My Skin Care Secrets

Happy Friday! I am excited to say that I am going to be expanding Sparkling From The Inside Out into a health AND beauty blog! It’s important to me that Sparkling From The Inside Out is constantly evolving and growing. I truly believe that when you feel good, you look good and when you look good, you feel good! Outer beauty starts on the inside, and I want my website to help everyone optimize their natural beauty.  My hope is that with Sparkling From The Inside Out, you will be able to become the very best version of yourself and be the very best YOU, you can possibly be! With that being said, stay tuned for a lot of fun and exciting beauty tips and tricks that not only I use, but also secret tricks that professional make up artists and hairstylists use as well! 

I am kicking off this new endeavor with my all-time favorite skin care products and secrets! 

#1 Face Wash: Obaji.  I have used this face wash for over 13 years.  I had chronic keratosis pilaris growing up so I had to start using face wash at a very young age.  I have tried a lot of different face washes over the years… Clinique, MAC, Neutrogena, Proactive, & Clean and Clear. I have pretty much tried everything at one point or another and I have always resorted back to this one.  I love everything about it but I especially love the way my skin feels after I use it.  I highly recommend this product and in my opinion it’s best to invest a good face wash over anything else.  (my mom has also used this skin care line for YEARS and has beautiful, young skin!) Click HERE for information on Obaji.

#2 Face Lotion: Neutrogena Oil-Free.  I have also used this product for several years.  I have experimented with several other products but I enjoy this one and it’s inexpensive.  You can find it at almost every drug and grocery store.  Neutrogena has a few of the same kind (oil-free) that has sunscreen in it, but I personally do not like those.  I can feel a difference between the ones that have sunscreen and the one that doesn’t, so be on the look out!   Obaji has a face lotion called Vitamin-C that I like a lot too, but it’s pricey and I personally don’t find it necessary to use.  If you are dealing with a chronic skin problem then you may want to check into the Obaji lotion.  Obaji has a fantastic skin care line.  

#3 Juice: drinking just one juice a day can improve your skin.  Your skin is a reflection of your health.  Our liver is detoxing our bodies 24/7.  With all of the chemicals, processed food, sugar, alcohol, pollution, and other junk we put into our bodies, our liver has to work that much harder to cleanse all of those toxic chemicals out.  When the liver is being over worked, it recruits the skin.  There are other reasons that cause skin problems however, adding more natural fruits and veggies into your daily diet can certainly help decrease those issues.  

Juicing has several detoxing and cleansing benefits, but one of the most beneficial things juicing does is clean out the liver.  By cleaning out the liver, you will be able to clean up your skin.  By drinking just one juice a day, you are able to remove some of the toxins built up inside your body.  Fruits and Veggies that help with skin are: Carrots, Pineapple, Kale, Beets, Celery,  Lemon, Apple, and Cucumber.  

Juicing is also very hydrating to your cells and internal organs which reflects positively on your skin.  

#4 Exfoliate:  I like to use these little exfoliating pads about once a week just to make sure I completely remove everything.  I don’t like to exfoliate frequently because it feels too harsh on my skin. I purchase these at target .

#5 Never workout with make up on:  When you sweat, your pores open up so you do not want make up going directly into your pores.  Working out with make up on can cause breakouts.  

#6  Never go to bed with a dirty face: No matter how tired you are at night, always wash your face before going to bed! Our bodies naturally detox every night and it is so important that your pores are clean and clear! 

#7 Zit Cream:  Since I started juicing, I can’t say that I have had one break out.  I haven’t touched my acne cream once in almost two years, but prior to juicing I would break out occasionally and I would use Kate Somerville’s acne cream.  You can purchase this as Sephora.  

#8 Keep it simple:  As much as I want to say that I have all these cool little tricks up my sleeve, the truth is, I don’t.  Since I started juicing, I have been able to keep it really simple when taking care of my skin.  I don’t use foundation… I only use loose powder.  I only do face masks when I randomly have to urge to do so and I don’t spend a lot of money on skin care products.  

As I mentioned earlier, outer beauty starts on the inside.  Rather than investing and spending a ton of money on skin care products, try to invest in what you are putting into your refrigerator and pantry.  Start making small changes, such as incorporating one juice a day into your diet.  Slowly but surely start to expand your intake of natural fruits and veggies and I promise that your body will start to follow! 

XoXo 

Ashley 

For daily tips, tricks, and inspiration follow me on twitter: MissAshleyMoora

or  

On Instagram: ashleynicolemora1 

5 Beauty Products I Love

5 Beauty Products I Love 

These are some of my all time favorite beauty products that I use daily!  For me, these products were game changers that became my essentials.  These are some of the very best beauty products on the market, in my opinion! I love them, I use them, and I recommend them!  

