B Styled for Life formerly Beauty Glow, Skincare, Makeup, Style, Image Consultant in Brisbane

Category: Beauty Glow

  • Inside Out

    Inside Out

    … Or Outside In

    I am reading a great  book on personal style at the moment by Carla Mason Mathis and Helen Villa Connor which is  also as they describe it .. “a natural guidebook to self-acceptance”.

     “…its impossible to build a true individual style without learning to love yourself on the outside as well as the inside” (quote from the book “The Triumph of Individual Style“)

    One of the latest movies Inside Out – an animated movie dealing with feelings is just one of the examples of how many people today are focusing on how we feel, how we take care of our emotions and think about situations.  I believe this is so important and it is wonderful that we are encouraged to be more open about  how we feel.

    As with everything in life, balance is something that creates harmony.  The balance of looking after ourselves on the inside AND the outside makes sense.  

    We can look at this both ways – being the best we can from the outside in and  from the inside out.  

    Taking care of how we think and our self-talk is going to have a positive impact on how we feel.  This will show in our outer appearance.  Our eyes shine, we smile more, our language that comes out of our mouth will be more positive and inspiring  for other people to hear.  If we take care of our inner health, think about what we put into our bodies and exercise we will feel better, have healthier skin, eyes, hair and physiques which shows on the outside.  

    If we pay attention to our skin with our grooming – a good skincare routine, quality makeup plus wear good clothing styles for our body shape, wear colours that suit us and are in harmony with our skintone, hair and eyes we will feel good on the inside …

    • We know that we look good, so we feel good
    • We feel congruent with our personality by wearing colours that we like and styles that suit
    • We feel peaceful because we are comfortable in our clothes and not always worrying that a skirt or trousers are too tight, too loose or uncomfortable
    • We will receive compliments instead of people asking if we are tired or not well (which can happen if you are wearing the wrong colours for you personally)
    • We are able to concentrate on whatever activity we are doing at the time because we know the “outside” is taken care of
    • We can feel excitement about an impending trip or event because we know that we can put together outfits from our wardrobe that will be work for us

    So … Outside In or Inside Out  … It all works.  If we look good, we feel good and if we feel good we look good… BALANCE and HARMONY. 

    Contact Moana Robinson at Beauty Glow to find out more about  working with Balance and Harmony with your own personal style 

     

     

  • Common Scents about Perfume

    Common Scents about Perfume

    Perfume is such a Personal Choice

    Some of us who love perfume do have a signature scent …A perfume  they like to wear to reflect their personality and can even become part of their own personal brand.  

    I find that most women either 

    (a) Stick to one or two  “signature scents” with their perfume; or

    (b) Like to try a variety of different perfumes

    Sometimes the perfume you choose to wear can depend on what you are doing that day for example …

    Weekend daytime – Sports, Market Shopping, Running around with the kids something light and fresh  such as Burberry Brit or Gucci Flora or Dolce & Gabban Light Blue

    Everyday workwear Perfume –  Something with vitality and energy …Chance by Chanel or Miracle by Lancome or Dior Addict.  

    Romantic/Date Nights – Something sensual and sexy like Gucci by Gucci or Lola by Marc Jacobs or feminine and floral like Romance by Ralph Lauren or Innocent by Thierry Mugler 

    Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette?

    Eau de Toilette is less concentrated and contains more water than eau de parfum which contains more alcohol.  If you want your fragrance to last from day through to night choose eau de parfum (which is more expensive because of its concentration).  You need to use a lot less of eau de parfum than eau de toilette

    Perfume Points to Remember

    • The general rule is 2-3 sprays of perfume – enough to notice but not too much so that you knock out your friends and co-workers 
    • Only spray perfume where your skin wont be exposed to the sun otherwise it could cause hyperpigmentation 
    • Wrists, behind your ears and behind your knees are pulse points and good areas to wear your perfume
    • If you wear the same perfume for a long time. day after day, your body gets used to that scent and you will find that it mixes with your own body chemistry
    • Get to know the type of scents you like – such as  woody, floral, fruity, spicy, and citrus.  This way when you are looking for a new scent to try if you are getting some assistance from the store you have a starting point.
    • I always wait after trying a new perfume on my wrist and see how it smells after it has been on a while before I purchase it.  I prefer trying it on my wrist to the tester strip as each scent reacts differently on different people
    • When spraying hold the bottle eight to ten inches away from you.
    • Only ever try three fragrances in one go as your olfactory senses can easily become overloaded.  Most perfume stores provide glasses of coffee beans to sniff to prevent this from happening
    • Store perfume away from heat, humidity and direct light or the oils and alcohol in perfume can break down and change the fragrance or cause it to disappear completely.

