup Mint- benefits the respiratory system

½ cup Lavender buds- relaxing and soothing a with a great aroma

½ cup Rosemary-calming

Place mixture in a small mesh bag and tie.  Add to bath as it fills.

Skin Softening Oatmeal and Honey Bath

½ cup of Oatmeal

¼ cup Bran

½ cup of honey

½ cup of hot water

Combine hot water with honey to blend honey and let cool.  Add oatmeal and bran and make a paste.  Place mixture in a small mesh bag and tie.  Add to bath as it fills.

While relaxing, in your bath, have soft music playing and fragrant candles lit and even a glass of wine handy to set the mood.

After your relaxing bath make sure to moisturize your entire body.  Best choices are lotions or creams that contain, shea butter, cocoa butter, soybean oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba, glycerin, wheat germ oil, vitamin E as well as herbal extracts to leave your skin soft and smooth all day.  (Fan favorites are Kiss My Face Lavender and Shea Ultra Moisturizer and Burt’s Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey and Shea Body Butter)

Happy Bathing!!

About the Author
Valerie currently is a freelance hair and make-up artist with over 20 years experience and has worked on many projects including “Deal or No Deal” for NBC and “Ten Years Younger” for TLC. She has magazine editorials from In Style, Malibu, First, Life and Style and many more.  She continues to work on movie press junkets, video shoots, editorial photo shoots, and photo shoots for models, actors and musicians as well as advertising and commercial shoots, doing hair and make-up. 

©2009 This article was excerpted with permission from Valerie Noble.  Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Valerie Noble for www.valerienoble.com. Originally published in www.WomensOnlineMagazineLosAngeles.com, August, 2009. DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine Los Angeles. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.

Beauty Must Haves

 Anyone who knows me knows that I love products and potions. There are so many great beauty products available to make us look our best and make our lives easier. Here are some of my current Beauty Must Haves……

 Make-up Remover Wipes-
It is so important to remove your make-up every night before going to bed.  If you are guilty of sometimes skipping this step, make-up remover wipes can come to your rescue.  These pre-moistened towelettes can safely and completely remove make-up, dirt and oil while often conditioning your skin.  And you can even find natural wipes for sensitive skin.

 Purse Size Hand Sanitizer-
I just started to carry a purse sized hand sanitizer. It comes in handy before eating at a restaurant, after touching the cart at the market, or using a public keyboard or door handle.  This is an easy way to kill germs, especially during flu season, when soap and water are not easily accessible.

 Sunscreen-
Protect you skin daily with a sunscreen.  Sunscreens are designed to diffuse the amount of UVA (ultra violet light that breaks down the skin) and UVB (ultra violet light that burns the skin) that is absorbed.  Sunscreens today protect against both UVA and UVB rays.  Choose an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 25 to get moderate protection. 

 Oil Absorbing Blotting Papers-
Freshen up your make-up with blotting papers. These light papers are brilliant for absorbing excess oil and shine from your face without removing the make-up. This gives your face an instant touch-up without having to add powder.

 Foundation Brush/Concealer Brush-
I am a big fan of using a brush for applying foundation.  You use much less product and get a lighter application. It is also easier to apply foundation where you need it and blend. The same applies for concealer…you use less product and get a better blend.

 Satin Pillow Case-
Sleeping on a satin pillow case is a must for great hair care.  Sleeping on a cotton pillow case can absorb the hair’s moisture, drying it out and cause breakage from friction.  Flannel pillow cases are especially rough on the hair.  A satin pillowcase will also help protect your blowout and extensions and will be kind to your face as well.

 Padded Shoe Inserts-
Do you have a favorite pair of shoes that hurt when you wear them?  With Ball of the Foot Gel Cushions, uncomfortable shoes can become your favorites again.  I have them in all of my heels….makes my shoes instantly comfortable.

 Pumice Stone-
After a long summer of wearing thongs and sandals the heels on your feet can get a little dry and rough.  Make your dry, rough feet feel smooth and soft again by using a pumice stone in the bath or shower.  Just gently rub the dry areas on your feet with the pumice stone, a couple times a month, to keep your feet soft and smooth.

 Stay tuned for more of my Beauty Must-Haves……

 About the Author :
Valerie currently is a freelance hair and make-up artist with over 20 years experience and has worked on many projects including “Deal or No Deal” for NBC and “Ten Years Younger” for TLC. She has magazine editorials from In Style, LA Direct, First, Life and Style and many more.  She continues to work on movie press junkets, video shoots, editorial photo shoots, and photo shoots for models, actors and musicians as well as advertising and commercial shoots, doing hair and make-up. 

 ©2009 This article was excerpted with permission from Valerie Noble.  Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Valerie Noble for www.valerienoble.com. Originally published www.WomensOnlineMagazineLosAngeles.com, August, 2009.

  DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine Los Angeles. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author.