Home Cooked Beauty Recipes

Most of us like sweets, especially when we are trying to loose weight. I was looking for a healthy alternative for baking in my quest to eat healthier and I thought why not share some ideas to maintain your beauty at home and in the kitchen. Oatmeal, Blueberry, Almond Cookie Recipe Plenty of fiber, protein and andioxidants for a quick miday or dessert sweet attack.

Ingredients 1/3 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground corriander 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger 1 teaspoon baking soda 1-1/2 teaspoon of vanilla 1 egg 1/2 teasoon of salt 1/2 cup applesauce 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3 cups cups rolled oats 1 cup of dried blueberrys 1/2 cups of chopped dry roasted almonds no salt Directions 1. In bowl beat butter, vanilla and brown sugar.Mix in applesauce and egg. Add flour, baking soda, corriander, ginger, nutmeg and salt a little at a time. Stir in oats, almonds and blueberrys. 2. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Enjoy! Bringing Beauty to your Kitchen... Beauty does come from with, but we don't think about it as coming from within your refridgerator or cabinets at home. So get gorgeous while cooking at home!

Happy Hand ExfoliantSay good-bye to dry, cracked hands. Even if your gloves haven't been doing their job this winter, this easy-to-make exfoliant will slough off all those dead skin cells. Plus, it cleanses and moisturizes, leaving hands soft and smooth. Ingredients: •1 ounce ground almonds •1 teaspoon clear honey •2 teaspoons walnut or sunflower oil •1 teaspoon lemon juice Directions: 1.Mix all ingredients together into a thick paste. 2.Rub a heaping teaspoon all over the hands for two to three minutes and rinse off. Use whenever your hands need some extra TLC.

Peach-and-Honey MaskThis revitalizing peach and honey mask is almost good enough to eat. But what you'll really love about it is how it leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. Ingredients: •1 large peach or nectarine, skinned •3 teaspoons honey •A pinch of lecithin powder or 2 tablespoons yogurt Directions: Mash the peach and honey together, add a little lecithin powder or 2 tablespoons yogurt until you have a workable paste. Pat evenly over your face and neck and around the eyes. Lie back and relax for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, pat dry, then tone and moisturize as you normally would.

Apple Rinse If you think your hair is starting to lose its shine, try whipping up a batch of this hair-clarifying rinse. It will help restore your scalp's pH level and get rid of buildup from hairsprays and gels. Please note: If you have a really dry or sensitive scalp or hair, use half the amount of apple cider vinegar. Ingredients: •1 large apple, peeled and cut into small pieces •2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar •2 cups water Directions: 1.Mix together all ingredients in a blender or food processor set on "high." 2.Pour the mixture through a strainer into a clean container, discarding all solids. 3.To use, pour over your hair after shampooing as a final rinse. 4.Massage through your hair and rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Mane-Moisturizing Yogurt and Egg TreatmentYogurt cleans and softens; egg yolk adds shine; honey moisturizes and smooths. Ingredients: •1/2 cup plain yogurt •1 egg yolk •1 tablespoon honey Directions: Shampoo your hair; towel-dry. Mix ingredients together. Rub into hair and cover with a shower cap. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse, then shampoo thoroughly. Make sure to check back in with our blog as we strive to thrive, and bring you more beauty tips! Have a hair or beauty question, please email me at clark@beclarked.com

Protecting Your Hair from the Sun and Saving Your Do!

The sun is coming out and while it's always a good to protect your skin and hair form the sun, the stronger sun is the more damage it can do. Your hair and skin are your greatest assests, so it's wise to invest in products that will maintain the health an integrity of your hair and skin. The sun can damage your hair with prolonged exposure. UVA and UVB rays have the power to damage the hair from the cuticle to the inner structure of the hair. We have a few suggestions that can help repair and protect your hair from the following conditions: Faded hair color Using UV protectant shampoo's conditioners and stying products is the first step to keeping your hair color looking vibrant, shiny, and healthy. Choosing a product line that has UV protectant is important because it creates a barrier to protect against harmful UV rays. I like the "revive" shampoo and conditioner line from my product line be Clarked. The great thing about revive is that it is infused with amazing aragan oils that serve as an anti-aging element. It also has UV absorbers, so it absorbs the UV rays before your hair can. It is a weightless formula so it isn;t going to weigh your hair down, but it will give you excellent sheen and hydration while it protects. It also comes in travel sizes so you can take it with you to the gym or on vacation.

