22 Jul '16

Our Top Fashion Blogs for Summer 2016 - Part 2

Top Fashion Blogs Summer 2016

Summer is still going strong and summer fashion is still looking bold and perfect for the seemingly endless heat. While we can't get enough of the colors, prints and patterns that emerge during the summer months, there is also the appeal of simplicity. In order to beat the heat, summer fashion makes people approach style in a simple and sometimes minimalist way. These talented bloggers are well on they're way to perfecting the balance of statement and comfort that summer fashionistas demand

GabiFresh

A photo posted by @gabifresh on Jul 6, 2016 at 4:22pm PDT

Gabi's style and carefully curated blog is constantly delivering some of the best looks out there. For example, this look is all about color balance, comfort and simplicity without sacrificing an ounce of chic. The shades, heels and watch add the perfect touch of class to this breezy look and the print brings all the fun/attitude.

A photo posted by @gabifresh on Jun 22, 2016 at 3:59pm PDT

Nothing says summer like a cool, effortless and flowing all white look. The look is perfectly accessorized but it's the way the dress falls and fits that make it the star of the show. The pleats add an extra touch that make this look truly special.

A photo posted by @gabifresh on Jun 17, 2016 at 2:52pm PDT

White crop top and short shorts? Yes, please! This quintessential summer look is right for so many occasions it just can't be ignored. Gabi pulls this look off flawlessly, especially with those hoop earrings and gorgeous sunglasses. Too chic.

A photo posted by @gabifresh on Jun 8, 2016 at 5:33pm PDT

This swimsuit is just too beautiful, it really hits every point you could want a swimsuit to hit. You can tell it's top quality, the hues are perfection and the style is definitely spot-on. There is so much right with this that it may be the perfect summer swimsuit!

Erica Tironi

A photo posted by Erica Tironi | Erica Voyage (@ericatironi) on Apr 18, 2016 at 8:06am PDT

We've been following Erica for a while now and she never fails to deliver beautiful looks and so much more. Her Italian roots and extensive travels make for an incredibly interesting and well rounded blog, while also giving her a unique and sharp eye for fashion. Just look at that red dress !

A photo posted by Erica Tironi | Erica Voyage (@ericatironi) on Jun 6, 2016 at 6:34am PDT

This look is summer in the city to perfection! A clean and simple top with a complex metallic neck paired with that glorious print skirt and shoes make this a total winner. Doesn't it look like she's going to the most fashionable brunch ever?

A photo posted by Erica Tironi | Erica Voyage (@ericatironi) on Jun 22, 2016 at 8:11am PDT

Brimming with confidence and attitude, this is possibly the coolest look of the summer. This combination will get anyone looks, as it should, because it screams: "that's right, I'm awesome."

A photo posted by Erica Tironi | Erica Voyage (@ericatironi) on Jul 4, 2016 at 8:15am PDT

This gorgeous print was most definitely designed with summer in mind. It perfectly encapsulates summer chic and at the same time evokes a longing for sunset tapas and wine in Spain.

We really hope you enjoyed seeing our summer fashion picks as much as we enjoyed picking them and above all we hope they inspire you to explore summer fashion. Don't forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.

21 Jul '16

Glam by Maryam : One of Our Favortie Makeup Artsits

Favorite Makeup Artists

It seems like everyday a new makeup artist appears on social media. Out of the thousands of makeup artists out there some stand out not just as great talents but also as great educators. A true makeup artists is able to impart their knowledge in meaningful ways and not just show you a few tricks and hacks, although they always have great tips and tricks too. One of our fave MUAs is Maryam from Glam By Maryam She is definitely one to follow if you want to get in depth and professional knowledge.

A photo posted by Maryam Ormeen Sarwary ♈️ (@glambymaryam) on Jul 12, 2016 at 8:03am PDT

Her skills as a beauty educator can be best appreciated at one of her seminars. These events not only significantly help up your makeup game but also come with many attendance perks. High profile clients, like TV personality Aryana Sayeed and high-end gift bag products like our Xanadu 24K Gold Serum and Makeup Primer are just some of the extras for those attending.

A photo posted by Maryam Ormeen Sarwary ♈️ (@glambymaryam) on Jul 10, 2016 at 11:02am PDT

Glam by Maryam Makeup Seminar - ISA Professional

If you have the chance, don't miss out on her next Toronto seminar or contact her to find out when the next one is! Let us know who your favorite makeup artist are in the comments below.

