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

Blog

  • Dressing For Your Size

    Dressing For Your Size

    5 Clever Tips To Look Fabulous No Matter What Your Size Is

    Everyone has figure differences.  This is part of what makes us unique.  The trick is to highlight your favourite parts and diminish the least favourite.  When you are planning to shop for the new season, be sure to keep your body type in mind. By following simple tips when shopping and dressing, you can easily accentuate the positive and downplay the body parts that you may feel aren’t so perfect to skyrocket your confidence.

    1. Dress the best that you can

    To successfully dress with style, you have to like yourself. Self acceptance is an integral part of living your best and next goal should be to dress in a way that flatters you, expresses you and makes you feel good, both physically and mentally. This is the actual way to get that change happen by nurturing yourself now.

    2. The aim is a proportioned Silhouette

    The expected body shape for women is hourglass type shape (8 or X). It is considered an ideal shape for women and proportionately balanced through breasts and hips with a small waist in between and long legs. The good news is that you can create an optical illusion of  a proportioned silhouette that will make you instantly look stylish and slimmer. It’s easy, just create interest where you want to draw eyes  to and take it away from everywhere else.

    3. Use accessories and detailing to help, rather than hinder the cause

    Accessories have incredible power to transform outfits from mundane to awesome in the blink of an eye. When dressing for your body size design of the garment can also make a difference such as princess seams, darts, ribbing, belting or patterns. 

    4. Every outfit should have focus

    Everyone fits into one of the typical body shapes in much the same way plant life can be categorized into trees, shrubs, cotyledons and seeds. Whether your body shape is round,  column or hourglass (different image consultants have varying sets of descriptions for body shapes)  get to know your body shape and more importantly, how you feel about it. 

    5. Size is variable, shape is consistent

    When it comes to style, one size never fits all. Thus, think its like a puzzle and you need to assemble  the right bits to complement each other. The correct clothing cut and style as well as outfit coordination help flatter the body figure no matter what size, making your physique well balanced and in proportion.

    The bottom line is what makes you feel good is what is right for you. Still not sure what you need? Contact Moana at Beauty Glow to help you find the perfect clothing and accessories according to your body shape and size.

  • Spice Up Your Black Wardrobe

    Spice Up Your Black Wardrobe

     

    ARE YOU TRYING TO EASE OUT OF THE “EVERYTHING IN MY WARDROBE IS BLACK” SYNDROME?

    Sometimes when we don’t know what to wear to work it is just easiest to have that all black outfit or suit as it seems to look smart and professional, keeps clean longer and is just… well, practical.

    I used to work in a legal office and remember one of my daughters asking whether my uniform was to wear black clothes. It wasnt a unitform it was just easy and felt smart and professional.  If you have the right colouring black can look amazing but it can also become boring and uninspiring. I said at a recent talk at a gym how everyone would feel if they walked in and EVERYONE was wearing black outfits and all the equipment was black? How motivating would that be for anyone wanting to put their all into a workout ?…not very! This is why energetic colours are bright colours.

    A way to put more energy and vibrance also into the workplace is to introduce colour that suits your skintone and still looks professional. You can easily expand your “all black” wardrobe and even create some new wardrobe capsules is to utilise your black staples of skirts, trousers  and jackets with a new seasonal colour which will update your wardrobe. Add a colourful jacket or scarf and other accessories in any of the latest colours as a feature. Be careful to not “feature” too many items at once – either have an overall look of black with subtle touches of colour or feature a scarf  or necklace in the contrast colour.

    To really be on trend and fashionable for Autumn 2015 you could add Lucite Green or Marsala touches to your working corporate wardrobe or the very latest colour “Spiced Pumpkin” which ties in perfectly with the upcoming Modern Seventies Trend. 

