Perfect Christmas Gifts for 2012!!

Candy Canes, Carols, and Evergreens! There is no doubt that Christmas Time is approaching! With the holiday season comes a tradition that many dread....Gift-Giving!! What size? What color? How much?

Here I have compiled a holiday guide to hopefully assist you in shopping for every person on your list, with every budget in mind!

"It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving." ~ Mother Teresa 

For the Diva...

 Sephora Collection Make-up Palette $50

Oftentimes it is nice to give the one you love a gift they would not splurge for themselves.


Other items include:
- Rodan & Fields Anti-Age Regimen $193
- Personalized Cosmetic Bag $15
- Astrology Necklace $60
- What to Wear, Where How-To Handbook $13



For the Creative Type...

-Vintage LP Record Coasters $18

- Celtic Knot Leather Journal $68

- Watercolor Postcards $15

- Audio Scrapbook $40

- Q & A a Day: 5 Year Journal $12



For the Technology Guru...



Personalized Silver USB Key Chain $25 

Engraving, when applicable, adds a personalized touch, ensuring the receiver that you put extra thought into their gift.

- Nike + FuelBand $150
- iPhone Cardholder Case $25
- Portable Mini Speakers $20



For the Manly...


- World Class Twenty Cigar Sampler $30

- Embroidered Brown Travel Kit $45

- Wine & Beer Experience Gifts  Starting at $80

- Essentials Moisturizer $27

Men rarely spend money on beauty products for themselves. Christmas is the perfect time to treat him to a luxurious product, such as the Essentials Moisturizer, to use after shaving! Him, and his face, will thank you!


For the Home-Body...

- Personalized Hardwood Popcorn Bowl $20-$40

- Long-lasting Candle Tin $16

- Instant Wine Chiller $40

- Plush Down Throw $70

- Night Light Coaster $30

- Massaging Foot Warmer $50


Gifts Under $20!! 

You don't have to spend a lot of money to give a great gift! Some of these items also make GREAT sticking stuffers!!

- Lip Microdermabrasion $16
- Ticket Stub Diary $20
- Expandable Lunch Bag $20
- Initial Heart Locket Necklace $18

When in doubt...

- Personalize 
- Bake Something
- Gift Card

I hope this guide helps you find something for that special someone, or at least sparks some ideas! Remember Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends showing them how much you love them, and gift giving is just a thoughtful extension of that. Don't stress out! Have fun shopping for gifts that bring smiles to those you care about!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

For more great gifts, check out bettyrobinson.myrandf.biz!

Beauty Tips & Tricks EVERYONE Should Know!

It always seems at the times we need to look our best we fall into some beauty catastrophe! Not to fear!! Here I have compiled some tips and tricks that are sure to lessen panic regarding your appearance! Let's face it as a fabulous Skincare Mojo Maven....you have much more important things to worry about!

I Can't Believe It's Not...Lip Balm! 
Lips feeling dry and lackluster... No chapstick?! No Gloss?! Here is a beauty trick even Paula Dean would approve of: Butter! A dab will do! This little tip is perfect when on a plane, as the altitude can strip you of natural moisture! As the stewardess for a small butter packet, and have pucker-perfect lips in no time!





A Wrinkle On the Road! 
After unpacking your clothes for a weekend trip with friends, you realize you should have packed an iron to rid yourself of all the wrinkles! Most of us don't waste precious suitcase space for heavy irons; however, a flat iron is another story! Next time you are in a pinch, use your flat iron to smooth creases, and tam haywire hemlines.

Crackdown on Cuticles!
Just as our lips get dry and chapped during the winter months, our cuticles suffer also. An easy and affordable tip to keeping nail beds smooth and hydrated in between manicure appointments is to apply medicated chapstick! Your nails (and your manicurist) will thank you!

Condition Your Gams!! 
Enjoying the hot steamy shower, you finish up your left leg, leaving it silky smooth,  and are moving on to your right when you run out of shaving cream! This has happened to me countless times and I have resorted to dry shaving leaving razor burn and irritation. No More!! CONDITIONER! No only does it replace shaving gel, it oftentimes leaves your legs even smoother!!