Dry, brittle hair Once the damage from the sun has been done from not taking the preventative care, you can work on repairing. We suggest a conditioning system that has complex proteins to strengthen and hydrating elements to help repair the damaged hair. I like the "replenish" conditioner from my be Clarked line, mostly because for the person on the go who doesn't have time to spend waiting for a deep conditioner to work it's magic, replenish works in just 60 seconds. It has complex proteins to strengthen and hydrating botanical extracts to soothe and hydrate the hair and scalp.

Broken or split ends. What causes broken and split ends is lack of hydrating. The damaging uv rays can strip moiture out of the hair, especially from teh ends of the hair, plus harmful chlorine and heat styling only add to the damage. We suggest using a uv portecting oil. I like "shine luxe" from my be Clarked line because it is pure argan oil. It is anti-aging, meaning it reverts damaging free radicals, it protects from UV rays and heat styling. It is also weightless so it wont weigh your hair down. A special tip for summer swimmers, the "shine luxe" can help protect as a barrier for chlorine absorbtion when applied to the hair before swimming, and it can also soothe dry skin wen applied directly.

Frizzy hair Again, because the UV rays are drying to the hair it does create frizz. We recomend using a leave in conditioner and smoothing balm when you are blowing out. I like my "straighten up" my be Clarked line.The great thing about straighten up is that is is a leave in conditioner, straightening balm, shine enhancer and also has a uv absorber. It allows your hair to be hydrated, stay straight through humid conditions, maintain shine and protect from the sun damage.

Hat's Off! Actually, keep the hat on! The best way to protect your hair from the sun's rays is to block the exposure to the sun. Whether you decide to put on a baseball cap or don a wide brimmed beauty, most hats provide 100% protection from the sun's rays. Of course, if portions of your hair hang out of the hat, you'll want to protect that in other ways! We like the Save Your Do Traingle Gymwrap because it gives full coverage to the hair to protect from the sun and it absorbs and wicks away the moisture from the scalp.

Crafty? Make Your Own SPF! Making UV protection for your hair is pretty easy too! Simply dilute 2 teaspoons of SPF 25 sun block down with one cup of water. Using a spray bottle, spray the product into your damp hair before styling. For additional protection, you can mist the solution on throughout the day. Don't Forget These Final Tips Half the battle of protecting your hair from the sun happens when you're not even in the sun! Clarify! If you're using a UV protection in your hair, don't forget to use a clarifying shampoo once a week. SPF will build up on your hair shaft and a clarifying shampoo can remedy that. For lots of build up, try a super clarifying treatment. Protect Your Part! Use full strength SPF directly on your scalp where you part your hair. The scalp's direct exposure to the sun in that manner can burn and peel! Hit your ears with the sunscreen as well! Maintain Moisture! Weekly deep conditioning treatments will help keep the damage by the sun at a minimum. Because the sun breaks down the hair's protein (keratin) its important to use a deep conditioning treatment with protein or keratin. I recomend "quench" from be Clarked. It is infused with keratin as well as exfolliating vanilla bean and 11 botanical extracts to soothe the hair and scalp, add shine and hydrate. Just Say NO!... to alcohol, peroxide, lemon juice, and "sun activated hair lightening" products. Check the labels and stay away from hair products that contain high levels of alcohol or peroxide. And please, do not try to lighten your hair using lemon juice or other sun activated hair lightening products. These products will cause your hair to dry out faster and will speed the process of damage caused by the sun. Check back in with us next week when we talk about quick tips for after work out styling! Have a question? Email me at clark@beclarked.com

Skin Tones and Hair Color... What's Yours?

