The Hostess gets a makeover at Bobbi Brown...

Bobbi Brown is well known and respected when it comes to making the best of make up.
Not over doing it, but using a lighter hand to accent and emphasize your best features.

When Mr. HB and I were in Seattle on holiday I did something completely out of my comfort zone.
I sat at the Bobbi Brown counter at Nordstrom's and had a make over!
It was very early so thankfully the store was not too crowded.
"No unnecessary attention please and thank you!"

After watching the Lisa Eldridge videos I realized that I could use some help.
Choosing the shades that are complimentary to my skin tone is something that I have always struggled a bit with
also I knew that I needed a base colour on my face to cover my ruddiness from rosacea and yet I still wanted to add a healthy glow. The cosmetician was helpful and was able to achieve what I was looking for in a very short time.

My morning routine has got to be easy...

A trio of products and a foundation brush.

Porcelain Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

Fresh Melon Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks 

Antigua Illuminating Bronzing Powder

I am happy with the products how easy they are to work with and how the end result looks natural.

If you have never had a makeover do try one

they are free and you can take home samples

having someone impartial give you advice is much easier than you might think!

If you like the products after trying them then go back to the cosmetic counter and buy them.

I wore the foundation for a day before I decided it was right for me.

Thanks for stopping by and spending a little time out of your busy day.

Have you tried anything new lately?

I've got my nose buried in a new book by an author that I have just discovered...

she has penned a dozen books!

Santa Montefiore

Thanks to Julian Fellowes 

writer of Downton Abbey and Gosford Park...

His comment on the front cover made the sale and I am enjoying it

 it feels a bit like I just stepped inside a home like the one in Downton Abbey but with different characters.

What are you reading?

Shampoo Spa...a tonic.

A lazy start found me sipping tea in bed
the sun streaming in through the windows
with no definite plans...

What luxury!

It's been awhile since I have indulged in a professional facial and I thought my complexion looked liked it needed an intervention.
I got out my home spa potions and gave myself the royal treatment.

Microdermabrasion scrub which is gentle and safe enough to use on rosacea.

Moisten skin first

 portion out a small amount using a light hand

 move in small circular motions all over the face 

and don't forget the lips.

Rinse well and gently pat dry.

Mix Burt's Bees Mud Mask

with a little water and make a thick paste

sweep over face avoiding the eye area

let dry 5 -10 minutes and remove with warm water 

a dark coloured facecloth is needed for this job.

(as this has stained my white ones before!)

Mist face with water 

or use toner

then slather on moisturizer.

Do not apply make up 

let your skin breathe and glow in it's natural state.

The blood will have been flowing with this attention so you might be a wee bit pink.

Do not worry this is temporary and I have the same reaction when I go to the spa.

This scrub is divine!

(thank you DIL and son)

It sloughs off those unsightly bumps on elbows...

but I use it all over for a silky transformation.

Be careful to wipe out your tub or shower after 

as this product does make it slippery!

Now it's time to moisturize head to toe...

I love Shea body butter for it's luxe spa effect.

Wrap yourself up in a cozy robe...

The robe is not glamourous or chic

but it does have a soft plush feel and is so very cozy 

that I will wear it until it wears out!

It's a humble robe.

Hostess approved Aveda Shampure.

This wonderful shampoo washes my hair, all my cashmere and my brushes.

The middle brush is from Aveda 

the other two are so old I cannot remember where I got them...

I do know though that it pays to buy the best brushes that you can afford 

as they will last forever with the right care.

 (like great lingerie)

Clean

 free from product build up

now air drying in the sunshine.

Did you ever see that classic movie Shampoo?

I love it and will watch it anytime it's on TV.

Here's a montage of clips from the film...

there is some harsh language be warned before you go

  here!

Don't forget to keep hydrated throughout your in home spa day

pour sparkling water into a glass with a wedge or two of lemon for a refreshing drink.

Put it in a pretty glass, perhaps a champagne flute

your spa day should be a rich luxe experience 

one that soothes and rejuvenates

and restores.

During this busy festive season it makes sense to slow down.

Finding some time to pamper yourself 

which restores a sense of calm will go a long way toward

achieving a relaxed state of mind

which is much more attractive and chic than a tired and frazzled one!

Take care and be kind to yourself and to others.

Use gentle words and be mindful...

Wednesday is an indulgent ME DAY....Yoga 1st, Spa 2nd...and Flea Market Style is having a giveaway!

Tomorrow I will be attending my regular Yoga class and after many downward dogs, and several sun salutations I am heading off to the spa for a facial.
I go to a luxurious spa in a large hotel downtown and have been going there for several years. My family have kindly given me gift certificates for birthdays and Christmas. I haven't always been a spa client. It's a luxury that I have come to appreciate since my 40th birthday!
I received a gift certificate for a 90 minute facial from Mr. HB for Christmas which had a 30 minute mini manicure added on as a gift bonus.  Thank you Mr. HB, I am going to use the mineral pool and sauna, shower, put on a plush terry robe, sit in the lounge, read magazines, sip herbal tea and eat fresh fruit and yogurt before the 90 minute facial and then the 30 minute manicure...
After which I will retreat to the lounge to let my polish set, sip mineral water and take a few deep breaths before dressing in my street clothes and driving home.
I will be in the Zen Zone, not rushing about, not working hard, not thinking about world events or worrying about our elderly mothers. I will banish the thought that I am unworthy of such pampering and put my "Do list" aside for a few sacred hours and give myself up to momentary bliss.

I am excited about a new magazine coming out in February...
flea market style is having a giveaway to celebrate the launch of the magazine...pop over to their blog and check it out, and enter their giveaway.