smallzworldblogspot-blog

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There are time’s in our life where we have no choice but to wait. No matter how much we want to make things happen and rush them along. This waiting place or season can be so uncomfortable initially. By nature people do not like to wait, we want things faster and faster. In trying to be patient we are sometimes faced with different disappointments and delays. Maybe you think the wait is over only to find out it’s going to be a bit longer, and you still don’t know how long. This on going cycle can be a bit discouraging at times and seem to go on forever. So much so, that I have found there is a danger in it. Something to watch out for. Yes, we need to be patient and remain hopeful, steadfast, and determined, however the danger is to become too comfortable in the waiting. When we become too comfortable in the “waiting place” we can fail to take action on opportunities. We become so comfortable “doing nothing” that we forget how to “do something”.  

Since this is the month of St. Paddy’s Day, a holiday which represents luck and good fortune to many, I thought it fitting to speak about luck. I love some of the dictionary definitions of luck. Merriam Websters Online Dictionary lists it this way:

1. a : a force that brings good fortune or adversity

b : the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual 2 : favoring chance; also : success

In regards to the first description (a), perhaps your action, along with your faith that something good will happen, is the very force needed to bring about the positive outcome. As stated in the second description (b), perhaps the circumstances that operate for or against the individual are our own thoughts. If we were to let the duration of the journey deter us for example, or allow ourselves to stay discouraged in a place with defeated thinking, then we may stay stuck in the waiting place forever. Parked, comfortable, settling. In the third definition (2) it mentions a favoring chance for success.  Are you giving yourself a favoring chance with positive, hopeful thinking and faith with action? Or are you parked in a garage of discouragement?

I do not believe in so called “luck”. I believe we make our own “luck” or rather favorable results by the choices we make. We sow seeds good or bad and what we reap is what we planted. If you sow discouraging words: “my life is always going to be this way” “This is just my luck” “nothing good every happens to me”, then you have already settled with that outcome. You have already accepted a negative result. You’ve stopped fighting for more, for better. You have become too comfortable in the waiting and have allowed discouragement to creep in. Unfortunately, the reaping of planting seeds like this end up coming out in bitterness, jealously, and depression.

Our waiting should be a place of patiently anticipating good things are coming. The moment that hope if lost, there is danger of settling for less and/or staying parked in an unpleasant place of despair.

Stay determined to plant good seed, fertilizing your garden (mind, heart, soul) frequently with encouragement and affirmation to bring about a positive outcome. Some of the results here could be: endurance, patience, self control, joy, optimism (Hope), and gratefulness.

Waves may come, but we ultimately steer the rutter and have full control of the anchor. So what direction are you steering for and where have you placed your anchor?

The things I share are directly from my own experience and things I have personally learned. This one especially is close to my heart as it was a very recent learned lesson. I realized that their were places in my life and heart where I had gotten too comfortable in the “waiting place” and have failed to wait with anticipation, cease opportunity, and take actions towards certain goals. The wind is back in my sails and I know the direction I’m headed for. I hope with all my heart that what I have shared would put wind in your sails again too and help to get you back on course (for those of you who need it).

Here are a few more words of encouragement w/love, Gigi Smallz

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You only have 15 minutes or less to get ready most mornings? No problem. Here are some subtle tips that are sure to boost your look without taking much time out of your day!

Here are 5 essentials to start off:

Find a lipgloss that is one step up from your natural color. You want something that is close to your natural lip color, but that will give you a slight boost or pop of color. Nothing too bright or dull.

Choose a powder blush that is very close to your natural cheek color when you are warm, or slightly glowing from the sun. * (Note: powder is faster and easier to blend for beginners) 

Always keep a good mascara handy. (e.g. Invision or Pure Perception)

Some light noncomedogenic (non-pore clogging), powder, to control shine.

Subtle shadow shades - at least three, matte and neutral. One light shade for hi light, one medium shade for lids, one darker shade for crease.

You can always vamp this look up or down. Start with the basics and add or take away as needed. You may also want to keep a good liquid concealer on board for under the eyes for those days you don’t get enough sleep, or for the occasional break out.

Product Recommendations:

Here are some matte, neutral shaded palettes I recommend for this and similar looks: Unashamed, Naturale, and 4 Goodness Baked by G. Purity. 

I highly recommend Translucence, as a translucent powder for setting and reducing shine. It is 100% invisible,  ultra lightweight and fine; ideal for all skin types. 

See full tutorial:

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Valentine’s day - Without getting into origin and where it comes from, traditionally in our modern day, most attribute this day with being in love, being loved, and being shown love, especially in ways of gift giving such as flowers, chocolates, dinner, dates, and so forth.

