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3 Summer Styles in Seconds

July 12, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 13 Comments

Summer fun got you in overdrive? Look cool while it’s hot with these 3 Summer Styles in Seconds.

Thanks to Sephora inside JCPenney for this sizzling summer style collaboration.

Is it just me or does the summer break not seem like a break at all, but actually one long sweaty marathon divided up into several 5Ks where you always feel like you’re in a sprint from one place to another?

Yep, they actually should call it the summer bustle and hustle as we parents try to fit in vacation, work, summer camp, pool time, playdates, a few holidays and hopefully an opportunity to enjoy a little fun in the sun.

Throw in 90-100 degree temperatures with that non-stop schedule, there’s no time to look good and keep it, all day long.

With a little help and just a few seconds, you can create some hot hairstyles that will make you look so cool (and keep you cool) all day long. Plus you can also give your tresses the care they need from heat from heat, chlorine, and product damage.

Drybar is easily one of my favorite multitasking secrets when you need an incredible look that lasts when your to-dos look more like Santa’s Christmas toy list. But what’s even better is that the blowdry bar has created one of the best product lines that keeps hair looking great anytime. For me the DryBar Detox Dry Conditioner helps to tame my summer mane, making my hair silky, shiny, and more healthy. Best of all, you don’t even have to head to Drybar to get it. Just head to JCPenney and you’ll find Sephora inside JCPenney with all your favorite hair, makeup and beauty needs.

Now just add a bandana, rubberband or even a little coconut oil, and you’re ready to take on the day – or at least look hot when you’re trying to stay cool.

3 Summer Styles in Seconds

1. Sleek Pony

You can never go wrong with a slick back pony tail. Whether you’re going for something casual or fancy, this is the do for you. Plus it’s easy enough that you don’t really need any instruction or even a mirror at that.

After blasting your strands midlength to the ends with the Drybar Dry Conditioner, add a little volume by teasing at the crown.
Then secure the hair with an elastic ponytail holder.
Section off a small portion of hair from underneath the ponytail, wrap around the elastic band and tuck the ends with bobby pins.
Optionally, you can use a short scarf like this one, to tie around the pony to add a little color to your look.

2. Banded Bun

Consider this your princess do (all while keeping your crown tucked and off your neck.) Spray a little Drybar Dry Conditioner to smooth the strands.

Tie a bandana like one of these (it comes in a two-pack) at the nape of the neck (keeping it at the top of the hair.)
Next begin tucking the ends up around the bandana.
Last use a few bobby pins to tuck in the ends and secure.

3. Wet Look

Did you just get out of the pool and have to run to the next activity? Don’t try to wash and dry, just go for the wet look. If Kim K. can do it, you can too!

After a few squirts of Drybar Dry Conditioner, flat iron the strands.
Then volumize the roots of the front half of the hair with a comb by grabbing a section of hair and teasing the roots from behind the section.
To complete the “wet look,” add a tablespoon of coconut oil to the palms and add to the top and sides of the hair.

To finish your summer look for where ever you need to go, add a fitted white jacket over a bright tank and short shorts paired with cork espadrilles and you’re out the door!

GET THIS SUMMER LOOK AT JCPENNEY AND SEPHORA INSIDE JCPENNEY

How to Get Up and Go in 2017

February 1, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Make 2017 the year you get up, go, and get it done with no excuses. Be prepared for anything with help from Sephora Inside JCPenney.

Thanks to Sephora Inside JCPenney for this collaboration because you’re #SoWorthIt! #SephorainJCP

Have you ever said, I want to go work out, but I don’t want to look like a hot mess when I’m done?

Have you ever thought, after work I’d like to go meet a friend, but I wish I could shower?

Have you ever had to rush to a meeting, your kids’ school, the grocery store, and thought, I wish I didn’t look like I just rolled out of bed?

Don’t worry, we all have.

It’s the excuses we all make. It’s one of the many reasons we don’t end up crossing off things off those resolutions.

However, Sephora Inside JCPenney makes it easier to get what you need under one roof with one-stop- shopping for everything you need. And to start the new year, Sephora has put together an exclusive Sephora Favorites Refresh, Set, Glow Kit!

Made for the work hard, play hard gal on the go, it’s full of just what you need to feel good and look good whenever you need it.

Not to mention your hair and skin will thank you for a little extra love when you need it most.

Here’s what you get in your Refresh, Set, Glow Kit:

In a rush? Use…

Ole // Truth Wipes

Need to clean off that sweaty face in a flash? Pull out one of these wipes to brighten and cleanse your skin in no time flat! I just keep these in my gym bag and feel fresh even if you don’t have time to hit the shower!

CLEAN // Rain Skin Rollerball

Says it all, right? Need a scent that doesn’t smell like you’re trying too hard, but gives the idea you did have that extra 10 minutes to get in the shower? This little guy is it. It’s like new car smell for your skin that smells what exactly CLEAN should smell like.

Forreo // Mini Forreo – Play

Allows you to not just clean your face, but give it the perfect scrub it needs (ideal in the winter time when your skin is getting its own work out. I can’t believe how tiny it is either, so you can bring it anywhere (let’s go on a trip!)

