Healthy Beauty

Beauty is Everything…or is it?

We live in a society in which we are constantly inundated with beauty. Advertisements constantly tell us what we need to buy to be beautiful and accepted. Instagram gurus are now making thousands, if not millions (see: Michelle Phan) for making tutorials on how to conceal that pimple or rock that smokey eye. Don’t get me wrong, I love make up, and I love checking out all the latest hair trends. But where are the ads that are calling us to become the best version of ourselves? Why is society so driven to create images rather than character?
Growing up, my parents, well my grandparents who raised me, did their best. I look back now, and being a mom, I realize they weren’t perfect, but they gave me all that they had. My grandmother, whom I miss dearly, in a misguided effort to keep me focused, used to tell me that I wasn’t pretty, like my best friend…that I had better focus on my grades. In her effort to keep me from being boy crazy and self-obsessed, she did some damage to my self-esteem that she didn’t realize. I literally thought that I was ugly, well into my late 20s.
Now before you start feeling sorry for me, let’s take a look at this in a different perspective. Because I didn’t think that I was beautiful, it allowed me to cultivate and work on other aspects of who I was becoming. I wanted to be considered generous, kind, helpful and supportive. I wanted to be an accountable and trustworthy person. I wanted to be unselfish, thinking about the big picture and needs of the team vs. me.
Realizing that looks aren’t everything allowed me to look for traits and qualities in others that had nothing to do with their looks. I wanted friends and lovers who loved others, who were generous and hard working. It didn’t matter to me what someone looked like, I wanted to understand their heart, their work ethic and their values.
So based on those values, and hard learned lessons, it’s interesting to interact with people today who are literally obsessed with appearance…yet have empty hearts and selfish perspectives towards others. We are constantly fooled and made to feel inferior by others highlight reel via social media.
Beauty is really about how you treat others, how you value yourself, your true self, and what you contribute to the world around you. Beauty is found in serving in a soup kitchen, or holding an open door for someone else. Beauty is on display when we put the needs of others before our own. We are at our most beautiful when we are seeking a life that serves the needs of others. We are beautiful when we are living out the purpose for which we were placed on the earth. We are beautiful when we choose to do what’s right, even when no one is looking. Beauty comes from building character, and working to become the best version of ourselves…a lifelong work.
So while selfies likes, and advertisements seem to dictate what beauty really is made of, remember that true beauty comes from within.

Stay Beautiful,

Brandise

BeautybyBrandise.com

Latina in HongKong

Some of you may have been following my adventures and know that I met a special person (now boyfriend) “J” who is the best friend of Bryce, whom I met while filming Project Runway All Stars. Well the stars certainly aligned, the timing finally became right for us (both dating other people when we first met), and now we are in this full-blown relationship that has changed my life.

5 New Year Resolutions You DEFINITELY want to make for 2014

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By Brandise Brockington

In a media driven, beauty inundated society, we are pressured to work on our outside appearances, and sometimes, our insides, the true essence of who we are, can be in serious need of T.L.C.

While pursuing a new diet, to get rid of those holiday pound cakes, or starting a new workout regime, add these tips for use in the New Year, and all year long as well.

Pursue Peace:

Our lives can get very busy! Work, Relationships, Responsibilities….all of these can leave us wiped out and stressed out. What can you schedule into your list of busy life demands that fosters your peace? I say schedule, because it has to be non negotiable. Here are a few ideas: a walk on the beach, sing in the shower, get a pedicure, read a book….

Love Yourself:

Sounds easier said than done, but I mean it in a balanced way. Love your strengths, be aware of your weaknesses, and celebrate whom you are and how far you have come. Don’t spend any time comparing yourself to someone else’s journey. I have always believed that true beauty radiates from the inside out, and we can’t truly love others, until we love ourselves.

Forgive:

Yes I said it! When you read this, was there a certain person whose face came to mind? Is there a situation that happened last year, or before, that still boils your blood? I read once, that forgives is like drinking poison, and expecting the other person to die. Isn’t that crazy? Forgiveness is for YOU, not them. Forgiveness means you release the offending party in your HEART, so that you can be healthy. It in no way justifies or makes acceptable whatever they have done to you. You may need to find someone to help you walk through this process, but I promise you, in the end, you will be healthy and whole inside!

