Caboodle Spring Cleaning: Cure Diva

Posted on April 11, 2016 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

Beauty and cancer are two things that don’t tango very well together, particularly when chemotherapy is in the mix. When you are being poisoned week after week, it’s no wonder that your skin gets dry, your cuticles scream for mercy and perhaps the chemicals in your makeup might not mix well with the toxins being pumped into your body.

Cancer or no cancer, it’s always nice to be in the know as to what is in your beauty products and I have teamed up with Cure Diva to discuss Spring cleaning as to what is in that kit and caboodle, as well as their expert advice on what goes into the products of our typical everyday products.

It’s all relative and can be applied to just about anyone that looks after themselves in the beauty depot.

Read the Label:
- Use only hypoallergenic products, or those that don’t have harsh ingredients such as acids, emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, mineral oils, silicones, dyes or amines. You want happier, more comfortable skin, so scan your products for these ingredients and restock your supplies with organic, chemical-free and sensitive items. CureDiva.com has an entire line of facial natural and organic skin care.
Moisturize:
- To prevent dryness and cracked, uncomfortable skin, be sure to moisturize immediately after washing and toweling dry. This means:
  - For your body, apply moisturizer after the bath or shower
  - For your face, apply moisturizer in the morning and at night
  - For your hands, moisturize after washing many times during the day
  - For your lips, use a hydrating lip balm throughout the day
Blemishes:
- Yes, some chemo treatments can cause acne on the face and scalp. Even if you suffered from acne before, take another look at your old acne ointments. They usually contain salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide and other harsh ingredients that further dry and irritate skin. Try more natural solutions like Acne Clarifying Serum by Nurture my Body and a mild, natural soap.
SPF:
- Although SPF is used in the summer outdoors, it should become a priority when in treatment. Chemo skin is super sensitive, especially to sun exposure which can cause lasting damage even in the winter. Wear sunscreen whenever you go out, and protect your skin with UV-protective clothing (hats, gloves, long sleeves). With skincare and beauty products, choosing an SPF version is best.
- While it can be overwhelming to find products that are safe on skin and look and smell great, asking your doctor or a friend who has been through treatment is the best way to receive a referral. Websites like CureDiva.com provide a great amount of information for those going through treatment to get the answers they need.
Fingernail Care:
- Some chemo drugs can cause finger and toenail damage. They become dry, cracked and may start lifting up. Apply cuticle balm and lots of hand cream. Checking out the label is relevant here. Switch to water-based nail color like CureDiva’s water-based nail polish by Acquarella which is my favorite when I’m dressing up!

Stay beautiful!

Love,

Britt x

Information: 5W Public Relations & CureDiva.com

Buzzin’: A Nod to Sinéad O’Connor

Posted on March 9, 2016 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

Life is short, talk is cheap — so I did it. I buzzed the hell out of my hair (or Steve did,rather). We were able to capture it on film, as well as audio and I’ll be sharing them both separately.

It was a tough call as to whether or not I should take the risk of buzzing my hair. I’m extremely vain at times and wasn’t sure if I’d feel feminine enough. But, this morning after pulling out a glob of hair out, I knew it was a CHOICE that I wanted to make. A choice that I decided upon because I didn’t want to have to deal with globs and globs every day. I want control.

♡

Love,

Britt x

Smoking Gun: How to Get the Perfect Smokey Eye With Maybelline New York

Posted on March 8, 2016 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

For most people a rock and roller smokey eye is best suited for after dark. However, I am just the opposite, I am hysterical and I prefer smokey 24/7. In fact, it is much more difficult for me to attempt the “natural” makeup look, as apposed to a heavier, more MAC inspired look, if not otherwise a classic red lip.

I am a firm believer that a smokey eye is a skill that every girl should have in their back pocket. Many girls think that they have it down, but there’s a fine line between looking like a badass bitch or a raccoon. The good news is, practice always makes perfect, if you haven’t already perfected the panda look. 💋

Here are my daily gothic steps:

Begin by priming your face, including your eyes. Do not put your foundation/concealer/powder on prior to your eye makeup for this look.
Utilize eyeshadow primer or an under eye concealer all over the top of your eye lid, leading up to your brow bone. This will act as a base coat for your smokey eyeshadow and will prevent the residue dust falling on your face throughout the day and ruining your beautiful makeup.
Use a matte white or vanilla based eyeshadow as the primary base on your lid. Brushing once again from the top of your eyelid to the bottom, utilize a liberal amount on the lower lids as it will allow for the black to be even more noir.
Using Maybelline Eyestudio ColorTattoo on the lower part of your lids, color from the crease line, to the lash line.
Utilizing a blending brush, sweep Maybelline’s, The Rock Nudes Palette over the space with the ColorTattoo. Pressing and setting the eyeshadow will give you an extra dark and dramatic smokey look.
Sweep your under eyes with the Maybelline’s, The Rock Nudes Palette smokey eyeshadow and then the crease of your eyelid with the bronze color, to contour eyes your eyes for depth a mysterious affect.
Curl and coat lashes to liking and boom!

You’re ready for your first rock solo.

Peace and love,

Britt x

Color Your World: #DIY Lipstick 💋

Posted on March 6, 2016 by BeStillMyHeartBlog

I feel by this point, if you are following along on my journey, then you are aware that I am the least domestic person on the face of the planet. Outside of interior decor, nothing else interests me in “home making” — cooking, cleaning, or anything else that involves “domestic duties”. The kitch is definitely not my bitch and the only time I spend time in that general vicinity is if I am up in the night, pacing due to my erratic insomnia.

Recently I have been indulging in the new trend of adult coloring books. Many family members and friends have gifted them to me to help fill my time, while I’m bound to my bed during chemo. With that I now I have a new collection of crayons and colored pencils. Something I haven’t owned for years upon years. Yet, they’ve come in handy when I’ve needed to delve into my focus zone and color the day away. But, a month or so ago during one of my insomniac episodes, I decided I’d try to make “colorful” lipstick out of some of the said crayons.

Does that count as a domestic, being that it involves the kitchen?

Either way, I was very pleased with my little midnight DIY result, for incorporating funky lippie colors into my world and I want to bring color into yours as well!

TIPS ON INCORPORATING COLOR INTO YOUR WORLD