Skin S.O.S.

Hi Everyone!


The following was a blog I wrote for BeautyFit.com and thought I should post it here as well! :)
We are now getting into spring but fluxuations in temperature etc. can play havoc with our skin. 
Hope you enjoy and let me know what you think of some of my have products!


Cheers... Crystal :) xo
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I'm not sure where you all may be reading this post from BUT here in beautiful Canada (Toronto area lol) our winter has been pretty abnormal!

When you think Canadian winter you think... COLD!!! Well, I'm a pretty seasoned Canadian girl so this winter has been pretty easy on us lol.

Having said that... one thing that is always an issue for me this time of year is my skin. I am also finding that since my weight loss, my skin has changed even more than just the average winter dryness.
Being a makeup artist, I am very conscience of my skin and how it appears and feels.

Here is a breakdown of things that are super important to help keep your skin looking its best AND some of my favourite products too!

First and probably most important... DRINK WATER!!! LOTS of WATER!!! lol

For those who know me, this is an everyday struggle. 8-10 glasses of water per day is recommended, I do my very best to drink 3L of water each day. Soooo very worth the effort... without proper hydration you are rendering even the most advanced and expensive skin lotions and potions useless!

Second is diet and nutrition! lol (Honestly, did you really think you were going to get away from this one ; )
Without a balanced diet your skin doesn't all the nutrients, antioxidants etc. it needs to look its best.
Adding a multi vitamin and source of Omega 3,6,9 and EFA's (essential fatty acids) are also super beneficial!
I use BeautyComplex and BeautySlender myself ; )

Now... on to some of my favourite skin care products!!!

I make no secret that I am a total LUSH... wait.. that doesn't sound right :P 

Lets try this again... I love LUSH products!!!

This is what I am currently using to keep my skin clean, clear and moisturized...

LOL Ok! I know it looks weird BUT... this is LUSH "Angels on Bare Skin" cleanser. 

It is clay based with ground almonds for exfoliating and rose and lavender to help balance your skin.  

Next is...

LUSH "eau roma water" toner. While I never want to admit I'm getting older :P this toner is great for "more mature" and sensitive skin. It helps balance out Ph levels and remove excess product that is left behind from cleansing.

NOW... I am sooo very excited to share with you all my new favourite moisturizer!!! :D

I literally have been using this product for less that a week and the changes to my skin already have been incredible!!! 

I was pretty skeptical at first, I had only really used Argan oil on my hair. My fave girl Cara atSephora

assured me that it feels so great on the skin and not greasy at all... she knows her stuff!

Bursting with vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids... this is like soul food for your skin!!!

Check out Josie Maran cosmetics for a complete list of detailed benefits of using Argan oil... not to mention her amazing philosophy of "Luxury with a Conscience".  

So there you have it folks... a complete breakdown of what is working for me! 

Lifestyle changes and weight loss isn't just about the change in your physical size... there are so many "little" differences and changes that occur (like my skin). 

As I run across them, I promise to share my experiences!

Til next time... 

Hydrated Hugs... Crystal : ) xo

Kitchener Waterloo Makeup Artist for 2012!

Happy New Year!

With the beginning of a new year comes the opportunity and "itch" for change and growth.

Stay tuned for both BIG changes and expansion to better meet the needs and requests of all my amazing clientele.

I have the most amazing clients (friends really! lol) YOU are the reason I love my job!

I look forward to, and wish you all an exciting and amazing 2012…


Have the audacity to be YOU!!!



Hugs… Crystal : ) xo

The FabFem @ the KW Oktoberfest Classic!

It's official!!!

The Fabulous Feminine will be at the KW Oktoberfest Classic Sat October 29th, 2011 presented by World Gym and the OPA as a major sponsor for the Bikini Division AND the Health and Wellness Expo!!!

All athletes at the show are eligible for an amazing exclusive offer to help enhance your portfolio and show off all your hard work and dedication!!!

AND... For the Overall Winner of the Bikini Division...

The ULTIMATE FabFem Experience!!!

Valued at $1500!!!

We (Nancy ~nbphotos and I), are SO very excited to be apart of this awesome event. Click on any of the highlighted links above to learn more about the event, sponsors etc.

Also!!!

Don't think that just because you're not a competing athlete or not an athlete at all, you can't come out and enjoy this event! The Health and Wellness Expo within the show is for EVERYONE!

And, for those who don't know us... we ALWAYS reward those that come out to visit us at shows!!! ; )

Can't wait to see you all there!

Hugs... Crystal :) xo

Oh yes I did!!!

