"Beddy Beddy Sweet..."

Thirty years ago, my brother got married in Puerto Rico and my entire family took the trip to the locale. One of my most vivid memories of while I was there was of a man walking up and down the beach on shore line dragging a little cart. He was saying over and over again, "Beddy sweet pineapple, coconut. Beddy, beddy sweet." He would stop his cart, pull out a huge knife and slice up a pineapple or coconut right there on the beach for you to enjoy. I always loved coconut, even as a child. My mom used to buy us a hairy brown coconut at the supermarket and we would grab the hammer, go out in the garage and smash it. To me, the delicious, white center was the stuff of Gods. Today, any coconut lover has it easy choosing from an array of available products like candy to water to Creme de la Coconut to satisfy a craving. So you can imagine my enthusiasm when I learned that the newest beauty craze has to do with coconuts! Coconut oil is making a huge splash in beauty products and it's actually being touted as a healthy food additive in small amounts. 

While at the store on Sunday, I came across a jar of coconut oil that wasn't exactly what I expected. It was a white solid, lard looking type of substance that didn't move. Still, I bought the $8.00 jar with high hopes for my newest beauty secret. I was not disappointed! When I opened the jar, I found the solid mass to be like a butter that emulsified immediately into an oil upon my touch. To my delight, as I applied the oil to my arms and legs, it soaked into my skin leaving hardly any oily residue and gave the skin on my body a supple sofness. It passed my first litmus test for a body oil easily, and the light, natural scent of coconut gave me a love for this product. The scent, nothing like the man made, "tropical" coconut scents you find in beach/sun products is actually a very light coconut scent and not  long lasting. The hydration it delivers is another story. 

I have heard about the benefits of "oil pulling", a technique where the user swishes coconut oil in their mouth for 20 minutes. It can get rid of bacteria and fungus in the mouth and whiten the teeth, but I have yet to try it. I am still in awe over the multiple ways my little "miracle in a jar" can help me in my everyday beauty regimine. 

Its a great eye makeup remover.

An anti-aging face and body moisturizer.

Great for hair! Use on the ends to condition and smooth split ends. It also reduces frizz.

Used on the scalp as a treatment to prevent dandruff.

It can be used during pregnancy and may help to prevent stretch marks.

Ingested, it has been suggested it boosts metabolism and can aid in weight loss.

It is a natural deodorant!

Cures chapped lips.

Used daily it can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

I can't tell you how cuckoo for coconut oil I have become! Give it a try yourself and you will see. While I won't be chanting up and down the shore of the beach any time soon, I will say that this whole coconut oil experience has been "beddy, beddy sweet" indeed.

A Blank Canvas

I put makeup on people for a living, so everyday, when I go to put on my own makeup, I have a host of choices to choose from. I always start with my complexion. I begin with a simple BB cream, which we already know I love, and I wear it as my primer, before I even out my complexion with a foundation/foundation powder.  My hands down favorite complexion enhancing product is Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder, which is so very versatile and amazing, (with anti-aging properties) my friends call it the "magic dust". But recently I've been working with a wonderful creme-to-powder foundation called Water Canvas.

Vincent Longo's Water Canvas creme-to-powder foundation is a patented and award winning foundation that after one use, is easy to see why it's an award winner. It comes, pictured above, in a small tub and when you touch it, you feel a cool, smooth creme like no other. The touch test alone make you want to apply it immediately. This amazing product is made up of 75% water and oil free. When applied with a sponge or with the Beauty Blender, it gives the skin a medium to full, flawless coverage that looks completely natural and lightweight. Did I mention it feels great?

Water Canvas can be applied to the skin in so many ways. You can use your fingers, a sponge, a Beauty Blender, a foundation brush or a stippling brush and the result is a smooth, flawless complexion you will love.  I sometimes dust my Halo Powder, lightly over it to set. I used it HERE, to apply it over my contour and you can see for yourself the great result. At $57.00, it's not cheap, but it's worth every penny if you covet a flawless look to your complexion.