Curled Lashes...Just a Silver Spoon Away!
Prepping for a night out on the town, you want to give your eyes a little extra oomph by curling your lashes!! Problem Is: You Don't Have An Eyelash Curler! Not to fear. Where there is a spoon and a will, there is a way! Just click on the lashes to hear Victoria's Secret model, Miranda Kerr, explain how!


What beauty tips and tricks have you picked up along the way??? Feel free to Share!

FABQs: Frequently Asked Beauty Questions

The more I stare in the mirror, the more I notice little imperfections that irk me. This post is inspired by little imperfections that you notice. Here you will the find the answers some of the most Frequently Asked Beauty Questions, or FABQ's. Some solutions require a change in behavior, others require the implementation of certain products! Either way, the answers are guaranteed to rid you of your beauty woes!

Before knowing how to answer your FABQS.

After having all your FABQs answered!!

FABQ #1: How can I get rid, or reduce the appearance, of dark under-eye circles?

Quick Fix: Consume lots and lots of water! Also try placing cool cucumber slices over eyes to reduce puffiness, and tea bags to mask discoloration.

After 2 months use of Rodan + Fields Eye Cream.

Quick Tip: For unwanted under-eye puffiness, apply hemorrhoid cream, and leave for 20 minutes before wiping clean. 

Long-term Solution: 

• Increase Vitamin K and anti-oxidant intake.
•  Sleep 7-9 hours each night. 
• Avoid salty foods, and maintain a well-balanced diet.
• Use beauty products that contain peptides. 

One of my favorite products is Rodan + Fields Multi-Purpose Eye Cream, which not only combats signs of aging with peptides, but also contains optical diffusers to brighten eye area.

Soothe changes skin.

FABQ #2: How can I reduce redness, or the appearance of irritation, on my face?

Quick Fix: Eye Drops!! A slick trick celebrity makeup artists use when their clients are experiencing a red, uneven complexion is to dab on some eye drops! Make sure the eye drops contain the ingredient, tetrahydrozoline, which tightens up blood vessels to calm irritated skin.

Long-Term Solution: 
If someone is experiencing a frequent red, blotchy skin tone they may have a condition called Rosacea.

While it is possible to purchase heavy-duty concealers to hide to inconsistencies, it is also possible to reduce the redness completely with Rodan + Fields skin care line, Soothe.






FABQ #3: How can I minimize the size of my pores??

Disclaimer: You cannot minimize the size of your pores, however you can minimize their appearance. Below are tips, tricks, and products that will assist you. 

Quick Fix: Try this do-it-yourself mask to reduce pore visibility! Mix 2 raw egg whites with 1/4 cup of orange juice and apply to skin for 15 minutes. After rinsing with warm water, you will notice tighter skin, which minimizes the appearance of pores.

Long-Term Solution: Prevention and Maintenance are key to reducing the appearance of pores. It is extremely important to always remove make-up before climbing into bed, no matter how exhausted you are.

To keep pores' size small, use Rodan +Fields Pore Minimizing Toner as part of your daily routine.


We are all aging all the time. By implementing these long-term solution products into our every day beauty regimen, we can feel more confident focusing on life's greater tasks, rather than imperfections on our face. 

FALL Recipes: Good for the Soul, and More!!

As the air turns crisp and cool, and multi-colored leaves begin to fall, and our skin begins to crack and flake......WAIT! That last part can be left out! There are so many wonderful things about fall to enjoy with friends and family! Why waste time worrying about how we look?!

Here are some simple, yet delicious, Autumn recipes sure to warm your heart and complexion!

"Honey You're Lookin' Good" Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes contain Vitamin C , stimulating collagen production. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
After cutting, place potatoes in a 9x13 baking dish. Combine ingredients and toss with potatoes to coat. Bake potatoes for one hour (or until tender), stirring occasionally.

Wah-lah! A delicious fall side dish to fill your tummy and any unsightly wrinkles! 

"Radical Free" Roasted Tomato  Soup

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, eliminates free radicals that cause aging.