    Spiced Pumpkin would look amazing with black as it is high contrast for those who suit high contrast and can be adapted to suit depending on your own preference. If you are someone who cannot wear orange definitely keep this away from your face but you may want to just add a touch of spiced orange for fun – The best way is to have a slight black pattern on your orange garment if it is a skirt or top to tie in to the black staple jacket or pants. Choose a colour and accessorise your black. Even in a corporate environment people want to see a bit of colour.
    Contact Moana at Beauty Glow to discuss Styles Colour and spicing up your Work  Wardrobe or even your non work wardrobe

  • Get Your Exercise “Mojo” Back and Keep It With Colour

    Get Your Exercise “Mojo” Back and Keep It With Colour

    COLOUR CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR TRAINING OR PRACTICE

    The New Year means a fresh start and inspiration to start exercising.

    How do you keep and maintain that exercise “Mojo” down the track?

    Colour can play an important part in how you feel about your training or practice.

    Yoga is a stretching modality and people tend to wear calm, soothing pastel colours such as blues, pinks and neutral or natural colours like browns, creams and black. 

    If you are into cardio brighter, energetic colours can get you pumped up, motivated and the fire within really going. – Neon oranges, hot pinks and fluorescent greens and yellows are great for energetic workouts – step, pump, running, boxing.  Reds, and blacks are popular with strength training.

    The psychological effect colour has is quite surprising. Just imagine if you walked into a gym and EVERYONE was wearing all black… close your eyes and imagine black clothes, black gym equipment … How motivated would you feel? Now imagine all colours of the rainbow – different people wearing their choice of colour – it makes your workout interesting and fun. If you are doing a relaxation class add some beautiful colour and you think of beautiful things.

    • Black is a good base colour for staples such as tights and shorts – Team with something coloured (Black can represent coolness, toughness, individuality and strength – it can also represent “sustaining”)
    • White – Another neutral (Lovely and fresh – it can represent a change in attitude, great for re-starting your exercise programme, good for taking you through that pain barrier)
    • Red – The colour of courage, tenacity, determination, strength, attracts attention so you are more likely to work hard
    • Yellow – The colour of creativity and enthusiasum, fun , friendly and happy. All help with motivation
    • Brown – A steady, calming colour associated with the earth/environment – good for yoga and relaxation
    • Blue – Calm and assertive. Good colour for resolve and commitment
    • Green – Pale green is best for relaxation or stretching exercise but brighter greens are great for consistent training as can represent loyalty
    • Orange – Is good for creating energy and a sense of fun., a fresh colour
    • Pink – The passion colour – can help to develop a passion for a chosen exercise or sport
    • Purple – is usually a creative or artistic colour and depending on the shade is good for yoga, pilates or brighter purple for strength and cardio training

    Introducing colour to your workout of course is not the magic answer to bring back your “Mojo” but do whatever personally works for you to “keep re-igniting that mojo” – it may be joining a gym (Choose a gym that is easy and convenient for you); and/or

    At Beauty Glow we can assist with finding your True Colours

     

  • “No Stress” Travel in Style

    “No Stress” Travel in Style

    No Stress Packing for Short Notice Travel

    How do you feel when an impromptu trip comes up? Whether it is for work or leisure – Are you excited? Pumped? Thrilled to have a change for a little while … or do you have butterflies in your tummy and are thrown into a mad panic thinking what to take and how to pack very quickly?  
    Here are some tips so that you can pack at a moment’s notice and ENJOY that anticipation of a trip away whether for business or pleasure – Make the most of it and save yourself the stress in 2015