Seeking the Perfect Selfie? Try…

Clinique // Hydra Blur

Called blur for a reason, this creme give your skin that perfect smooth, finishing look – perfect for selfies (don’t pretend you don’t take ’em) or when you’re going to get up close and personal!

Too Faced // Better than Sex Mascara

One of my favorites, now in the ideal size! Now for the name, I’m not sure if it’s better, but I can say, it does make you feel pretty hot (which may increase your chances!)

Need a Moisture Overhaul? Apply…

Origins // GinZing Moisturizer

Hey, you sometimes need a little more than just a sip of water, right? This little bottle delivers the moisture it needs in a big way, but also the energy boost to get your skin motivated (even when you aren’t.)

Bumble & Bumble // Repair Blow Dry

Looking at your split ends thinking you need to call your hairstylist? No fear, Bumble & Bumble is here. The Repair Blow Dry serum-in-cream elixir is what you need to seal those ends and give your hair what it needs for bouncy, healthy tresses.

Farmacy // Coconut Sheet Mask

Got a little more time? After skiing for a few days or basking in the sun during vacation can have anyone’s skin screaming for hydration. Give her a drink with this moisturizing mask made to make your skin soft, radiant and bright!

Sephora Collection // Hair Ties

A girl can never have too many hair ties, especially those that don’t pull or get caught in your hair! Keep these handy and you’ll never be caught saying “does anyone have a rubber band?”

Because You’ll Always Need Em, Here’s…

Fresh // Sugar Lip Treatment – Rose

I’m a committed fan to all the Fresh lip treatments. However, the Rose one is just the right pink tint to highlight your lips without being too much – all while hydrating your lips and giving them some much needed SPF.

Supergoop // Defense Refresh Mist

It’s called Supergoop for a reason! I’ve been a long-time user of the brand’s sunscreen and more serum, so I wasn’t surprised this mist made my now must-have list, too. Use it to apply sunscreen after makeup without smudging your face, plus its super scent gives you just that little bit you need to feel fresh and revive your skin even in the middle of the day.

So now what’s your excuse?

Get up and go get your Sephora Favorites Refresh, Set, Glow Kit at Sephora Inside JCPenney for a limited time!

4 Keys to Aging Well: Making 36 the Next 26

November 21, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Looking for the fountain of youth? It’s easier than you think with these 4 keys to aging well that you overlook every day that will take years off your mind and body.

Thank you Douglas Laboratories for this post. I was selected for this opportunity by Douglas Laboratories and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Water. Sleep. Sex.

Three things adults often say they don’t get enough of…but wish they did.

Ironically all three help to keep our mind, body and spirit, in healthy check, but for many of us, don’t make the cut.

So we continue to feel exhausted, age quicker, and look like it, too.

And even though they are all free, we continue to research and investigate the newest (and often much more expensive) technologies to just make us look like we’ve been sleeping, drinking our recommended ounces of water, and had time for a roll in the hay.

I just celebrated my 36 birthday…

It’s taken a few weeks to admit it’s 36 even though I feel like I look 46, but my soul says 26 (and some days, 16.)

But in that moment of realization, I decided to feel proud of 36. I don’t have to settle with “this is what I’ve to do” but “this is what I get to do – so make it worth it – every freaking day.”

It’s not an easy progression to change your mindset, but I did figure out that it’s not that hard to make some BIG differences in life to make you look, feel, and be better – even if you’re 36, 46, 56 and all those treasured landmark dates I can only hope to celebrate in my future birthdays.

So what’s the fountain of youth that makes it all better?

There isn’t one that we’ve found, but we did find five things that can make a really big impact and don’t involve surgery, trips to foreign lands, or much out of your pocket book.

I’ve said it so many times and yet, it somehow has taken decades to understand it’s really THAT important. However, when I was able to learn a few weeks ago that sleep (or lack of it) was one of the biggest reasons I couldn’t lose weight, my desire to hit the pillow became much stronger. And my idea that sleeping less than everyone else was some kind of medal for “I’m doing more than you and can handle” was a load of crap. Sleep, feel good about, and believe me, your body will bless you with positive benefits because you allowed it to do what it’s supposed to do.

We all know this…drink water to be healthy.

Your body needs water to work. Your skin looks better when you’re hydrated. Your system works more efficient when you drink water.

There are all kinds of reasons you should drink water. The question really is how much.

For years it was you need 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water a day. Then there was to drink as many ounces as you weighed…believe me I tried that one and felt like I was running a river through my body. Most recently experts say you should multiply your weight by 2/3 (67%) for the total amount of ounces of water you should drink. And then for 30 minutes of exercise, add 12 ounces.

While the equations are important, ultimately, the most important thing is to drink the stuff – and a lot of it. It makes you look good, feel good, and it’s free.

While I plan not to share too much here, sex is good for your health. Between the endorphins (the feel good, natural mood enhancers) that it produces and the connection it strengthens between you and your mate, sex is good for you to have.

Wonder when you can fit THAT in between the kids, work, and all the other crap when you’re gotta get done? …Well it doesn’t take a long time to produce a positive and lasting benefit (read through the lines here, folks.)