    Moana Robinson from Beauty Glow can be contacted for Colour, Style, Skincare and Makeup Consultations

  • Using Your Colour Swatch

    Using Your Colour Swatch


    Explore and Discover Your Colour Options

    Wow what fun you can have using your colour swatch!  I recently pulled out a dress that I hadnt worn simply because I was not used to wearing those colours and kept bypassing it.   I took a good look at the dress with my colour swatch and realised Yes! it is in my colour swatch and it does look good on me – even more so with a bit of red lipstick. This neutral is a great alternative to black.  

    Do you find that you are wearing a lot of the same colour all the time?  Try exploring the colours in your swatch.  There may be colours in your colour swatch that you had not even thought of wearing Be adventurous now that you have had a colour consultation and have your colour swatch.  Remember your colour swatch is a tool and a guide that can save your hundreds of dollars. 

    Take your swatch to your wardrobe or with you to the shops and ask yourself …

    • Does the colour of the garment blend in with the swatch?
    • Is it the same level of lightness or darkness?
    • Is it warm or is it cool?
    • Is it clear or muted compared to the swatch?
    • If you fan the swatch out do all the rest of the colours in the swatch kind of “go” with the colour in the garment you are looking at?

    Your wardrobe will be so much more  versatile with the ability to mix and match if you use your swatch.  Try the following to “tweak” your wardrobe using your colour swatch

    • Try finding colours of similar  colour value and wearing them together such as a light pink with a light blue or a a medium yellow with a medium purple; or you could try putting a few of the richer colours in your swatch together   If they are in your swatch each colour will be right for you.  You can be confident of this.
    • Try putting one of your signature colours (which will be marked on your swatch) in a garment which will be worn near your face with a nice dark neutral – the darkest in your swatch as this will really highlight your face and make the signature colour stand out.

     Have fun and discover some new ideas by using your swatch.  By using YOUR colour swatch you  know that you cant go wrong.

    Contact Moana Robinson of Beauty Glow to find out your colour palette . A full Colour consultation takes 1.5 to 2 hours and you receive

    • Your personal colour swatch with your signature colours highlighted
    • Your personal booklet guide filled with information about your colours
    • The opportunity to ask questions and receive information that is personal to YOU

    Explore the shops and even your own wardrobe with a brand new outlook on colour.

     

     

     

     

  • One Size Fits All

    One Size Fits All

    … or Does It ?

    Have you  seen a pair of jeans that will fit a Size 6 AND a Size 16 ?

     NO …

    It is the same with styling consultations.  There is not a “One Size Fits All” recipe for looking great.  This is why a personal styling session is so important.  EACH individual person is so unique.  I am using jeans as an example because these days walking into a jeans shop to buy a pair of jeans means more than knowing your correct size.    As well as Size there is Type of jean – Rise, Cut and Colour (or type of Wash) – Here is some information for you about choosing jeans:

    Rise

    The rise is measured from the middle of the crotch seam to the top of the waistband and can create your perceived waistline

    • Low Rise – Sitting a few inches below the navel (Best for women with long legs), great for women with a “boyish” figure or straight up and down figure (“I” shape)
    • High Rise –  Sitting just above the navel (Best for Pear or “A” shaped women) For petite builds this fit also accentuates the waits and elongates the legs, good for women with bigger hips
    • Mid Rise – Sitting just below the navel (Good for women with long legs) also good for women with bigger hips

    Cut or Style

    • Skinny Jean – Suits most shapes apart from Apple or “O” shapes
    • Bootcut Jean – Probably the most flattering cut for everyone, depending on the shoe you are wearing. designed to kick out at the bottom and are quite fitted at the top
    • Flared Jeans – Flattering on round or “O” shapes (however they will shorten your legs)
    • Straight Leg Jeans – Look good on most body shapes; and then there are the …
    • Boyfriend Jeans – usually quite loose and look best on “boyish” or straight figures or round “O” shape figures

    Wash

    Dark Denim – Will look good on everyone, especially women with thick thighs and this is the denim (sometimes called the “Rinse”) which makes the legs look longest also

    Stone wash, Distressed and Vintage Washes can add bulk visually to heavier women and there is even “whiskering” detail on jeans which can draw attention to areas of the body such as thighs.  Then there is where the pockets are placed, detail or lack of detail, topstiching colour … many, many variables which is why …

    As in jeans shopping your Colour and Style consultation is going to be especially for YOU.  No two people are identical.

