bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum

When you were younger, adults told you that your body grew when you slept. This concept is still the same today, although for some of us we have reached our vertical potential. The idea that your body is working while you rest is still true, though. One of the most important parts of your body is working the hardest while you sleep–can you guess? Here’s a hint: it’s the largest organ of your entire body.

Answer: Your skin.

Being that it is such a large body and very important to us, we want to do our best to protect it. Most of the time our skin is our friend, but when it starts showing our age, it can be the enemy. Your skin frenemy! Skin often shows signs of aging and the wear and tear on your body. A woman wants to be proud when surprising people that she looks and feels years younger than her actual age. If you’re one of these women, stick around and we’ll tell you more!

Your body repairs itself of the constant environmental and natural stress of the day while you sleep. There is a natural cycle that your skin cells have for renewing them to their healthier state. Unfortunately, stress can disrupt this delicate cycle, and it’s important because the disruption can take its toll on your skin. Introducing to you the solution to getting healthier skin that cannot participate in natural cell renewal.

bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum

Straight from the horse’s mouth: “Every cell in your body has a “clock gene” that regulates cellular renewal, which in turn affects the appearance of your skin. And it’s scientifically proven that cells are most efficient at healing during nighttime sleep.

Our intensive night serum helps restore your skin’s ability to reach its ideal renewal state. Powered by our proprietary ActiveSoil Complex–combined with a unique moisture boost technology–this formula maximizes cellular renewal and hydrates skin overnight. The result? Cells that are supercharged to protect you during the day and skin that looks firmer, healthier and younger.” bareEscentuals

This simple and easy to use formula will restore your skin on a whole new level! Use at night after cleansing. Dispense a pearl-sized amount into palm, and smooth over face. Follow with moisturizer.

Here are just a few things real women had to say about the product:

 

“The first morning after using the serum I could see a difference. My skin has been so traumatized as of late and so so so dry and flakey. After a regimen to get my skin calmed down I started back on my normal nightly routine which includes the night cream and the night treatment. I added the serum prior to the night cream and my skin was soooo soft and smooth with no traces of the flaking. I assumed it would be back in the morning but to my amazement when I looked in the mirror this morning….no redness, no flaking and my skin was actually back to its normal state. Great boost to my self-esteem knowing I was going to have a normal makeup day!!!!! Love it love it love it love it!!!!! If you need that little bit of oomph to jump-start that drab winter skin…..get this and quick!!!! Thank you bareMinerals.”

“… I looked at the price tag for the full size first and went WHOA! But, my friend convinced me to use the sample, and I am in love! My skin looks smoother, more even, and deeply hydrated. And the best part is that it did not make my oily areas more oily, or cause me to break out in the slightest. It just helps my moisturizer work that much better!”

“I have sensitive skin that tends to dryness, especially in the cold winter months. I’ve been dealing with dry, flaky, peeling  skin and have tried a number of products in recent months, and none have made a difference. When I saw this from Bare Minerals I knew I had to give it a shot – I love the cleanser and moisturizer so figured I couldn’t go wrong. I didn’t even begin to imagine that the flakiness I’ve had for months would be gone in 3 uses. Three!! My skin looks fresh and dewy, and I’ve even noticed the pores on my nose seem smaller. I’m hooked.”

 

And you will be too the first time you try the Active Cell Renewal. If you’re waiting for your skin to naturally look younger and healthier on its own, it isn’t happening! Give your skin a make over that will change your life! This item is being sold at Allure Boutique for $50.00.

 

To use: Apply at night after cleansing. Place a drop of serum on the back of your hand, and using your fingertips, apply to the face. Follow up with your favorite bareMinerals moisturizer.

 

 

 

 

This post was based on and includes information found at the bareEscentuals website.

 

 

 

Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler: Le Festival de Mardi Gras

If you’re from South Louisiana, you know that one of the best times of year is Mardi Gras Season.

If you’re not from South Louisiana, then you wish you were.