As I said before, I have many choices when it comes to makeup and people constantly ask me if it's ok to have more than one complexion enhancing product/foundation in their beauty wardrobe. I say YES! It's better to have more than one product, each one giving you a different result for different looks and even better when those products are paired together. You need not worry about looking "cakey" or overly made up, you just need to know what kind of look you want to create that day.

Experimentation is key, and I recommend the Vincent Longo Water Canvas Creme-to powder foundation to create a special glow to your skin. This amazing product can be found at The Candy Bar, and will give your "blank canvas" the right look for any occasion.

This Ain't Your Little Brother's BB's

OK ladies, by now I'm sure you've all heard about BB creams. If you haven't heard about them yet, then come out from under the rock that you have been living under and listen up!

BB Creams, (which stand for Beauty Balms) are quite possibly the best thing that has happened to make up in a long time. The thing about this simple, wonderful, multi-purpose beauty product is that it is packed full of benefits and complexion enhancers that will leave your skin glowing.

• They PRIME- BB's come in several complexion enhancing shades which can be worn alone or as a smoothing primer under your favorite foundation or mineral powders.
• They PERFECT-BB's even out skin tones, softens and smoothes skin texture during wear. 
• They PROTECT-Most BB's have an broad spectrum SPF which protect skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. 
• BB's HYDRATE-Packed with moisturizing agents the Smashbox BB Cream boasts a 21% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after 4 weeks of use and a 22% improvement in skin's moisturization.. 
• BB"s PREVENT-By controlling oil and aiding to prevent break outs, BB's help reduce the production of oil and shine.

With all that going for it, it's foolish not to have a BB Cream in your makeup bag. It takes all the guess work out of trying to create flawless skin. 

Today's Special:Check This Out!

I spot a new fashion trend rising, and I'm crazy for it.

Hello lover.... Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2013 Collection has me all in a tither!
The bold check of Vuitton's signature Damier Canvas pattern in delicious colors and rich fabrics literally took my breath away.

The simplistic styles have an eye catching, elegance that is truly Louis Vuitton.

This was the money shot for me. One lingering look at Kirsten Dunst in Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2013 and I was hooked. I needed to see more, so I took action. I Googled it.

It would seem that the fashion world agrees with me.

Classic silhouettes manage to appear sexy and bold. Retro drama is the key ingredient to this stunning collection.

Let's not forget the bags! Yes the bags are incredible.

Fellas, these are for you, but I suspect that more women will be snatching these up. You know how I feel about color...


So. I've resigned to the fact that I need to break the bank and own a piece of this amazing collection.
I'm thinking the one on the left has to be the one.

Marc Jacobs....I think I love you.

Today's Special: Designer Boo Boo's

I'll admit it. I'm a label snob.

Yup, I will actually spend more on an item because the label's name constitutes a price increase. I also value great designs and high quality, but that's a post for another day. Today's post is about Band-aids.

So being the label snob that I am, imagine my delight when taking a band-aid out of my non-nondescript Band-aid box yesterday to find that it was not any regular Band-aid, but a colorful and cute Cynthia Rowley designer Band-aid. I had just given my finger the WORST paper cut, ever. Not really, but in a box filled with 70 Band-aid brand Band-aids what are the chances that I would pull out one of the 10 bonus Cynthia Rowley Designer Band-aids that were inside?

Pretty good, because that's exactly what I did and I gotta tell you, I love them! I wrapped the colorful, second from the left design above around my pointer finger on my right hand and everybody had a comment.

"Oh, is that a new ring?'

"What's that? It's so cool."

"What do you mean it's a Cynthia Rowley Band-Aid?"

Who knew that a designer Band-Aid could cause such a stir? I loved it too. I made for the perfect accessory with my fashion forward life and I was sorry to see it lying on the floor of my shower this morning, non-sticky and beaten down into submission.

I can report that my paper cut is healing quite nicely at this point which means that my designer friend did exactly what it was supposed to do. In the meantime, I think I will pick up a solo box of 20 Designer Band-aids for my next cut or gash emergency.

One can never underestimate the power of looking and feeling good, and one could also make an argument that some people just never grow up entirely. Either way, this box of designer delights ensures that I don't have to.