Laugh Loud and Laugh Often:

Did you know that laughter is good medicine? Have you ever had one of those good laughs, the ones that make you cry? I have a friend, and she is soooo funny! When she calls me, it’s usually to tell some silly thing that happened to her, and we literally are crying tears of joy on the phone! Sometimes, it’s just those moments that are so timely, and extremely effective in relieving stress. I also remember once having an awful break up. I was so sad. I called that same friend’s mom because I needed some advice on how to cope. She told me to watch some part of my favorite funny movie everyday, even if it was just a few minutes. It helped! It got my mind off of the break up, and I felt better! Laughter is healing!

Focus on the Positive:

Let’s face it; it’s much easier to focus on what’s WRONG. Turn on the news, and the reports are filled with the negative and horrible things that happened today in your neighborhood, and around the world. We have to put forth effort to find the good, and focus on that. I am not suggesting that we live in a happy bubble, ignoring problems that arise. Make yourself write a list of the 5 things that went RIGHT today. Also, make a jar, and for every good thing that happens to you in 2014, make a note and drop it in the jar. Fill the jar with positive quotes as well. When you are having a bad day, pull something out, and remind yourself to focus on the positive.

Beauty radiates from the inside out. Let’s spend 2014 working on our hearts, minds, and our spirit. Here’s to a beautiful 2014!

BOH Beauty

Brandise is a stylist working from Hawaii to New York. She is an advocate for children and health as she knows that Self-esteem is concern in the Beauty community.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Brandise has always had a passion for all things beauty. Brandise recalls, “I remember playing in my grandmother’s make up as often as I could when I was a little girl. And I have always been the family hairstylist for as long as I can remember.”

Brandise specializes in bringing excellence and simplicity to the complex beauty process. She is adept at bringing beauty to your everyday life, and enhancing that beauty for special occasions.

My Affair…. with Dove

I love my Hair!

Tis true. I think, taking care of my hair is the most time consuming part of getting ready for me. Granted I get ready pretty fast…(so I think..LOL). But I do know and think is that taking care of myself is a big part of staying Mentally Prepared for my day. Because when I take care of me first, I can take care of everyone else better. So Taking care of me is very important. There is more to its than looking cute.

So what does one do when they have frizzy long hair? Well, I will be honest. This is my to do list I do to keep my hair healthy as possible…

1. I wash my hair with Dove’s Hair Therapy.

2. Brush it while its still wet

3. Towel dry it and let the hair be damp dry.

4. Add some Style+Care Frizz-Free Shine Cream-Serum

and let the hair dry out.

Usually I let my hair air dry but If I have to then I’ll use my hair dryer to help it dry up a little bit. Still leaving it moist because I don’t like it all dry.

After my hair is dry I place it in a Swirl Bun. (Is when you swirl you hair and make it into a bun). And a few hours later I have curls and bounce, soft and good smelling hair. Another reason why I don’t like to do too much to my hair is because If i add curls or dry it up with the blow dryer I get a burnt smell.

And then I have this! I like to use my Self Friend pictures because I’m about keeping it real. So this is my Hair after I did What I wrote before.

This is me with my hair about to speak at a Mental Health Pannel at the #LATISM13 conference in New York.

and the Second picture is of me and Mel enjoying New York and an awesome fun time after dinner party. Isn’t she Gorgeous!? 🙂

Note: Disclaimer: These Dove products were provided free of charge in collaboration with Bloggers of Health to facilitate this product review. I just love their Hair Products and I like their Socially responsible company.

Mental Health, Personal Hygiene, Make-up & Style

There is something interesting about having a bad day, more interesting when that bad day can turn into a good day just because you spruced yourself up a little.

Hygiene

Personal hygiene is a frequent topic I ask when someone is sad, down, low… you name it. Why? Because usually when people are not taking care of their physical, they are not doing well inside either. Have you had days where you just don’t want to shower and you want to stay on the couch because you are in a funk? That is what I am talking about… not always a good smelling thing eh?

