MARULA ~ The Leakey Collection™

Marula may be new to us, but African women have held this oil in the highest esteem for centuries! (Quote) “Extracted with painstaking precision, this rare “miracle” oil is cold pressed from wild harvested and individually selected Marula nuts to produce an omega-rich oil with exceptional moisturizing and healing properties.”

You really need to feel this light yet hydrating oil on your skin! Marula Oil penetrates into the skin and there is no oily feeling as you massage it into your hands, arms, legs, and chest area! I’ve used it every day since it arrived, and like how it enlivens my dry, more mature skin with a healthy glow! I have noticed a more firm look to my skin as well…. especially my hands! As a makeup artist I’m always cleaning my hands, and over the years that can take its toll! Marula helps with healing that dryness, resulting in a more youthful look.

What is so nice about Marula Oil is:
• It has “anti-microbial properties” that will benefit all skin types! (Including skin that is oily, acne, and problematic.)

• Its 99% pure and scented with a 1% blend of “Natural Essential Oils”, and there are no preservatives, synthetics, or Paraben in the oil.

• Marula Oil is not tested on animals, is considered vegan, and is gluten free!

• For irritated, traumatized, sunburned, or skin that has had chemical peels or facials, Marula Oil provides the perfect soothing relief.

• Used as a moisturizer, Marula Oil helps reduce fine lines as it plumps the skin.

• Shelf life for Marula Oil is 18 months, and once the product is opened, it should be used within 6 months.

After testing the antioxidant power of Marula Oil versus Argan Oil, the Brunswick Lab from Massachusetts determined that Marula Oil remarkably was better at fighting free radicals as a result due to its higher antioxidant levels.

They also found Marula Oil (Quote) “Helped Breast Cancer patients fight ultra violet radiation and irradiation for cancer treatments that lead to inflammation and free radical skin damage, and helped patients reduce redness and inflammation due to the high antioxidant levels, Vitamin E, and phenolic compounds!”

Marula uses:
• Marula oil is a good evening moisturizer for your face and neck because during sleep the skin replenishes.

• It can be used along with your night creme and eye creme. I have used Marula in that manor and found it very hydrating!

• If your skin is dry, add some Marula to your cleanser for “optimal moisture retention!”

• This is one of my favorites, and really works well. Add a few drops of Marula to your liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer. Your face will look and feel so good!

• You may also put Marula under your SPF for additional moisture or after exposure to the sun for calming relief!

I’m going to send you over to the Marula website right now where you can find out more about the founders of MARULA, Katy and Phillip Leakey, who (Quote from website) “founded The Leakey Collection in 2002, a Fair Trade company built upon a commitment to create lifelong entrepreneurial opportunities for rural Kenyans without disrupting their culture or environment.” Their endeavor and creation of the non-profit organization T.R.A.D.E (Quote) “provides funding for schools, women’s health initiatives, and work opportunities for women in East Africa.”

Please take a moment to go to: www.marula.com
You may also purchase your Marula on this website, or at:

http://www.blissworld.com/marula-the-leakey-collection/

<birchbox.com

http://www.b-glowing.com/marula-the-leakey-collection/

MARULA ~ The Leakey Collection™

On Sunday, June 17th, I had the pleasure of covering THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO 2012 for It’s A Glam Thing ! It was a beautiful day in the “Windy City” and I was really geared up to check out every inch of VENUE ONE, in Chicago’s West Loop, where THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO was being held!

The show is the “largest PRO-ONLY beauty event” in Chicago so I was prepared for a lot of Midwest professionals to be in attendance.

Celebrity Makeup Artists, top of the line Beauty Professionals, Educators, the finest of Brand Name Cosmetic companies, and so much more filled the two floors of VENUE ONE, and yes….. I felt like a “kid” in a “Candy Store” !! (As I’m sure all of the attendees did,as well.)

There were workshops, new products , cutting edge trends, school programs & more! I was there on the first day of this two day extravaganza!

