What changes can you make to your makeup bag & beauty regime to have a more radiant & healthy New Year?  Celebrity makeup artist and balanced beauty expert (and very gorgeous!) Chantal Moore has wrapped up some essentials in this “Best Of Balanced Beauty” for 2012 post that, as I look back, helps me see how much my look has changed since Chantal came into my life!  From a healthy & effective deodorant (the two don’t usually mix, let’s be honest…but his one is genius!) to skin & makeup essentials, this round-up from Chantal can simplify your New Year Beauty Resolutions!

(a little Helen Frankenthaler nature-loving beautiful to set the mood!)

From Chantal: It’s that time- time to look back on what stood out for us during 2012. Time for a year end round up of some all time Balanced Beauty favorites! It was very hard to narrow it down because looking back-we had so many outstanding product suggestions and introductions each week in 2012. These products all deserve a second mention and are all “Hall of Famers”  in their own right. Here is a look back at some of our favorite brands and their products that we brought to you here on The Tao of Dana in 2012.

 

Heir Atelier Ultimate Make Up Prep. This silicone and paraben free facial serum was developed by Makeup Artist Kendra Richards. This serum really does do it all- it primes, refines and moisturizes the skin providing the ultimate “platform” for makeup application. I’m not a fan of layering too much under makeup- so I love a serum that can do so much without wearing heavy on the skin. This serum is light and has a fresh scent that will remind you of a day at the spa. I have used it on women and men both. It gives the skin a refined finish. It does not leave the skin feeling oily or greasy. Despite it’s keen ability to effectively hydrate- it did not break out even the most sensitive of breakout prone skin that I used it on. The serum contains skin soothing ingredients like Vitamins C & E, Jojoba, Licorice Root and anti aging peptides. Cruelty free- Heir Atelier Ultimate Make Up Prep was road tested on models, Makeup Artists and celebrities.  Learn more about Heir Atelier Ultimate Make Up Prep at their website right here.”

“Gaelle Organic Creme Superieure Organic Moisturizer is a beauty insider favorite. This chemical free, all natural, organic treatment creme is a multi tasker- so you can apply it all over the face and neck ( no need for separate eye and neck cream with this).  It works great under makeup when worn during the day and can also be applied at night for concentrated treatment while you sleep. Founder Gaelle Kennedy is quoted on her website- “I’ve always believed that if the ingredients in a beauty product are not good enough to eat, then they are not good enough for my face.”  I really appreciate that philosophy. Visit the Gaelle Organic website HERE to learn more about all of her products.”

 

There are some very alarming statistics out there showing that a really high percentage of all breast cancers take place in the upper quadrant of the outer breast near the under arm lymphatic system. This has many women concerned and researching “safe” deodorant options for themselves and loved ones. After trying everything out there that I could find- I found a 100% natural deodorant that has become a favorite. This is a product that I truly love. I actually have many of their products and switch up the deodorant scents depending on my mood. My very favorite of all the deodorant scents Lavanila offers is Vanilla Coconut, but I also love and use Vanilla Lavender and Pure Vanilla.  This is a safe, natural deodorant that performs- and comes in scents that smell absolutely beautiful. Learn more about Lavanila HERE.”