Mardi Gras has been more than a tradition in the southern region of Louisiana for centuries. The story begins many years ago with the combination of Pagan and Christian festivals. Over time, Mardi Gras has developed into what most consider “one big party.” I am here to convince you, however, that there’s more to the story than that. If you have never experienced traditional Mardi Gras festivities, I strongly encourage it. And no, I am not referring to alcoholic consumption on nationally known streets. But even that idea has been around since the beginning of Mardi Gras. Take a look:

Festival What do you think of when you hear the word festival? Party? Fun? Music and dancing? That’s actually correct. Most of us know that “Mardi Gras” literally means Fat Tuesday in french. This is based on the feasting prior to the fasting of Lent in the Christian faith. It was a celebration in which people indulged themselves with rich food, drink, and folly to prepare for the state of fasting. Basically “getting it out their system” before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.

Purple, Green, and Gold These three colors’ association with Mardi Gras is more than “just because they look cool.” You see them on king cakes, striped shirts, flags, beads…pretty much anything associate with the holiday. It is said that these colors were chosen by the Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff of Russia when he visited New Orleans during carnival season. The purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold is power.

King Cake The King Cake is representing the three Wise Men that sought Christ Jesus. King Cake “season” begins on Jan 6, twelve days after Christmas Day. Centuries later, the idea of the cake was associated with celebration. Similar to the kings seeking out Christ, we too seek out the plastic baby hidden inside the king cake. Now swallowing the plastic baby is a different story…

Masks Associated with the word “carnival” is indulgence and chaos–no matter what century you’re living in. And it is precisely that idea from which wearing masks developed. As a part of the chaotic sense, participants of carnival would wear masks to conceal their identity. Whether it’s 1812 or 2012, social ranking is still a part of our society, but it was during this carnival season that social class was thrown out of the window. By wearing a mask, no one knew which social class you belonged to. Even today, you will realize how fun it is concealing your identity with a mask, especially at Mardi Gras.

 

Okay now let’s hit on one more important thing: CAJUN COUNTRY MARDI GRAS

Allure Boutique is located in an area of Southern Louisiana populated by thousands who are descendants of the Acadians or “Cajuns” as it is more commonly known. (Just for classification, we don’t row our pirogues “down da bayou” to get to work/school –unless you are featured on the show Swamp People– and Cajun Cooking isn’t burning your dinner but one of the best cuisines filled with more culture and variety than you will ever taste in your life.)  But back to Mardi Gras: Cajun culture is incredibly unique and beautiful, as is our Mardi Gras traditions. One in particular is theChicken Chase.

Yes, you read that right. Stay with me on this…

In the spirit of carnival, Cajuns gather together to participate in this colorful event. Dressed in Mardi Gras costumes of colorful frayed material, masks made of wire mesh and pointy hats called “capuchons,” they ride horseback and truck bed on the Mardi Gras Run. In the old days, this was  meant as a means of gathering ingredients for a gumbo that would be shared by all the participants. With drinking, singing, and dancing (classic indulgences of carnival) Cajuns gather together everything they need for the gumbo and begin the Chicken Chase. Men and women gather in an area and literally chase a chicken that will be used in the gumbo.

 

Sound a little crazy? Yeah, we get that a lot.

 

Bottom line is Mardi Gras is a beautiful celebration filled with culture, tradition, and fun. Every year, people from around the nation travel down to Louisiana for the experience. It’s one that, as Louisianians, we love and show much pride in.Hopefully this year as you attend a parade or festival, you’ll see the colors, the masks, the costumes, the food, the drinks, the music, the cake and realize how beautiful a tradition it really is.

If you are a native of South Louisiana or are experiencing it for the first time, stop by Allure Boutique for cute Mardi Gras apparel and accessories. You can purchase a wreath made of parade beads to hang on your door, a purple, green, and gold fleur de lis Wine Glass and charms to drink in the Louisiana spirit, and of course cute Mardi Gras T shirts that you can only find here!

 

We wish everyone participating a happy and safe Mardi Gras! As always, laissez les bon temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!

 

Until next time….

-K

 

HAPPY MARDI GRAS

Lip Savvy

One of the best products to ever make it’s way into our store and our hearts is the amazing Lip Savvy! If you have yet to try this phenomenal product, you will be convinced to try when you’re finished reading.