Hi Everyone!

Well... I admit it... I'm a sucker for packaging! lol Combine that with one of my favourite shows and we now have a recipe for an expensive trip to Sephora! :P

The saving grace here is that this True Blood collection is courtesy of Tarte Cosmetics which prides themselves on healthy, nourishing cosmetics that are cruelty free! Never mind, that a cruelty free cosmetics company is toting a vamp inspired line... just makes me love it more, OH the IRONY!!! hehehe
Along with the killer shadow palette comes an eye primer, mascara and aqua gel eyeliner. The cheek and lip stains are both sold separately.

Check out the names of some of these colours... love, love, love!!! lol Ya... I'mma dork!

I feel my creative juices bubbling ;) For those who prefer direction, there is even a cute little "look" card with instructions.

Sooooo... because I just got this and haven't had a chance to play yet... like any good episode of True Blood (all the episodes are great btw)... This post is....

To Be Continued! ;)

Till next time...

Hugs... Crystal xo

Show Alert!!! :)

Hey Everyone!
The FabFem team (ie. Me ~ Crystalized Artistry and Nancy ~ nbphotos) will be at the ANCASTER wedding show.

Geting married or know someone who is???? Pass it along!!!

www.ancasterweddingshow.com

Now we will be there sharing with you our fabulous wedding photography and makeup artistry...

and for one lucky winner we are giving away our exclusive FabFem photo session!

Sexy photo session that will help steam up your honeymoon.... ;)

Package give away!!!

Socialite Value $395

Complete Make-up with on-set styling and touch ups

Full Studio Photo session

50 FInished e_Images

$200 Product Credit

Entice with a sexy magazine featuring

YOU as your very own centre fold!!!

Come out and see us at the show and check it out!!!!

Teresa's Wedding!

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a safe and happy long weekend! Happy 4th of July to all my US friends as well! :)

It can sometimes take a long while for me to get photos back from weddings that I do, so when I get an email directly from a photographer with photos... I jump on the chance to share!!!
Thank you so much Denise from C'est Chic Photography (www.cestchicphoto.com)for sending me these gorgeous photos! :)

Teresa is absolutely stunning! She and her entire bridal party were a blast to work with.
Vicki (www.teeze.ca) and I arrived for hair and makeup @ 6am so we could keep these lovely ladies on schedule... and here is the result :)







And there's the happy couple :)

Again, big thank yous to Denise for providing me with these beautiful images and to Vicki for, once again, being an amazing stylist and my partner in crime lol

Have a fabulous day!!!

Hugs... Crystal :) xo

Henna collaboration!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to share a sneak peak of images from the Fabulous Feminine's(nbphotos.ca and crystalized artistry)collaboration with the amazing Bhupi of henna4you.com

As you can see... henna is not just for traditional ceremonies anymore! Consider how much fun henna would be before a girls night out OR a beautiful henna garter or "surprise" for under your wedding gown! ;)
Check out my Facebook page for more images!

The stunning Alex...rugby goddess #1


Sexy Michelle...rugby goddess #2


Ethereal Dee... our yoga princess :)


Hugs til next time...
Crystal xo :)

Smashbox Product Review!

Hi Everyone!

I'm so excited to rave about the new Smashbox Beauty Snapshots Kit and the new Full Exposure mascara that I just picked up from Shoppers Drug Mart (I am crazed about my shoppers points! LOL)

The Kit included:
Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst - travel size
Photo Finish Targeted Pore and Line Primer - travel size
Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pink Sugar

Limitless Eyeliner in Golden Ivy w/ sharpener!

Eye Shadow Palette in "Beauty Snapshots"

I really wanted to try this palette out because it looked like the perfect bridal colours and low and behold, I have used it at least 6 different times now for bridal, prom and even on one of the contestants vieing for the "Miss Teen Canada World" title! Hopefully I'll have pics up shortly :)

The Targeted Line and Pore primer is a good solid product. It works just as well as similar products in the same price range.
The eye shadows are all satin finishes and blend beautifully! I LOVE the champagne colour and pewter grey is stunning! The brush that comes with the kit is a decent crease brush.
I have now become a big fan of the Limitless Eyeliner (it's super smooth going on and comes with a sharpener on the end :), I wouldn't normally choose this "golden ivy" colour but it"s quickly becoming one of my faves for a classic Bridal look.
Speaking of classic bridal, the "Pink Sugar" lipgloss is the perfect colour. It looks much brighter than it actually is and has a little hint of sparkle... very pretty!