That being said, it can be a very depressing day of the year for some, for multiple reasons:

Loved and lost: So maybe you were use to having someone for valentine’s day treat you special and now that someone is no longer in your life leaving an empty feeling, sense of loss and/or void. I’ve heard women say: “This is the first Valentine’s day, I have to spend single”, dreadfully. 

Love hoped for: Some can also feel depressed if they are not in love, but want to be.

Left out of Love: Others find it so depressing to see so many people getting flowers and chocolates around them (especially at the work place) that they have even gone as far as ordering themselves flowers to be delivered to their work place so they would not feel so left out.

Here’s an important key:

Your worth does not depend on another person, EVER, your worth depends on you.

One of the actual definitions of value actually means - worth attributed to. That being said, how much worth do you attribute to you?

There are enough things that can make us feel devalued as women:

How we were treated or mistreated by a parent or guardian. 

Facing an abandonment at a young age. 

Feeling unloved, due to lack of physical or verbal affirmations. 

Abuse - Verbal, Sexual, and/or Physical. 

Being objectified.

Prejudices (unfair treatment due to our gender).

Unfair comparisons (that other’s make, and that we make ourselves, of what beauty is expected to look like).

We are our own worst critics…. 

we look at ourselves, our achievements, and our work with scrutiny and judgement sometimes harsher than our worst so called enemies (or haters).  How much value do you attribute to your worth? Do you participate and take advantage of things that attribute to your worth, or things that devalue you? How do you speak to yourself? Are you a good and encouraging friend to yourself or are you always pointing out negatives? What do you see when you look at yourself? Even if that image has been tainted and devalued by yourself or others, it’s not to late to change the perception, view, and outlook.

It can be difficult to reprogram our perception and negative thought patterns, but here are some exercises that can begin to transform the way we think about ourselves.

Here’s a great idea from motivational speaker, Lisa Nichols as stated on the Model Health Show Podcast Episode #234 (See Resource links below).

Make a list 1. Write in pencil a lie you have been told about yourself, leave a few spaces and write the next lie. This part may not feel great because as Lisa would say you are “slugging through your mud”

2. Second, take a red pen and write the truth in the space you provided under each lie.

3. Now and most importantly! Read each lie with it’s countering truth three times out loud. Now you have created an association. When the lie comes up in your mind, where you didn’t have something there to counter it before, you’ll now have that truth to counter act the lie.

4. Final step - Erase all the lies.

Social Worker, L. Tomay Douglas, of Brand Me Beautiful suggests making a list of ten positive things about yourself to counter act each negative.  

Motivational speaker Joyce Meyers suggests reminding yourself of important truths daily and saying them out loud. Examples of this can be: “I am loved” “I am safe” “I am an overcomer” “I am not my circumstances” “I am not what happened to me”

It can be difficult, digging into your heart to expose the lies, but it is so worth it! In order to get pure gold miners need to keep bringing impurities to the surface to be removed. Something beautiful can come out of removing impurities.

Another thing you can do particularly if you have the Valentine’s day blues or any kind of rut where you are not feeling great about yourself: treat yourself. I’m not talking about a shopping spree here, just something affordable and nice. 

Here are some ideas:

A long aromatherapy bubble bath with your favorite book, perhaps some soft music in the background. If you are doing this in the evening, you can add in some magnesium soak, this will relax your body and help you achieve a deeper night sleep.

Get your nails done, if it makes you feel pampered. Either going to a salon or doing them yourself can work wonders and feel quite therapeutic.

Buy one thing you have been desperately in need of, that is in budget, and you have been putting off. This could be - new comfortable work shoes, a  new hair cut, a new skin or beauty product. These are just small things, but it can make you feel so good to finally check it off your list, and erase the nagging voice in your mind that keeps saying “Why do I keep forgetting to do this” or “I have to eventually do this”.

Treat yourself to a massage. 

There are many ways to overcome the blues in a healthy way, but the most important thing is your real deep down outlook on yourself or your “self love”. If your self love is not where it should be, these are just a few things you can do to start heading in the right direction. It takes time, there is no fast path to changing negative thinking habits. The more you practice positive thoughts, and “skim off the impurities”, you will find it naturally get easier.

You are valuable, you are priceless, and you matter, no matter what your emotions dictate, or what the circumstance of your life currently is or was. Never underestimate your worth. When your self love is in a healthy place, you will even see your relationships and mood improve, you’ll feel happier, sleep better…..the benefits are endless.