    Moana Robinson from Beauty Glow takes pride in the fact that she loves to focus on you as an individual and although the process for each consultation is similar the advice given will be personal to YOU.  Contact Beauty Glow for a session that is a fit especially for YOU.

     

  • Changes in Lifestyle

    Changes in Lifestyle

    How Have you Changed Over the Years?

    Lifestyle changes may mean you have put on  weight and/or your skin may have become dull.   It is always helpful to have the support and encouragement of someone who has your best interests at heart.  Enlisting an expert can help you cope with changes to your lifestyle.

    Style and Clothing – Fashion and style can become stressful if you dont know where to start.  Here ere are a couple of tips:

    1. As you go to put something on in your wardrobe if it doesnt “rock your boat” put it aside – Your personal stylist can help you work out why it is you always bypass this item of clothing.  
    2. Choose some favourite pieces and keep them in your wardrobe.   Is there a common theme with these clothes? Do they work for your current lifestyle?
    3. A personal stylist can give you ideas on how to wear those favourite clothes. They can help you work out why they are your favourites. By making changes you can feel as though you have a whole new wardrobe.
    4. Experiment with your clothes, try  some mixing and matching, try different colours, see what is trending these days and most importantly what is  comfortable and “feels right”.  
    5. Even in countries where changes in seasons are not very distinct it is nice to have seasonal changes in your wardrobe – usually  bright colours in summer and more subdued, subtle colours for winter depending on your colour palette.
    6. Innerwear is as important as outerwear.  Determine your right size and have a professional fitting.  Changes to your lingerie can also make a difference to your whole look.  Just like the foundation for a house, if our foundation garments are good it creates a much better shape.

    Makeup and Accessories – Makeup enhances natural beauty and is a way to express yourself. Eyeliner and/or a quality mascara and a bold lipstick that matches well with your skin tone is one way to make changes to your look.

    Accessories from bags to foot wear, necklaces, bracelets and earrings help you to achieve a stylish look to go with the changes in your lifestyle.

    Skincare – Not all individuals have the same type of skin, some have oily skin and others can have dry, sensitive or normal skin A product range that works for you will be individual and this is why it is good to have a range that you can “try before you buy”.  Not every range suits every person and this is a personal choice.  Ask the advice of a Beauty Therapist. Skin changes as we age and as well as skin types there are different skin conditions to cope with.   If you are trying a product out give the range at least 28 days for skincare to work as our skin renews every 28 days. 

    For advice on coping with style, skincare and cosmetics to go with changes in your lifestyle contact Moana Robinson from Beauty Glow.

     

  • Make A Statement

    Make A Statement

    Make A Statement About YOU

    I recently completed a Style Challenge set by one of my Trainers Imogen Lamport from the Academy of Professional Image – one of the challenges was to wear a statement necklace  as seen here Style Challenge No. 1 (this necklace was bought for me by my daughter Molly) .  Wearing a statement piece of jewellery is a simple way to say something about yourself especially if that piece of jewellery has  special meaning to you.

    Through one of the networking Groups that I absolutely love going to The Y Network I met the talented Kylie Verner who has a business called KCrystals.  Kylie designs pieces of jewellery specifically for each of her clients.  There is a consultation process and the gemstones and crystals in the necklaces have a specific meaning.  Kylie makes the jewellery with love and care and is very conscious of each of her client’s personalities.  Keep an eye out for more about Kylie’s Kcyrstals special jewellery … There is a point of difference that I think is very unique and am working on something to show you how special it is…. You can see my reaction when Kylie presents me with the necklace here  … a happy client.

    Now a bit about Statement Necklaces …

    1. Statement necklaces are most effective if made the focal point of the whole outfit
    2. Wearing a complementary colour to the necklace can really make the necklace “pop” – for example a turquoise necklace can look amazing with a purple top or dress
    3. Take into account what your “Style personality” is – for example if you have a Dramatic Style Personality a delicate necklace just isnt going to feel right.  However if you have a Feminine/Romantic Style Personality a statement necklace can speak volumes about your own individual personality if it is not cluttered with too much other jewellery even if it is delicate-looking and in soft pretty colours.  A statement necklace should reflect you and your personality
    4. The more simple the outfit the more “out there” your statement necklace can be.  Complex prints and patterns worn with a detailed necklace will not do justice to either the outfit or the necklace.
    5. Most statement necklaces are designed to be large and if you have a statement necklace specifically designed for you the designer will take into account your frame and the length that will suit the individual client’s decolletage and face.  Kylie designed my statement necklace with an adjustable length and it turned out that the shorter length worked better for low cut tops and the longer length for higher necklines. This is because the pendant adds length and needs to be taken into account for the overall effect depending on what top or dress is being worn.  It was great that Kylie suggested this as sometimes you cant tell until you try the necklace on with different outfits.