Remember when you were 26 (or maybe younger) and that healthy glow you had? You can still have that – just go spend some alone time with your partner. Plan it if you have to, but the benefits to both of you will happen if you just give as much time as you care to stand in line waiting for your caramel macchiato – and this is much cheaper than your $5 Venti.

You know I’m right there.

Remember when your mama said “take your vitamins”? Remember when this morning you told your kids, “take your vitamins”? Practice what you preach and take it from Mary Poppins – and make that medicine go down.

Confused about all the vitamins, supplements, and other concoctions you should be consuming to make you look like a Disney princess? Then start with the basics.

General Multivitamin

This is going to give you what you need with the minimum daily allowance of the 10 essential nutrients needed for optimal health.Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily includes important vitamins and minerals plus powerful antioxidant support derived from natural foods like spinach, blueberries, and strawberries.

Probiotics

Thought this was something just for babies and grandmas? Nope, a probiotic really has less to do with age and more to do with keeping your gut healthy.

Studies have shown the importance of “gut health” and it’s just as important as a healthy brain. Probiotics, like the ones that are found in Multi-Probiotic 15 Billion help to support digestive issues, mental health illness, and neurological disorders with over 15 billion beneficial organisms you need for a stronger immune system and gastrointestinal support.

Fish Oil

Most women that have had children have heard about the benefits of fish oil in regards to the development of a child. However, on a very basic level, fish oil supports healthy cholesterol levels, boosts your mood and helps to maintain strong bones, which we all need.

But not all Fish Oil is made the same.

It all can get quite complicated in regards to DNA and science, but with Quell Fish Oil ® with EPA and DHA, studies show it may help to slow the progression of age-related memory loss, may support memory and learning ability including focus and attention, and may support healthy brain function and promote a positive mood and well-being.

So that basically means this fish oil stuff, along with just two other nutritional supplements, and three things you already can get for free, keeps it all in check so you can remember who you are, how old you are, and make sure that your next birthday is even better than your last.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

“The Sleep Diet”

Taking Time For You

November 3, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Feel guilty even saying the words? You shouldn’t. Taking time for you isn’t actually about just you, though. Even a moment away can actually make you better for them.

Thanks to Miniluxe for making me remember that taking#minimoment for a little pampering can make all the difference.

Being ON all the time is one of the hardest parts of being a mom.

And I mean that in more ways than one, although I technically have slept 8 hours…in three days. #sendmorecoffee

We’re the backbone of keeping the family moving, morning, noon and night. And then throw in a job (which we all know isn’t a 40 hour gig anymore, but another baby to take care of) and the other stuff like organizations, extracurricular activities, family obligations and more, there’s always something you’re supposed to be doing.

We’re a slave to the calendar and the clock.

Every day is like a marathon race all the time and there’s no breaks for water, snacks, a porta-potty stop, or a finish line.

Well even the best athletes have to stop sometime.

And experience proves that any break in the day, without an appointment time, will indelibly be filled by something else – something that someone else needs you to do for them.

So just like their practices, their tests, their work events, you should be filling that calendar for something for you.

Whatever it is…however long you have – five minutes or five hours…there should be an opportunity for taking time for you.

There I said it.

For me “my time” is getting my nails done.

I used to feel so extravagant about it, but having nice nails and toes is important to me and makes me feel good about me. And of course, it feels really damn good, too.

Once I actually went to get my nails done when I was pregnant and I tipped the lady another $25 just to rub my feet a little bit longer…then I woke up snoring in the chair. #truestory

But it only proves that it was just good for me to be off the grid, with no obligations, no responsibilities and no “mama!” moments.

Going to “get my nails done” whether its’ my hands or my toes, is a ritual experience. I love the process of walking into Miniluxe, having someone greet me with a smile and say, “What can I do for YOU?”

That alone is heaven.

I’m able to enjoy the comfort of my own little space with clean facilities free of toxins with team members that are skilled and friendly; ensure for one hour, I’m happy as I can be.

Of course, the glass of bubbles doesn’t hurt, either.

Then while I just sit there either catching up on my D Mag, chatting with a neighbor, or just closing my eyes, I’m allowed to not do anything.

It’s that moment, when you stop running, take a deep breath, and just be, that you mentally reset. Just like your iPhone when it just won’t work, screen gets stuck and you want to throw it across the room, sometimes all you need to do is hit the reset button and it’s back to normal.

Or at least you were able to take the breather, get back to your best, and get back to the race.

MiniLuxe is one of my favorite spots to take my time-out moment. With beautiful design, amazing customer service, and several options for my natural nail and waxing needs, they are THE example of clean methodologies and clean business. With all the colors you could imagine available and even three gel options and even vegan nail polish, you can feel good not just spending your #minimoments there, but what they are doing for your body too.

There are three MiniLuxe locations in DFW: Uptown Plaza, West Village and the Shops at Legacy – with more coming soon! visit miniluxe.com for more information.

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment:

5 Ways to Make Your Face More Fabulous in a Flash

August 31, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 22 Comments

Have a special event coming up or feel like time is racing all over your face? Then do something now to make your face more fabulous in a flash. Get glam with these secrets to make you look gorgeous RIGHT. NOW.

Thank you to the amazing Dermatologist Dr. Houshmand for providing services for purposes of this post. This post is sponsored by Restylane^®. However, the thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included.

