Skinny Fox Detox

-Jillian Raposo

I wanted to start the new year off fresh and clean from the inside, out. I've tried juicing and hated it and I definitely wasn't up for a Colonic. So when I heard of "cleansing tea", I was definitely interested. As I was skimming through Instagram, I came across a bunch of different brands but the Skinny Fox detox tea seemed to get most of my attention. I thought it was so cute how they call the morning tea "Hello Gorgeous" and the night tea "Goodbye Cherry Pie" :)

Skinny Fox utilizes a TWO part plan, consisting of a morning and night tea:

-Morning Tea: 'Hello Gorgeous' - Taken when you wake up, this tea is very smooth with no bitterness. Blended to consist of the most powerful natural teas and herbs to give you metabolism boosting, increased energy and fight fat accumulation. Comes in a loose leaf form for guaranteed freshness.


-Evening Tea: 'Goodbye Cherry Pie' - Taken before you go to bed, every other night, this tea is very light and easy to drink. Blended with a natural and gentle laxative and herbs to prevent stomach cramping. This tea is meant to help you say 'Goodbye' to toxin accumulation! Made in tea bags that have been oxygen whitened, without the use of bleach or other chemicals.

Skinny Fox offers two different plans to choose from. The 14 day mini cleanse and the 28 day total body reboot. I chose to do the 28 day reboot simply because it was cheaper than buying two 14 day mini cleanses. So I figured I'd either do the full 28 days or two 14 day mini cleanses at different times. So far I've done about 20 days and I absolutely LOOOVE it! First off, I do want to say that Skinny Fox does not market this as a "weight loss" tea but more as a cleansing tea. It's sole purpose is to rid your body of toxins and help with lack of energy, reduce sugar cravings and boost your slow metabolism. This is the first time that I've ever used a product that actually does what it claims. It completely reduced my cravings for junk and makes me feel so clean and energetic. Before starting the cleanse I was a complete coffee addict and loved drinking wine at night. Now, I somehow don't even like the taste of coffee and wine anymore!!! I've lost 6 lbs of solid weight and I can't wait to continue. 

The #1 question people ask is, "Is it gross?". Not at all!! I've never been a tea drinker and this tea is so easy to drink. The morning tea is so light tasting and goes down so easy. The night tea does have more of a taste but definitely not a gross one. 

Along with just drinking the tea, there are some guidelines that you do need to follow in order to achieve optimal results. 

To avoid reintroducing toxins into the body, you need to eat clean during your detox! That means:

NO Dairy/No Yogurts
NO Sugar/NO Artificial Sweeteners
NO Processed Foods
NO Dark Meats
NO Fried foods
NO WHITE Pasta/Bread/Rice
NO Fruits High In Sugar
NO Alcohol

In addition to the rules above, please drink lots of water. The cleansing tea utilizes water to help flush your body, if you don't provide enough water, you will experience stomach cramping. Water is necessary to flush toxins so DRINK UP! And finally, if your desire is to boost weight loss effect, do not eat at least 4-5 hours before bedtime.

(Information taken from www.skinnyfoxdetox.com)

It is also recommended that you work out at least 30 minutes a day to help sweat out the toxins. I've been sticking to a clean diet, going to the gym 4-5 days a week and following the guidelines above and I wouldn't have it any other way. The results speak for themselves.

This cleanse is also a great way to discover foods that don't react well with your body. Throughout this cleanse your body feels so clean that you'll notice immediately, what you shouldn't be eating. There are certain things that I've introduced that I now know don't react well with my body. Cheese, milk, diet soda, wine, and gum. I've now realized that these things trigger bloating and discomfort and that I should avoid them. By cutting these things out of my diet I have continued to feel clean and energetic. This product has made such an impact on my diet and will continue to be a staple in my journey to a healthy lifestyle. 

(Skinny Fox recommends spacing the 14 day detoxes out with 6-8 weeks between & the 28 day detox 2-3 months apart)


Now here's the amazing part! Skinny Fox was generous enough to give me a coupon code for those of you who are interested in Detoxifying! Visit www.skinnyfoxdetox.com and use coupon code "FoxyJillian" to receive 10% off! 

