BeChicMag.com

By DELAILA C.

Atop the 30th floor of The Metropolitan Towers there is a beautiful panoramic view of the city, a table of assorted cheeses, meats, and fruits, a wine bar serving delicious cocktails and lots of mingling among beauty bloggers, fashionistas, make up artists and businesswomen. I exchange business cards with a few and even get some camera time introducing BeChic. Amidst all of this we are all eagerly waiting to hear what dermatologist Jeannette Graf will share with us about beauty and skincare. Pad and pen on hand and I am ready as she begins…

Remember that old adage, “You are what you eat?” Well, it’s not just a phrase- it’s to be taken literally.

Dr. Graf says that many of the foods we eat are not helping us look our best. Besides leading to break outs and challenged skin, what we consume also compromises our energy level leaving us restless and unable to perform to our full potential.

Why is this?! Well there is a scientific term called pH or potential of hydrogen- it measures the amount of acidity or alkalinity in the body, with an ideal pH being a 7. Everything we eat affects our pH. Our aim is to be as alkalized as possible as doing so promotes healthier skin and a rejuvenated body inside and out. Sugars, processed food and other inhibitors cause for high acidity in our bodies, which we should try to avoid as much as possible.

Become your own antioxidant by choosing the right foods; it’s as simple as getting in your eight glasses of water a day.

Dr. Graf goes on and introduces the Skin Care Challenge, a 2-week regimen geared to give “your cells the ingredients they need to function optimally and at its fullest alkaline potential. In no time will you see vibrant, more youthful skin.”

Are you up for the challenge? Pick up a copy of Stop Aging, Start Living, a straightforward insight as to why living a well-balanced life will help you look and feel your best. Start the challenge today. Come back and let us know about your experience, we would love to hear about your progress!

My latest favorite product comes from Ambi which is great for women of color

By Bijoux

I was first introduced to Ambi products at Shecky’s Beauty Night out. It was included in their gift bag, and I’ve been using the Ambi Even & Clear Exfoliating Face Wash ever since. It’s like a moisturizing lotion that leaves your skin feeling so soft, while others strip your face off its natural oils leaving you looking dry and feeling tight. I was eager to find out about other Ambi products.

While stocking up on what’s turned out to be my favorite face wash these days, I came across Ambi’s Fade Cream which helps reduce the appearance of scars and spots caused by acne which can make skin tones look uneven. They come in your choice of Normal or Oily Skin. I also love that they’re not expensive and are made for women of color. Due to darker hues, some women are more vulnerable to marks and discolorations. So Ambi takes that in to consideration to make nothing but the best products for Latina and African American women all over the world. Which Ambi product suits you?

JUICY COUTURE

By Bijoux

It’s a new year and have we fresh products to review just for you! Make-up, skin care, hair and head to toe body indulgence. So in 2010 let our BeChic Beauty column be at your service with me as your guide. My top picks of the week are:

1. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture

This set includes fragrance, body lotion and body wash. With a blend of wild berries and mandarins, honeysuckle, gardenia and jasmine, Viva La Juicy smells so good and stays on the entire day.

$70. Available at Sephora and Macys

2. Juicy Couture Layered Cake Lip Gloss Tin

The creamy cute tin packaged lip gloss goes on smoothly leaving your lips silky with a yummy taste. Looks juicy alone or under your favorite lipstick.

$12. Sephora.com

WIN A CARESS EVENLY GORGEOUS BEAUTY PACK

Make your skin the ultimate fashion statement! We’re thrilled to partner with Caress on our latest giveaway. For your chance to win a Caress Evenly Gorgeous Bodywash and Beauty Bar pack, all you have to do is subscribe to BeChicMag.com by adding your your e-mail address on the right where it says “subscribe to updates”. It’s as easy as that. There will be two lucky winners.

Winter is almost here and for many of us that means dry skin! In the video below, fashion expert Carson Kressley (remember Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) explains how Caress Evenly Gorgeous gives your skin a glow even throughout these cold months. Remember to submit your email address on the right to enter.

This week’s must-have
By Bijoux
We have something in common with celebrities like Beyonce, P. Diddy and Alicia Silverstone: We love the Beauty Blender and you will too.

The pink sponge is by the far the most amazing beauty tool I have been introduced to. It really does deserve all the hype, and the cute packaging has been getting the attention of many. With her product, Rea Ann Silva shares the secret of how the beauty blender helps applying make-up so effortless.

Before actually using the egg shaped sponge, I took a look at a few tutorials. The lessons were well worth it. Moistening the egg causes it to expand and have a bounce effect when dabbed on the skin to give it a non-streak finish. The dampness allows the make-up to actually stay on the skin. I thought it would only work with creamy products, which I am not fond of. The blender is phenomenal and works with blush, bronzer and loose powder.

So why the egg shape? The cornered end makes it so much easier to apply concealer while the rounded edge helps blend make-up into the jaw line and cheeks with a barely there finish. Compared to my brushes which are my absolute favorites for applying make-up, the beauty blender was able to do so much more in less amount of time. The beauty blender should be a part of you make-up application process. You will not regret it. The sponge is re-washable. It comes with its very own cleansing soap and can be sent back to the company to be recycled – not bad for taking care of the earth and staying beautiful at the same time.

Beauty Blender. Available at Ricky’s, Sephora or BeautyBlender.net $20- $35

Our editor met with celebrity make-up artist Jackie Gomez who also uses the Beauty Blender on celebs like Beyonce!