Healthy skin is always important. Be sure to wear a good sunblock each day to protect from harmful uv rays, and use a well balance ph cleanser. Moisturizer if also your best friend. Skin tone and the incorrect hair color can do horrible things for your appearance. Today we are going to talk about picking the right hair color for your skin tone, so that you can look your best and make your beautifully treated skin look great! Emma Stone's Dimensional Red

KEY COLOR NOTES If it's not natural, flame red hair can look costumey against nearly any complexion. But a coppery auburn with a wash of strawberry highlights like Stone's is flattering on skintones ranging from ultra-fair to tan and tawny. (Skip the shade if you're olive or darker.) And do take a tip from the star by asking that your brows be touched-up, too. The simple tweak enhances the overall sexiness of the shade. Charlize Theron's Buttery Blond

KEY COLOR NOTES This is just such a bright sexy blond. To make it work for cooler seasons, just be sure to amp up your makeup a bit. That way you won't look washed out. Because the tone is slightly ashy, it's best reserved for women with fair skin. Emma Roberts's Honey Blond

KEY COLOR NOTES What makes this blond so unique is the layers of dimensional color: A base of toffee blond is accented with ribbons of caramel and straw. We love this treatment for women who were towheads as children and are reticent to admit they're now light brunets. It also looks great on fair complected beauties with a pinkish hint in their skin; those with yellow notes can look too tone-on-tone. Sarah Jessica Parker's Grown-Out (Ombre) Blond

KEY COLOR NOTES Ever since ombre came into fashion in the last year or so, colorists have perfected the art of the imperceptible fade. SJP's style exhibits no such precision—and that's exactly why we love it. If you're a true brunet who went blond for summer, resist the urge to re-highlight. Trust us: The results can be spectacular. Maria Menounos's Tawny Highlights

KEY COLOR NOTES If you've got a light chestnut base like Menounos, a scattering of sunny highlights can enliven your look. Keep things sophisticated, not streaky, by making sure the highlights are ultra-fine and placed evenly throughout the entire head, even on the underside of your hair. You'll spend a long afternoon in the salon chair—and the entire season thankful you did. Ciara's Streaky Highlights

KEY COLOR NOTES Usually words like streaky, chunky and patchy aren't necessarily phrases we'd like associated with our highlights. But one look at Ciara's pitch-perfect strands changed our minds for good. Thick ribbons of a coppery blond right along the part are the perfect update to a glossy espresso single-process treatment. Ask your colorist for a few hidden streaks on the underside of your hair for a playful, peek-a-boo surprise Kunis's Perked-Up Brunet

KEY COLOR NOTES Does Kunis's color look too shiny and natural to be manufactured? That's exactly the idea. Mila has dark brown hair, so I highlighted it two levels lighter than her base. For anyone with olive skin and brunet hair, this technique looks amazing. It's simple and believable, but not at all boring. Freida Pinto's Inky Black

KEY COLOR NOTES Freida Pinto's hair is so unique because it's nearly a true black, without a glint of auburn or purple in the light. Of course while the best way to get this look is to be born with it, there are a few key tricks for faking it. Ask your colorist for the deepest shade of brunet, not black, which is too severe and heavy metal for the look you're after. (Think coffee grounds, not tar.) And splurge on a luxurious glossing treatment as often as you can. Dyed black hair can look rough and flat without the extra love Check back next week when we talk more about protecting your hair and skin for the summer! Have a question? Email me at clark@beclarked.com

Lashing out.. from hollywood to home

It seems like everyone is lashing out in Hollywood these days with false eyelashes, but many of us can consider wearing them ourselves! In this Making it Up segment we are going to be talking about eyelashes. How To Wear Fake Lashes Apply Last Do all of your other makeup before applying lashes. This especially applies to your eye makeup. Though you will go back and apply more mascara and liner, you’ll not want to apply more eyeshadow because you’ll run the risk of disturbing the lashes. Make sure to have your eyeshadow exactly how you want it before applying your lashes. Apply Eyeliner Before adhering false lashes, apply a medium to thick line of eyeliner. This will help hide the base of the false lashes. Wear Mascara Apply a heavy layer of mascara to your real lashes before adhering false lashes. This will help the lashes blend together and adhere better. Trim Lashes You don’t have to wear the false lashes at the length they’re made. Using a small pair of scissors, trim the lashes to your desired length. Apply Glue Using your finger, run small beads of glue along your lash line. Do not apply directly to your lashes. Allow the glue to become tacky. Apply Lashes Going from the inner to the outer corner or your eye, push down on the false lashes with a pair of tweezers. Try to get as close to your real lashes as possible. Add More Liner Once the lashes are intact, apply more eyeliner above the false lash line to blend and hide the base. Add Mascara To blend the false lashes with your real lashes, apply a light layer of mascara to your lashes.

When To Wear False Eyelashes These days, pretty much anything goes! Depending on your job, you might not want to wear false lashes everyday. However, you might choose to wear them every night! False lashes are perfect for a special event, a concert, a party, a night out, a dinner date…you name it!

Some eyelashes are looking unnaturally LONG these days. It seems as if no celebrity walks the red carpet or performs on stage without a pair of fake eyelashes: just look at Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and Christina Aguilera. I am usually on the bigger-is-better bandwagon, but sometimes faux lashes feel too heavy on a day to day basis. So we have a tip on how to get the fake lash look without actually wearing falsies. GET THE LOOK ... STEP 1 Strand says: "Dust lashes gently with loose powder. This coats the lashes and adds an amazing extra dimension even before mascara." STEP 2 "Then apply mascara — our favorite is Paula Dorf Cake Mascara

— from the base of the root to the tip by rolling the mascara wand as you go so that lashes are evenly covered. Repeat this motion again but beginning closer to the top of the lashes." STEP 3 "Finally, approach the lashes from below again and zigzag the wand through the lashes to separate and lengthen even further. It also helps to place a liner close to the root of the lashes; this defines the lash line and makes lashes look miraculously thicker and fuller." Check in on our next blog when we talk about choosing the right hair color that compliments you for spring/summer 2012! Have a beauty question or topic you want us to cover? COontact me at Clark@beclarked.com

Strive to Thrive

As a new member of the "Strive To Thrive" movement, Celebrity Stylist Clark Russell is joining the team as a beauty and lifestyle expert. Clark Russell has worked on several red carpet events, celebrities, television shows and his work has also graced the covers of several beauty professional publications. Take a look at his personal introduction as a beauty expert: Not only is Clark Russell going to be a beauty expert to turn to for beauty advice, he is also going to be joining the masses in the "Strive To Thrive" campaign to bring awareness to building a healthier lifestyle for himself. After auditioning for ABC's The Biggest Looser, and Extreme Make-Over Weight Loss Edition, Clark has felt empowered by the "Save Your Do Gymwrap Team" and the "Strive to Thrive" campaign to shed some of his habits and build motivation to obtaining a healthier lifestyle. Stay tuned in with Clark on his journey to thrive by following his blog, where he will be on a mission to give all of you and himself a healthy new approach to beauty! Have a question for Clark? You can contact him by email at Clark@beclarked.com

The Best Haircut for Your Face Shape

Today we will be talking about the best haircut for your face shape! What is your face shape???

If you are rectangle your face is longer than it is wide. If you have a larger forehead, add bangs to give yor face a shorter appearance. Layering around the face will give the appearance of a rounder more oval shape.

If you are oval your face length will be equal to one and a half times the width. Oval is the perfect shape so you can wear just about any haircut you want, and this article is no use to you. They say diamonds are a girls best friend, but so is an oval face shape.

If you have an round face your face is as wide as it is long. This may vary a little but generally the measurement is close. You will want to slightly elongate your face but going heavier layers on the top to create volume. Volume is the round face girls best friend. Avoid wearing your hair stick straight, you don't want to look like a basketball with a toupee.

If you have a heart shape face your face is narrow at jaw line, wide at cheekbones/and or forehead. You will want a haircut and style that minimizes a top heavy look and widens at the jawline. All bangs with the exception of baby bangs will look great as well as middle parts and longer layers that start around the chine line. Avoid wearing your hair slicked back and top heavey layering.

If you face a triangle face your face is narrower at the temples and is wider at the jaw bone. Bangs are the triangles best friend as well as side parting. Layers can be worn starting just past the jawline. Avoid short haircuts the cling to your head.

If you have a square face your face is about as wide as it is long. The key is to elongate your face and give it volume. Short cuts are good if you you add volume at the top, bobs are also great if you part in the middle and don't add bangs. Longer layers are ok with side swept sexy bangs and rounded bangs. Avoid slicked back hair and side ponytails.

If you have a diamond shaped face your face is widest at cheekbones, and if narrow forehead and jaw line of about equal widths. You want to soften your angles and narrow your widest points. Middle parts, side part bangs and light bangs are great for this face shape. Avoid layering that starts at the widest part of the face. Feel free to comment and ask questions. Be sure to check in next week when we talk about Color choices for your skin tone...