The Fusion Soft Lights in "Baked Starburst" is beautiful for that "dewy" J-Lo look but because it's so shimmery I prefer to use it as a highlighter for cheeks, nose and right above the eyebrow. You're definitely going to get a "Miami Glow" look with this one! ;)

Now... onto the "Full Exposure" Mascara!

I am a bit of a mascara hooch lol... so spending $22cdn on mascara isn't a huge deal for me... IF it meets my demands of lengthening, volumizing, no flakes, good brush and ease of removal... I know, I know I'm needy! :P

So happy to report that it has passed my test in spades AND has even stayed put during my sweating through boot camp...YAY! Yet, comes off so easily with eye makeup remover or even just my face cleanser!

So there you have it... definitely worth the $54 investment!

Btw... anytime you see these "kits" and you're on the fence about trying them, just go for it! It really is an awesome way to try out new products at a lower price. You may just find some new faves... I did! :)

Happy makeup shopping!

Hugs... Crystal xo

Where in the Heck did I go?!

Hey Everyone!

Darn it's been awhile since I've posted a blog from Crystalized Artistry!

Well that's about to change lol... I've recently gotten a good ole butt kick from a friend wanting to know where my makeup artistry blogs are.

Many of you may already know (and for those who don't) I am in week 5 of a 12 week BeautyFit weight loss and transformation challenge @ World Gym Kitchener.
Not that there is any excuse for neglecting my Crystalized blog, but my mind and focus has definitely been elsewhere!
Now that I'm into the swing of things and have found some balance with it all (some balance, not complete lol) I am wanting to pick up the slack and move onward and upward!!! :)

Keep checking back for new posts on a regular basis AND if you're interested in following my progress during my 12 week BeautyFit challenge check out my other blog! :)
https://www.beautyfit.com/2011/blog_crystal.html

Till I blog again... SOON!

Hugs... Crystal xo

My NEW after Boot Camp essential!!!

The WICCY MAGIC MUSCLES MASSAGE BAR..... say THAT 3x's fast! LOL

I absolutely had to share this with you all, as it is fantastic after a crazy workout or even a stressful day!

Made with fair trade cocoa butter and essential oils, it is silky smooth, moisturizing and has the most amazing cinnamon/peppermint smell! Just rub it on all of those overworked areas and RELAX.... Mmmmmmmm!!!

I came upon this amazing product when visiting one of my daughters (and now one of MY) favourite bath/body stores... LUSH!

For those not familiar with this amazing shop, it completely had me sold with its "mission statement"... (taken from the LUSH website)

We believe in making effective products from fresh, organic* fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics.

We invent our own products and fragrances. We make them fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when they were made.

We believe in buying ingredients only from companies that do not commission tests on animals and in testing our products on humans.

We believe in happy people making happy soap, putting our faces on our products and making our mums proud.

We believe in long candlelit baths, sharing showers, massage, filling the world with perfume and in the right to make mistakes, lose everything and start again.

We believe our products are good value, that we should make a profit and that the customer is always right.

* We also believe words like fresh and organic have honest meaning beyond marketing.

Incase you can't read the description from the photo, this is a bit of the write up from LUSH...

The spicy, tingly muscle-soothing bar with aduki beans for a deeper rub.

The Wiccy Magic Muscles Bar is the one for sorting out aching muscles. The first time you use one of these, it feels very strange, as if a very small radiator has been turned on inside the part of your body you just massaged. Mark and Ro created this one together to soothe aches and pains.

Perfect for exercise.

Once you get used to it, you'll start to run just for the pleasure of your Wiccy massage when you get home. Aduki beans work your muscles and aches as the bar is massaged into the skin and they help to break out tension.

The closest LUSH shop to me is at Stone Road Mall in Guelph but check out the LUSH

website for more locations and more beautiful products!

Happy shopping and Hugs... Crystal xo

ME FEST this Weekend!!! April 9th, 2011.

Come out and visit the FabFem team this coming weekend AT.........

MeFest A Celebration of You!

Is happy to announce our upcoming Spring 2011 event being held at the

Waterloo Recreation Complex on Saturday April 9th 9am-4pm

Admission is $5 or $3 with a Food Bank Donation

**Every vendor will have a FREEBIE for you!**

Come for the fun! Shopping/Info/Prizes & GIVEAWAYS!

FABulous APRIL PROMO!!!

APRIL ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!!!

APRIL FABFEM PROMO in celebration of our " 3rd FABFEM Anniversary!"

Deal: Confirm your session in April for anytime within this calendar year we will give you your age in discount!