Resources:

If you haven’t already; See Full Self Love Video Here: 

Other Resource Links:

The Model Health Show with Special Guest, Motivational Speaker Lisa Nichols 

L Tomay Douglas, Social Worker and founder of Brand Me Beautiful Inc. - Instagram

Magnesium Bath Soak - amazon affiliate link 

Makeup Tutorial for look in “Self Love” video 

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Let’s Be Honest

How many times in your life has someone said to you, “you have lipstick on your teeth”? How many times have you found a gorgeous, dark, matte, color only to find your lips looking dry, cracked, and wrinkled after the application? Or how about this one, you work so hard to achieve a perfect matte lip look, only to have it come off within the hour. I’ve been there! That’s why I’m more than happy to share with you some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way so that together we can achieve a perfectly smooth, long wearing, matte lip every time! 

Personal Story 

I had a red lipstick that at first looked completely fabulous until I went outside. It was windy and my hair, blew across my lips and cheeks like a paint brush leaving me with a few streaks of red on my cheek. The worst part was, that someone had to tell me, because I didn’t catch it. It went something like this, “Whaaaat is that on your face”? Needless to say, EMBARRASSING! 

Most of us can also relate to having lipstick on our teeth along with some of the other “dreads” associated with dark lipstick. So does that mean we need to simply avoid it all together? Perish the thought. I’m going to share with you tips that truly work, so that you can easily achieve a perfectly beautiful, dark, matte, and flawless lip look.

Choosing a flattering color!

One of the most intimidating things about purchasing a red lipstick or any other dark color for that matter is that you don’t always know how it’s going to look on you without trying it first. 

Here are a few tips:

 I like to try the color on the back of my hand first to see how it looks on my skin. I will then hold my hand up to my face especially if I’m wearing the outfit I am looking to match.

Red Lipstick Shopping:

Typically if you are more warm toned (yellow undertones or olive toned) orangey reds are going to look good on you. Always test it out first though. Orange reds also tend to look good on neutral skin tones.

If you have more of a pink or reddish undertone, your probably going to want to stay clear of the orangey reds as they will just make you look more red and enhance your pink undertones. An exception to this would be neutralizing your skin so that there are no more pink or red undertones showing through. 

If you are cool toned you may want to try more of a bluish red. Red’s with a little more of a pink tone can work here too. Some bluish red’s can also look good on warm tones so don’t be afraid to try them when looking for a color to suit you. 

For deeper/dark tones, many deep, rich shades are going to look fantastic. Be careful not to go to bright here, as it can look way too over the top and not in a good way. Sometimes if you go to bright it can look artificial.  

How to avoid the dreaded: LIPSTICK ON YOUR TEETH!

Be sure to do an inward blot. My favorite way to do this is with a paper towel. To see a full demonstration of this, see the resources at the bottom of this blog. This tip truly works when done correctly. It’s a step you are never going to want to skip, it makes all the difference. For those of you who would prefer to use an oil absorbing blotting paper for blotting you can try this one I found on Amazon using this affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2AWETdg. 

Smooth Lips

When we wear darker lipsticks, it is very important to start with a smooth and moisturized surface. The darker colors and most matte lipsticks in general can emphasize lines and rough textured chapped lips. Matte lipsticks are also, generally made of a more drying formula. This is why, it’s important to plan ahead and prepare your lips ahead of time.

Tutorial

See the full tutorial on youtube to see all preparation steps, long wear techniques and other helpful tips including: How to add dimension to your lip look. 

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I get asked about natural and “no makeup” makeup looks often especially from those who are not use to wearing makeup. This is a very quick and easy makeup look especially tailored for those with very little time in the mornings. It’s a great place to start for makeup beginners as well or for those who love very natural looks. This literally takes less than 6 minutes, you can even cut it down to three so it’s flexible with your schedule.

My Favorites and Recommendations

One of my favorites in this look is the Picturesque foundation. This is a mineral foundation that is completely buildable so you decide how much coverage you actually want. Also, I’m simply crazy about the finish. It leaves the skin looking healthy and glowing! This is a light luminous glow, not a shiny or oily look. However, if you prefer a more matte finish there is a pressed version that is more matte. I’d also suggest trying this look with BB cream as a substitue for a light coverage that will still even out the skin tone without adding the same amount of  luminosity.