Ingredients: 

• 3 cloves (small) Garlic, chopped
• 1 small Onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 can(15-ounce) Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 jar (12-ounce) Marinated Roasted Red Peppers, drained and chopped
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 1/2 cup Packed Fresh Basil
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper 

For 6 minutes over medium heat, saute garlic, onions, and olive oil. Add tomatoes, red peppers, and chicken broth. Cook for 15 minutes. Add fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and sugar, and puree in blender. 

With the combined anti-aging and health benefits of garlic, basil, and tomatoes, this soup is sure to keep you going this Fall. 

"Smoother Skin" Smoothie 

Combine and Blend September fruits and veggies for this healthy shake! 

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 16 raspberries
• 2 handfulls of spinach
• 2/3 cup water

Place all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth!!

Remember this is just a base..add whatever seasonal fruits of veggies you desire!

Look for foods that contain:

• Vitamin C which aides in collagen production and also protects skin from sun damage. 
• Contained in bell peppers, broccoli, and citrus fruits
• Vitamin E protects against UV damage, which causes wrinkles.
• Found in Oatmeal, Almonds, and yogurt.
• Beta-Carotene responsible for cell repair and growth.
• Carrots, Pumpkins, Spinach, and Cantaloupe 
• Vitamin K reduces and removes the appearance of dark under eye circles.
• Obtained through Spinach, Kale, and Lettuce.

It is not always what we put on our face that makes a difference. Oftentimes, it's what we fill our bodies with. These are just a few simple recipes that not only taste great, but assist you in looking great. You hold the control of your aging. Be mindful of what you are eating to stay looking fresh and rested. 

 Like us on Facebook to learn more on how to look and feel your absolute best this Fall! 

Not Only LOOK better, FEEL better too!!!

FAME! FORTUNE! FABULOSITY!!

Along with the abundance of the celebrity lifestyle comes over-indulgence. We've heard it a million times "Everything in Moderation." By living by this simple phrase, everything can fall into place. Everyone has had one of those nights where they have eaten two (or ten) too many cookies. Most of us have experienced an unpleasant headache caused by an unquenchable thirst the night before. Some of us have encountered an extremely stressful day on the job, or just "needed a break," giving in to a few cancer sticks. While we're all human, and sometimes give in to life's vices, we should not allow one bad day to become two, and so and so forth. Not only does it wreak havoc on our health, but it also causes extreme damage to the way we look!!

The difference in appearance is apparent with Lindsey Lohan, whose infamous party lifestyle has been exploited throughout the news.

Looking much older than twenty-six years of age, it is clear that overindulging in certain unhealthy behaviors, the young starlet has aged at a rapid rate.

-Smoking
-Loss of Sleep
-Alcohol
-Diet

...Obviously, these factors highly influence our appearance.

To see just how drastically unhealthy habits can affect our face, I have taken a look into some twin studies.

Can you tell by the fine lines and loss of skin elasticity which twin has been a life-long smoker?? Research shows that for every 10 years of smoking, a person looks 2.5 years older than their actual age. 

Excess alcohol consumption causes damage to blood vessels in the skin as well as destruction of collagen, leading to a greater appearance of wrinkles.

By simply getting 6-8 hours of sleep a night (each person is different), refraining from smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy diet, YOU can look years younger.




Visit http://betty-robinson.myrandf.biz for product information!! 

Look BETTER than a celebrity! Part Deux

SO, as we learned from the last post, looking naturally beautiful first requires Clear Skin. Why cover-up with foundation, when yours is naturally flawless?

The NEXT step to having natural beauty better than a celebrity is achieving a BRIGHT GLOW! Youth and beauty are so often associated with a clear, "Rosy" complexion. Everyone loves to pinch little toddlers'  plump blushing cheeks! The reason for the babes' flawless and beaming face?? The rapid rate of keratinocyte maturation process! 

Now I know you're saying, "WUT CHOO TALKIN BOUT?!" From the womb forward into young adult-hood,  skin replenishes every 28-30 days, leaving behind a fresh new face. As we age, this process slows down, causing our appearance to be a bit lackluster (after all it is dead skin). 