Just after arriving, Press Contact, Melody O’Flaherty introduced me to the owner of THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO, Shelly Tagger, and James Vincent, one of the internationally acclaimed Makeup Artists and part of the educational team of THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO.
James,”has worked with celebrities including Lady Gaga, Liv Tyler, Joan Jett, and Jane Fonda, and has been featured on numerous television shows as a beauty expert!” (Quote from press information)

My first “photo-op”! Melody was kind enough to take my picture with James and Shelly, who were both so delightful to meet and get to know!

Celebrity Makeup Artist & Beauty Expert, James Vincent, Vicki, THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO owner, Shelly Taggert

I asked James if in the near future if I might be able to interview him, and he graciously agreed! WOW Glam Gals… Keep checking in!! I can promise you that will be a fun and educational interview!!

As I was on my way into the show, Melody gave me a bag filled with lots of wonderful “goodies” from a number of the vendors in the event! I was so excited to get home to see what was inside!

My "SWAG" bag from THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO!

I could write a book about this show, but I’ll get right to the point!! I was able to take in a few of the classes, and they were great! I bought some new products that I look forward to trying and writing about , and I have talked with the owner of a Makeup Artistry School, the co-owner of an HD-TV makeup company, and OCC’s (Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics) CEO/Creative Director, David Klasfeld, and will be doing interviews with all of them in the near future.

You’ll be right on top of things with the trends, products, and tips from the pros right here on “It’s A Glam Thing”!

The day went by so quickly, but the memories will last a long time. I met some wonderfully talent artists, viewed “up to the minute” cosmetics and trends, and can’t wait to let you know all about them!

Here are some pictures of the show I believe you’ll enjoy:

OCC ~ OBESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS • DAVID KLASFELD ~ CEO / Creative Director

MAKEUP FIRST ~ School of Makeup Artistry • Jill Glaser / Owner (Jill is second from left on this picture)

Makeup First • School of Makeup Artistry - Creative Character Makeup

MUSE BEAUTY.PRO ~ Education | Inspiration | Product • esum ~ Tools with intention ~ KETT Cosmetics

Thanks to Melody O’Flaherty for making my coverage of THE MAKEUP SHOW CHICAGO for It’s A Glam Thing possible!

In 2012, THE MAKEUP SHOW has already been to Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, and will be in :

THE MAKEUP SHOW EUROPE (BERLIN, GERMANY)
Saturday, September 22, 2012 and Sunday, September 23, 2012
STATION-BERLIN

AND A NEWLY SCHEDULED SHOW!

THE MAKUEP SHOW ORLANDO
Sunday, November 4, 2012 and Monday, November 5, 2012

The MAKEUP SHOW was so professionally run, and accommodating. From the moment I walked in the door and got my credentials, till I left at the end of the day, I was in awe of the masterful efficiency of all the proficient people who created this incredible event!!

THIS IS ONE SHOW, I PROMISE… YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!!

Ever since I got back from the Orlando Hair Show, I have had a new outlook on my whole career. I am more confident in how I do hair and how I address my clients sitting in my chair. I have noticed that my clients like my passion for what I do and that makes them want to come back and see me.

You know we all have people who inspire us. Someone we look up to who helps us realize just what it is we love to do. When I was at the show I got to meet my inspiration to become a hairdresser, Nick Arrojo. When I was in high school I always made it point to watch “What Not To Wear” on TLC. Next to “I Love Lucy” it was and is my favorite show. The best part about the whole makeover was seeing what hairstyle Nick would come up with. At the time I had no idea that hairdressing was what I really wanted to do but I did know that I loved fashion.

I was soooooo happy to meet Nick and tell him just what an inspiration he is to me. In high school I was interested in acting and singing. I loved being on stage and being seen my many people. At the show I saw Nick doing just that (minus the singing and acting). He was in front of people showing off his amazing skills and in his own way, he was “performing” for a big crowd of people. That is my dream, to be a platform artist.

After high school I was just like many other young adults. I had no idea what it was I wanted to do as a career. I jumped from thing to thing but could never settle on one particular career. It wasn’t until 6 months after I graduated did I know that the beauty industry was my calling. I always knew I was artistic but I knew I could not draw or paint. I decided to give hairdressing a try. While in beauty school I realized my love for hair. With the help of Nick Arrojo and my teachers hairdressing has become my passion and I would not give it up for the world. Thank you Nick Arrojo for being my inspiration.