Top 2014 Best Holiday makeup gift set ideas from ULTA Beauty!

As you know I am a girl who loves to play with makeup and every year I look forward to the new holiday gift sets from my favorite brands. Again this year I paired up with Ulta Beauty for Arizona Midday to bring you my list of the must have beauty sets - one for yourself and your A listers who were naughty but mostly nice. Host Destry Jetton was super excited to get her own Benefit Cosmetic advent calendar yesterday! (I think she's pretty much nice)

I have links to all the products below which are available at Ulta online and in stores - limited time only so don't wait!! Even Santa can't get his hands on them when they're sold out. You can watch the video of the show below and {here}

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The advent calendar for the beauty junkie - a little surprise behind ever door ... Order yours NOW online - they sell out every year!

 Benefit Candy-Coated Countdown Advent Calendar 

 {Get yours here}

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Ulta Exclusive! Collectible tin with all of Benefits best selling problem solvers for lashes, brows and a flawless looking face.

Benefit Cosmetics Pretty Parfait $39 ($81 value)

{Get yours here}

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IT Cosmetics

• Bye Rye Undereye Anti-Aging Concealer $24 {HERE}
• Exclusive Superheroes brush set $50 ($100 value) {HERE}
• Limited Edition Matte Eye Palette $42 {HERE}

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STILA and Bauble Bar $65 ($147 value)

What girl doesn't love jewelry and makeup? A magical collaboration for the holiday -  best sellers from Stila cosmetics encased in a beautiful festive clutch with a bracelet AND $10 gift card from Baublebar.com with Many sets to choose from 

Order {HERE}

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Ulta Beauty is your one stop shop even for the guys. And who doesn't like to envision their guy smelling sensual yet modern. Straight from Italy, why not envelope his scent with inspiration from Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace EROS, the God of love. Gift with purchase!

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Trick to making thin hair appear thicker Instantly!

Fake thicker-looking hair:

I have a lot of hair, but it tends to be finer the older I get. Plus my hair is a dark color and I have fair skin so the contrast in my part can make my hair appear even thinner than it truly is. 

A quick easy fix to giving the illusion that you have more is hair is by simply pressing into your part the same shadow that you use to darken your brows.

... hope you enjoy this little trick for thicker looking hair in an instant (and virtually free!)

Get rid of age spots to look younger - Hydroquinone with alpha-hydroxy or glycolic acid

Age spots. No thank you.

What in the heck is an age spot? How do you get them, and more importantly how do you get rid of them?

Age spots sometimes called "gasp" liver spots, are brownish flat areas on the skin that usually show up in areas that have been primarily exposed to the sun. If you are over 40 and have fair skin you are likely to have a few of this tell-tale signs of aging.

The best way to lighten these spots is with hydroquinone. There are over-the-counter concentrations available up to 2 percent, but dermatologists can give you levels of up to 4 percent by prescription. Using daily, these products alone can take four to eight months, sometimes a year to lighten. So no quick fix. 

To speed up the process you can use an alpha-hydroxy product with a hydroquinone. Glycolic acid, lactic and citric acids are other common names for alpha hydroxy acids. One of my favorite and least expensive lactic acids is one I use for my dry elbows and feet called Amlactin. Super affordable for $12-15 - you can buy this at almost any drug store or Costco. Check out my post about what else you can do about hiding wrinkled elbows {HERE}.

If you are ready to attack these areas faster you should make an appointment with a dermatologist to talk about an in office peel or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment, both of which will give you faster results than with a cream. 

Uneven skin tone / pigmentation will make you look older, maybe even more so than wrinkless will. Concealing well can help cover them up, but you walk a fine line with using too much make-up or foundation as you age since it can settle into fine lines and wrinkles making them more prominent. This is where I advise to take care of the skin first with products that can really help like these and use creamy concealer just on the areas that need covering instead of an all over heavy foundation.

Looking Younger after 40 - Get rid of Middle Age Belly Fat

Muffin top. Belly fat. Spare tire. Mid life bulge. 