However there is GOOD NEWS!! No matter your age, or current skin state, you too can have brilliant youthful skin!! Steps to achieving that Bright, Rosy, Glow:

No. 1: EXFOLIATE
Every 40 minutes, our skin sheds a million dead cells! Even at this rate, skin can appear dry and flaky. By exfoliating 2-3 times a week, we speed the skin's rejuvenation process shedding dead cells for a bright complexion, and gain that rosy glow by increasing circulation.

Exfoliate Like a Spa Pro:

• Begin at the neck and work your way up
• Use circular motions
• When soothing with an after-exfoliant serum, apply in an upward motion

No. 2: PROTECT 
Did you know that WE are responsible for aging??? Genetics only make-up 20% of how we age. The other 80% is due to our lifestyle.

Notice the dullness and discoloration in the lovely Eva Longoria's skin. This splotchy, uneven tone is caused by sun damage. We can protect our skin from future damage by using moisturizers with SPF and sun blocks. And luckily now thanks to Rodan + Fields, we can Reverse Damage.






No. 3: EXERCISE
Physical Activity increase blood flow throughout our bodies. Increased blood flow= Nature's Blush! In addition to a natural flush, exercise reduces your biological age! As life progresses, we finds that our body fat wanders to our hips and thighs leaving our cheeks and lips gaunt and dry! Regular exercise not only burns calories to promote a trim figure, but it also fights fat redistribution!

Supermodel Kate Moss (pictured left), is sporting a rather gaunt natural appearance. Her cheeks are sunken in due to a loss of fat and collagen. Moss has been reported as saying she is not an avid exerciser!

Conversely, actress Jessica Biel's natural appearance is one to be envied. He cheeks are full and rosy! Biel is known for her determination and drive in her physical fitness endeavors! 

So Remember for Brilliant Youthful Skin: 

1. Exfoliate
2. Protect
3. Exercise

Stay tuned for the last installment of how to Naturally look better than a celebrity!!

Also make sure to check out http://www.skincareopportunities.com for products to keep you looking beautiful.

Look BETTER Than a Celebrity

Fame! Fortune! and... Flawless Skin? Tuning in to E! News, watching the Real Housewives, and flipping through Glamour or Cosmopolitan while I wait in the check-out line, I can't help but envy the good looks of the stars of Hollywood! I catch myself scrutinizing the glowing face of the cover girl.

In movies, I always find it amazing (and slightly disturbing) how the leading lady wakes up with perfect hair, rosy cheeks, and sparkling eyes. It just isn't fair! I want to wake up looking naturally beautiful, or at least be able to fix up quickly when an unexpected guest drops by! So in order to achieve this aesthetic dream, I did some research. 

First, I needed to see if this Natural Beauty I envisioned was even attainable. Seeing pictures of the celebrities without makeup, and looking well...human, I couldn't help but feel a little bit better. Then I started to think of all the naturally beautiful women in my family, and strangers that I looked at a little too frequently in Starbucks because of their dewy, seemingly-flawless skin...there had to be ways to appear Naturally Beautiful! 

Step No. 1: Skin 

The Celebrity

Funny girl Cameron Diaz without make-up. Am I pointing out flaws-- No. Do I feel better about myself knowing that such a beautiful women suffers with acne flair-ups as I once did-- Yes. (At Least I'm Honest...)

It is nearly impossible to feel naturally beautiful when struggling to cover-up blemishes. Wearing your hair little differently to try and hide that zit, or praying there is dim lighting in the restaurant where you are about to meet...it's hard to be charming when you are worrying about how you look. 

You hear it in every regimen: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize. If it were as simple as that, we would ALL have flawless skin. I've never been a "Brand Diva," but after trying multiple products (only to lose money and gain breakouts) I now believe when it comes to your skin, brand does matter. 

The Everyday Woman

Morgan Benzion. Is she a celebrity--No. Butttt she is without a doubt putting Cameron Diaz to shame in this Celebrity vs. Everyday Woman Au Naturale Face-off. Her secret--- Rodan + Fields UnBlemish Line.

The first step to being naturally beautiful, and more importantly feeling beautiful is clear skin. No amount of foundation, picking, or extracting will give you the confidence that clear skin does. 

STEP No. 2 COMING SOON.

To Stay Informed on upcoming posts: