I FEEL PRETTY.

I Feel Pretty, is an upcoming movie starring Amy Schumer, who is a woman struggling with her own body image, but awakens feeling transformed into a flawless beauty.
What would you do if you  awoke one day without a care in the world and absolute body confidence? Would it be enough to start living your life, or would it lead you to a life of delusion and narcissism?

It is an interesting idea of how we "feel" verses how we are. If you feel beautiful, you are bringing out beauty that you have. A brightness, a smile, a light, you are giving off energy. This is interesting, because we live in a society highly dominated by what we see verses what we feel. The need to be "flawless", and the obsession of all or nothing. It has the majority of us seeing only our flaws, while completely neglecting the positive.
It's like chasing a rainbow without realizing you've already got it.

Beauty is a complex mixture of what we see and how we feel. It will be exciting to see what they will do with this idea of how emotions affect our visions.

I Feel Pretty, Coming Soon... (April 20, 2018)

xo,

Maya

DOES MAKEUP MAKE YOU FAKE?

Caking on makeup verses no makeup at all. Which one is the "real girl"?

Bare faced. Blemishes, discoloration, a bit of shine, we all have them, but like dirty secrets, no one would ever know.

A no makeup face in a cosmopolitan society, is translated as lazy, unhealthy, or unprofessional. While those who believe in the authentic life of a bare face, may deem a full face of makeup as fake, superficial, and manipulative. So, which one is it? Can these two worlds ever collide in a balanced harmony?

Yes. The truest form of balance is to learn the benefits of both worlds. 

Finding comfort in your own skin with no makeup is a valuable lesson of self acceptance, and confidence.  One should be comfortable to show their bare face in front of anyone, and understand the unique beauty of being completely natural. 

However, there is also value in understanding the benefits of wearing makeup and appreciating a different form of beauty. It is a valid tool of professionalism, attraction, expressionism, and artistry.

 Just as one decorates a table for a dinner party, makeup is an artistic exploration of colors, angles, textures, and the effects of aesthetics on human interaction. 

Practice the healthy balance of letting your skin breathe on a daily basis, while challenging yourself to explore the various variables of faces found in the unexpected playground of makeup.

Have fun!

xo,

Maya

BEAUTY CHAT: ARE YOU UGLY OR ARE YOU LAZY?

The truth of the matter is, laziness is ugly. YOU are not  Ugly. 

Like anything in life, "effort" does make a difference. Those extra 5 minutes of attention, will make a world of difference in your appearance, mental health, mood, and self image. 

Beauty is defined in the work you apply to take care of yourself. Just like a plant needs proper nutrients, sunlight, and water, your attractiveness depends on factors of maintenance.

This includes: skincare, hygiene, exercise, personal maintenance and wisdom. I hate to break it to you, but you are not just born beautiful. No one is. 

It is a daily effort that fluctuates based on will power. I personally,  struggle with my skin and weight  during stressful or hard moments in my life. This is a result of poor food choices, lack of sleep, and exercise. 

Just like any skill, you must learn the techniques to maneuver your actions for the desired reactions. Learning from your mistakes, looking for solutions and striving to be better on a consistent basis, is not an easy task. It is okay to fail, we all do; but,  personal beauty can only be achieved with humility and acceptance of those mistakes, and the commitment to try again. 

The way you live your life, and the effort you put into yourself, is your personal canvas. 

The clothes you wear, match your personal aesthetic. The books you read, represent the shape and directions of your thoughts. The food you eat, symbolizes your desire to live.  The art you love represents your soul.

Just like the furniture in your home, your efforts should bring you joy, and comfort. 

A sense of home.

Live Beautifully!

xo,

Maya

BEAUTY: HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF? (PABLO PICASSO)

"Beauty?... To me its a word without sense because I do not know where its meaning comes from nor where it leads to." 

-Pablo Picasso 

Did you ever think about the face you see in the mirror every morning? 

Most of us do not give our reflection much thought, but the reality is, what you see is largely influenced by what you value in your thoughts, experiences, and moods. 

What you may love or hate about yourself is completely effected and filtered into an illusion of what you see.

"Art is not the application of a canon of beauty but what the instinct and the brain can conceive beyond any canon. When we love a woman we don't start measuring her limbs."

-Pablo Picasso

Master painter, Pablo Picasso has painted a vast collection of self portraits throughout his lifetime and they teach us how dramatically perceptions of self can alter through age and experiences.

When we are younger, we are largely influenced by the standard conventions of beauty, and the shell that contains us. 

However, through life, hardships, heartbreak, failures, and knowledge, what we see in ourselves will evolve into more complex forms.

Beauty is not what you see, but what you feel. 

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: What's in My Make Up Bag?

Over the years, I have learned that "simplifying" is the key to success. We all probably own more make up than we can handle, and the only way to actually use it, is to carefully edit. 

The system that has worked for me, is to take a moment when you have time and carefully pre-select key pieces to create a gorgeous look. They should be minimal enough that they comfortably fit into a normal size beauty bag. 

You can change it out per occasion, or by week, but all essential pieces are right at your finger tips. There is no need to shuffle through piles of lipstick, or panic over a certain pink blush. Everything is waiting and ready to go. 

Having good make up brushes is the difference between having a good day and a bad one. 

Think about it, the first thing you do in the morning is skincare, then make up. Good brushes, set your morning off with positivity. The ultra soft bristles, and well made grip are sure to get you smiling.

My personal choice is a travel brush set by AERIN. Interestingly, the case is not by AERIN but by Lisbeth Dahl and originally contained a nail kit. 

Chanel is my favorite make up brand, and travel palettes are my beauty weakness. Not only do you have quality at your finger tips, it is also a great way to take a day look into evening. 

This particular palette was a gift and is sold only online or duty free. It contains mascara, 5 eyeshadows, 5 lip colors, blush, and powder. 

My favorite day time lip is CHANEL Rouge Allure, 17 Emotion and lip liner, 49 Rose Corail.

My favorite spicy lip is COVERGIRL, 307 Seduce, with NARS lip pencil, Cruella.

For natural looking skin, I am currently loving tarte, full coverage Amazonian Clay foundation. As a concealer for spots I use physicians formula. For a soft glow, I use Too faced, Candlelight. 

For eyebrows, I am currently loving, Dolly Wink, brown and my favorite eyelash curler is by Cle de peau.

Join me tomorrow for more Daily Fall Style!

xo,

Maya

What is Beautiful and Why it Matters

 Today is one of those no make-up late nights where I can't sleep, and I am looking at you, looking at me, wondering one thing. 

Do you ever wonder about what "beauty" really is? Now a days, people seem to have a rather shallow interpretation of beauty and the meaning of it is getting lost in the abyss of sexual appeal.

The confusion lies between the blurred lines of attraction. Beauty is a higher form of attraction and magnetism. It is a sensation that inspires, mesmerizes, and takes our breath away. It is untouchable and yet connects our senses to nature, ourselves, and people. It can reference music, art, nature, love, people and the soul. Moonlight reflected on a lake is beautiful. Freshly fallen snow is beautiful. Eyes that smile are beautiful. 

Sexual appeal is also a form of attraction, but this is based on our physical urges stemming from reproduction. It is primitive, animalistic, and simplistic. This is the form of beauty most people relate to. Humans want to be liked, and by nature, want to be desired. Beauty in society  is often misinterpreted by this sexual power, and fall into the trap of body obsession.  Enhancing the breasts, lips, or posterior is a result of that and an example of a rather twisted interpretation on beauty. 

Transforming into caricatures verses embracing our natural beauty, is a rather terrifying epidemic of misplaced desires. 

xo,

Maya

Friday Tip of The Day: Ombre, Smoky, Nude!

Friday Tip of the Day!

With Summer coming to an end, and Fall right around the corner, we have reached an awkward moment of transition. It's not quite cold enough for full Fall gear, but dressing in head to toe Summer seems out of place as well.

My style tip of the day celebrates this transitional moment with a look inspired by Fall. Try a warm brown smoky eye, ombre nail, and a nude lip and you are sure to enjoy the upcoming season  to the fullest!

xo,

Maya

The Secrets to Cara Delevingne's Eyebrows?

Undeniably, Cara Delevingne, is beautiful. Iconic in every way. Everything about her seems to cause a buzz and start a trend, but why? Beautiful models exist by the dozen, but few make a lasting impression and gain the title of an Artist's muse. 

Why Cara? Her eyebrows trademarked as her beauty mark, have influenced millions of girls to grow out their brows and pencil them in. Fuller is now better, and millions crave the beauty she eminates. 

However, is it really her brows that we are drawn to?

My theory is this, perhaps it is not her brows that we love, but her eyes. While browsing through some magazines I noticed adds with Cara would draw me in. Like a cat, her eyes lock to my eyes, and the power is undeniable. Other models are equally beautiful but they lack the magnetism and spark that Cara's eyes have. 

It has long been said that the eyes are the window to your soul. If such is true, the eyebrows are simply the  curtain or valance to that window. Therefore, it is not her brows we love, but her eyes.

Millions of people who mimic her brow shape hoping for the same effect, are often left achieving nothing but a strong brow that feels somehow out of place. Focusing simply on the surface, will leave you falling short every time.

There is depth, intelligence, and beauty within her, and this is what we are attracted to and what sets her apart from any other model. Yes, she has amazing bone structure, a pretty face, and a nice figure but listen to what she says. She is not the crazy, ditzy girl that one may assume she is. She cares about the world, and is humble within her existence. Vanity does not consume her, and that is the kind of beauty we never seem to notice.

Beauty is not all about the brows, but what lurks in our heads and hearts. To achieve this "magnetism" or "spark" focus on your heart, and how you live your life. 

xo,

Maya

Ps: Happy 23rd Birthday Cara!

5 Must Know Facts About Trends

Have you ever wondered where trends come from? Every season new trends pop up, claiming "x" is the new black, or "y" is the new must have. Where do these decisions come from and who makes them? It is all rather unexplained, and yet no one bothers to question it. Like baby ducks following the mama duck, we just mindlessly follow the pack. Lets take a moment to stop and question a bit the true nature of a trend. 

                              5 Facts about TRENDS

1.) What is a trend? 

Fashion -Style = Trend 

I spoke about this in my previous post, but trends have NOTHING to do with fashion. Yes, they lavish in the spotlight, and claim to be "everything fashion", but they exist only to pressure you. Trends are 100% a business tactic used to direct you to new merchandise that they want you to buy. Fashion magazines have to support trends, because they are sponsored by the brands they are supporting. If you think about it, fashion magazines now a days are literally 85% advertisement and 5% articles and 10% "trend" mapping, the essence is to SELL. 

2.)The Nature of a Trend.

As you may already know, a "trend" does not live very long. It is all about the moment and staying "current". What's in now will be out tomorrow. In fact, trends themselves are quite similar to illusions. Is it real or is it not? Like rainbows in the sky, they will disappear as quickly as they appear, but never will it stay forever, or have any real meaning.

3.) Why Trends Exist.

Have you ever wondered where color trends start? It's almost as if all the fashion designers either have a sixth sense and magically just know or they have gathered in one big room and sat around voting on a color for next season. Believe it or not, the latter is not so far from the truth. What? 

So here's the dish, when you deal with a seasonal "color trend" you are directly dealing with the business of the textile industry.

After the chaos of the Industrial Revolution, the textile industry found the need to be able to better predict and set upcoming color and style trends. The Color Association of the United States (CAUS), then the Textile Color Card Association of the United States (TCCA), was formed to issue color forecasts in the form of cards twice a year. They basically give directions in color trends to the market (designers). This then enables them to coordinate different segments of the market to the point of sales they would like. Color trends actually have nothing to do with the color itself and everything with the production and manipulation of making you want what they have prepared for you.

4.) Fashion Style vs. Trend

The difference between Fashion Style and trends is simply an issue of control. With trends, you are dealing with popularity and time. These are two factors you will never have any control over.Trends dictate what you need, and when to buy it. Fashion Style will  allow you the freedom to decide what  works for you and when. Creativity is not limited to time, or what is new, but rather what you like and how you desire to style it. Why give yourself such limited restrcitions?

5.)Trends to Love or Hate?

 Trends themselves are not a bad thing. In fact, a current trend I enjoy are cropped top/sweaters. I am rather short and cropped tops have always been a favorite of mine. The key is, I like cropped tops not because it was labeled a trend, but because I have always liked them. What makes a trend manipulative, is when they are  purchased not because you want them, but because you feel you must have it to stay current or be someone you are not.  Your opinions  and tastes must always come first. Fashion is driven by your mind. All the hype around trends is simply just hype. Don't let the noise around you drown out the best part. YOU. 

xo.

3 Ways to Use Fashion to Celebrate Your Body Shape

It is a common misconception that fashion is meant only for the skinny tall girls. Runways and Magazines showcase models that are thin and tall simply because it is the"easiest" body type to dress. It is a body type that is no fuss, quick, and easily "fashionable".

Does this mean everyone else, with their unique body shapes, are not physically capable of fashion? So many times people have the mind set to change their body shape in order to fit the "fashion stereotype". Whether it be through dieting or plastic surgery, there is a universal obsession to fit one specific shape of beauty. The reality is, fashion should be "used" to celebrate you. Don't change yourself to fit fashion, shape it to fit you.  Celebrate your body, personality and your individuality. It is a tool that enhances your features, and identity. Finding what suits you, is as important as finding who you are. 

Here are 3 of My Favorite Ways to Use Fashion to Celebrate your Body Type.

1.) Beauty Hunt

The first thing to do is to spot your strongest features. What do you like about your body or a certain facial feature? Perhaps they are your beautiful blue eyes, or long legs, make a mental note of what part of you makes you feel confident. Once you find at least one beauty spot, it is time to work around it, as if it is your start line. This is where you want a invisible spotlight to showcase the spot you are confident. This is the core of your visual confidence and focusing on it will grow your confidence encouraging you to see more positive aspects of yourself. 

For example, if you like the shape of your lips, showcase them by coloring them a soft pink, or red, and get inspired to match that shade with either your shoes or nails. Keep everything else one color or neutral, and you will be surprised how the positive confidence you have for your 'lips' will also attach itself to other parts of your body adorning the same color. 

2.) Contour Yourself

Contour is well known in the use of make up, but most do not know that the same concepts can also be used in fashion. Basically the key aspects of contouring, is "shade" what you dislike, and highlight what you like.  It is a simple, visual illusion "trick" that boosts your confidence while reducing negative body image.

For example, if you are self conscious about your "thick" thighs, try to find jeans that are shaded darker on the places you want slimmer and lighter near the ankles. 

 "Ombre" shirts or dresses are also a smart way to visually play with your upper body.

 

If you are self conscious about your large breasts, wear a ombre top  that is shaded darker on top and shades lighter towards the bottom. Similarly, if you dislike your protruding waistline, try an ombre that is darkest along the waist.

3.) Fashion Fingerprint

The ultimate goal is to find a "look" that you can confidently call your your own. It is customized to your shape, size, age and personality. It is like a fingerprint, and no one can pull off this look better than you. 

This is a combination of multiple factors.

 Firstly, you need to know your body type, and what type of shapes work well with you. 

Secondly, know what colors enhance your skin tone, hair color, eyes, or personality. 