These are the words that strike fear for women after forty. It is a fact that metabolism slow downs as we age, but decreasing estrogen levels are not the only reason it happens. Decreased physical activity, increases in insulin resistance and lack of sleep will all contribute to weight gain. However it's the loss of estrogen that can affect where those pounds accumulate. So fat around the middle is avoidable if you can minimize weight gain and improve your metabolism. Here are some tips on how to do that:

1. Exercise, duh. 
Make your exercise aerobic - and push yourself. The science behind this is that exercise at a sufficient level "anaerobic"will rev up you metabolism to burn calories for hours after your workout.

2. Drink Green Tea and Coffee.
Caffeine is a stimulant and it can raise your heart rate signaling your body to burn calories faster. Green tea contains "catechins" that can help burn belly fat and coffee jump starts lipolysis which is the break down of fat.

3. Spice it up.
Cayenne and chili peppers contain capsaicin which according to a 2009 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition increases metabolism and helps the body burn fat more efficiently.
Also read about the benefit of using Apple Cider Vinegar to Lose Belly Fat {Here}.

4. Power up with Protein.
It takes more calories to digest protein than it does for the body to metabolize fat and carbs. Think about replacing your carb intake with lean protein like fish and chicken.

5. Say no to Crash Dieting.
Eating less than 1200 calories a day may help shed pounds, but it can backfire if you lose muscle which will slow down your metabolism - making your body gain weight faster than it did before the diet. 

6. Increase your Sleep.
Hot flashes, night sweats, and the responsibility of caring for children and aging parents makes it harder to get to sleep and to stay asleep, but studies have shown that not getting enough sleep at night is associated with being overweight.  Sleep deprivation increases levels of ghrelin that can increase food cravings. According to a 2014 Canadian study published in Obesity, getting just one more hour of sleep per night reduces belly fat accumulation.  Check out the other benefits and ways to increase beauty with sleep {HERE}.

Fifty, Flirty and Fabulous - Shelley GoodStein

I wasn’t going to celebrate 50 - this is considered OLD in the modeling industry, but then again I keep getting booked, jobs keep getting better, and I keep walking in runway shows with girls half my age. Plus the older you get the more people think you know and the more valuable you appear to be! Ok ... but I still wasn't sold on celebrating this occasion and then, last month I was seated next to one of my beautiful friends and we began talking. She asked me about my mother's age when she passed away. I told her "60" and remembered how painful the year preceding her death in her fight against leukemia was. It occurred to me that this could be my last "zero" birthday that I felt healthy, happy and beautiful … so I decided to kick up my heels and have the party of a half century! 

I do NOT believe in the “rules” for women over “ahem” a certain age. For example I still wear short skirts, sky high heels, and sequins – just not all at the same time! However for this party I wore all three!!! (But, I have learned to say yes to solids and no to frou-frou.)

What else I have learned?

• I know that the truth always reveals itself. 

• I have painfully discovered over the years that it’s not important to have the last word –victories are sweetest when you can avoid the battle. You can trust that the Universe will solve the situation. I have found given enough rope, well, let’s just say that the best strategy to defeat an enemy is to deny engagement to the person behind the fight. And you sleep better!

• I believe good deeds will be rewarded with crowns in heaven, and as a  past beauty queen I can tell you I always feel prettier with a tiara.

• None of us like the idea of getting older and it is important to realize that it is impossible to look 30 when you’re 80, but that true beauty does last; It lives inside us and is a halo that everyone sees shining brightly.

What are my plans for the future?

Supermom …  supermodel … Check in with me in 5 years as I am working on super-mogul! Visit me at A Model's Secrets this month as I will be posting the best of ways to fake, beg, borrow and steal the fountain of youth and not looking your age!

A quote from my adorable husband's speech from the party:
"She is a woman who makes 50 look like she is just getting started!"

"Beware of the brunette in your life because she has plans."

My life-sized birthday card!

Behind the Scenes Beauty Short Cuts from an experienced Model! Beauty Hacks you need to Know!

I always love to check in to see all my friends at the Morning Blend and today we talked about some items at home that can help you get your beauty on ... 