19 Jul '16

Adding These Daily Habits Can Help You Feel and Look Great

4 Tips For a Healthier, More Beautiful You

Girl Appreciating a Sunflower- ISA Professional

We've all gone through that moment of realizing that our lives could use some improving; whether it's working harder for a promotion, learning a new language, or signing up for that yoga class you've always wanted to try out. No matter what your goal was, it can be hard to achieve, or even worse, keep up with. While your hectic work or life schedule may make it seem like these goals are impossible, it doesn't have to be so daunting. It all starts with a few steps and luckily for us, those small changes can lead to a healthier you, with permanent life changes. You don't have to do all of these changes at once; try one or two to begin with and take it from there. The trick to keeping them up is thinking of the big picture; one positive life change will lead to more positive changes because you know that you are in control of your life and your choices. We all need some “me” time, make it a priority to give yourself some; after all, you can't take care of others or your job if you don't take care of yourself first!

Drink Lemon Water

Woman Drinking Lemon Water- ISA Professional

Let's be honest here, what do you usually go for first thing in the morning? Chances are, it's coffee. Although coffee it does have its own health benefits, there's another beverage that is extremely beneficial to our health that is often ignored: lemon water. Lemons are extremely beneficial to our bodies; they're high in Vitamin C, help aid our digestion, have various electrolytes (like potassium and magnesium) for hydration and contains antioxidants that help strengthen our immune system.

In fact, drinking a whole lemon in water (I usually cut a lemon in half and drink two glasses) can help lower blood pressure and even cleanse your arteries! Some people swear by drinking warm or hot water with their lemon, but if it's too hot where you life, room temp works too. Drinking it first thing in the morning will give you energy and even helps fight off cravings later on in the day.

Apply Serum and SPF Before Going Out

Woman Applying Sunscreen- ISA Professional

You're probably sick of hearing about the importance on applying SPF and serums but they're talked about often for a reason, it's just for our own good! SPF helps protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, which can be extremely harmful for our skin and can lead to skin cancer. Serums help fight signs of aging and have a lightweight consistency, making them the perfect pairing to SPF.

Apply your serum first since it dries quickly, then apply your SPF. I'm in awe of ISA Professional's XANADU 24k Serum; it has Vitamin C, so while the lemon water helps you on the inside, this amazing serum gives your skin the same treatment on the outside. Another good tip is to stick to SPF made specifically for the face since these aren't as heavy or chalky. I like to use Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, it isn't greasy and works great under makeup. This combination of skin products will make your skin stay healthy and beautiful. Believe me, your skin will thank you for this small lifestyle change!

Meditate For A Healthier Body and Brain

Woman and Girl Meditating

I know what you're thinking; you sometimes don't even have time to wash your hair, much less meditate daily, but even a little goes a long way. You don't have to join a yoga class if you don't want but you should start taking at least 15 minutes out of your day to get away from computers and cell phones and just breathe.

You can accomplish this by just sitting in a quiet room and concentrating on your breathing or by going out for a calming walk with your dog. If you're interested in a yoga class but don't think you have time or money for it, buy a yoga mat and separate some time a couple of times during the week to practice at home. There are plenty of videos out there to help you out and if you think inviting a friend to do it with you will help keep you motivated, do it!

The benefits of meditation are plenty: it decreases anxiety, depression, stress, inflammation and pain. It also makes you more focused, reduces loneliness, boosts your immune system and increases positive emotions! The benefits of mediation are well worth separating some time out from your schedule, and is a lifestyle change that will make you feel optimistic and amazing.

Exercise For A Few Minutes Every Day

Woman Working Out- ISA Professional

If there's one lifestyle change that every expert recommends for a long and healthy life, it's exercise. Now if you're cringing just thinking about exercising, you're not alone. For some reason, some think that you're either a couch potato or a hardcore athlete that monitors everything that you eat and every calorie you burn. It doesn't have to be that way, you don't have to identify with only the one or the other.

Like many things in life, it's all about balance and if you don't see yourself becoming a workout fanatic, you should still dedicate some time during the week to exercise if you want to avoid sickness and obesity. It is suggested that you do at least 150 minutes a week for there to be any health benefits and you can choose how you want to divide them according to your schedule. I like to stick to 30 minute workouts, 5 days a week; this way I can enjoy my weekend without thinking about exercising. If that still seems like too much for you, try 15 minutes every day instead. Just remember, if you're new to exercising, make sure you start small; trying a hard work out straight off the bat is a bad idea for your heart and body. Also, make sure you talk to your doctor before starting any workout regimen if you have a heart or health condition; this ensures that your workout is right for your body.

