BEAUTY BITES

post + photography + graphic design by Norah Curlee

So, it's post-dinner and about that time where the sweet cravings kick into high gear. The Ben & Jerry's carton is basically knocking down the freezer door trying to make its way into your bowl. Want to go for a dessert that's just as delicious and packed with healthy, beautifying goodies? Peep our chia seed pudding complete with yummy accessories! Something magical happens when you mix chia seeds with almond milk...you're are left with a delicious pudding that you can sweeten with honey and vanilla and add healthy toppings. The best part? It is sans sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients and all the other junk found in the pre-packaged stuff. J-E-L-L-NO. Here's how you make it!

Curious to know the beauty benefits? Let's break this down...

1. Chia Seeds: You've seen our love for this superfood during snack time, but in this sweet treat they are the star ingredient. Just one of the many benefits of chia seeds, they have a high concentrate of vegetarian omega 3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega 3s can aid in nourishing hair follicles which will combat brittle ends as well as a dry scalp. Hello lustrous locks! Studies also show that these essential fatty acids can reduce acne and inflammation, boosting the skins natural glow. And we are ALL about that.

2. Coconut: This ingredient is buzzing in the beauty world these days. Coconut oil and coconut water are incorporated into all sorts of beauty regimes. The same benefits occur when munching on some raw coconut! And we think eating this tasty little gem is more fun than topical application. Duh. Raw, unrefined coconut contains antioxidant properties that can help slow the aging process by protecting our bodies from free radicals (one of the main causes of tired/aging skin). Not to mention it's filled with electrolytes that can keep you nice and hydrated. We all know that hydration is the greatest beauty secret of all!

3. Almond milk: This super delicious dairy alternative is a major source of protein. Protein, being essential to the body's growth and development, helps with...you guessed it...hair and nail growth! Want longer, stronger hair + nails? A protein rich diet will do just that. Almond milk is also packed with vitamin E. Remember those pesky free radicals we discussed? Well, getting your daily dose of vitamin E helps to fight off premature aging. Pour us another!

4. Pistachios: We are nuts for these. (See what we did there?) Not only are pistachios super yummy and fun to crack open, they are packed with vitamin B6. Among the long list of B6 benefits, hormonal balance is one of them. Do you ever get annoying breakouts around...ahem...that time of the month? That is most likely due to a hormone imbalance. Studies show that women who have high levels of vitamin B6 are less likely to breakout during that time. Crack on to clear skin!

5. Carob chips: Choco-holics, this little number goes out to you! As a healthier alternative to chocolate, carob tastes just as sweet but with some souped-up health benefits to boot! The biomolecules in carob can bind to inactive toxins and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Sounds super science-y but its really simple. It gets rid of the junk! A body free of toxins/bacteria glows from he inside out!

6. Honey: The sweetest of them all! We've raved about this ingredient in the past due to its countless beautifying properties. But let's be honest, it tastes so good that the benefits are just bonus points!

7. Vanilla: Ok, we are talking PURE vanilla extract, or better yet a vanilla bean/pod. None of the imitation stuff if you can help it! Vanilla, in our opinion, is the perfect ingredient to add full flavor to any dessert/treat and a little goes a long way! In keeping with the theme of antioxidant rich foods, vanilla is no different. The antioxidants found in natural vanilla can fight off oxidative stress which can lead to premature aging. Case in point, bring on the antioxidants!

8. Bananas: It's no secret that bananas are packed with potassium, as we all learned in 6th grade science class! Even though that's a well known fact, potassium is one of the most common deficiencies. More reason to un-peel and chow! Not to mention, this mineral is a key player in skin hydration. It maintains electrolyte balance and internal fluids keeping skin cells hydrated and skin internally moisturized...something your body butters and facial hydrators won't do!

We also happen to think this is the perfect treat to make during your next girls night in and share with your besties. If you decide to give this recipe a go, snap a pic and tag us on insta! @thebeautydept

KEEP YOUR FACE ON!

Post + Photography by Amy Nadine, Graphic Design by Eunice Chun

This two-product wonder is critical if you want your makeup to last when the temperature rises. If you've surrendered to the idea that your foundation can only last a couple of hours this summer, I promise you, you're mistaken! You just need the right primer before you apply it then you have to lock it in with a setting spray. Here's how:

TOOLS:

• Long-lasting Primer - there are many primers available today, some are hydrating, others are radiating... so it's a little overwhelming. In this case, you want to look for one that is long lasting. I love Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer because it actually lasts for all day (believe me, it has saved me on never-ending commercial shoots when I thought I'd have to redo the makeup halfway through only to be happily surprised that it looked like I just applied it).
• Setting Spray - you can set your makeup with all kinds of water sprays; Evian Vaporizing Mist, Floral Waters, etc and all will do the job. But if you live in a really humid area and know you're going to "glow" a little more that day (ok, perspire profusely!), try Skindinavia No More Shine Makeup Finish. I swear by it because it prevents makeup from smearing or creasing and really controls shine.

STEPS:

1. On bare skin (or moisturized if your skin is really dry), apply the primer by sweeping it all over your face directly from the stick.
2. Now you can apply your foundation (pick one with full spectrum sunscreen) with a foundation brush, fingers or a sponge. Powder your t-zone if necessary.
3. After you've applied the rest of your makeup (but before mascara), finish by holding the setting spray bottle 10-12 inches from your face and spritz five times (one for each area: forehead, right cheek, left cheek, nose and chin).

SETTING YOUR MAKEUP WITHOUT CAKING IT

POST + PHOTOS BY AMY NADINE, GRAPHIC DESIGN BY EUNICE CHUN

For years I used a big fluffy brush to powder my clients’ faces after foundation, even though in makeup school we were taught to use a powder puff. It just felt more luxurious and didn’t have to be restocked all the time like a puff. But last year, I went back to a puff because I started getting frustrated with the way the brush was not only pushing and sliding the cream blush from the area I specifically placed it, but it was also grabbing onto the foundation and making everything a little cakey. Not good. So I went back to the puff press technique created by the masters of Old Hollywood cinema back in the late 30′s and felt a little stupid that I ever strayed. Here’s how:

TOOLS:

• Loose Powder: I used Korres Mineral Loose Powder to give more coverage (and it’s 100% natural and talc-free), but any setting powder will do.
• Powder Puff: I used Cinema Secrets Pro Puff but you can use any from your local drug store or beauty supply.

STEPS:

1. Sprinkle a good amount of powder onto puff.
2. Fold the puff together like a taco, with the powder in the middle and your two thumbs on either side like demonstrated above.
3. Rub the sides back and forth against each other to really work the powder into the puff.
4. Fold the puff in the opposite direction so the powder is now on the outside.
5. Press and roll the puff all over the face or your t-zone to really press the powder onto the foundation.

If you really want to spoil yourself, Cle de Peau Translucent Powder is the holy grail of setting powders because the powder is ultra-fine and creates a radiant sheen while the puff feels like cashmere! It’s an investment but my personal one has lasted me a couple years.