Why does my makeup look dirty!?

-Jillian Raposo

There's nothing more frustrating than finishing your makeup and walking by a brightly lit mirror only to see that you look DIRTY. Why does this happen?! Here are the reasons why, and how to fix them :)

#1 Problem: You have dead skin 
Dry, flaky, or dead skin can be extremely problematic in creating a flawless complexion. Makeup will not absorb properly into dead skin which will create an extremely uneven look. If you've ever had a sunburn, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Solution: If you notice that your skin is flaking this means that the skin is already dead. In that case, I would recommend exfoliating. I recommend an exfoliating mask, face wash, or  clarisonic to rid you of that crusty layer. Glycolic peels are also amazing if you can afford them ($75 a pop @ the dermatologist).

#2 Problem: Your skin is dry 
When your skin is craving hydration, makeup is not exactly what it's looking for. If you have dry skin and add a foundation that may also be dry, your skin is going to hate you. It will literally suck the life out of your face and leave you looking blotchy.

Solution: Always!! moisturize and prime your skin before applying your makeup. This will help create a hydrated base for your makeup to sit on. If you have super dry skin you may also want to look into a moisturizing primer. Setting sprays can also give your skin a sealed and more hydrated appearance. And don't forget to drink LOTS of water and moisturize day & night.

Recommendations: MAC Moisture infusion, MAC Prep & Prime Natural Radiance, MAC Fix plus spray.

#3 Problem: You are using the wrong color
As much as we all want to look tan, buying a foundation that is darker than your skin tone is not the way to go.

Solution: Use a foundation that IS your skin tone and create a more "tan" look by using bronzers along the outer areas of your face. (Forehead, cheekbones, etc.) NOT ALL OVER!

#4 Problem: You are using the wrong products.
If you've been having this "dirty" problem often, change up your products. Sometimes the chemistry of our skin changes which means it may also be time to change up your product line.

Solution: If you've been using powders switch to creams or liquids. If you've been using creams or liquids switch to powders or mineral based.

#5 Problem: You brushes or applicators are dirty
If you've dipped your all over face brush or applicator in foundation, bronzers and highlighters chances are, the next time you go to use them, it's not going to be pretty. Those colors will have all mixed together and probably created a not so nice shade. Brushes with a lot of accumulated products will also not absorb and distribute products as well as clean ones.

Solution:  Clean your brushes as often as possible. I suggest cleaning them in between every application with alcohol and once a week with a brush cleaner.

#6 Problem: Your skin IS in fact, DIRTY!
So you just woke up with yesterdays makeup still on and totally don't feel like going through the whole cleansing and starting over process. I know, we've all been there.  As much as you may think you can get away with just "adding" to yesterday's makeup YOU CAN'T. For one, it's probably germ infested from you touching your face all day and night and two, it's probably worn off in most areas. So don't do it. You'll waste more time trying to fix it than just starting over.

Solutions: Do I need to say…?! Wash your face :)

Jill's January Favorites

-Jill Raposo

I can't believe we are already in February! Seems like Christmas was just yesterday. But I have to say,  I am so excited that we are one month closer to summer! Between Christmas and now I've picked up some goodies that I am loving and willing to share. So here are my January favorites…

MAC Fix plus spray: I have purchased this spray continuously for about 2 years and never knew what exactly to do with it. I often used it to spray my eye makeup brushes to make eye shadow appear more wet and pigmented. Never did I ever soak my face in it. Which is exactly what you should do!! Ok so you know how sometimes your makeup can look heavy or just like too much? Well douce your face in fix plus and walllahhh you look aaaamazing! It soaks right into your makeup and skin and leaves you looking luminous and natural. I have to say that I will NEVER live without this stuff and this is an absolute must in my makeup kit.
$21 Find at any MAC store or www.maccosmetics.com

MAC Studiofix powder + foundation: I started using this powder wayyyy back in the day, probably in high school. I've left it in the past few years for liquid foundations and it has recently worked it's way back into my heart. I truly forget how amazing this product is. It has medium to build able coverage and feels incredibly smooth. I often have a lot of redness in my skin and it covers it perfectly. With a few (ok a bunch) sprays of Fix plus over it, you're skin will look so natural and flawless.
$27 Find at any MAC store or www.maccosmetics.com

Anastasia Contour kit : If you love that Kim Kardashian sculpt then you will love this kit. It comes with such great shades of contour colors and it also includes 2 under-eye emphasizing powders and a highlighting powder.  It's so convenient to have it all in place and each shade is also replaceable.
$40 www.anastasia.net only!