15 Jul '16

Who Says You Can’t Wear Makeup in the Gym?

Makeup and Working Out at the Gym

There’s a time and a place for makeup, and when it comes to the gym, opinions are often split. Celebrity makeup artists and skin care specialists will always tell you that wearing makeup while working up a sweat is never recommended, as foundations and powders can lock in the toxins that you’re trying to release. As the founder of Cosmetique Aesthetics reminds us, “Your skin needs to be able to breathe while you’re heavily perspiring.”

Woman Relaxing Post Excersize in Workout Clothes ISA Professional

To Makeup or Not to Makeup

Blotting a little concealer here and there with a light layer of coverage may seem harmless, but not washing your face before and after your workout does more damage than you might think. As your heart rate elevates, your body temperature increases and signals you to open your pores to release sweat, a natural way for one to detox, but when creams and powders are applied onto your skin, you hinder your ability to sweat out toxins because of the pore-minimizing effects of makeup. The whole point of breaking a sweat is to detox, which is due to clogged pores that build up bacteria, eventually resulting in acne breakouts and a dull complexion. Should you make this into a habit, pores will enlarge over time and increase the presence of blackheads. And for those who suffer from temperature-sensitive conditions, your desire for a flawless face at the gym can exacerbate the effects of rosacea and eczema.

Other than compromising skin health, the aesthetic appeal of makeup will only last for so long, given how flustered most of us get after a 30-minute session on the treadmill. That, along with the sweat and toweling off that wipes away the foundation, renders your gym makeup useless. The unevenness of skin tone and blotchy skin is definitely not a flattering look on anyone.

Despite all the downsides, it hasn’t stopped cosmetics companies trying their hand at sweat-proof makeup. There may be a host of brands out there that claim to be worthy enough for a workout without damaging your skin, but experts see them as nothing more than a marketing ploy not worth risking your health for.

Yet, one line of cosmetics products is showing some promise over the rest.

Makeup for Active Lifestyles

It’s no secret that fitness is now a popular motif for fashion designers. The athleisure trend has been a force to be reckoned with for the last several seasons, as athletic shoe companies have thrived on producing new designs and yoga apparel that have become staples in our everyday wardrobe. Even luxury labels have jumped on the bandwagon, as fashion houses like Chloé showcase their take on athletic gear which is currently being showcased by the international fashion e-store Lyst. With the athleisure craze seemingly growing stronger year after year, the sporty chic fad has finally found its way into the beauty world to offer makeup and skincare safe to wear while working out.

Arrow is a revolutionary makeup line from Birchbox, the beauty subscription service’s second collection in their ongoing venture to develop products in partnership with other cosmetic companies. Because of the hazardous impact of makeup in the gym, Birchbox stuck to lightweight, cleaning products to maintain your “au natural” look. Powders, creams and foundations were not included in the line for obvious reasons, but you can expect a tinted brow gel, a cooling lip and cheek tint, facial mist and deodorant, compact enough to fit into the Arrow makeup bag. Other items, such as the water resistant mascara, cleansing cloths and tinted serum will follow in the next couple of months.

Although skincare experts will tell you that you’re better off working out sans makeup, one of the keys in finding gym appropriate products is by looking out for natural, organic and clean ingredients. What makes Arrow a cut above the rest is its use of vegan, organic substances, cruelty- and paraben-free, perfect for the most sensitive of skins.

What’s your opinion on wearing makeup to the gym?

12 Jul '16

The Truth About Tea and Learning to Love It

The Many Healthy Benefits of Drinking Tea

Woman Drinking Hot Tea- ISA Professional

If I asked you which beverage is the most consumed in the world, excluding water, what would your answer be? Coffee? Soda? Beer? It may surprise you, but that honor belongs to none other than tea! Depending on where you live, you may be skeptical. After all, Americans love their coffee while Germans love their beer. While different countries have their preferences, it doesn't change the fact that tea is still the heavyweight champion in the beverage department and luckily for us, that's a good thing.

Although there have been many studies showing the benefits of drinking coffee or beer, tea is also good for your health for various reasons. Now, if you don't like drinking tea because it's too watered down or the taste is not to your liking, you are not alone. I personally hated drinking tea, I preferred soda or water (even though my mother was a huge tea drinker and constantly tried to make me drink it with her). After hearing about the many benefits of tea combined with my mother's continuous nudging, I made the decision to force myself to love drinking it. And guess what? You can do it too!