A lot of people are not lip gloss lovers, in the sense that they don’t wear it because either it’s too sticky, not enough color, fades too quickly, gets clumpy, leaves their lips dehydrated, or other things of that nature. Lip Savvy is the answer to the question, “Will there ever be a perfect lip gloss that leaves no sticky or clumpy residue, leaves my lips plump and moisturized, and has just the right amount of color?”

What I am about to tell you will change the way you feel about lip gloss.

Made with 100% natural substances, Lip Savvy is a lip gloss  unlike any other; not only do you get a lip gloss that makes your lips irresistible, it’s working hard to protect and shield your lips from all kinds of stress.

“LipSavvy!™ utilizes Complete Free Radical Protection™ Technology to defend your lips from all three known types of free radicals.  The three known types of free radicals are RNS, ROS, and RCS.”

Basically, this lip gloss has been designed to act as a shield, to protect your skin from all “evil.” Environmental stress can damage your lips and surrounding skin in a single day, probably more than you realize. And who says you have to feel sensation or tingling to know that your lip gloss is working? Any lip gloss that uses artificial ingredients to plump your lips, that’s who. The bad news is that products who use oils and substances to create that tingling and sensation are doing more damage to your lips than helping them. The good news is that’s why Lip Savvy stays far away from these products, and can keep your lips beautiful and plump, without the harsh.

Another great characteristic of this line? It keeps your lips feeling smooth and moisturized, even after you’ve been wearing it for hours! You will find a lot of the time with other lip gloss products that your lips feel even rougher and drier after the lip gloss has worn off. Not with Lip Savvy–after a few hours of providing perfect color and moisture, you will find your lips soft and moistened, and this continues long after you have finished reapplying for the day. You can use it as a traditional lip gloss when you are putting on your make up, but even if it’s before bed, put on a small amount and wake up in the morning with beautifully soft lips. (It is a little known fact that Lip Savvy has been a product used by men while out on rigs working off shore. With the constant wind and climate, using Lip Savvy–minus the star studded–is preferred over generic chapsticks!)

And have you seen these colors? Lip Savvy shades range from bold pinks to neutral colors, and some are even star studded (made with glitter for that extra shine). These colors blend very well with your lips and bring out your natural lip color. There is a perfect shade that will match all lip colors, no matter your age or preference.

Here’s a little bit about the founder, Deidra Whatley. From Louisiana, she has made a living enjoying her two passions in life: singing and make up. Throughout her years of traveling and singing, Deidra has been on a quest to find a make up that is good for your skin, long lasting, fast, easy to apply, and fun to use.  Finally, after a long hard search with no promising results, she decided to take matters into her own hands. After much time researching and experimenting with her team, LipSavvy was born!

A tube of Lip Savvy Retails for $18.00 at Allure Boutique. We insist you come by the store and let us show you this amazing product ourselves with a sample lip gloss tube and sampling of our many different colors! We guarantee you will fall in love with Lip Savvy, too!

Do the right thing, your lips will thank you!

 

Questions or comments? Leave them below or Facebook at www.facebook.com/Shop.Allure.Boutique

You can also find out more about Lip Savvy by visiting their website at www.belipsazzy.com, which was also a source for this blog.

Until next time my fashionista friends…

-K

Wine A Rita

Of all of our merchandise, a favorite among women is our Wine A Rita’s! Seen locally at craft shows, this drink mix is perfect for parties or if you’re just unwinding after a long day at the office. With a variety of flavors, you’ll become a Wine A Rita fanatic once you’d tried it for the first time. Below is not only the quick history of Wine-A-Rita, but also available flavors and ways to prepare your favorite drink!