Anastasia dip brow: This has been the recent brow craze lately and I personally wanted to know what all the fuss was about. I normally fill in my brows with an angle brush and a brown powder but I have to say that by the end of my workout that sh*t is gone. I am sooo loving the dip brow because it's a gel, but not a shiny, waxy kind. It gives a very natural appearance and definitely lasts.
$18 Find @ some Sephora's & www.anastasia.net 

NYX Lip butters: As much as I love high end makeup there are 2 things I will not spend a lot of money on and that's expensive gloss and mascara. NYX lip butters are the first lip gloss I've come across that have that expensive look and feel (minus the packaging). You know how cheap lip glosses are always sticky and leave that gunk in to corner of your mouth, right? And when the wind blows, forget it! your hair is superglued to your lips! Wellll, these totally don't do that. They are buttery, smooth, and gunk free. Love them!
$5 Find @ Ulta or www.ulta.com

Taylor Swift, Taylor Perfume: I am totally not the type to buy celebrity perfumes nor am I a groupie of any kind. But when I smelt (smelled?) the Taylor Swift Perfume for the first time, my golly did I become a fan. It smells sooooo deliciously amazing and yummy. If you like vanilla and I don't mean that old lady vanilla, then you'll love this!
$50? Find @ Sephora

ASP Gel nail kit: I am the most impatient person when it comes to nail salons. I don't think there is anything "pampering" about listening to Asian people yell across the room at each other, that obnoxious smell, and the way the male nail techs wedge their crack nails into your fingers. UCK! I'm getting anxious just thinking about it! I do although love having nice nails. So to compromise between the two I purchased my own "at home" gel nail kit. I am so impressed and addicted to it. I think all together for the light, starter polishes, and some other stuff it was about $60. Which $60 will only get you your nails done twice at a salon. It is sooo worth it and they come out amazing and last for so long. If you don't have patience for girly stuff you probably won't like it but it you enjoy time to yourself then you'll love it. It takes about 30 minutes to do your nails.
Find @ Sally's beauty supply

My 2013 Favorites

-Jill Raposo

Happy New Year everyone! Hope everyone had a great 2013 and will have an even better 2014! A new year is a great opportunity to leave the troubles of the past behind and to move forward with new & positive endeavors. I myself am excited to create a new list of goals and work hard this year to achieve them. It was just 2 years ago that I had the crazy resolution to start my own makeup business and I'm happy to say that in that, I succeeded! Never give up on your dreams & goals. If you really want something, go after it and don't stop 'til it's yours! Resolutions shouldn't end the second week of January, they should end when they've been accomplished. So sit down and figure out what will take your life to the next level of greatness, and get to it!

Anyways.....
Here are some of my personal favorites from 2013. These are not necessarily the products I use on my clients. These are based on what works for my skin type/complexion, which is oily/combination. 

Primer: MAC Prep & Prime www.maccosmetics.com
Foundation: MAC Studio Fix (NC30) 
Concealer: MAC Pro longwear ( NC30)
Bronzer: Hoola by Benefit/ MAC RiRi Bronzer
Setting Powder: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish (Medium Plus) 
Highlight: MAC Mineralize (Soft & Gentle)
Blush: Physicians formula mineral glow pearls (Natural Pearl) 
Lipstick: MAC Pro longwear (To the future) best nudey/peach color! 
Mascara: Victorias Secret Voluptuous Volume mascara
Eyeliner: MAC Powerpoint eye pencil (Engraved)
Gel liner: Maybelline eye studio (blackest black)
Eye Primer: MAC Paint Pot Painterly
Lashes: House of lashes (Noir fairy) www.houseoflashes.com

(oops forgot to put the lipstick in the photo!)