Getting older is for the birds…the old birds, right? And I’m not a bird…

Ok it has some good parts, but they say one of the hardest parts is the race against time that is running all over your face.

I’m not talking about turning into an old maid overnight; I’m just suggesting that sometimes things on your body start to fall closer to the ground than we want…(still talking about our face here…)

I’ve shared that I felt 2016 was a transformational year for me. There was no reason to deal with all the things that bugged me about me when there are ways to change them. Having LASIK was one of the first steps in my journey and it really changed everything – including my mindset. Life is too short and believe me, this body ain’t gonna fix itself. So finally I bit the bullet. A few tweaks here and there to help me be my best me. And tide me over until I do a full mommy makeover (well, I’m still wishing on that one.)

Ready to dive in? Before you do anything crazy, make sure you’re not under the influence, feeling really depressed, or just bored. And to get at least 8 hours of sleep and consume at least 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water (actually doctors say 1 ounce for every pound is the right amount for your daily intake.)Those two things can create beautiful results within themselves! That, with one of these tips, and you’ll be your best you in no time!

1. Get Bronzed, Baby with Bronzer // $5-$35 / Takes less than 5 minutes – 1 day

Whether you opt for a fake bake with a spray tan, lather it on, or a brush it all-over with a shimmer or shine, brown fat is better than white fat and that includes your face. There’s nothing like a little bronze to minimize the dark spots, even your complexion and make your face light up like a woman who just got her first Louis Vuitton.

To get your spray tan, make sure your skin is exfoliated, but you don’t have any lotion for the most even look. After 15 minutes of spray, go to bed and you’ll be ready for the red carpet.
Opt for the lotion, foam or spray self- tanner, than read the instructions and make sure not to sleep on white sheets. Wake up the next morning for the golden touch.
Going with bronzer, then consider this one from Laura Mercier that’s an easy way for an immediate glow.

2. Clean up Your Pearly Whites with Professional Teeth Whitening // 15 minutes – 30 minutes / $125 session

The prettiest thing you can wear is a smile, but not one that shows the gallons of coffee and bottles of wines you needed to get through 2015. So make those pearly whites sparkle with teeth whitening. There are tons of products you can use (and hours you can spend) doing it yourself, but for an instantly beautiful smile, leave it to the professionals! For me that is DFW Smile Labs. In just around 1/2 an hour, my teeth look like they belong in a toothpaste commercial. Immediately, I walked out feeling like I gained five years to my life and the rest of my face just perked up too. No crazy hours of bleaching trays, sensitive teeth and planning for just the right night to do it yourself, you can be ready for the camera in no time at all!

3. Eye Those Eyebrows with Great Eyebrows // 5 minutes – 20 minutes / $ 5-35

I remember in third grade, I brought up my school pictures and realized I could’ve been Frida Kahlo’s descendant, so that marked my first tweeze job. Now I get those babies waxed almost as much as I run through the Starbucks’ line. There’s just something about clean, trimmed and perfect eyebrows to make your whole face brighten up and just look like “she’s got it together.”

However, channeling my Grandma (and my inner Kardashian), whipping out that eyebrow pencil to color in the brows are exactly what you need to finish the look. Not sure what to do? Hit up the Sephora for a free 15-minute makeover to show you want to do.

4. Create Contour with Fillers // 30 minutes / The cost is determined by healthcare professionals and will vary based on the amount of product used and the frequency of injections.

Ok, some celebrity gals have the whole fish-face-for-real look down pat. I love the look (and the rise in contour sticks show the rest of us do too), but doing it yourself is a little overwhelming without feeling like your face is a Paint-by-Numbers Kit. Try to figure it out on your own and you may look more like you’re getting ready for combat than out for a date. However, there are easier ways to create those perfect cheekbones and reduce the age around your mouth.

Restylane® Lyft is an injectable hyaluronic acid gel used to correct volume loss in the cheeks and midface and treat wrinkles in the face for a natural-looking, more youthful appearance. After attending an event with Dr. Houshmand, an internationally recognized Double Board Certified Dermatologist, to learn more about Restylane®, I discovered all the different things that can be done to look just like you with that extra lift you need in just the right place (for me that was my cheeks!). And most of all, it didn’t hurt much at all. Common side effects include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, headache, tenderness, and itching. While you do need 24 hours to a few days for the filler to settle in, you can walk out of the office ready to go. (Be nice about these pictures, they are completely makeup free!)

5. Say Goodbye to those Wrinkle Lines // 30 minutes / The cost is determined by healthcare professionals and will vary based on the amount of product used and the frequency of injections.

Wrinkles. Wrinkles. Wrinkles.

They suck.

There are tons of creams you can put on your face to attempt to diminish, dissolve or fade wrinkles away, but it takes time to see the effect and the money it can cost to keep them at bay. But with a little help from Restylane^® Silk, the effect can be immediate and last for up to several months. The first FDA approved product exclusively designed for subtle lip enhancement and the treatment of lines and wrinkles (also known as “barcode” or “smoker” lines) around the mouth, Restylane® Silk is a smooth, transparent hyaluronic acid (HA) gel that can be injected into the lips or the area around the mouth to restore natural, more youthful definition, symmetry and help smooth wrinkles.