• Visine for pimples
• Milk of magnesia for acne
• Spray sunscreen (alcohol free) for glistening skin
• Cooking oil for moisturizer
• Coffee filters as blotting paper (and toilet seat covers)
• Spray starch as a dry shampoo
• How to make bobby pins stick
• Straightening iron for wrinkled collars and hems
• Powder for lashes that look like you're wearing falsies!

Watch and learn why here>

Model Shelley Goodstein on Post Summer Beauty Rehab!

CLICK to Watch [Here]

Yesterday on Arizona Midday, I shared some super easy ways to get your beauty back in check after a long hot summer. Did I mention how happy I am that the kids are back to school .... oddly this fact alone improves my beauty! HA.

Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal $15
Boscia Tsubaki Oil-Infused Exfoliating Powder $36

Masque Bar by Look Beauty Brightening Beauty Sheet $9.99
 

Kiehl's Hydro Plumping Re-Texturing Serum Concentrate $58
 

Sia Botanics Vitamin
C + Lemon Peel line $32

 Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide $60

DIY Ombre' Hair Extensions

You would have to be living under a rock not to notice all the A-lister celebrities who are sporting ombre locks this season. No easy dye job, ombre hair is tricky to get right. Even harder - dying your extensions, but you can get the look just by using some tinted hair powder on extensions you already have ( I love Bumble and bumble), especially if your ends have lightened a bit from the summer sun. 

This will also help save your extensions from a wash since it doubles as a dry shampoo!

Of course there is a brand that did it for you, Halo Crown - the easiest way to wear extensions - on a wire with no clips to hide, and no damage to your own hair! For one night or every day. Perfect for any brown haired girl! You can order yours here: http://halocrown.com

COLOR T4 : Buy {HERE}

Shelley Goodstein for Arizona Midday July 9. 2014 - Sea Inspired Summer Beauty

Click to view video {HERE}

Have I told you about how much I love the beach? Well yesterday I was able to share some of summer's beauty innovations inspired by, you guessed it ... the sea! Thank you Arizona Midday for letting me channel some of the best elements of the ocean from these must have beauty trends of the season.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow ($19)

Jane Iredale Mystikol eyeliner/highlighter ($20)

Water based aqua cream from Amarte ($93)

Amarte Aqua Beil Pure Hydration Serum ($57)

Sebamed Clear Face Deep Cleansing Facial Toner ($14.99)

Sebamed Cleansing Shower Oil ($13.95)

Cool Water Aqua Fragrances

Supersmile Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste ($21)

Supersmile crystal collection toothbrushes ($15)

New Summer Beauty Products as Seen on Arizona Midday with Beauty Expert Shelley GoodStein

Always fun to stop by Arizona Midday to talk about my favorite subject - New beauty releases!

Oxygenetix makeup foundation ($66) 

Breathable waterproof makeup with SPF 25 -official makeup of 17 Hollywood studios 

The Makeup Bullet ($15)

HiDef Cosmetic Finger Sponge

A makeup blender that offers precise control.

DermaSilk’s Flawless ($30)

Use as last step in your makeup routine to "blur" fine lines and wrinkles.

 Osmosis Skincare Harmonized Water ($30)

A drinkable sunscreen - UV neutralizer

The Ultimate Moisturizer by Lisa Ashley ($45)

Four Season's Hotel puts this on buckets of ice by the pool

Xen-Tan's Ins-TAN-taneous ($38)

Skip the self tanning - get bronzed in 60 seconds - stays on until you wash it off

Bronze Buffer ($10) 

Eraces self tanning marks even if you applied it days before

Simply Scientific Hair Revitalizing Mist ($15)

Detangling protective spray with SPF 10 for your hair

Fekkai Hair Fragrance Mists ($15)

Freshen up your hair without washing

Drinkable and Edible SPF - Sun protection from a bottle and natural foods

A drinkable sunscreen that can achieve the same protection as my SPF 30 lotion? For Shizzle!

I can't wait to tell you all about it - Plus keep reading because there are some foods you can eat that also offer an inner SPF boost.

$30 at Dermstore.com

Skincare's Harmonized Water UV Neutralizer  - Physician endorsed, non toxic with no chemicals. Very simply this is a purified water that has been imprinted with vibrational waves at precise frequencies that have a cancellation effect of UV radiation.  