    TOP TIPS

    • Pack for a week (even if you are going for two weeks you can mix and match)
    • Ensure each item of clothing goes with all the other items (in other words try not to take “orphan” garments that dont go with any of your other clothing packed) – co-ordinating colours always!
    • Accessories are a fantastic light way to change your whole look for example day to evening – scarves, belts, jewellery
    • Layers are best.
    • Even if you are going to a very warm climate some hotels really crank up the airconditioning (Conference and seminar rooms are notorious for being chilly) – take a jacket or wrap (pashminas are great)
    • As a guide – for a week
    – 3 bottoms (shorts, jeans, pants)
    – 4 tops (neutral colours are best unless you have a colour theme for your whole travel capsule)
    – 3 pairs of shoes (heels, sandals and flats for travel),
    – 1 dress which is versatile for daytime/evening -( this is where accessories are great),
    – PJs or nightie, 2 bras and 7 pairs of panties
    – Accessories (1 or 2 belts, 2 scarves and a few pieces of jewellery which go together to create the look you want). Scarves are fantastic as they are so light to pack and can change a whole outfit if you take a neutral colour dress
    -A clutch purse or smallish size for evening and larger casual bag (smaller one packed inside the other)
    – Bathroom personal care, skincare and cosmetics should be  travel sizes if possible (and unbreakable) – – In your cabin bag take spare toothbrush and toothpaste, mini deodorant and spare knickers (plus a tip I have is to take something called Arbonne Skin Conditioning Oil which I swear by ….) these are “emergency” items in case your luggage gets lost or delayed which has happened to us quite a few times and at least you have these items straight away.
    • Shopping Trip? – ALWAYS go with a minimum amount and put one suitcase inside another as you dont want to have to buy another case just to fit all your purchases in (unless that was on your list)
    • Travel in style and enjoy!

    At Beauty Glow we can also assist with more travel advice on packing and skincare and makeup products which are great for travel.

  • What Skin Type Am I?

    What Skin Type Am I?

    The Five Skin Types

    Beauty Glow can help with advice on your skin type with professional knowledge and products

    Oily Skin

    Its not just teenagers who get oily skin – many people in their 20s and older have oily skin also. Oily skin is a “type” and not a condition. Oily skin tends to have larger pores and often looks shiny because the oil-producing sebaceous glands are very active. This makes you more prone to spots and blackheads but the extra moisture in your skin means it wont show age as fast as other skin types. People with warm dark colouring are usually more prone to oily skin.

    Caring for Oily Skin

    • Oily skin attracts more dirt than other skin types because it is greasier but it still needs gentle treatment – harsh lotions and too much scrubbing can over stimulate the oil glands and make it even greasier
    • Using a light cleansing lotion, or a wash off gel is usually best.
    • Tone with a pH balanced toner
    • Moisturise with a water based formula around your eyes, cheeks and neck.
    • Treat yourself once a week to a face mask containing mud or clay to soak up excess oil and calm breakouts.

    At Beauty Glow we can recommend the best products for your Oily Skin Type

    Sensitive Skin

    Sensitive skin is easily irritated and can look blotchy and feel itchy. It is often dry but sensitive skin can be combination or oily. Products can make sensitive skins flare up and allergic reactions can also cause problems. Cool light skin types often have sensitive skin.

    The most important thing is to treat your skin very gently. Use hypo allergenic or allergy-tested products which have been screened for irritants like perfume. Over 60 percent of women claim to have sensitive skin and are always relieved when they can find products that suit their skin type. 

    Caring for Sensitive Skin

    • Never ever use soap on your skin – it can upset your skin’s natural balance and leave it feeling even more sensitive. Use a very gentle cream or lotion cleanser instead.
    • Avoid extremes of hot or cold and harsh toners as they will irritate the skin
    • Use a gentle hypo-allergenic moisturiser

    At Beauty Glow we can recommend the best products for sensitive skins and we have samples that you can try before you buy. Also there is the 45 day money back guarantee   

    Dry Skin

    Your skin tends to get drier as you get older, although any age can experience dry skin or the occasional dry patch. Dry skin can look flaky and thin with very fine pores. Air conditioning, wind and sun can add t the dry feel.

    Dry skin needs gentle treatment and lots of nourishment to keep it healthy and supple. Your aim is to boost the moisture in your skin so it looks plump and smooth.

    Caring for Dry Skin

    • Use a cream cleanser and always make sure your products do not have artificial fragrances. 
    • Use an alcohol free toner 
    • Use a rich nourishing day cream and also a quality night cream. Don’t forget to use a good eye cream and pat it gently around the orbital bone with your middle or “makeup” fingers.
    • Drink plenty of water – up to 2.5 litres a day to replenish the moisture in your skin and eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit to nourish your skin.

     At Beauty Glow we can help with products to maintain your dry skin type so that you keep it healthy and hydrated.