SO, how does it work????

If it's your 30th birthday you get 30% OFF ...

If it's your 50th you get 50% OFF ...

If it's your 90th Birthday you get 90% OFF ...

We believe in self confidence at any stage of life.

You can book your session with in this calendar year and
it does not have to be on your birthday!

Great gift for yourself or that special woman in your life.

Call Today to book your session!

GTA 647.547.6379 Kitchener 519.496.2625 Toll Free 866.662.2659

Available for FabCouple shoots as well!!!!!

photoshoots are non-transferable and we will need proof of age... :)

Total Woman Show!!!

What are you doing on February 12th &13th, 2011?!

Come visit the FabFem Team at Bingeman's for the awesomeness that is The Total Woman Show!!!

Want in??? email us at info@fabulousfeminine.com for your pick up time at the studio! (limit 2 person). You won't BELIEVE the Special offers ONLY at the show from the FabFem!!!

Can't wait to see you all there!

Hugs... Crystal xo

Inside Fitness Top 100 Hot & Fit!

I had such a great time working with Judi of Stone Photography and the sweet and beautiful Monica Winn for submissions for Inside Fitness Magazine 100 Hot & Fit!

It's always exciting and nerve racking waiting for the issue to come out to see if your model and work has made it.... low and behold.... YAY!!!!!!

Thank you Judi and Monica for including me in this project and I can't wait till we shoot again!

Look for Inside Fitness Hot & Fit 100 on news stands NOW!!!

Big Hugs... Crystal xo

Exciting review from MOST Magazine!

I am so excited to share with you all an amazing (and totally unexpected) review Nancy and I received for our Fabulous Feminine photo shoots!

We were featured in MOST magazine's Holiday Edition with FabFem photo shoots we did for some beautiful 40+ women! These women talked about their FabFem experience and how it impacted the way they feel about themselves!

Here's the link to the article... http://most.therecord.com/index.aspx?issue=issue05&page=45

For those of you who have experienced a FabFem photo shoot, you know how passionate Nancy and I are about helping women celebrate their "sassy side" regardless of age or size!

It is such a blessing to us (The FabFem Team) to know that we are on the right track of helping women to "feel free to just be!"

If you haven't yet treated yourself to this adventure... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! LOL

We have the perfect "Just a Taste" package just for you!

Just a Taste* - $195

Styling - 1 Make-up look

Photo session - in studio

Wardrobe - 1 look with 1 photo set

30 1st Edition eProofs all proofs are colour corrected and balanced

Products: 1 Art Edition Digital files with fully Fashion Airbrushed Retouched Image

1 Full Resolution ART Edition Digital Negatives with license for personal printing

This is a limited time offer that is available for purchase until Dec 31, 2010!!! (You do NOT have to do the session by then...just purchase the Gift Card and book when you're ready!).

Just contact us at.... The Fabulous Feminine Website to purchase your package OR Gift Cards!

Big Hugs and Happy Holidays to you all....... Crystal xoxo

NEW FabFem package "Just a Taste" ~ Limited Time Offer!!!

Hello everyone...

After some deep thought and the desire to reach out to as many people as possible, Nancy and I have decided to offer you a FabFem starter package that everyone can indulge in!

We believe EVERYONE should have the opportunity to really see how FABULOUS they are!

We do offer Gift Certificates as well as Gift cards for CHRISTMAS for you or your loved one.

LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!

OUR BRAND NEW PACKAGE has:

Just a Taste* - $195
Styling - 1 Make-up look
Photo session - in studio
Wardrobe - 1 look with 1 photo set
30 1st Edition eProofs all proofs are colour corrected and balanced
Products 1 Art Edition Digital files with fully Fashion Airbrushed Retouched Image
1 Full Resolution ART Edition Digital Negatives with license for personal printing



* Make your Just A Taste in to the Ultimate
Girls Night Out or Bachlorette Party by booking a

Pin-up Party - $195 /pp
Styling - 1 Make-up look
Photo session - in studio or on location (min 4 person-max 9)
Wardrobe - 1 look and 1 photo set for all party
30 1st Edition eProofs all proofs are colour corrected and balanced
Products 1 Art Edition Digital files with full Fashion Retouched "Nancified" Images
1 Full Resolution ART Edition Digital Negatives with license for personal printing

For our HOSTESS with the Mostest - Free Gift!
4pg FabMagazine with 4 images & digital files with license for personal printing


Book your Christmas Gifts TODAY!!!

Hugs... Crystal xo