Whitney and Thoughts

 So CrAzY about Whitney right??? I totally grew up with that woman's voice in my home. I remember me and my mom grabbing our microphones and singing to "I'm Your Baby Tonight" and dancing all around. Belting out the Bodyguard soundtrack while rollerskating, yes rollerskating, on our street. Making up dances with the kids I would babysit to "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". Seriously LOVE her music, voice, her perfect nose for crying out loud!!! I know that later in her life she had made some decisions that weren't great. Things that we can't look up to, sadly, but what a powerhouse of a woman and I would like to remember her this way. Happy, healthy and full of life. I've been thinking about the topic of idols since her passing. I know, not normal Classy talk but I just want to share this quickly. No matter how amazing someone is, how perfect their lives are, how well they sing, dance, act or how much success and money they have we can not hold them so high that we pattern our lives after them. No one is perfect and eventually they will let you down in some way. Without wanting to of course! No one is perfect other than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yes, I am a church going gal and even though we don't discuss these topics here on the blog I know that you watch me and hopefully follow me because of who I am. He is apart of who I am and the reason for all that I do. I went through a very dark time in my life where I abused alcohol. I remember coming back to my hometown for a visit and younger girls that had looked up to me had heard the type of life I was living and thought it was so neat that I was a nanny for a movie star, dancing on TV, singing at a club and I just felt sick that if they knew ALL the things I was doing they might think it was okay because, well, Jen does it. I didn't want that and I didn't want to let anyone down. Anyway back to idols. We look at them and assume they are uber happy or have nothing to complain about because of their wealth and fame. Maybe we make the mistake all to often of letting things they do that are really not okay slip because they are so gorgeous, famous, and everyone else is doing it or worse things. I guess what I took from this train of thought was I know in whom I trust and need a constant reminder not to idolize people. They don't need the added pressure of trying to hold up to my expectations and I would hate for anyone to do that to me either. Thanks for listening to "Deep Thoughts With Jen" we now return you to your regularly scheduled programming ; ).

Save Your Skin: Body

Save Your Skin: Body by makeupjunkie13 on polyvore.com

Life has been crazy the last couple of weeks, but crazy in a good way! Well, it's time to get back to gabbing about beauty again! I will have to update you on all the awesome things I've been up to but that will have to wait for another post. 

Now where did we leave off? In my last post, it was all about saving the skin on your face but we can't forget your body!

Give your skin some lovin' this winter with some of my latest faves!

1. Korres Guava Shower Gel ($22 CAD): I'm not really a shower gel person, but you might as well start it right. I'll use a body scrubs and the such, but shower gels I usually just pass on. This one, however, I could not pass on because - well - it's Korres! I'm already a fan of the Guava Lip Butter so it was a given that I would love the shower gel too. The scent is just lovely and not overwhelming at all. It has a creamy texture and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. At $22, consider this a luxurious shower gel but the size is larger than the average shower gel at 400 ml. 

2. Korres Jasmine Body Butter ($33 CAD): I have body butters in every corner of my room - one on my vanity, one on my nightstand, and a few in my makeup bins. Korres body butters feel ah-mazing on the skin. It applies very rich and creamy but doesn't leave a greasy feeling behind. My skin feels moisturized for hours. Jasmine is a light flowery scent and thankfully doesn't conflict with the Guava shower gel. The size is very decent and comes in a squeeze tube which I prefer. I definitely want to add more to my collection especially the Guava one!

3. Biotherm Beurre Corporel Intensive Moisturizing Body Butter ($37 CAD): Don't be fooled by the simple packaging. I was pleasantly surprised I would love this so much. Ok, I don't particularly like dipping my fingers, but it's just so creamy and smells citrus-y divine. My boys love it every time I wear this - the scent is very comforting. Oh and yes, my skin feels wonderfully soft! It helps restore hydration into the skin overtime. A little goes a long way so this tub will last you a while - at least until the flowers start blooming again!