Wine-A-Rita™ is a refreshing adventure created by Donna and Judy, good friends and business partners for over 10 years. Knowing that every good friendship comes with a few good drinks, we put our heads together to develop a frozen wine drink. After much sampling, we had the perfect recipe, thus, Wine Glacé® was born! After much praise for our original creation, we soon followed with three additional signature cocktails, Peach Bellini, CosmoRita, Senorita and Berry Pom-a-Rita. The product line of Wine-A-Rita™ has garnered much acclaim and the accolades continue to roll in! Most notably, Wine Glacé® received the coveted “best new drink” award from the National Gourmet Show in 2005 and Peach Bellini received the Dallas Gourmet Gold Award in 2010 for “Best Beverage”.

Wine Glace′ A perfect and refreshing blend of wine and a frozen drink. The mix may be blended with your favorite red or white wine. Try Merlot (or any red wine) for a full bodied drink, White Zinfandel (or any white wine) for a lighter taste, or a fruit wine for a sweeter treat. The options are never ending.  For a non-alcoholic drink, mix with fruit juice, we love the blends in the refrigerator section.

$12.50

Mixing Directions for Wine Recipe

In a blender, combine 1/2 package of mix (3/4 cup) with 12 fl oz of wine, blend until mix is dissolved.Fill blender with ice and mix until smooth. Makes 12-6oz servings

Peach Bellini Harry’s Bar in Venice claims credit for creating the Bellini, an Italian classic. Peach Bellini can be blended with your favorite White Wine or to add some bubbles to your Bellini, blend with Proscecco, Sparkling Wine or Champagne. Blend with ginger ale for a non-alcoholic treat.

$12.50

Mixing Directions for Wine Recipe

In a blender, combine 1/2 package of mix (3/4 cup) with 12 fl oz of wine, blend until mix is dissolved.Fill blender with ice and mix until smooth. Makes 12-6oz servings

CosmoRitaA sophisticated twist on a trendy city classic, with a combination of the cosmopolitan and a frozen cocktail. Blend with white wine or vodka. Blend with white wine or vodka. Our favorites are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. May be blended with ginger ale for an alcoholic-free treat.

$12.50

Mixing Directions for Wine Recipe

In a blender, combine 1/2 package of mix (3/4 cup) with 12 fl oz of wine, blend until mix is dissolved.Fill blender with ice and mix until smooth. Makes 12-6oz servings

Vodka Recipe

In a blender, combine 1/2 package of mix (3/4 cup) with 5 fl oz of vodka and 7 fl oz of ginger ale, blend until mix is dissolved. Fill blender with ice and mix until smooth. Makes 12-6oz Servings

Señorita A blend of our two favorites things, wine and margaritas. We have taken the flavor of a margarita and lightened the taste with white wine. Blend with tequila for a traditional margarita. Blend with ginger ale for an alcohol-free treat.

$12.50

Mixing Directions for Wine Recipe

In a blender, combine 1/2 package of mix (3/4 cup) with 12 fl oz of wine, blend until mix is dissolved.Fill blender with ice and mix until smooth. Makes 12-6oz servings

Tequila Recipe

In a blender, combine 1/2 package of mix (3/4 cup) with 8 fl oz of tequila and 1 fl oz of triple sec, blend until mix is dissolved.Fill blender with ice and mix until smooth. Makes 12-6oz servings

Skinny Señorita Sugar Free A margarita without the guilt. Sugar free, low calorie and low carb. Blend with white wine or tequila for a traditional margarita or diet ginger ale for an alcohol free treat.

$12.50

Mixing Directions for Wine Recipe

In a blender, combine 1/2 package of mix (3/4 cup) with 12 fl oz of wine, blend until mix is dissolved.Fill blender with ice and mix until smooth. Makes 12-6oz servings

Berry Pom-A-Rita All Natural with the tart, sweet flavor of Pomegrante and Blueberry. There are no additives, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Blueberry and pomegranate are rich sources of antioxidants and offer great health benefits. Healthy drinking at last! Blend with red or white wine, our favorites are Pinot Noir and Merlot. Try Cranberry Juice Cocktail for an alcohol-free treat.

