Mia Gordon
Reporter, Host, Content Creator, Blogger

Why VIIcode beauty eye mask is my must have beauty product

I haven’t had a proper sleep in 7 months, hello new mom life. While it is slowly getting better and now I am having one 5am wake up instead of a 1, 3, 5, and 7 – it is still an adjustment. Oh and on top of that I then am required to entertain a tiny human for an entire day. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job as mom but it sure is exhausting.

While pre baby I would find the time to take care of myself, that has now been put on the back burner. Gone are the days where I would have time for a facial, I mean I barely have time to wash my face twice a day anymore, and it was starting to show (the bags – oh the bags). That is why I was excited when I came across VIIcode eye masks.

About the VIIcode Eye Masks

I ended up getting the VIIcode 02M Oxygen Eye Mask for all night repair. You apply these gentle eye pads under your eyes and they go to work right away. The best part is, is you put them on at night and can leave them overnight for the best results so it doesn’t take away anytime from playing with my son.

The pads are made up of natural antioxidants that help  nourish and rejuvenate the skin. They are safe for the eye area and can be on for up to 8 hours. I woke up the next morning noticing such a difference in my eyes. The skin around them was soft and smooth. And since using them for the last 3 months I have felt that my eyes just look more awake – even after a sleepless night.

You can find out more about these eye masks on their website: https://www.viicode.com/ but from one mom to another I have to say this is one must have postpartum beauty item

xo

Mia

Ideas for changing up your look at style

For most of my life I have had the same look, long blonde usually curly hair. You can usually find me in a sweater and leggings with boots. You can also count of a smoky eye and nude lip for my on air look. But there comes a time I feel in everyone’s life that you just want to mix it up.

For me that was last year, I felt like I was in a rut and I needed to get out of it. All you may need to do to get to a better place is switch it up a bit. It can be tricky to know what to focus on or what will have the greatest impact. Continue reading to learn some ideas for changing up your look and style so you can feel great and look forward to showing off your new look to others.

Purge Your Closet

Start by purging your closet when you want to change and level up your look and style. I am a hoarder but I made a promise to myself last year that I would get rid of anything I hadn’t worn in a year. I was able to fin a great consignment store in town so I was able to actually make some money off my used clothes.  

 Make room for the staples and some new pieces that will help you become more fashionable and chic as well as comfortable and stylish. Get organized so that getting dressed each day is easy instead of a chore. Sometimes it can be hard to part ways with your items but remind yourself that it’s necessary if you want to change up your look and feel more confident.

 

Focus on Your Hair

Another idea for changing up your look and style is to focus on your hair. Remember how I said I have been blonde my whole life, while last year I decided it was time for a change up. I consulted with my hairdresser and we decided to go red! There are so many options when it comes to changing up your hairstyle. For instance, you can get a cut and colour, style and curl it more frequently, or make it appear longer and fuller with hair weaves. Experiment with different styles, colours, and lengths and see what suits you the best. Revitalizing your hair will help you revitalize your look and you’ll soon appear more stylish and feel like a whole new you. 

Experiment with Makeup

You can change up your look and style using makeup as well. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to look different and doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. You can view videos online to get tips for applying makeup in the right way and gain some ideas of what looks you can achieve. For instance, if you don’t wear a lot of makeup then maybe you can switch it up when you go out with your friends in the evening by applying a smoky eye. Another idea is to invest in a tube of red lipstick and to put it on when you want to add a pop of colour to your appearance. There are also other small steps you can take that actually make a huge difference, for example the shape of your eyebrows. I never used to shape mine but I started recently and it has made a huge difference.

Brighten Your Smile

Consider brightening and improving your smile and teeth when you want to change up your look and style. Smiling more will not only boost your mood and mental health but it’ll help you come off as friendlier when meeting others. Every few months I turn to white strips to whiten my teeth (it really does help especially with all the coffee and wine I drink). I have also had friends who have decided to straighten their teeth.  Be sure to also practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice per day.

Switch Out Your Accessories

A bold necklace can go a long way. I learned that early on in my T.V. career. Change up your look and style by switching out your accessories and not leaving home without them. There are many ways to embellish your look and outfits using accessories and pieces that will help you make a statement. For example, you can use a purse or handbag, oversized necklace, and high heels to add style and a pop of colour to your outfits and appearance. Earrings are another great way to elevate your look and appear more fashionable. Accessories and jewelry are a simple yet effective way to change up your overall appearance. You might also want to invest in some gold pieces and dainty jewelry for work or other occasions when you want to be more subtle.

These ideas for changing up your look and style are practical and will help you achieve your goal effectively. Concentrate on what’s in your control and what will help you feel your best so you’re excited to step out and into the world each day. You’ll soon be on your way to refreshing and transforming your appearance and feeling better about yourself overall. It’s all about being willing to change and then experimenting a bit with different ideas until you find the right combination of enhancements that work for you.

xo

Mia

How to get glowing skin with 5 simple tips

Skin. It’s the first thing that people see when they look at you and it’s the first thing that gets the brunt of Mother Nature when she decides to be fierce. Whether rain or shine, your skin takes a beating and whether you are tired or stressed, sick or happy, you wear this on your skin. Trust me, working as a weather expert I am outside a ton for work, and my skin definitely feels heavier and warn down when I get home after being in the elements all day. 