4. George's Special Dry Skin Cream ($6.49 - 14.99 CAD): You know the term "don't judge a book by its cover"? This applies here. I love hearing stories about skin care lines that were whipped up in their very own kitchen. It's probably a product I would pass in the store, but thankfully I was able to test drive this cream. This stuff really works especially for severely dry skin conditions. George's products do not contain Urea, Lanolin, or Parabens and are specifically made to be hypoallergenic and fragrance free. I've talked about my son's eczema before and this is the only cream I've been using on him for the last few months. It has replaced all other creams I've used. His skin has been eczema-free and we haven't had to use his medicated cream once. I also use this on my dry, cracked heels and hands - works wonders! It feels greasy when first applied but quickly absorbs into the skin. 

Korres is available at Shoppers Drug Mart and Sephora locations across Canada. George's Cream is available at Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada. 

What do you use to save your skin from the harsh winter? 

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

OOTD with makeupbysaz.blogspot.com/

OOTD with my friend Sarah,

My friend came over and we did a tag video and though why not do an OOTD.

It was ice cold outside (we need some hot chocolate when we came in :p)

I just loved Sarah outfit!

(I'm on the left and Sarah is on the right BTW)

These shoes come in as platforms too.

I think Kim K has boots like these! 

Click the link to watch the video! 

For my outfit I layer a brown long sleeved v-neck top and a buttoned up cardigan of the same clothes. Then I add skinny navy pants all from Penneys. 

My sister picked this outfit out for me. I have three other tops to match up with the shoes and pants. 

I loved how Sarah took a black outfit and add the scared to bring the whole outfit together ALSO I love the boots! I couldn't believe they were from Penneys!

Hope you enjoyed our OOTD and tag video! 

Sinead xx

And The Winner Is.........

 Thank you all so much for entering the Valentine Contest! It was sooo great to see you and all of your valentines =). I love this picture, it makes me giggle =). Did you have a fabulous day yesterday? My hubby and I went out with his sister and her husband and had such a lovely evening. We belong to a church that has temples and they are just the best places in the whole world! We went there first to do some service then went out for sushi. We ended up eating with the owner and left paying next to nothing for AMAZING food and coupons for next time. If any of you find yourselves in Lehi, Utah you MUST stop by Tokyo and tell em Jen from Classy Cosmetics sent ya ; ). Okay, ENOUGH about me, I'm sure you want to know who the winner is!!! The winner is Sadia, *yay you ; )*. She writes:

"I want this book because I love make up, but I get stuck in a rut way too often!! I'd love to learn new styles and techniques from Making Faces, and I hope it'll give me some inspiration to branch out and make my own style. I shot you the email, liked you on FB, and am following your blog, so I'm crossing my fingers that I'll win!! :) Thank you!"

And here she is with her sweetheart:

 AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited to send you this book and have you love it as much as I do =). I will email you today to get all of your information. If I don't hear back within 48 hours I will choose another winner. Thanks again everybody who entered. What did you do for Valentine's Day? Share!!! Also, don't forget to enter our other giveaway going on NOW!!!

Someone needs your help!

Hey guys, I entered a Valentine's contest on Makeupbee so if you'd like to check it out and support me I'd be grateful!

But!

This is not about me, this is about a wonderfully talented and sweet person who has entered the same contest and, I believe, has a good chance of winning! If you could take two seconds and go like her look on Makeupbee, I'm sure you would enjoy seeing her looks too! She is doing well and just needs a little more support to win, I think she really deserves it :)

Photo property of http://glittergirlc.wordpress.com/

Please GO HERE to view her blog post about this look, where she also has a link to the contest entry on Makeupbee as well as her Facebook page :D

I love Cecilie's looks, they are always inspiring to me and just so magical to look at...

Thanks for reading!<3

On A Serious Note...