You see, taking care of your personal hygiene is VERY important because It can help you feel good about yourself. It helps you not smell so others won’t look at your weird for smelling so bad, which helps decrease you feeling insecure. When you comb your hair and brush your teeth you are telling yourself that you are working to make yourself look good. You are showing yourself that you care about you. It is a habit that can happen.

Make-Up & Style

Dressing up can also help bring that bad day into a good day. If you are a lady you can wear some make up (if you’re into that). Some Covergirl make-up can help with that along with some sweet mascara and some lipstick.

http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/lip-makeup/lip-gloss

http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/face-makeup/foundation-makeup

Ladies: You can dress up; use up your girl/woman card. Some cute bangles, some popping’ heals and your dreaded day becomes an “oh cool, this is cute day.”

Sometimes simple things are good for you. It helps bring back that smile, uplift you through feeling beautiful in and out.

Men: Try a nice suit, or slacks and a button down. It’s nice to look good once in a while. If you’re in a job that doesn’t allow a button down, wear that smile and help increase that confidence. You can always look good if you want to.

So Next time you are feeling low, sad or just in a funk, try sprucing yourself up! It doesn’t hurt, it can help.

Hope you have a beautiful day.

Smile (if you want)

Jes Sofia

Covergirl on My Birthday!

This year My Make-up for my Birthday was by CoverGirl.

I used:

Professional Loose Powder

COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Bronzer

LashBlast Volume Mascara

Eye Enhancers 3-Kit Shadows

Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner

COVERGIRL Queen Collection Lasting Lip Pencil

Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss

This was the Outcome:

Thanks CoverGirl for such great Products!

Smile (If you want)

Jes Sofia

Honey for Healing? YES!

This summer I was able to join a group of ladies for a Mini Spa day in Larchmont, Ca. Thanks to the Honey Board! I was thrilled that I was actually able to enjoy Nature’s sweet, Honey.

Honey at the Spa was used as a facial mask, along with oatmeal to help cleanse the skin. I love the idea of using natural products to help our skins feel revamped. I had the pleasure of meeting the reps for Honey! I called them the honey Bees!!! (Yeah I know, I couldn’t resist!) They were so kind and really helped us create a nest.

And Of course I’ve done my research on Why Honey is so important in health. So here you go!

Did you know that Honey is a Healer?

I mean, when you’re sick, your mom always tells you to drink tea con (with) Honey! When you want to cuddle you go to your Honey! Oh wait… this is a different type of Honey. They are nice too…

“Already in ancient times honey was used as a drug and for the treatment of wounds. In recent years the different effects of honey on wound-healingprocesses.” It has been shown that “In the treatment of poorly healing and infected wounds within the head and neck area, medical honey can be used successfully without problems as an effective alternative to conventional treatment options. Constant treatment leads to fast wound lavation, granulation, reduction of putrid smells and a decrease in inflammation.[1]” So basically when you have something going on on your head or neck area you can usually treat it with some sweetness, Honey! … Now, Now not the other honey…. I’m talking about Honey! Ok I’m getting confused now so I will stop that.

I also read that HONEY can help heal superficial burn injuries. And do you know why? It has natural antibiotic agents that help promote healing and prevents so much more from happening to your skin [2]. So the cheerleader in me has to say it! Give me an H- (H you got your H)…ok I’m done.

Now, like with anything I tell you. I will ask you to Please check with your doctor to make sure that you are treated accordingly. But thus far, Honey is a sweet!

Thank you Honey Board!

Smile (If you want)

Jes Sofia

1. Knipping S, Grünewald B, Hirt R., (2012)[Medical honey in the treatment of wound-healing disorders in the head and neck area] HNO.2012 Sep;60(9):830-6.

2. Lloyd EC, Michener M, Williams MS. (2012) Outpatient burns: prevention and care. Am Fam Physician.2012 May 1;85(9):25-32

My Life By Mary J. Blige

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I was looking for one gift: My Clue… A scent, “perfect harmony of Fruit (Pear and Apricot), Gardenia, Tuberose and Cashmere Wood. Plus, it’s just Mary—the confident woman we all know and love.”…I searched through out… what perfume would lead me to this?… I typed (Pear and Apricot) on google and found ONE scent with this description. As I continued to type, I gained “consciousness” and typed everything again. Guess what came out? YES! Mary J. Blige’s New Fragrance, MY LIFE with Carol’s Daughter! It was Warm scent and Confident. Just like my clue… said. I hope this is what the gift called for… hopefully it was not Mary J. Blige herself because I am not hooked up like that yet. 🙂

Get one and you will see what I’m writing about.