As you can see I LOVE MAC. If you are unsure of your color or what type of makeup best suits you, take a trip to a MAC store. The employees love to help and are amazing at what they do. If you have the time go visit Christina @ the Burlington Mall MAC store :) She's amaze! 

How to clean your makeup brushes

Your best eye shadow shades

-Jillian Raposo

Not sure which eye shadow colors best suit your eyes? This can be very important because not all shadow colors are meant for everyone. Here are some tips for what shades of eyeshadow you should be wearing....


Blue Eyes

With blue eyes, you should stay far away from blue eyeshadow. If you want you eyes to pop and look mesmerizing then try wearing earth-tones, such as browns with a slight purple base, taupe, and slate colored grays. If you want to have a little fun outside of the earth-tones, then try a nice rose colored eyeshadow. The coolness from the pink/purple eyeshadow will be a really nice contrast to your blue eyes.

Brown Eyes
Brown eyes can get away with wearing almost any color of eyeshadow. But if you want you eyes to pop then try either green eyeshadow or pink eyeshadow. With brown eyes, you can also use blue eyeshadow, and if you have gold flecks in your eyes you may want to try an eyeshadow that has a gold shimmer to it. Brown eyes can even pull-off wearing brown eyeshadow, but be careful because certain tones can look muddy against your beautiful brown eyes.

Green/Hazel Eyes
In order to get green eyes to pop, you should try wearing various purple shades. The contrast in color to your eyes will make them seem more dramatic. If you want your eyes to stand out but look more natural, you may want to try warmer mocha brown shades or warm colors with slight orange undertones. Basic eyeshadow colors for green eyes would be earth tones with slight hints of gold, taupe colors, mocha browns, and lavender-purple shades. Since most green and hazel eyes has a variety of flecks, feel free to experiment with these colors so you can find the perfect one for your eyes.

Here are some amazing trio's from Almay if you want an easy and affordable way to emphasize your eyes :)

DIY Lip Scrub & Hair and Scalp Treatment

-Brielyn Vitorino

It's that time of year!! The time for giving, not receiving. The time for holiday cheer. Time to cheat on that diet on some festive treats... because New Years is for vowing to get back in shape!! It's time to rock those tall boots, & sport that sequined top!! It's that time when lists are long, and bank accounts get low... & let's be honest, it's the time of chapped lips & dry scalps!!! (I bet you so didn't see me going there!)

It's true, cold weather conditions combined with dry heat indoors can really do a number on your skin & scalp. There is nothing cute about flakes falling from anywhere but the sky!! So, I found some really great recipes you can DIY to keep your lips smooth, hair shiny, & pockets fat!! Who knows, if you love it enough yourself, you may want to gift these little remedy treasures, too!

Happy Holidays!!

<3 Brielyn

Lip Scrub

-small container with lid
-2 teaspoons of white granulated sugar
-1 teaspoon of olive oil
- a couple drops of desired flavoring. You can really get creative with this. Anything from flavored extracts to a little bit of Kool-Aid would work fine. If you choose to use Kool-Aid please keep in mind a little bit goes a long way.  Also be mindful of the coloring that are in these, blues and purples could be scary, but pinks and reds could be fun!


Method: In a small bowl, combine sugar, olive oil, & flavoring.  Mix it together until a paste like substance forms. Scoop and pack into your chosen container. To exfoliate, take a small amount on your finger, and rub in circular motions all over your lips. Wipe clean with a warm cloth and follow with applying a nourishing lip balm. Voila!! A totally edible, lickable sugar scrub that won't break the bank!

Luxurious Hot Oil Hair Treatment


-1/2 cup of sweet almond oil (or jojoba oil)
-5 drops of lavender essential oil
-5 drops of rosemary essential oil

Method: Mix all oils in a glass bottle and shake or stir well. When ready to use, heat oil in a water bath. Pour 3-5 tablespoons of oil in a glass measuring cup.  Immerse the measuring cup in large bowl with hot water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until oil is warm.  Evenly distribute oil onto dry hair, wrap hair in a hot towel, and leave on for 20-30 minutes.  Shampoo & condition as usual.