A few weeks ago I got an email from Jackie telling me that she would love to write an article for the blog. She wrote her feeling about the effects cancer has on women emotionally. I was so touched and wholeheartedly said YES! I am so pleased to have this article on Classy and pray that no matter your circumstances you can feel beautiful. You can feel of your self worth and know that you are loved. When we love others we cannot help but radiate light and beauty. I love you all and hope that you are well, but if you are struggling in any way shape or form, I hope to help in some small way by bringing you this wonderful article. It is cancer specific but can be related to so many issues we as women have. I hope you find this encouraging and that you feel you can share it with the special, classy women in your life =).

Jen

The Benefits of Makeup While Fighting Cancer
By:  Jackie Clark

My name is Jackie and I do outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, a leading web resource for mesothelioma cancer.I have always had a passion for fashion-from shoes to makeup, nail polish to handbags, and everything in between! Coupled with that is belief that all women need to feel beautiful, no matter what circumstances they may be facing. Women are powerful beings and WE need to realize it! Sadly, many women are hearing those devastating words 'you have cancer.' Despite a cancer diagnosis, women can still feel beautiful in their own skin. Fashion is a wonderful way to feel strong and confident. I would like to share with your audience the reality of cancer and how women can say 'YES I have cancer', but I am no less beautiful than I was before my diagnosis.

 Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be devastating and can throw your life off-course. Whether you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure or have another form of cancer, such as breast cancer or stomach cancer, living and dealing with cancer takes precedence over everything else. Fatigue and side effects caused by cancer treatment can leave you with little energy to do much of anything, including putting on makeup. But even a light application of makeup can provide you with benefits that go beyond your appearance. Feeling and looking beautiful truly can help you as you battle cancer. Here are a few ways in which it can be beneficial.



 Add Color/Enhance Appearance

 

Nausea and tiredness can drain the color out of your skin and contribute toward skin dryness. By smoothing on moisture and applying a sheer, tinted foundation you can add a healthy amount of color to your complexion. A swipe of bronzer or blusher across your cheekbones and down the center of your nose adds to the natural-looking glow.



 Mental Boost

 

When you look better, you feel better. Your efforts to apply makeup...whether your normal makeup or something new...give you an inner boost that can help relieve stress and depression. It may not seem like makeup can have such a big effect, but it can help you feel much better about yourself while improving self-confidence.



 Feel Empowered



Feeling better on the inside provides you with a feeling of empowerment and this is vital to your fight against cancer. When you look good and feel good, your confidence is boosted and you feel better able to handle things coming your way.

 

 Have Fun

 

Experimenting with new makeup can distract you from concerns and difficulties faced during cancer treatment and provide some much-needed and deserved fun. Trying a new color of lipstick or eye shadow is a positive way to spend time and can help you feel beautiful and refreshed.



 Social Life



When cancer treatment side effects set in the social life is often one of the first things to go. A makeup party or trip to the local department store makeup counter with your friends allows you to enjoy some social time with people who care while taking your mind off of cancer for a while.

Organic or naturally made makeup is a terrific option because it doesn't introduce further chemicals to the body. Experiment with different types of makeup to find the type, amount and applications that suit you best. Pamper yourself by having your makeup done by a professional or at a makeup counter. By taking care of yourself and focusing on beauty rather than illness you can feel that you are putting yourself first, rather than allowing the cancer to take first place.

Giveaway!!!

Thank you so much Jackie!!! In honor of this post I would like to give away a wonderfully important book from Stacy Malkan. I was able to meet Stacy and talk about her book and was SO surprised to hear about her research. I knew some of the things I was putting on myself weren't the safest but I didn't care a great deal =(. After reading her eye opening book I am convinced that I can do better! I think it's a perfect book to giveaway alongside this article. We need to take care of ourselves inside and out and be informed of what we put inside our bodies and what we use topically! Will I be perfect from here on out, probably not. Will anyone??? I will strive to be better everyday and do my homework. I love my copy and want you to have one too! Please leave a comment below telling us your experience with cancer, loss, triumphs and dreams. You must be a follower, as always =). A winner will be chosen using random.org Friday the 17th at 12pm MST and then announced on Saturday.

Valentine's Day Tutorial

Wanted to get this up before the big day ;). Hope you enjoy. LOVE the colors!!!