Treated with 2 mL of Restylane Silk in the lips and perioral (lip) lines around the mouth. 5 weeks after treatment. Individual results may vary.

While the lip lines have not gotten to me yet, thankfully I know there’s a great way to keep more youthful-looking lips.

I would highly recommend Dr. Elizabeth B. Houshmand and her skill and artistry to achieve a natural look with Restylane® Lyft and Restylane® Silk.

To learn more about Restylane® Lyft or Silk and find a specialist in your area, visit www.RestylaneLyft.com or www.RestylaneSilk.com

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Important Safety Information

Indications: The Restylane family of products includes Restylane®, Restylane-L®, Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine and Restylane® Silk. Restylane, Restylane-L, and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine are indicated for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Restylane and Restylane–L are indicated for mid-to-deep dermal implantation. Restylane and Restylane-L are also indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation in patients over the age of 21.

Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine is indicated for implantation into the deep dermis to superficial subcutis. Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine is also indicated for cheek augmentation and for the correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies in patients over the age of 21.

Restylane Silk is indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation and dermal implantation for correction of perioral rhytids in patients over the age of 21.

Products in the Restylane family contain traces of gram-positive bacterial protein and are contraindicated for patients with allergies to such material or in patients with severe allergies that have required in-hospital treatment. These products should not be used by patients with bleeding disorders or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Restylane-L, Restylane Silk and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to lidocaine. Products should not be injected anywhere except areas indicated in their Instructions for Use.

Use of products in the Restylane family at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. The most commonly observed side effects are swelling, redness, pain, bruising, headache, tenderness, and itching at the injection site. These are typically mild in severity and typically resolve in less than 7 days in nasolabial folds and less than 14 days in lips. Serious but rare side effects include delayed onset infections, recurrence of herpetic eruptions, and superficial necrosis at the injection site. Do not implant into blood vessels. Use with caution in patients recently treated with anticoagulant or platelet inhibitors to avoid bleeding and bruising.

The Restylane family of products is available only through a licensed practitioner. Complete Instructions for Use are available at www.RestylaneUSA.com.

Simple Summer Skincare Routine

June 22, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 14 Comments

Summer time is in full-effect, but your skincare routine doesn’t have to be. Here are your essentials needed for a quick and simple summer skincare routine that you can really use. Thanks to Revision Skincare and Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics for their collaboration in creating this power-packed post with an opportunity to try out these products and services. * Revision Skincare is a professional line of skincare products that should only be purchased directly from your dermatology or professional skincare provider.

When I was younger, I loved summers because I was free….

Free to not do much to my hair except spray in the Sun-In.

Free to not wear makeup or put anything on my skin except a little baby oil.

Free to just throw on a short sun dress and fly fancy free.

…Oh those days are so gone now.

Now my hair is often thrown into a ball cap as I run out the door, that whole no-makeup-thing is not happening, and there’s no time in our schedule to fly anything, especially fancy or free. It’s actually because of those worry-free days, I’ve now learned the importance of conditioner, sunscreen, and a calendar.

However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t an easy routine that’s practical and doable, even on my busiest of summer days, and still allows me to feel I look my best…not to mention protecting myself from skin cancer.

1. Check your skin.

Just like going to get your annual checkup, you should be making a visit to the dermatologist. While you should be keeping an eye on your skin for new spots and changing freckles or moles, a dermatologist will conduct a full-body check to make sure the places you can’t see aren’t cancerous. During this time, your derm can also give you a heads up on what you are doing good to your skin (and not). Also, like your gyno, you need to have a great relationship with your derm so you can ask questions and feel comfortable “unveiling” your concerns.

Dr. Polder at the Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics co-author of “Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin.”

2. Exfoliate your skin.

Want that sun-kissed look?

Then you start with a fresh face free of dead skin, residue and stuff that you didn’t wash off from the night before by exfoliating! Like buffing, getting the old skin off allows for the new skin to shine through. There are different tools you can use to exfoliate the skin or you can or consider a cleanser that can do both. Revision Skincare offers a summer-perfect cleanser with Salicylic Acid and Papaya Fruit Extract that contains an enzyme that polishes away dead surface cells, leaving your skin smooth by lifting away impurities without stripping the sin of its natural moisture content. Ideally exfoliating doesn’t have to be done daily, but more like 3 times a week.

Skin has a reduced ability to naturally shed dead skin cells as we age. Exfoliants remove dead, dehydrated cells from the surface of the skin to help the skin appear brighter and more vibrant.

3. Moisturize your skin.

Now that you have a perfect canvas of fresh skin, make sure to keep it moisturized. This is where I made tons of mistakes in my younger years because my skin was soft and subtle at the time. Unfortunately the older you get, the more that skin ages and the collagen (the protein that makes your skin strong and gives it elasticity), is diminished. So you have to do more to your skin to keep it moisturized and prevent additional damage that causes wrinkles and improve the health of the skin.

To keep it simple for summer, using a tinted moisturizer like Intellishade from Revision Skincare. This award-winning tinted moisturizer is formulated with a blend of three peptides and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, it gives skin a touch of sheer, healthy color. And with the added bonus of fighting photodamage which leads to premature aging, this is a multi-tasking product that’s perfect for busy moms.