One way to make it easier to love tea is to understand the different kinds that exist and the benefits you can reap from drinking them. Knowing that your goal is for your own good will make it easier to continue drinking it, and believe me the payoff is amazing. A good way to start is by mixing it with milk, adding honey or cooling it off with ice cubes and adding sugar to it. These additions will help you get accustomed to the tea but remember: the final goal should be for you to be able to drink your tea with nothing added to it. I achieved this and now I can't get enough of it! Now, pick one of the many teas available and start your tea loving journey today!

Green Tea

Green Tea- ISA Professional

Green tea is extremely popular in Asia and for good reasons. Green tea is the least processed of the teas; remember, all teas come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. What makes them different is how the leaves are processed and oxidized. This gives green tea a very delicate and nice flavor.

The benefits of green tea are considerable: it's packed with antioxidants such as polyphenols and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), both which help protect your cells from damage. These antioxidants work hard by helping stimulate hair growth and leaves you with softer hair. Green tea also helps you lose weight due to it being calorie free, as well as helping lower your cholesterol levels, which in turn, helps your heart. In some cases, green tea revs up your metabolism, making weight loss easier to achieve. It also has catechins, which decrease inflammation, leaving you with younger looking and beautiful skin.

Caffeine wise, it's on the lower side of teas, with about 25mg per cup. Another type of green tea is macha tea, it's very popular in Japan and used in powder form. It has good amounts of Vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and selenium. This helps prevent disease but may not be the best choice for tea beginners due to its grassy taste.

Black Tea

Black Tea- ISA Professional

Black tea is the most common type of tea and is fully fermented; it's also the tea with the highest caffeine content with about 40mg per cup. Black tea, like green tea, is also great for lowering your cholesterol levels. This is because it contains the antioxidants theaflavins and thearubigins, which helps your heart's health and even decreases your risk of having a stroke. Some reseach shows that the antioxidants in black tea can help prevent ovarian cancer, making it great for women to drink. If you're having problems with cavities, polyphenols will help kill the bacteria which causes cavities, leading to a healthier mouth. It also helps prevent that sticky plaque which appear on our teeth, so if you want a beautiful smile, black tea is for you!

Oolong Tea

Oolong Tea- ISA Professional

Oolong is like a hybrid between black and green tea, this is because its leaves are partially oxidized. Since oolong tea is fermented for a shorter amount of time, it makes it taste richer than black or green tea. If you regularly find yourself stressed out, you'll find that drinking oolong tea will help reduce your stress levels by up to 18%! Unless you can't take caffeine, oolong tea will help your digestive track by reducing inflammation and also helps with stomach ulcers and acid reflux. A cup of oolong tea has about 30mg of caffeine.

White Tea

White Tea- ISA Professional

White tea is a great one to begin with because it's one of the mildest tasting teas; this is because the leaves are picked very early on and they are unfermented. White tea will help eliminate free radicals in your body, which can lead to damaging your DNA, making it a great immune booster for your body. Many love drinking white tea because it helps relieve arthritis pain, so getting some loose white tea leaves for your grandparents as a gift would probably be highly appreciated. White tea also has the lowest caffeine levels with about 15 mg per cup.

Herbal Tea (Tea?)

Herbal Tea- ISA Professional

You may have seen plenty of herbal teas at your market but I have news that may surprise you: herbal teas are not real teas! They are simply infusions of leaves, barks, fruit or roots in water. Even if they are not traditional teas, they can still have health benefits (although not nearly as much as the traditional teas listed above).

A popular herbal tea that is regularly used to help digestion and gas is peppermint tea. You'll also find that ginger tea can help quiet your upset stomach and motion sickness symptoms. Chamomile is a soothing and calming tea, usually reserved for right before bedtime and as a tool to help insomnia. Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant and are a great source of Vitamin C, which helps your immune system work more efficiently.

Woman Enjoying Garden- ISA Professional

If you've managed to make it to the bottom of this post, then I hope I've convinced you to go out and try a cup for yourself. Giving tea a chance and learning to love it will make you healthier and feel better overall, and really, what's better than that? Steeping and choosing the right temperature for tea can be tricky but with practice, you can become a master brewer. If you're already a tea lover like myself, tell me your favorite tea; mine is green! Happy drinking!

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