The good news is that you don’t have to live with tired and dull skin. You can improve the look of your skin and look healthier if you look after it properly,  and you can improve the glow of your skin in just 5 easy steps! From Nutraceutical Imbalance Therapy to the right skincare regime, you need to get it right for your skin. So, with that in mind, let’s get stuck into these tips for that beautiful glow that you deserve.

1. Cleanse regularly 

Regular cleansing is the very first place that you should start. You need a clean canvas every evening and the best way to do that is with a great cleanser. You can get rid of debris like oil and dirt and you can unclog your pores as a result. This will prevent dull skin that sits dirtily on your pillowcase overnight. Massage in face cleanser before you go to sleep in light, circular motions and go from the outside of your face inwards. Use cotton pads to gently remove the cleanser and you’ll see the results of your efforts on the pad!

2. Exfoliate 

Exfoliation  is something that I recently added into my skin routine and it has made a world of a difference when it comes to bringing my skin back to life. Exfoliating will remove the dead cells so that your skin surface is smooth and clear. It will reflect the light better, and you can choose a physical scrub twice a week to get the best results. Facial peels are a nice option, but they should only be done once a week or less as they’re quite harsh for the skin. Follow exfoliating with a layer of moisturizer for the best results.

3. Use brightening skin products for some extra lift

Brighten up your skin with the right brightening skincare products. There are so many topical treatments out there and these serums and moisturizers are designed to even your skin tone and make your skin more vibrant. They contain antioxidants, and they are designed to be used daily to improve your complexion over time. These serums have so many positive effects and you will start to notice them pretty quickly, in just a few weeks.  This type of brightening product is great for the skin and for your confidence.

4. Stay hydrated

Keep drinking water regularly, and a lot of it. Your skin needs hydration to plump out properly, and when you apply a topical moisturizer, you can see how hydrated your skin becomes. Water is a good idea, but moisturizers are a targeted way to ward off dry skin and make the skin appear more lush and dewy.

5. Add the finishing touches with a lotion that adds glow

Some days when I don’t feel like wearing a lot of makeup, I just add a shimmery location at the end of my skin routine. They are designed to boost that skin glow, and you will see the benefits instantly when you use one. They allow you to glow with a combination of hydration moisturizers and the highlighter effects that will boost the radiance of your skin. Humectant ingredients draw the moisturizer better to the surface of the skin.

I hope these tips help get you the skin you want and deserve. I would also love if you shared some of your own skin secrets with me. 

xo 

Mia 

Popular Beauty Procedures that are Causing a Stir

Trust me, I get it, right now no one, and I mean no one feels like themselves. For most getting to work is moving from the bed to the downstairs office. Sweatpants has become part of the daily routine, but deep down I still long for getting dressed up, putting on making, and feeling like my best self. Despite dealing with a global pandemic, it still seems important to feel good  and feel beautiful. For some, that might be an extra half hour to do your hair in the morning, for others there might be the draw to try something new and different. There are so many inventions, treatments, and procedures that are none invasive but can also amplify beauty. I wanted to share some of the ones I have discovered over the years that might be a little outside of the box. 

 

1. Cosmetic Dentistry

The aesthetic side of dentistry – cosmetic dentistry – focuses on dental work that fixes faults in and improves the appearance of teeth, the jawline and gums. It is more for appearance rather than functionality giving importance to the colour (whiteness), alignment and size of teeth and overall appearance of the smile. Wahroonga Dental offers these services, among others.

 

2. Laser Eye Surgery

I had laser eye surgery when I turned 21 and it was the best decision of my life. I was finally able to see the world clearly. Previously, those with poor eyesight had no choice but to wear spectacles. Then came the option of lenses. Now, if one doesn’t like the inconvenience of putting lenses on and taking them off, there is the advanced option of laser eye surgery. Twenty-twenty vision at your fingertips! 

 

3. Tattooed Eyebrows and Microblading

Yes you read that right… you can now permanently tattoo on eyebrows so you don’t have to worry about stray hairs or shaping them to perfection. A similar but more scientific semi-permanent technique known as microblading is another option – this treatment is intended to make your eyebrows look flawless and fuller without the regular hassle of trimming, plucking and shaping. Being that styles and life are constantly changing I am a big fan of the later 

 

4. Laser Hair Removal

I did laser hair removal for the first time last year and really loved it. I was so tired of shaving all the time so it was nice to find a more permanent solution to getting rid of unwanted body and facial hair, laser hair removal is also popular amongst men who like to be well-groomed.  You might need to go back for top-up sittings, however, as there is no guarantee that the hair won’t resurface after a few months. It will be significantly lesser, but with hormonal changes there are chances of hair re-growth.