4. Protect your skin.

If the one thing I’ve learned is that sunscreen is your best friend. However, do the numbers like SPF 50 or 20 confuse you? Well actually, the numbers themselves refer to how long you can sit in the sun without burning, not about the effectiveness of the sunscreen. The problem is most people don’t know exactly how long it takes for their skin to start turning red before it’s too late. This is why using a higher number of SPF allows you to sit outside longer, however, you still should be reapplying – especially if you go swimming or exercise. So in additional to moisturizing your skin, you should be putting sunscreen.

If your tinted moisturizer or foundation has sun protection that’s great, but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reapply. And of course, you always need to apply to the other places on your body including your ears, neckline and even your scalp if it’s exposed.

You should apply sunscreen daily – even if you’re not in the skin. Research shows those who drive in the car and don’t have sunscreen on have visible signs of sun damage on their left side of their face which faces the sun.

5. Celebrate your skin.

Your skin works hard for you – and it deserves to be rewarded with seasonal maintenance from a professional. While everyone’s wants and needs are different in regards to procedures like Botox or Restylane, you should at least consider routine treatments like a Hydrafacial ®. A HydraFacial is an invigorating, versatile facial treatment that restores the skin’s vibrant tone and texture instantly by exfoliating the skin and nourishes it with essential nutrients in a single treatment. However, working with your dermatologist is key in creating the perfect plan for total skin health.

Remember, skin is in for the summer, just make sure to take care of it as well as it takes care of you!

Don’t miss this #mamachallenge moment!

JCPenney Says MOM is #SoWorthIt For Mother’s Day

May 4, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Ever used Pinterest for an idea and then when you clicked on the how-to link, wished there was someone to help? MamaChallenge recently partnered with JCPenney to bring their Pinterest boards to life with live demonstrations just in time for Mother’s Day as part of their #SoWorthIt campaign!

I’ve always wanted to be Oprah.

Who doesn’t, right?

Last weekend I had the chance to “play Oprah” as the emcee of JCPenny’s #SoWorthit Mother’s Day live demonstration event at Stonebriar Centre in Frisco. As part of a nationwide, 10 location campaign, bloggers like me, Dallas Single Mom and several others, played the part of hostess with the mostest, April 23, 24, 30 and May 1 for some very Pinteresting fun!

(Photo of display in Ad Age.)

After two days on stage, I has the opportunity to gift all the merchandise (check out the Pinboard display below) to those who stopped by the stage to enjoy our presentation, which included a deserving mom that we pulled from the audience to get a makeover. Team members from the Sephora Inside JCPenney, applied a smoky eye and beautiful red lip look while giving tips to the audience how they could do it at home or come get a 15 mini-makeover from the store anytime for free.

I literally said the words, “You get a car…and you get a car…and you get a car,” while I was on stage.

Of course, this was just in the “heat of the moment” and reminded the audience while it wasn’t a car, we were giving away great items perfect for Mother’s Day including shoes, necklaces, and a Chi flatiron. That flatiron actually prompted many audience members to “show what they were working with” with an impromptu dance off.

I only wish I had gotten that picture!

However, I did snap a few of the dresses I found at JCPenney and wore on stage. The first one here is from R&K Sleeveless Chiffon Maxi Dress. I normally wouldn’t wear something bright and floral, but I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I felt great all day long and it was definitely a show stopper. Don’t you think? (and under $50.)

Today’s the day! Come join me at @stonebriarcentre for a Pinteresting event designed to give you great ideas, great how-to’s and great giveaways from @jcpenney! See you today until 6 pm! #soworthit #jcpenney #ad #pinterest #mothersday #friscotx #dallas #dallasblogger #dfwstyle #dallasstyle #mamachallenge

A photo posted by Autumn Reo | Mamachallenge.com (@autumnreo) on Apr 30, 2016 at 9:53am PDT

The next day was one of those dresses that is perfect for any occasion with this Tiana B. Sleeveless Colorblock Fit and Flare. With just a hint of pink, it was a homerun that I’m sure I’ll be wearing often – especially since it was $39.99 without coupons or special sale!

While I was on stage sharing tips with the audience, I was learning along with them! For instance, I had never tried a lip stain (this one is Sephora’s own cream lip stain), but after 8 hours, two iced coffees, and some pretzel bites, it really stayed on. My lips were moist too, so this is a must-have if you have problems keeping your lip color on for more than an hour!

During the weekend we also gave away free samples, $10 off when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards, and even more coupons. It was lots of fun to play girlfriend all weekend giving out advice and learning from each other! However, JCPenney is making it easy to continue the inspiration and ideas on their Pinterest at pinterest.com/JCPenney anytime!

Thank you to JCPenney for such a fun experience and for my Mother’s Day gift to reward other moms for all the work they do all the time – because we’re all #SoWorthIt.