    Normal Skin

    If you’ve got normal skin you’re one of the lucky ones. Your skin is balanced, which means that its neither oily nor dry, it feels fine and smooth and has pores that are almost invisible. You rarely suffer from spots and blackheads, or allergic reactions to different products. You’re more likely to have normal skin if you have warm medium or cool medium colouring. 

    The challenge with normal skin is to keep it that way for as long as possible by maintaining its natural balance of oil and moisture. 

    Caring for Normal Skin

    • Use a gentle pH balanced facial cleanser and rinse off well to ensure skin is completely clean.
    • Use a good quality toner – make sure it does not contain alcohol 
    • Moisturise to protect your skin and maintain moisture levels with a light to medium weight moisturiser and pat an eye cream around the delicate eye area. In winter your skin may be a little drier so you could switch on a day cream with extra moisture and a lighter one during the summer

    At Beauty Glow we can help with products to maintain your normal skin type so that you keep it healthy and balanced.

      

    Combination Skin

    Combination skin combines both normal and oily skin – usually the cheeks are normal with oily skin on the nose, chin and forehead. This area is called the T Zone because it makes a T Shape. Both Warm and Cool skin colourings can have combination skin.

    Because you have two different types of skin its best to treat each individual area in a way that suits it best – products for your oily nose may be too harsh for the finer skin on your cheeks.

    Caring for Combination Skin

    • When cleansing use a cleanser for normal skin but you may wish to also use a light cleanser or gel on your T Zone.
    • Use a good quality pH balanced Toner 
    • When moisturising use a light non-oily formula with added sunscreen on your neck, cheek area and forehead. Make sure that your moisturiser is non-comedogenic.

     

    At Beauty Glow we can assist with products for combination skin types as there are many different ranges which work well together for optiumum results.

  • Your Skin

    Your Skin

    Are You Looking After your Largest Organ?

    Your skin is a living, breathing organ.  It is the largest organ of the human body.  It is complex in its structure and function. 

    Did you know that our skin comprises approximately 15% of our body weight; contains one half to two third of the blood in the body and one half of the primary immune cells?

    Our bones, muscles and our internal organs are  not exposed to the environment like  our skin is which is why it is so important that we look after this very large organ of our body.

    Each inch of skin contains

    ▪   Millions of cells

    ▪   15 feet of blood vessels

    ▪   12 feet of nerves

    ▪   650 sweat glands

    ▪   100 oil glands

    ▪   65 hairs

    ▪   1300 nerve endings

     There are two main layers the dermis and the epidermis.  The epidermis is the thinner outermost layer.  The dermis is the lower layer of the skin and is about 25 times thicker than the epidermis.  It provides the supporting framework of the skin and also contains numerous hair follicles nerves, glands and blood vessels.

    The depth of the epidermis varies in different areas of the body – for instance the depth of the epidermis on the soles of the feet and in the palms of the hand is thicker than the eyelid where it is extremely thin. 

    Primary functions of the skin are protection, sensation, heat regulations, excretion (through the sweat glands) to perspire and detoxify and secretion (through sebum or oil) and absorption – the skin selectively absorbs topical products and creams.

    Our skin needs to be looked after to keep it in optimum condition.  Plenty of water,  the right sort of nutrition (food), fresh air and exercise all contribute to healthy skin.

    Age, and also lifestyle factors affect our skin.  As we get older our skin thins and it loses its elasticity and strength.  Collagen gives skin its strength and elastin its elasticity. 

    We also need to use the right skin care.  Always use the best.  The best may not always be the cheapest and it may not always be the most expensive.  Knowledge and scientific research should be behind all good skincare products.  The range you use should always be free of harmful ingredients and should exceed industry standards for purity.  Clinical testing should always be carried out on the range of products you choose.

     Our skin cells do their work twice as fast at night while we are sleeping.  This is why it is so important to cleanse, tone and moisturise both morning and night.  We need to remove the dead skin cells that have built up overnight while our night cream has done its work – keeping the skin hydrated as well as assisting with this skin renewal process.

    It is so important to remove makeup before retiring at night.  One night of sleeping with your makeup on ages your skin by 7 days!!!