Second, the beloved secret weapon, “BROWSCARA”. I love the idea of a mascara for the brows. Using light, short strokes you can create a more defined very natural looking brow. As you can see the application wand is shorter than a mascara wand giving more control for those smaller areas. The formula has small hair like fibers in it, to mimic the look of natural hair while the gel like formula holds the hair in place so that the brows will maintain their shape throughout the day. I’m sure your wondering, what happens to this lovely formula on hot humid days. If your sweating or get splashed with water, you do not have to worry. The formula is water resistant and will not run down your face regardless of how humid the day is.

Third, there is not enough time to describe how much I love the mascara, “Intense”… quickly it does all the things I look for in a mascara. I look for something that will define each individual lash, maintain lash curl throughout the day, and resist water… all with more natural ingredients and no parabens! If your mascara needs are similar to mine, I suggest you treat yourself, you’ll love it!

Forth, I can’t say enough about this palette, “Naturale” and also the palette called, “Unashamed”. If you are looking for a great palette for everyday wear these two would be at the top of my recommendation list. The colors are matte and can easily be transitioned to evening wear. Each color can be used as shadow or liner.

Lastly, I really do love finding lip glosses that are very natural looking and just enhance what is already there, that being said here are a few colors I recommend:

Lipgloss:

Love 2 Laugh (pink tone) 

Adorned (pink tone)

Cherry Blossom (sheer red tone)

Lip Sheen: (lip sheens are like lipgloss, but with not tacky feel to them)

Sweet Talk (pink tone)

For medium to dark tones

Lipgloss: (have a slightly tacky feel for long-wear)

Bronzed Beauty (beige tone)

Adorned (pink tone)

True (peach tone)

Cherry Blossom (sheer red tone)

Lip Sheen: (lip sheens are like lipgloss, but with not tacky feel to them)

Sugar Cake (peachy beige tone)

Not enough time for makeup in the morning? Who says? All you need is 3-6 min and you can go from tired and droopy to looking awake and ready to take on the day. Even skin tone, conceal dark shadows, and emanate a warm healthy glow.

Love,

Gigi Smallz MUA(H)💋

View Full Tutorial

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“Bake my face,” sounds like a idiomatic term to express discontent such as the phrase, “bite me”. However, when a client tells their makeup artist, “bake my face” they are not using sarcasm or crude humor. Yes, it is a real request and no, this is not a joke. What is baking? Baking is a makeup technique that has been around a long time, but started picking up some large attention through media.

What is baking? Baking is a makeup technique that is thought to date back as far as the Egyptian era.  Used heavily in drag for stage makeup looks. Baking is the method of leaving powder on certain areas of the face for a length of time to dramatically highlight.

What do the professionals say? Most professional makeup artists stay clear of baking to avoid adding unnecessary layers of makeup to the face. The last thing a makeup artist is going to want to see is their work of art become a dry “cakey” mess. A majority of working artists prefer to use some of their own favorites from the thousands of highlighters, skin enhancing creams, and shimmers to highlight rather than spending time on this seemly unnecessary makeup trend.

Should we bake? Like all makeup techniques, it has it’s time and place. Baking is a process that is most commonly used for stage makeup so before you run out of powder and make a mess on your face consider if it’s really needed at all.

with Love, Gigi Smallz

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Lack of sleep is something that many of us have dealt with at one time or another for many different reasons. Why is it dangerous? Does it show in our skin? Can’t we just flood our systems with caffeine and keep it moving regardless of how many hours of sleep we get?

Though caffeine may help to make you feel more awake in the short run, it can do more harm than good in the long run. Caffeine acts as an appetite suppressant causing us to eat less. This can cause our bodies to store more fat. Since your body is not getting the nutrients it needs, it holds on to what fat it has stored as tight as possible. Caffeine also causes dehydration. Between the lack of nutrients and the lack of water, your body will not function properly and be put at risk for other health issues down the line.

Enough about caffeine, what if you don’t use caffeine as a quick fix constantly to mask the symptoms of lack of rest or a bad night sleep?

Lack of sleep alone can cause:

Weakened Immune System Irritability and Moodiness Breakouts Hormonal Imbalances Weight Gain Decrease in brain functionality causing a feeling of cloudy-ness Lack of attentiveness Inability to focus Aging of the skin Forgetfulness

Let’s expand on two of these symptoms: Aging and Breakouts. It’s pretty much common knowledge that when we don’t get a good night sleep it shows in our face especially our eyes. Puffy eyes and dark circles are one of the main concerns I hear about as a makeup artist and business owner. It sends us all to the stores searching for full coverage under eye concealers, masks, creams, serums, you name it. However, did you know that lack of sleep actually releases a stress hormone known as cortisol? When your body produces Cortisol in excess amounts it breaks down the skins collagen levels, then it’s good bye to soft youthful skin and hello to signs of aging. Breakouts are also caused due to the hormone imbalances caused by the excess stress put on your body from lack of sufficient sleep/rest. Lack of sleep shows in our skin, mood, body, and productivity.