 

5. Botox Injections

This one is a little more invasive than the other beauty producers, but having tried it for myself once, it was a nice way for a quick pick me up.  A couple of years ago, botox injections weren’t as popular or common as they are today. Now, a significantly larger number of people are opting for this procedure that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and ageing. These injections help make the skin look tighter and firmer, and seems to work a lot quicker and more efficiently  than all of the anti wrinkle creams I have tried. 

 

6. Keratin Hair Treatment

This isn’t a new procedure, but it’s just as popular even now. Straight hair has always been in style (with the perm and waves and curls making intermittent appearances), and at one point poker-straight tresses brought about through re-bonding was all the craze. But with a turn towards a more natural look, and with the focus being more on using natural ingredients rather than the chemically-charged products needed for re-bonding, keratin treatments made a splash about a decade ago, and is still as popular in salons. Silky, smooth, straightened, manageable hair – what’s not to like?!

The Self Care Domino Effect: Look Good, Feel Good

I know these last few months have been hard for all of us. Dealing with isolation, social distancing, and working from home. There are days where I don’t even get out of my PJs! But here is the thing I have found lately, the lack of effort I have put into my physical appearance and well being has had a much more negative effect than just my hair looking a little on the greasy side.

When you’ve made an effort with your appearance, you’ve more than likely felt the association between looking good and feeling good. You feel confident and ready to take on what the day has to throw at you. Be it an interview to land a promotion or a date with a crush you’ve been swooning over for months; your appearance plays a large part in influencing the way you feel about yourself. When we have something important in our lives, we usually put in the effort to look our best, because it helps us feel our best. 

Another example of how the way we look affects our emotions is that a bad haircut can reduce many to tears (first world problems I know, but oh so true). In fact, I can’t deny I shed a few tears when I dyed my hair a little to dark.  Frustration strikes when a splodge of mascara lands on your foundation. Or your nails you’ve committed to growing for some time begin to chip!

The main point being, whether you like it or not, appearance to a degree matters, from fashion choices to skincare regimes, it influences the way you think and feel about yourself. So let’s delve into more about why that is, and why spending time to beautify and love yourself just a bit more, will boost your health and wellbeing.

Self Love

Primarily, paying attention to the way you look is about self-love. Self-care can include a myriad of positive activities, from morning and night beauty rituals, dedicating time to sleep more, getting in that hour of exercise, and being mindful about what you eat. Above all, Self-love is essential for our wellbeing. When you’re old enough to fend for yourself, the one person in the world that should love, and take care of you the most, is you! The positive effects of self-care manifest throughout your life, affecting the way you feel, look, and act. 

Taking Back Control

Plus, taking care of yourself also gives you back control of your feelings, particularly when you’ve had a bad day. Familiarity, such as applying your favourite night time serum with an aroma of lavender, makes you feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable. Or getting active every day after work is something you can look forward to, to round off a hard day of work, and shake off any stress and negativity. Which also releases those feel-good endorphins and helps you keep your body in shape. Knowing what is going to make you happy, and applying it is you being in control of your well-being. 

Making Progress To Be A Better You

But self-love isn’t just about taking control of a chaotic day; it’s also about making progress. In each area of our lives, we seek to make progress in one way or another. Whether building wealth and working towards financial independence. Going back to college to improve our education and get a better job. To calm addictive behaviours that impair our lives, such as constantly checking social media (guilty) or maybe it is one too many glasses of wine with friends. Our appearance is no different. And so whether you’re committing the next 6 to 12 months to invisalign treatment to enhance your smile, or cutting out some sugar to have a more well balanced diet. Feeling as though you’re taking steps to improve your body, boosts self-esteem, and makes us feel like we’re making progress to be the best versions of ourselves.

Tell-Tale Signs

I know the last few months our appearance hasn’t really been a top priority, but it can say a lot about a person. On top of that looking our best just helps us feel our best. I mean my wedding day I felt my most beautiful, from my hair staying in place to having just the right amount of blush. I know I am guilty of looking back at old photos and wishing I still had the same body from when I was playing professional tennis, or the long locks I had when I was younger, but but maintaining beauty as we age, is a work of art (key word there work). It takes time, dedication, and commitment to make healthy choices for your body and groom regularly. 

For example concerning our largest, external organ;

“The skin is an extremely sensitive organ that, unfortunately, reveals a lot about how we feel both physically and emotionally.” – Isabella Koretz, founder of Ciel Spa in Beverly Hills.

The statement above couldn’t be more accurate. I can notice changes within hours, like if I didn’t get a good night’s sleep I see the bags the next morning, or if I am dehydrated and drained, my skin looks lifeless. 

The way our body looks gives us a strong indication of whether we’re taking care of ourselves. For example, thinning hair could be due to stress. Emerging wrinkles could be due to not using sun protection cream. Red puffy eyes could be due to drinking too much. 

Beauty is more than skin deep. It reflects the effort, time, and love you put into looking after your whole body. If you feed your body nutritious food, drink lots of water, sleep 8 hours a night, exercise, take time to unwind and pamper you will undoubtedly look better, Your skin will glow, fine lines will reduce, and you’ll smile more! Continuous self-care forms a cycle of positivity. From making an effort to look great, your appearance improves, and you’ll feel happier.