Smile (If you want)

Jes Sofia

Lancome Presents: “Beauty of Giving”

You know I love it when Big Companies help out the children of the world. So here you go! 🙂

October 21st, 2011, Lancome invites customers to experience the “Beauty of Giving” by celebrating Genes Day, a one-day national event Lancome began in 2010 to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. On this day, Lancome will donate $7 from the sale of every bottle of Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate to St. Jude. (This is in addition to special promotions and events nationwide surrounding Genes Day throughout the month of October.)

“The partnership between Lancome and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a true celebration of the beauty of giving,” says Lancome ambassadress Julia Roberts. “I’m honored to be part of the Lancome family as it supports St. Jude’s mission of helping children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”

Lancome, the world’s largest luxury beauty brand, pledges to double last year’s donation and raise $300,000 to support the lifesaving research and treatment done at St. Jude.

“We’re proud to join forces with St. Jude for a second year in a row,” says Serge Jureidini, president of Lancome USA. “St. Jude is an organization that shares Lancome’s commitment to groundbreaking research and we’re committed to supporting the cause for years to come.” Jureidini adds that in this second year, it’s even more clear that Lancome and St. Jude share many of the same core values, namely their focus on research-led initiatives. “Our partnership,” says Jureidini, “only grows stronger.”

“Lancome is a partner that, like us, understands the importance and value of research,” says Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. “Our founder Danny Thomas believed that no child should die in the dawn of life, and the funds raised by Genes Day and other Lancome programs throughout October helps enable us to continue the groundbreaking research that leads to cures for children in communities everywhere.”

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, go to www.stjude.org and follow St. Jude on www.facebook.com/stjude and www.twitter.com/stjude.

About Lancome and Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

Lancome, founded in Paris in 1935, is the world’s largest luxury beauty brand. Its award-winning skincare, makeup and fragrances are sold at 2,000 counters across the U.S. Just as science and research are the cornerstones for St. Jude, they are the driving force behind Lancome skin care. Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate, introduced in 2009, is a shining example of this single-minded focus. The award-winning and best-selling product is the result of 10 years of research and the recipient of seven international patents. It also marks the brand’s entry into the area of genes technology as it relates to skin. After extensive clinical testing, Lancome confirmed that in just seven days the Genifique formula enhances the youthful quality of skin and improves skin tone, texture and luminosity. After two months of regular use, Genifique stimulates the production of proteins associated with young skin—this is Lancome research and innovation at its best.

A truly innovative formula, Genifique was the first skincare product to enter the genes territory. And the results speak for themselves: visibly improved tone, texture and luminosity within just seven days. The unique, sleek packaging with the dropper system only adds to its appeal. Fans include “Mad Men” actress Christina Hendricks, Lancome ambassador Julia Roberts, British songbird Lily Allen, supermodel Veronica Webb and star makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury.

About the Lancome and St. Jude partnership

Through scientific and consumer research, Lancome continues to innovate through new concepts in beauty and knows that a woman’s beauty goes beyond appearances. As Lancome’s national charity partner since 2010, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children. Through its focus on research, St. Jude has raised the overall survival rates for childhood cancers from 20 percent in 1962 when the hospital opened to 80 percent today. Lancome respects St. Jude’s passion for research and their focus on finding cures, saving children and making a difference for families. This is why they believe so strongly in the beauty of giving. For more information, go to www.stjude.org.

Genes Day: Celebrating the Beauty of Scientific Research

The suggested retail prices for Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate are $58 for 0.67 ounce; $78 for 1 ounce; $98 for 1.7 ounces; $125 for 2.5 ounces. Those new to Genifique are welcome to stop by the counter during the month of October for a deluxe seven-day sample of the product. On Genes Day, October 21st, a $7 donation will be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for every concentrate sold at a Lancome counter in the United States or at lancome-usa.com.

Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/lancome