Talking Straight about Curly Hair

November 23, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 30 Comments

When Dove Hair asked curly-haired gals like myself to try out their new (and first ever) Dove #LoveYourCurls Emoji Keyboard, it wasn’t just about a cute new set of emoticons to add to our smartphone. In Dove Hair fashion, they were really looking deeper for women to get talking (in person and online) about their curly hair. You see for many of us, those beautiful tresses we normally throw around aren’t really naturally soft, smooth and straight. I don’t remember a time I didn’t straighten my naturally curly hair, sometimes working 2 hours or more to try to first blow dry it straight, then take a flat iron to make it smooth and then take a curling iron to put the curl back in my hair. However, it’s just what I’ve always done.

We’ll until now.

One trip to the salon, the lady asked if she could just style my hair. She had noticed a little corkscrew action coming up in my curly hair and she wanted to see how curly it was. Since I didn’t have anywhere to go, I let her do it her way – until she wheeled my chair around and I saw that the curly mane I smoothed down daily from fear someone would think I was Tina Turner…looked beautiful. I was still kinda shocked so I went home to show my then-boyfriend-now-husband what he thought…

To my surprise he loved it. Like loved it so much he asked me to wear it like that more often. So I continued to style it the “real way” from time to time…even our engagement pictures, I used my diffuser and a little gel to style my hair. To this day, those are some of my favorite photos.

Funny it took less time to style the curly way than the way I typically did my hair, but for some reason, I suppose out of routine (and thinking the grass is always greener), I still yearned for straight hair.

Fast forward about 10 years, I was back to an arduous routine of wash, blowdry, straighten and curl to style my hair.

Then my 4 year-old daughter, who also inherited the dark, curly mane came into my bathroom and picked up some of my defrizzing product.

“Mama, can you please make my hair look like that,” pointing to the lady on the front of the bottle that had long STRAIGHT as a nail hair.

“Baby,” I said. “You don’t want your hair to look like THAT! Your hair is beautiful just the way it is with your perfect curls.”

“Then why do you use it on your curls, mama?”

Yep – that’ll get you every time. Hearing your own words work against you in a “do as I say, not as I do” kinda moment.

That’s when I realized I wasn’t being real. I wasn’t being real to her or to me and I wasn’t setting a good example of how I wanted her to view her own beauty. The way I wanted her to see herself everyday in a way that made her proud of the way she looks and feels on the inside and the out.

And while getting all of us to change our perception of beauty must be on a personal level, Twitter is helping to make a change on a social one. Every time you share a #LoveYourCurls moment on Twitter, a custom Dove Curly Hair Emoji will appear in the tweet.

So for all of us curly-headed women who feel the need to kill all those healthy hair cells with tons of heating tools to look like that “other” girl, consider just looking like you for a change. That means curly hair and all. And while you practice a little authenticity, consider it online as well as offline. There’s no need to just find anything to represent you on the standard Emoji keyboard. There’s one of your very own curly-headed emoticon just a free click away.

Download the Dove Love Your Curls Emojis in the App Store and Google Play Store to show you #LoveYourCurls!

Dove Hair Website // Dove Hair Facebook // Dove Hair Twitter // Dove Hair Instagram // Dove Hair Pinterest

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Hair, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #LoveYourCurls #pmgdove http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Moms Must Do for Makeup Must Haves: Beauty Brands

August 30, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Let’s be real.

Makeup can be intimidating and (sometimes) completely unnecessary.

When you accidentally oversleep and still have to get the kids up, pack lunches, and throw on your “good” yoga pants, choosing the perfect nude lipstick is the LAST thing on your mind.

And shopping for makeup can sometimes be just as scary. So many products. So little time. I’m all about the 5-10 minute makeup routine. I need good products that will hide my exhaustion and add just a touch of glam – concealer (because moms don’t sleep, bloggers don’t sleep and a mom that is a blogger really doesn’t sleep), mascara to pry open the eye, powder to keep everything in place, blush to give my face a little bit of definition and a lipstick or even gloss that will make me feel I can take on the world….or at least the day.

Beauty Brands is a great one-stop shop for your makeup must haves and all your beauty needs. From haircare to skincare to makeup and even fragrances, they offer tons of professional products at a price that won’t cause early aging. And the newest location at Village on the Parkway in Addison is right smack dab in the middle of other restaurants and Whole Foods, making it a great place to stop on your lunch break or while running errands.

The store is bright, modern and welcoming to everyone, and there are smiling faces that greet you at the door as soon as you walk in. If you’re a little nervous about makeup, Beauty Brands has beauty specialists, highly-skilled and knowledge professionals, who will help you products perfect for your skin and your lifestyle. The beauty specialists make your shopping experience pleasant and stress free. You can go to them with any question and they are happy to point you in the right direction. The specialists will guide to the right product that will not only make you feel beautiful, but also keep you skin, hair and nails healthy. And they won’t push their own agenda or try to sell you items you don’t need.

One important thing to note is that Beauty Brands only carries professional products like my Peter Thomas Ross , Origins, L’Occitane, and Philosophy are all there ready to be sampled and taken home for your convenience. And they have their own line called KCO that is also very affordable with great quality makeup brushes.

But if you’d like to change your hair color or maybe get a haircut, Beauty Brands has a full spa and salon where they can do anything from a blow out to a mani/pedi or a spray tan if you need it. The salon is clean, has multiple stations and the stylists consistently provide the star treatment for their guests. In a rush, I had a blowout and it latest four days (which for me is amazing), to skim down my morning routine and still make me feel like it was ok to rear my head from the car for school.