    Hope these few points help – Statement necklaces as with any piece of statement jewellery should be something special as they are making a statement or expression of  YOU.

    For information on accessories, how to wear Statement Necklaces and other jewellery to suit your special outfits or to assess your Style Personality contact Moana Robinson of Beauty Glow

     

  • Lipstick On The Go

    Lipstick On The Go

    Lipstick and Lip Gloss

    Lipstick and or Lip Gloss can make a huge difference to how you look and feel.

    Whether you prefer lipstick or lip gloss here are a few tips to help you with fast, easy application:

    1. If you are applying lipstick straight from the stick start at the centre of your bottom lip as this is the widest part of your mouth so its hard to go wrong here – blend towards the corners.
    2. If you want to really get the cupids bow exact start with your lipliner by marking a little cross in the cupids bow and keep within these lines
    3. For a long lasting matte finish blot your lips with a tissue after first lipstick application to remove excess colour and re-apply a couple of times
    4. For the gloss “kiss” test try on the back of your hand.  Quality longer lasting lip gloss will not leave too much of a mark.
    5. Remember to check for stray lippy on teeth by running your tongue over your teeth (a good friend or partner will let you know if you have forgotten to do this)
    6. Applying lipstick or gloss without a mirror?  We all have friends who are great at this! With a bit of practice it can be done – avoid using very dark colours if attempting this.  If you can apply lipliner at home around the lip edge and then fill in this also it is a good base.  Then while out apply lipstick or lip gloss to the middle of the lips and blend outwards with your little finger.
    7. Cant find your purse mirror but need to use one?  reverse your camera on your phone – I have seen an elderly woman do this while out and was very impressed.
    8. Have a lipstick colour for different seasons and outfits but ensure they are in your colour palette.  Lip glosses can be used to tone down or soften lipstick which may be darker than you would like.  Lip glosses also add that touch of glamour if you are going from daytime to night time makeup on the go.
    9. Not sure of your palette?  Part of the Colour Consultation at Beauty Glow is a Five Minute Face Makeup where the colours including lipstick are all written down for you.
    10. It is fun to attend a workshop such as a Beauty Glow Makeup Class or Sassy Circle Workshop where you have a whole selection of lipsticks and lip glosses to try.

    Remember to keep in mind the rest of your makeup when applying lipstick and to focus on emphasising the eyes OR the lips as too much makeup on both can detract from your natural beauty instead of enhancing it.  Have fun and try some colours you may not have worn before.  You will soon see what suits you and what doesnt.  Lipsticks in particular are dependent on whether your colouring is light or dark, warm or cool and other factors.

    To find out more contact Moana Robinson at Beauty Glow or enquire about the Sassy Circle Workshops

  • Your Wardrobe of Choice …

    Your Wardrobe of Choice …

    Just Imagine

    Going away on holiday we don’t pack any clothing or accessories we feel may be superfluous to our needs – That would waste space and weigh us down. Who would ever want to pay excess baggage charges on the way TO our destination especially!

    The garments hanging in our holiday wardrobe are what we feel good in, what we look good in, are our most comfortable and suitable for whatever occasions we  plan to attend while away.

    Opening the wardrobe door while away on holiday and choosing what to wear is so simple. Done!    Now … What fun activity are we going to do today with our family and friends?

    While on holiday we live in the present and take so much notice of what is happening right at that moment. Holidays are temporary so we tend to appreciate every single day, focus on what we are doing and treasure the days because they will be finishing soon.  Time is not wasted thinking about past frustrations and worrying about possible future problems. What a great feeling living in the present moment is.

    Most of us are lucky enough to have choice in our day to day life to a certain extent.  Just think for a moment though about maybe making that choice to have only what we want, what is comfortable for us and what is good for our lifestyle right now.  This way we eliminate what doesnt work and we are free to also make a choice to live in and appreciate the present moment without the clutter of the superfluous.

    Just as we can make New Year goals we can create our wardrobe of choice halfway through the year or even at the beginning of every month, week, or day.

    Having a wardrobe of choice whether you are on holiday or at home is all about wearing what is right for you and only having what is right for you with you. Guidance with your style and colours that suit you best can help with this wardrobe of choice. You would be surprised at how liberating it can be to review and refocus what you want in your wardrobe right now – Is it the same as what you wanted in your wardrobe at the beginning of the year? or last month? Choice is a wonderful, powerful word and your own personal wardrobe is an example of how you can exercise that power of choice. Sometimes you can have too much going on to even know what that choice might be. Narrowing that choice is going to give you that same feeling as opening that holiday wardrobe door – knowing that you only have in your wardrobe what looks good, feels good, serves a purpose and is comfortable for YOUR life.