Chicken Soup For Your Face

Great titles for the American woman.

I just sent an email to my customers about my new, organic skin care line called Patyka. In the email, I admitted my obsession with skin care products. I thank God that I am obsessed with skin care, because when you take good care of your skin, it shows. Right now it is winter and this is the time to utilize those "special care" products to protect and hydrate dry and tapped out complexions.

Just about every day, a customer will come into my store and tell me that they have a million little bottles on their shelves, but really don't know what to do with them. I tell them this is the time to USE them. "Just do it", like Nike says, pick up the bottle and put it on your face. If I had to break it down for you I would categorize skin care into three basic steps:

CLEANSE

TONE

MOISTURIZE

Every day, twice a day. It's really that simple. I hear a lot of women tell me that they are too tired at night to cleanse and tone their faces and I say, "If you're gonna shag your ass into the bathroom and brush your teeth before bed, you should be able to wash and moisturize your face properly." It take 5 minutes and it makes a marked improvement in your skin's appearance.

Your night time skin ritual is like chicken soup for your face and when you skin does most of it's work, so pick up those little bottles of serum, the ones you are not sure about, and use them. The serums are the best thing you can do for your skin. Power packed with anti-oxidants and essential minerals and vitamins, serums can improve skin's overall clarity and texture and can be a boost in the anti-aging process. They fall under the category of SPECIAL CARE and they fall into place right after TONE and just before MOISTURIZE.

There are so few sure things in this world, but I guarantee you, it's a sure thing you will see an improvement in your skin's appearance and quality by making the commitment to skin care. You know you got talked into the product by an enthusiastic sales lady (like me) and probably paid a fortune for it, right? I say USE it and feed you soul by feeding your face and taking care of what God gave you.

They don't call it your "money maker" for nothing.

I Really Don't Discriminate When I Am Buying Product

So Frack had his math tutor last Wednesday night and I had an hour to kill before I had to pick him up at the library. An hour to kill and Candy unleashed can be a very dangerous thing, indeed. The library is very close to a local CVS so I figured I would go grab a few things like toothpaste and such and effectively kill the hour. Sounds innocent enough, right?

This particular CVS drugstore is open 24 hours and is very large. It has a new area that looks to be it's first foray into the high end cosmetics and skin care market. Of course, I am immediately drawn to the isle, after all I, have an hour to kill. Research and development, I like to call it, and I throw myself into looking at everything. There were lots of brand names that I didn't recognize and I got busy, reading and touching and smelling. Before I knew it, I had about six or seven products in my cart and I was really excited about them.

Lord knows I don't need a GOSH DARN thing, but I just can't help myself. I am a JUNKIE.

Anyway, one of the products I bought is a great product, on the cheap, that I want to share with you. It's by a company called Roc. Roc has a great line of skincare products that claim to be effective. Reasonably priced, and I mean a quarter of the department store brands, these Roc products consistently receive positive reviews on the makeup sites like MakeupAlley.com. The buzz on Roc is you can get a good, inexpensive, anti-aging product at your local drugstore.

I bought the Roc Daily Resurfacing Discs and I am in love with them. At $10.99, these pre-moistened cleansing pads are two-sided. One side is soft and foams up beautifully to gently remove dirt and makeup. This side also works great to remove eye makeup effectively. The other side has a slightly rough, buffing texture that also foams up and sloughs away dead skin cells. I use them at night because I really feel like I am cleaning off the grime of my day and these pads actually re-texturize your skin's surface and give dull skin a fabulous glow. I also love the convenience of the plastic tub, with the flip top for easy access.

Fellas, these will make great prep before shaving. Not only will they cleanse and tone, but the buff side will cause hair follicles on your face to rise to optimise your daily shave. Dare I say it? I actually feel like this products possibly cleanses my face better than my pricey foaming cleansers. Next time you are in your local drugstore, give them a try. I like them so much I am going to buy them for Frick. It's hard to get a 17 year-old to understand that taking care of your skin is important at any age. I think she will love the easy access to these pre-moistened, self foaming pads. Maybe now I can get her to remove her eye make up before bed because she hardly has to do a thing but rinse!