    Some people have great skin.  To keep it great they need to have a maintenance routine.  Some people have problem skin which can always be treated.

    There are basically four skin types – Oily dry normal and combination.   Your skin type is genetically determined

    To work out skin types beauty therapists and skin specialists normally look, ask and go by touch.  Oily skin types will have a shine even straight after cleansing, it will feel soft and supple to the touch.   Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum/oil production.  The follicle or pore size is larger and contains more oil.  If the pore size is larger over most of the face this would indicate an oily skin.  Oily skin requires more cleansing and exfoliating than most skin types.  It is prone to blemishes because the pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cell build-up. 

    Dry skin will usually be fine in texture.  The follicles are usually small.  The natural oil secretions in follicles help protect us from environmental damage and ageing.  Dry skin needs extra care because it lacks this normal protection

    Normal skin has a good oil or water balance.  It can fluctuate and sometimes will be a little more dry or oily.  The follicles are a normal size and the skin is usually free from blemishes.  Maintenance and preventative care is the goal for this type of skin.

    90% of skin ageing is environmental, lifestyle and how we look after ourselves.  Only 10% is hereditary. 

    Sun exposure, smoking and stress are three of the biggest factors that contribute to premature ageing of the skin.

    It’s as easy as maintaining good skin with simple daily care. 

    ▪   Focus on one problem at a time

    ▪   Always be bothered

    ▪   Never skip your routine

    ▪   The results are worth the effort

    Contact Moana Robinson at Beauty Glow to find out more about a simple skincare routine that you can use at home to look after your skin.

     

  • Skincare Advice from Moana Robinson

    Skincare Advice from Moana Robinson

    The Importance of Skincare

    Advice on skincare from Moana Robinson from Beauty Glow Skincare Makeup Style
    With a global shift towards educating ourselves on nutrition and what good foods to put into our body, it is just as important to consider what we put onto our skin.

    Research suggests that up to 100% of the content of products we put on our skin end up in our bloodstream. It is so important to use products that are free from harsh chemicals, while still keeping you looking young and fresh.

    With a Diploma in Beauty Therapy and over 8 years in the skincare and makeup industry, Moana has the knowledge and experience to help find the perfect skincare solution for you.

    Want to find the skincare solution that fits with your lifestyle and provides you with the results you want?

    Contact Moana of Beauty Glow  today for a full skincare consultation and for information on  quality safe products at affordable prices.

    Experience Skincare which will help your skin look and feel amazing

  • Colour by Beauty Glow

    Colour by Beauty Glow

    We help you find your TRUE colours

    Never underestimate the importance of colour and the difference it can make to how we look and feel.  

    Colours that are going to look the best on a person are colours that harmonise with that person’s own personal colour properties in their eyes, skin and hair.

    We perceive colours to be either warm or cool and in colour analysis this is usually one of the first steps – to determine whether a person has a warm or cool undertone.  Blue based colours are cool and yellow based colours are warm.

    We also look at intensity of colour – in other words the brightness or  muted-ness (smokiness) of  a colour.  The bright colours have strong chroma and greyed/muted/toned-down colours have weak chroma.  A colour is considered bright when it is cool and clear.  A colour is known as muted/smoky when it is greyed down or neutralised.

    Value is defined as the relationship between light and dark with the measure being made along a scale from white to black.  Each hue has a value as it appears on the colour wheel.  For example Yellow is naturally light whilst Indigo is naturally deep.

    There is so much more to a colour analysis than just whether a person is “warm” or “cool”.  Once you go through a colour analysis session you will feel more confident about what colours actually look the best on you.  You will know that your skin will look its clearest and brightest with the correct colours, your eyes will stand out especially if you wear colours that are what are known as “eye enhancers” and your overall appearance will be in harmony – clothing, skin tone, hair colour and eye colour.  You may notice that if someone is wearing the wrong colour for them the clothing is noticed first.  It  should be the overall harmonious appearance that is noticed and the beholder’s eyes should always be drawn to the other person’s face.