Lastly, don't be afraid to combine, mix, and experiment with different styles that break popular trends. Anything is a possibility as long as you believe in it.

When you finally find your fashion fingerprint, it changes your perception on how you react to trends, or body image. Instead of wanting to be someone you see in magazines or runways, you see the clothes in relation to how or if it works with you. The power is in your court, and now you will make your own fashion choices. 

Fashion Style Inspired by Flowers

Spring is here, and Nature is in full blossom. No one can deny the beauty that comes with this cheerful season, and like the singing birds in the sky, this is your time to shine. Who better to get inspired by than Mother Nature herself?

Here are my Style tips on how to be as beautiful as flowers themselves.

                                         ROSE BEAUTY

When you look at a rose what do you see? First you will notice the softness of the petals, and the curves of beautiful lines the petals make. This dress is a perfect representation of the softness and beauty a rose brings to the eye. Normally, people would match this dress with a deeper purple, or some strappy gold or silver heels. This is standard and predictable. However, use a rose as your inspiration and you can look for an amazing green color shoe with sharp edged rhinestones mimicking the stem and thorns. Voila! Pure Rose Seduciton.

                                    TEXTURES and LIGHT

Spring time is beautiful not only in the sense of "flowers" but the dance of colors that change with the changing light throughout the day. Be observant to the colors changing and gain inspiration on how to add these combinations to your own outfit. 

                     OMBRE and NEIGHBORING COLORS

One of the current trends is "ombre" but did you know this idea is nothing new? Nature has been doing it since the beginning of time. Usually, with flowers, you will see a gradual blend of colors intoit's neighboring  color. "Neighboring" is in reference to the color wheel that follows the order of the rainbow. Play around with matching up accessories and clothes with different shades of the same color family.

                                               SHAPES 

Flowers also are abundant in textures and color combinations, and Nature never gets it wrong. Don't be afraid to play around with the shapes and lines you see in flowers. 

                                   COLOR COMBINATIONS 

If there is a master of color, it would be flowers. They have a way of creating the most magnificent cor combinations  that you would never imagine could work. This dress is gorgeous, but wouldn't your first instinct be to buy a shoe within one of the colors in the dress? A white strappy heel or if your daring maybe a pink pump? 

Would you ever go searching for an amazing textured blue sandal pump? If you observe flowers you would. Looking to nature will give you a whole new vision of endless possibilities.

                                             LAYERING

If flowers can teach you anything, it is to look outside the box. Don't be afraid to layer polka dots on polka dots, and why not add an orange ombre clutch? If it works for a dalmation orchid it will work for you as well. 

Be forever inspired...

How to Get the Make-Up look of Dolce & Gabbana Spring!

“THE PURE AND DELICATE IMAGES OF BLOSSOMING ALMOND TREES, PRINTED AND HAND-PAINTED ON OUR CLOTHES, WERE THE CREATIVE INFLUENCE BEHIND THE MAKEUP AS WELL. THIS IS HOW WE SEE THE DOLCE&GABBANA WOMAN: NATURAL, HER FACE GENTLY GLOWING IN THE MILD SPRING SUNSHINE, HER LIPS BROUGHT TO THE FORE IN CORAL PINK OR RED.”

DOMENICO DOLCE AND STEFANO GABBANA

The FACE of D&G this Spring is very natural, full of shine and a sense of a feminine glow. I have collected the exact products used for their Spring 2014 runway show, and hope this will inspire you to try it out. 

Good Luck!

x

m

EYES: Sticking to neutrals with touches of glimmer and soft pinks and purples, this Spring Make-up look is fresh, natural, and vibrant.

               Eyeshadow Quad Desert 123

                     Eyeshadow Quad: Golds 123

LIPS: Sweet "berry" toned lips that give just a touch of color to a fresh face. 

                       Classic cream: Bellissima 515

               

                          Classic Cream: Traviata

NAILS:

                                      Pure Nude 215