You must plan ahead and use this an hour before you go in the sun but just a small dose (2 mls) is all you need to cover you for 3 hours - so small of an amount that a dropper at the top of the bottle is used to take it.

My almost 17 year old son and his friends offered to try this out for me on their way to the pool on a 100 degree day here in Arizona. I instructed each of them to take this one hour before going and then to put sunscreen on every part of their body except one arm. They swam and laid out for about 2 1/2 hours and then reported back to me for inspection :)

The results? I couldn't tell the difference between the two arms, one with the sunscreen and the one without. The friend I was most interested to verify had that pale looks-like-it burns-easily skin and remarkably he wasn't even pink on the unprotected arm. What I love is that if you go swimming you don't need to reapply!

SPF INCREASING FOODS 
These foods can increase your body's sun defenses naturally:

• Foods with beta-carotene can protect your skin from the sun by giving it a darker tint. Remember the story your mother told you that if you eat too many carrots you will turn your skin orange - yes, that is true! Other foods like sweet potatoes will also be effective as an antioxidant from the sun.

• Lycopene is an antioxidant that absorbs free radicals and reduces your skin's sensitivity to a sunburn. Watermelon, tomatoes and berries ( raspberries, blueberries, blackberries ) contain Lycopene and this is what gives them their bold reddish color.

• Leafy Green vegetables and the vitamins in foods like raw spinach also give you a natural skin protection. Studies show that people with a history of skin cancer that ate one serving of leafy greens every day decreased their risk of developing more tumors by 50 percent!

• It is also well known that eating omega 3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon or trout and nuts like walnuts, will lower your risk for melanoma because it offers sun protection and reduces inflammation if you've spent too much time in the sun accidentally.

• Drinking one or two cups of green or black tea which contain polyphenols has shown to decrease your risk of carcinoma skin cancer by 30%.

• Something sweet, Dark chocolate,  also makes the list! Real cocoa can make the skin up to 25% less sun sun-sensitive!

DIY Cocoa Powder Bronzer or Self tanner

Beach Beauty segment - Watch {HERE}

Thanks to the Morning Blend for inviting me on the show today to talk a little more about some beach beauty secrets! One DIY tip we explored was using Cocoa powder as a bronzer. This little trick has been getting a lot of hype lately and it's super easy to do, but does it really work?

Here is a post that has pretty much gone viral on Pinterest showing a before and after photo which appears pretty promising. Just mix 2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder with your favorite lotion and apply evenly for these results:

However, this photo seems to be the exception rather than the rule of what real life results are likely to be.

Case in point below appears to be more of a pudding like-mess. 

The cocoa powder/lotion bronzer will work - but it will not last long if you sweat and it will transfer easily on your clothes or anything that you happen to have skin contact with. Fun but not very practical! Would love to hear what sort of results some of you have experienced.

DIY Seaweed Mask for Hair and Face

Next time you are at the beach - instead of running away from the seaweed that's washed ashore, try using it to your beauty advantage. Spas love seaweed for baths and beauty treatments because it is rich in vitamins B-1. B-2, B-3, B-6 and B-12, a natural anti-inflammatory. Seaweed can also help restore the moisture levels to your skin. If you can't get the beach - no worries, just pick up some dry seaweed and make your own hair and face mask for a fraction of the price. 

If you are using dried seaweed just crumble it up - You need at least 2 Tablespoons, but I like to use at least double that. One of the wonderful things about making this mask yourself is that you aren't limited to a small amount of seaweed's and it's benefits. I feel like in most of the products you buy at the store, the amount of seaweed in their seaweed masks is not very significant, in fact it is often one of the last ingredients listed or it they will use seaweed extract instead. The cost of most of these products increases depending on the amount of seaweed used.

Next you will want to add 1-2 Tablespoons of water to mix into a thick paste. I like to use rose water but plain tap water is fine. You can use any type of blender for this but I find the hand blender is best.

Blend in: 

1 whole Avocado

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon Yogart

Optional: 1 Tablespoon of Honey (This acts as a preservative)

FINAL product will look like this. You should apply this to your face and/or hair to help restore moisture levels. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off.