$12.50

Mixing Directions for Wine Recipe

In a blender, combine 1/2 package of mix (3/4 cup) with 12 fl oz of wine, blend until mix is dissolved.Fill blender with ice and mix until smooth. Makes 12-6oz servings

Mix-It-Up Forget choosing a flavor and try them all. There is a one blender package of Wine Glacé, Peach Bellini, Cosmorita, Senorita and Berry Poma-a-Rita. All you need is ice, mix, wine, and a belnder to create a fun and delicious frozen wine drink. Mixing directions, wine suggestions, and recipes are included. May also be blended alcohol free. Each packet makes 36 oz.

$25.00

Don’t all those wine recipes just make your mouth water? What a party favor! Or maybe your excuse after work to get off your feet and pour you a glass? Whatever your reason, just remember:

A woman is only as strong as her Wine-A-Rita!

Allure Boutique carries these and many other accessories, like customizable wine glasses, wine glass charms, mugs, and more!!!

Until next time my fashionista friends…

-K

Stressed: It may be “desserts” spelt backwards, but it’s no treat!

In today’s world, it’s impossible to avoid stress. It’s everywhere: attempting to get ready for work in the morning after finding your new pair of stilettos torn to shreds by your dog,  studying until the last possible second for a huge exam, sitting in over an hour of traffic to get to the store only to realize you forget your grocery list and your gas light just came on, working on bills while your husband leads the kids in their second round of “Who Can Scream the Loudest”, expecting your boss to praise you after working for three weeks (sacrificing your Grey’s addiction) on a proposal that he threw out in two minutes…

I don’t know about you, but my blood pressure went up just writing that first paragraph.

Ask yourself, is all this really worth losing your good health over? If your answer ”no”, keep reading. If your answer is “yes”,  definitely keep reading.

Stress is inevitable, and it’s also very dangerous to your health in more ways than you probably realize. It can cause physical pain like migraines, stiff muscles, and stomach pains or it can be emotional like frustration, depression, and worrisome. Stress is also a leading cause to more serious and long-term health problems. Side effects we know and don’t love are the most obvious: weight gain and rapid aging, but other just as serious conditions include high blood pressure, heart attacks, weakening of the immune system and making you more susceptible to illness, muscle stiffness that can lead to osteoporosis,  and sever stomach conditions like ulcers and inflammation.

Now for the good news: the damages of stress are 100% preventable and there are many things you can do to lower stress levels or avoid it altogether. Here are 11 simple day-to-day tips that will make living life a bit easier.

1. Identify Your Stressors

You can’t fix a problem until you identify it. Finding out what’s causing your stress is the first step to managing it.

2. Be Prepared & Time Management

A lot of our stress is stemmed from not being prepared for upcoming events, planned or not planned. Manage your time wisely so you are accomplishing everything you need to without losing your head. If you have an exam or a deadline at work coming up, make a list of all the things that need to be done and put it into a schedule. More importantly, stick to your schedule. If you know you have dedicated a few hours of your day to your project or studying, you won’t lose track of time and be rushing the day before.

Make sure you have gathered and organized any materials you need for a class, meeting, work day, etc. Have your things ready and organized the night before to avoid rushing in the morning. Leave yourself notes as reminders of things you need to do and keep them in a place you are sure to see them often. For example, Allure Boutique sells Dittie notes and Hanging Magnet Boards. You can leave yourself a note and stick it on the fridge, the back of your front door, or in your office so you don’t forget!

3. Express Your Feelings

“Sometimes, just talking about it helps.” That’s a saying we have all heard since we were young, and we all know it’s true. So take some time and confront the things that are bothering you in a journal or a blog (just remember not to refer to anyone specific in your blog unless you have their permission to do so), spend time with a friend and both of you share what’s on your mind, or engage in any other expressive action like writing poetry or painting. You’ll find these methods very therapeutic and enjoyable.

4. Get Healthy

Any form of physical activity is a “no brainer” way to lower stress levels. Invite your friends to form a workout group or join one already in progress, take a yoga class weekly to control your stress levels, or consider joining an adult recreational sports team. Endorphins will make you feel great, and so you will when you realize how fit you are becoming.