    For professional, friendly, confidential advice contact Moana Robinson at Beauty Glow Skincare Makeup Style

  • Fashion Style Tips: Adding Accessories

    Fashion Style Tips: Adding Accessories

    Fashion Style Tips by Moana Robinson

    Adding accessories to an outfit can make a huge difference.  If you want a sure way to be visually “memorable” when presenting professional wear an unusual accessory such as an exotic pendant or some beautiful beads which really stand out.  I have seen a lot of presenters wear a particular style of accessory (but sometimes in a different colour) as part of their branding.  For example if there is a presenter who is known to be a keen gardener she may wear a floral brooch every time she presents on her topic – or a floral dress or jacket.  It is important to remember though that long, dangly earrings can be a distraction especially if the presenter is wearing a microphone.  I have seen this happen where the presenter has had to remove an earring as it kept hitting the microphone as she moved.

    There are so many advantages to collecting accessories in your favourite colours to complement outfits and sometimes give a completely different look.  
    Travelling light is made easier with a few basic garments and accessories such as scarves, beads, earrings to change from daywear to evening or casual to formal.  

    Another advantage of accessories is an usual piece such as a scarf, necklace, pendant or handbag can be a talking point.  A conversation is easily started when someone else notices a lovely item that you may be wearing.  I have had this happen where the item was a gift from a very special lady in my life through my business.  This lead to more questions from the other person who became a client because we got to know each other  through the conversation, built rapport and I offered to drop a skincare sample in to her.

    Investment in accessories does not need to be huge and sometimes unique and colourful items can be found at the most unlikely shops.  Apart from the usual dress/costume jewellery stores and boutiques try looking in gift stores, markets, craft stores such as Spotlight and Michaels.  

    Remember to take your colour swatch so that you know whatever you purchase will go with other items in your wardrobe which can expand without increasing a whole lot of wardrobe space as accessories take up a lot less space than clothes, need less maintenance/cleaning and are less likely to date!  … PLUS if you lose or gain weight your accessories will still fit.

    Contact Us  for advice on Colour and Style  – Moana Robinson 1300 366 675 or moana@beautyglow.com.au

  • Fashion Style Tips: Daily Change – Coping with Chilli Mornings and Warm Days

    Fashion Style Tips: Daily Change – Coping with Chilli Mornings and Warm Days

    Are you finding it hard to know what to wear on these freezing mornings – especially with an early start?

    Fashion Tips by Moana Robinson

    Winter Layering by Beauty GlowYou may be in and out of the car, offices or shops. Drop off time to school and pick up time can be cool and then your day is starting to warm up so you start to strip off! Before you know it late afternoon is here and it is cooling off again! If you live in an area where the temperature vary by quite a few degrees it is important to learn how to layer. This will make life so much easier. If you are a casual/sporty clothes person lighter casual tops and jackets are great to throw on in the morning and as the day heats up are flexible enough to carry over your shoulders or through your bag. Even workwear can be successfully layered whether you wear smart casual to work or more formal corporate wear. Most offices will have even temperatures throughout the day but sometimes air-conditioning can be cause workplaces to be too warm in the winter or too chilly in the summer. It is important to still find ways to layer your office and outer wear to remain comfortable during your work day. Winter style by Beauty GlowMy advice is to start with a neutral base – possibly black if your colouring suits black – otherwise grey, beige, white, cream or navy. This way you can go with a monochrome look with a jacket also in a neutral and perhaps some accessories to brighten and enhance the whole outfit. Alternatively, you can wear a lovely bright jacket with complementary accessories over your neutral base garments. It is important to wear the right accessories so that when you remove your jacket during the day the outfit remains interesting and not too bland if you have started with neutrals. If you love colour you could start with colour as a base, add neutral outerwear and neutral or complementary accessories. Splashes of colour really brighten an outfit during winter and scarves are an excellent way to add interest. A black top or any neutral colour can be completely transformed with a scarf or brightly coloured beads. Winter is a great time to contact Beauty Glow, your personal stylist to find out your true colours, and best neutrals. During the chilly weather we wear more clothes and with larger part of our bodies being covered up the hue of your garments can either drain your complexion or make you look alive, vibrant and show that sparkle in your eyes!