    Contact Moana Robinson from Beauty Glow to help with your Wardrobe of Choice.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Value Your Business Image

    Value Your Business Image

    How Do You Value Yourself? Your Business? Your Clients?

    Are you wondering why your business may not be taken seriously? (like this guy in the photo) …No matter what business you are in – It is important that you show that you take your business seriously and dress accordingly.

    There are so many different types of businesses  it really does help with that first impression if your clients can identify with what your business is when they see you.  For example if you were an accountant and turned up for an appointment wearing board shorts and a T shirt how seriously do you think the client would take your business?  If you sell surf boards and turned up for a business meeting you still may dress differently to the accountant but even then board shorts are for the weekend and “time off”.

    To be taken seriously and to charge for your time and services  it is respectful to your clients to show up to a meeting dressing for that occasion.  

    As mentioned in a previous article Confidence with Style your own personal style can definitely be incorporated into your business and it  is a positive if you can incorporate this into your branding.  This can even be done consciously so that people identify your style with your business for all the right reasons.

    Clean tidy attire and  attention to detail all counts for that all important great first impression.  Even if you love to dress casually and your business does not fit with wearing  suits or shirt/tie or formal business attire my advice would be to consider

    • branding with a colour scheme for your business that resonates with you and maybe having some garments embroidered with your logo.  It does not have to feel like a work “uniform” as you could have a variety of different garments that you wear to work
    • Make sure your business image is a change from what you would wear on your  days off and relaxing.  I am talking about really relaxing …  shorts, sweatshirts, singlets, thongs.  
    • Think about the type of business you are in or even if you are a job candidate at a job interview – Think about the type of work you do in your business, or will be doing at the job you are applying for and dress accordingly.  Make sure how you dress is congruent with this.
    • Professional sports trainers and Personal Trainers will be wearing their sports attire as this IS their business.  This would be appropriate dress for them.
    • Think about the person you are meeting with and take this into account also. 

    Imagine this guy has just had a business meeting with a new client.  He cant understand why he hasnt been taken as seriously as he would like to be.  Can you imagine the different reaction  if he dressed in a tidy shirt with (or even without) a logo, a smart pair of trousers and some good shoes other than joggers.  He is good at what he does (lets say for example “a graphic artist”)- He has charged accordingly for his great work and cannot understand why he has difficulty in people seeing his value on first meeting. 

    Visual appearance does count.  It shows respect for your clients, yourself and your business.  You may be incredibly good at what you do but as I always say why make things hard for yourself?  Create that all important good first impression and then the rest is providing that top business value to your clients.  You really can create a great image and still keep your personal identity.  We do not need to sacrifice personal style for a great business image.

    Contact Moana Robinson at Beauty Glow for confidential, friendly and professional assistance and advice.

     

     

  • Confidence with Style

    Confidence with Style

    Confidence is So Much More Than a Dress Size – It’s a Vibe

    As Monique Parker a highly successful Marketing Coach posted on Facebook recently “Confidence is a Vibe”.  Monique has built her brand  which is unique, vibrant and completely Monique Parker.  I saw Monique’s post on the very same morning that I was thinking about business and how most people who are in business ARE the business.  The personal branding carries through and I am a strong believer in your own personal style emerging all the time, constantly through your business branding.

    Confidence is a feeling,  It is an aura that surrounds you and  is an integral part of your being.  Nothing gives others more confidence initially in your business more than YOU the business owner having confidence and pride in how you look and present yourself.

    Monique is a great example of how you can be unique, confident and successful with your own style.  

    This sort of confident style does not happen overnight but it is achievable for absolutely everyone.  It is all a matter of knowing that you have your own style and carry it well… knowing that YOU are unique and there is no-one, absolutely no-one out there who is (as Dr Suess says) “You-er than you”.

    Make yourself memorable.  Have confidence in your own style and don’t wait until you feel you have permission or are at a certain age to portray that style.   There is no better time than right now to be who you want to be, dress the way you would like to dress.  It has nothing to do with dress size, or so many other things.  It is that powerful vibe of CONFIDENCE.  Plus when you are confident there are so many reasons to smile and that glowing smile is a big part of that Confidence with Style.

    Contact Moana Robinson at Beauty Glow for more information on Style Personality and branding.