Eating healthy is also very important. After consulting with your doctor, take a multivitamin, drink your orange juice, eat your veggies, and avoid eating junk food often. A treat every now and then is fine, but when you eat unhealthy fatty foods constantly, you feel as if you have no energy which leads you to not finishing your work on time which leads to stress. See where I am going with this? You’ll feel energized and healthy!

Beauty rest isn’t just a figment of the imagination–it’s real, honest! Always commit 6-8 hours at the least for uninterrupted sleep. Just like your cell phone (we are all guilty of emotional attachment) your body needs to recharge its battery when it’s run out. Imagine only charging your cell phone for 15 minutes every time the battery dies; you’ll always have to keep recharging it and the chances of it going dead are much higher, usually when you need the extra juice the most during an emergency. So like your cell, your body needs to recharge completely. You’re body will be exhausted, you will me mentally drained, your health will deteriorate, and do you know what that means? You guessed it: extra stress that could have been avoided.

5. Do Something You Enjoy

It’s a proven fact that simply doing something you enjoy will make you happier and less stressed! Whatever your hobby or area of interests may be, do something that will get you out into the fresh air or relax your mind. You might try gardening, knitting, volunteer work…anything that will relax your mind and body (not including hours on the computer–but that’s a different health issue).

6. “Out to Lunch–Be back in 5 Minutes”

We all need time to ourselves, whether the world likes it or not. This is one of the best ways to help relieve and avoid serious stress. During your busy day, take time for yourself. Lock your door, turn off the lights,  or retreat to a quiet spot outdoors to relax. During your busy schedule, make time to pamper yourself: enjoy a in-home manicure/pedicure or a candlelit bubble bath. Try using some Pass Christian relaxing soaps, bath salts and bombs, or Soi Candles to relax or pour yourself a glass of Senorita by Wine A Rita. (Found at Allure) Close your eyes and take slow deep breaths; this will physically, mentally, and emotionally relieve tension and relax your mind and body. and enjoy this time meant only for Y-O-U!

7. Balance= Bliss

Stop going from one end of the scale to the other; find a balance in your life. Sometimes it’s easy to find yourself devoting too much time either work or play: you’re working so hard you’re too stressed for fun or you play too much that your work effort slips tremendously. Always stay organized and prioritize; if you have a deadline or a presentation coming up soon, pass on the night out you were originally attending. If you’re putting in unnecessary time at the office, force yourself to turn off the computer and enjoy the company of the people you love. This will eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed.

8. Have a Support System

One of the simplest ways to avoid stress is simply by surrounding yourself with a strong support system: people who will be there to listen when you need to talk or will encourage you to stay focused. Only keep people with positive attitudes on your team, too. You are under enough pressure as it is, so why burden yourself with someone’s negativity? The correct answer is don’t. Whether it’s a best friend, a spouse, or even a pet–love and support will keep you focus, happy, and stress free.

9. Be Flexible

Not physically (although it might help if you can bend yourself into tight places to dust or hide) but figuratively. Make a schedule and follow it, but don’t freak out when things don’t go as planned. Simply take a deep breath, count backwards from 10, and figure out how you can make things work. When you worry, your stress level rises and you will not be able to think clearly. Keep a steady head and figure it out, don’t freak out.

10. Set Short-term and Long-term Goals For Yourself

When you feel overwhelmed and pressured working on a goal that will take 5 years, it’s easy to blow things out of proportion.  Setting short-term goals for yourself and reaching them will make you feel accomplished. When you feel as if you’re making progress, you will feel less pressure on yourself. It’s also healthy to set long-term goals, but nothing that will cause you distress. A good example of this is working towards a degree or certification. A short-term goal would be to quit an unhealthy habit. Every two weeks, tell yourself you’re not going to participate in that habit (ex: biting you nails) while you’re preoccupied with reaching your short-term goals, you’ll realize you’re getting closer to your long-term goal.

11. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

The most basic principle of stress relief: Don’t sweat the small stuff! Life’s too short to worry over small things. Ask yourself, will this matter to me in 5 years? 5 months? 5 weeks? If the answer is no, then don’t let it bother you. Be positive, smile, and count your blessings!

Until next time my fashionista friends!

~K