Best of all, [Tweet “Beauty Brands Rewards Program: Discounts, competitors’ matching/pricing & accept their coupons.”] (‘m never below saving some money!)

Beauty Brands is a win all around. It’s perfect for people who want to just drop by quickly for a couple of basic products; it’s ideal for those who switch up their routine every month with the latest trends.

Now if only I could find someone who could come to my house and apply the makeup, I would have it all. That’s a whole ‘nother app service to discuss…

It’s your turn – what are your favorite beauty products, and what is one product you have to wear every day?

Get Your Truly Radiant Perfect Smile

June 3, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 11 Comments

When you look at your life and the things you’ve done, which moments make you the proudest? Was it the moment you crossed the finish line of your first 5K? Was it getting up the guts to get on the stage to sing or make a big speech? Or was it something that didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but inside every time you reminisce about it, you end up with a smile from ear to ear and gets your heart beating just a little louder?

Those are truly radiant moments.

While I have a few stellar milestone moments, one of my most memorable was my first real TV segment starring…ME. Working in PR for more than a decade, I had always been happy to help others tell the story of their business on camera while I held their hand behind the camera. However, when a producer actually asked ME to be the one on camera, I was instantly was terrified.

Why would anyone listen to me? What is it that I could help viewers learn? Why would anyone ever want to watch me?

Ready to take on this mamachallenge in the face, I made it my goal to not just get in front of the camera, but I would make it something I was proud to share with others. After all, there would only be 50,000 people watching the segment, right? After a lot of blood, sweat and as you can see, many plastic baggies later, I had my first live segment in the can. And I was proud of it. You can even tell with my huge smile at the end of the video, it was a #TrulyRadiantFinish!”

Want to know the tip to making your #TrulyRadiantFinish moment picture perfect?

SMILE! And with the new ™ oral care line featuring a mouthwash, toothpaste and the only manual spin brush in the market, I can whiten my teeth in less than five days, prevent stains before they happen while strengthening enamel and leave my mouth feeling extra clean, clean and crisp with its minty fresh flavor.

[Tweet “Join ARM & HAMMER™ 6/4 for #TrulyRadiantFinish Twitter Party 9 AM PST/11 AM CST/Noon EST”]

Now through the end of 2015, Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ is commemorating our #TrulyRadiantFinish moments while helping to give back at the same time. Partnering with City of Hope Cancer Treatment Center, Arm & Hammer™ has launched a social media initiative encouraging women to share their radiant moments using #TrulyRadiantFinish across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For each use of the hashtag “#TrulyRadiantFinish, the company will donate $1 to City of Hope.

So what is your #TrulyRadiantFinish moment?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Arm & Hammer™.

Summer fun got you in overdrive? Look cool while it’s hot with these 3 Summer Styles in Seconds.

3 Summer Styles in Seconds

1. Sleek Pony

2. Banded Bun

3. Wet Look

Make 2017 the year you get up, go, and get it done with no excuses. Be prepared for anything with help from Sephora Inside JCPenney.

Here’s what you get in your Refresh, Set, Glow Kit:

In a rush? Use…

Ole // Truth Wipes

CLEAN // Rain Skin Rollerball

Forreo // Mini Forreo – Play

Seeking the Perfect Selfie? Try…

Clinique // Hydra Blur

Too Faced // Better than Sex Mascara

Need a Moisture Overhaul? Apply…

Origins // GinZing Moisturizer

Bumble & Bumble // Repair Blow Dry

Farmacy // Coconut Sheet Mask

Sephora Collection // Hair Ties

Because You’ll Always Need Em, Here’s…

Fresh // Sugar Lip Treatment – Rose

Supergoop // Defense Refresh Mist

Get up and go get your Sephora Favorites Refresh, Set, Glow Kit at Sephora Inside JCPenney for a limited time!

Looking for the fountain of youth? It’s easier than you think with these 4 keys to aging well that you overlook every day that will take years off your mind and body.

General Multivitamin

Probiotics

Fish Oil

Feel guilty even saying the words? You shouldn’t. Taking time for you isn’t actually about just you, though. Even a moment away can actually make you better for them.

Have a special event coming up or feel like time is racing all over your face? Then do something now to make your face more fabulous in a flash. Get glam with these secrets to make you look gorgeous RIGHT. NOW.

1. Get Bronzed, Baby with Bronzer // $5-$35 / Takes less than 5 minutes – 1 day

2. Clean up Your Pearly Whites with Professional Teeth Whitening // 15 minutes – 30 minutes / $125 session

3. Eye Those Eyebrows with Great Eyebrows // 5 minutes – 20 minutes / $ 5-35

4. Create Contour with Fillers // 30 minutes / The cost is determined by healthcare professionals and will vary based on the amount of product used and the frequency of injections.

5. Say Goodbye to those Wrinkle Lines // 30 minutes / The cost is determined by healthcare professionals and will vary based on the amount of product used and the frequency of injections.

Remember, skin is in for the summer, just make sure to take care of it as well as it takes care of you!

So what is your #TrulyRadiantFinish moment?

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