And as soon as Frack's whisker's come in, I'll buy him some too which could be a lot sooner than later.

I just noticed for the first time this weekend that his voice is changing...

Retail Therapy Is Underrated

I have a confession to make.

I've been on a retail BENDER lately and I feel good. It's just that I'm just not so sure my bank account agrees with me. It all started innocently enough.

A small luxury item like the $ungla$$es pictured above. Just the right amount of cache to make me look and feel good.

Then, someone complimented me on my new small luxury item and asked me where I bought them. I start thinking I am all smart for finding said item and start thinking about my next conquest. Surely that gorgeous handbag or blingy bracelet I've been eyeing couldn't set me back that much. Could it? The desire to own them washes over my entire body.

I decide to cut off that voice in my head and go for it! The adrenaline pumping through my veins produces happy endorphins and my enthusiasm is contagious. Now I'm beginning to believe I am an invincible shopper. Screw it! I'll just take it back later, I reason, and my credit card has the skid marks to prove it.

My family? My girlfriends? They all convince me that I deserve it. Yes, they whisper in my ear,"you work so hard all week long. Put all that hard work to use." That $uede jacket will be perfect for fall, but if I don't buy it now it will be gone. And I must have these $hoes to go with the new jeans and that expen$sive belt I bought, which I reasoned would be the only belt I'll ever need. YES! A new fragrance. YES! A scarf and a great top! Oh, YES, this is the good life. The bags keep mounting, and my heart is racing to keeping pace with my euphoria. Oh YES! YES! This is it! I can't carry even one more, overflowing with purchases, bag.

I'm on top of the world as I dash out to the car. I put the bags in the trunk and start home.

My breathing steadies.

I am contented and peaceful. The ride home is slow and relaxing, playing out the successful events in my head. I pull into the driveway and go into the house.

Yes. Life is good.

I still have to pay for it. But for now, it was all worth it.

Today's Special: Candy's Beauty Favorites

Let's talk beauty today, shall we? It's been a while and I happily present to you my fave beauty picks for spring. The Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Bronzing Veil: I have said this so many times it has become somewhat of a personal mantra. I am a girl who wears a bronzer 365 days a year. Bronzer is most definitely my dessert island product. This delightful, finely milled bronzing powder is one of the finest I have ever used. Best layered over the face with a wide head natural brush. It's a great set for your foundation and will give you a golden, California girl glow with it's unique combination of bronze, golden and cool crystal pigments. The Candy Bar proudly sells Kevyn Aucion Cosmetics.

Dior Poison: I gotta roll old school with one. Dior Poison, launched in 1985, is one of the sexiest, sultriest fragrance in your fragrance wardrobe. I am loving this deluxe oriental, floral that was designed to be worn for romance. It's blend of amber, honey, berries and other intoxicating spices makes me want to romance myself when I am wearing this. HA! It's a powerful weapon in the "tell me I smell yummy wars".

The Beauty Blender: This amazing pink egg has changed my entire beauty regime for the better. Used wet, this revolutionary makeup sponge, gives your foundation application a flawless, air brushed finish every time. Use it with liquid foundation, air can foundation (spray directly on the damp sponge) and mineral powder foundations. The elliptical shape was designed with the contours of the face in mind. The result is that your makeup looks better than ever! This is the number one selling product at The Candy Bar and if you check out my Facebook page, you will see pictures of it's creator, Rea Ann Siva, with me in my store. She wanted to meet me because I sell so many Beauty Blenders and we bonded over our love of product.

DuWop Blushbooster: This blush is da bomb, plain and simple. It can be worn alone or over your current blush and it's a fresh breath of luminosity. You can choose from 4 shades (and yes I sell it at The Candy Bar and I own all 4 myself.) It's the kind of blush that makes other women silently wonder with envy what you are wearing on your cheeks.

Oh ladies, is it any wonder how I do it all and keep my people looking beautiful too? I'm just a product junkie on a mission to make the world a better place, one product at a time.