Unfortunately, there are even more severe results of long term sleep deprivation due to sleep disorders and chronic sleep loss such as:

Heart disease Heart attack Heart failure Irregular heartbeat High blood pressure Stroke Diabetes

So, how do we combat sleep deprivation and get a good nights rest?

Try a hot shower. The hot water tends to relax muscles and can help to ease the body into a relaxed state. Cut out electronic devices before bed time, this includes shows and/or movies that are action packed, fast pace or stimulating in any way at least 2 hours before bed. Studies show that electronic devices before bed can stimulate the mind and keep it from reaching relax mode. Set the atmosphere with aroma therapy. Lavender has been used for years as a sleep aid. Try lavender essential oil drops near your pillow. Sip Herbal Tea. There are many sleep teas that can use natural herbs to calm and soothe the body into tranquility. One of my absolute favorites is, “Sleepytime" by Celestial Seasonings, it has chamomile, spearmint and lemongrass. Even the aroma of this tea calms me, but you can choose any sleep tea you prefer. Check the tea section of your local grocery or health food store. Slow down in the evening. It’s better to ease into the calm, rather than going at 100 mph and then trying to slam on the breaks, expecting the vehicle to stop on time (hope you get the reference here). Try slowing down at least 3 hours before bed. Choose calming activities. Cut down on caffeine and sugar. The intake of sugar or caffeine before bed may leave you feeling gittery and anxious. Try to avoid either ingredient after 5pm. Keeping a regular bedtime. Sleep can be tricky when bedtimes are constantly changing. Try to keep your schedule as consistent as possible to help your body wind down automatically when bedtime approaches. Avoid Alcohol and cigarettes. You may feel that alcohol helps knock you out, like the NyQuil you may have taken when you were sick. However, once ingested alcohol can disrupt the sleep cycle causing you to be more tired when you awake. Cigarettes work as a stimulate, even though it may feel like you are winding down, smoking before bed can keep you tossing and turning. Avoid napping before bedtime especially after heavy meals. When you nap before bedtime you may wake up sooner than you’d like finding it almost impossible to “hit the hay” a second time for a sufficient nights rest. (I have been guilty of this and it’s awful!) Incorporate a relaxing night regimen. One I can recommend is the G. Purity Spa package, perfect for those extra stressful days. 

If you are severely struggling with a good nights rest and suffer from chronic sleep loss please contact a physician as there are several medical conditions that interfere with constant and severe loss of sleep.

It is crucial to your health that you get the rest you need so don’t wait another day to make the changes your body needs.

 Sweet Sleep! 🌙

-Gigi Smallz  😊

Resources: https://www.planetnaturopath.com https://www.webmd.com http://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/how-to-sleep-better.htm www.gpurity.com

Highly Recommended: 

Sleep Smarter by author Shawn Stevenson 

This book can be purchased on Amazon using the following affiliate link: http://amzn.to/2x5DZEx

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Though contour techniques originated from the theater (being used on actors) it is trend that is becoming more of a common practice. Do you think it will be phased out along like tie die shirts and bell bottoms or do you think this trend is here to stay? -Gigi Smallz

G. Purity offers a variety of contour products in all different shades: check it out at WWW.GPURITY.COM

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Many people have asked me if buying a primer is worth all the hype it gets. Should it be part of an every day routine or is it just a waste of money?

(We are discussing face primer not eye shadow primer which I feel is highly essential for daily wear when you are wearing eyeshadow, but thats for another discussion)

The truth is, it really depends on what your needs are and what you are trying to achieve. If you, for example, are just doing your make up for a regular day where you will be doing errands and going to the supermarket, you may not want to use a face primer. I certainly don’t. If however, you are going to a special occasion and want your makeup to be long lasting and flawless for 12+ hours, I highly recommend it. Not only does it help keep your makeup in place longer, but it ensures a smooth application. I tend to grab for the primer when ever my skin is feeling extra dry. 

Another great reason for applying a face primer would be to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If this is one of the dilemmas you would like to tackle than a good face primer can be your best friend. 

Some face primers contain color correction which can reduce dark spots, redness, even hyper-pigmentation, and enhance the radiance of the skin. 

For whatever your reason, face primer is certainly a great product to keep in your beauty cabinet. -Gigi Smallz

G.Purity carries several different face priming options including color correction: check it out at WWW.GPURITY.COM