Chi Silk Infusion

This stuff is the real deal.  I have naturally curly hair, so whenever I straighten my hair, I try to avoid as much damage as possible. I ALWAYS use Chi Silk Infusion when straightening my hair.  I have tried many other serums when styling my hair and this is by far my favorite.  This product protects your hair from heat damage AND makes your hair feel silky and look shiny.  I can notice a big difference whenever I straighten my hair without using it. I also like this serum because it’s thin… it doesn’t leave your hair with that greasy feeling, which a lot of other serums do. It's a little expensive, however one bottle lasts forever.  I usually only use a small amount (dime size) before blow drying and then another small amount before flat ironing or curling.  

(Link Here...Sold at most drug stores) 

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer 

I use to think that eye shadow primer wasn’t necessary until I tried Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion.  I love this primer because it makes your eye shadow last all day and night.  This product does a fantastic job of keeping your makeup in place!  Your eye shadow will not crease, budge, or fade! This primer has the best balance when it comes to texture.  It’s creamy, and easy to apply without being too creamy.  It’s easy to blend and a little bit goes a long way.  One tube lasts about a year with daily use! 

(Link Here...Sold at Sephora and Ulta) 

There are four different “potions” I prefer the Eden because it’s a matte primer.  The others have shimmer in them.   

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheet 

I don’t like to re-apply makeup throughout the day so these babies are my saving grace.  Each pack comes with 50 sheets that you can blot your face with, removing the oil but not removing your makeup!  I have pretty oily skin, so I keep a pack of these in my purse and use them throughout the day.  I really dislike re-applying make up on an already dirty face, I think it’s harmful to the skin.  When I can do something to avoid a breakout, I take advantage of it! Love these things… I have been using them for years.  

(Link Here...Sold at most drug stores)

Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara 

 I looovveeee this mascara! It’s the best mascara on the market.  I have used several other name brand mascaras from expensive make up stores and I ALWAYS come back to this mascara.  The brush is perfect, very easy to apply.  I like the carbon black because it’s very black, giving your eye lashes a dramatic look.  It doesn’t flake, it comes off easily, it's not too thin or thick. I feel like it adds volume, length, doesn’t clump, and applies evenly! It’s just a really good mascara!  Whenever I go on modeling jobs, I check out the makeup artists collection of makeup and this specific mascara is used by almost all make up artists.   

(Link Here...Sold at most drug stores)

Instant Bronzer Shimmer Powder 

I received this as a gift years ago and have continued to purchase it ever since! I love this stuff… I don’t use it daily but I do use it a lot.  I love to dust myself in it for a little extra glow.  I feel like it gives my skin a pretty, sun kissed look! I usually sweep it on my chest, shoulders, arms and legs depending on what I’m wearing.  

(Link Here...Sold at Victoria’s Secret) 

I hope your week is off to a fabulous start and that you enjoyed this blog! 

I am very excited to share more of my beauty tips and tricks with you all! 

Xoxo 

Ashley 

How to be Confident

How to be Confident 

I AM 

Confident 

Passionate 

Enthusiastic 

Born with a Purpose 

Confidence is the foundation for everything in life.  Whether you have a an interview for a new job, are going on a date, giving a presentation in class, or performing for an audience,  making your presence known and leaving a lasting impression with everyone you meet, is a powerful trait.  Having confidence makes your feel more valuable and ultimately leads to more success in EVERY aspect of your life!    

There are so many people who live everyday with self-limiting beliefs.  No one controls your confidence but YOU, which means at any given time, you can become more confident… you can become the person you have always wanted to be.  Don’t settle for what is, strive for what could be!  You are a gift, meant to do great things on this earth. I hope by the end of this post you feel inspired and confident to take on the world! 

Stop comparing yourself to others  

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” -Theodore Roosevelt 

We are each beautiful in our own unique way.  To spend one second comparing ourselves to someone else is unfair. There is a sense of freedom you get when you stop competing and start appreciating.  When you start comparing yourself to others, you start to lose confidence in yourself!  Don’t let anyone rob you of reaching your full potential.  

Fake it till you make it. 

One of my favorite quotes is, “change your thoughts, change your world.”  Our thoughts are much more powerful than we could ever imagine.  What we think is literally what we become.  Imitating confidence will not only trick everyone around you into thinking that you in fact confident, but it will also send signals from your brain to your body that you are confident! So stand up straight, hold your head up high, and put on a smile! Before you know it, everyone around you will think you are expert… including yourself! 

Journal 

I know journaling seems like a thing of the past, but I find it so important.  You don’t have to write long novels every single night, but try writing down the things that you accomplish every week.  It doesn’t have to be some grand gesture… maybe you turned down a cookie at the office this week and that made you proud! Write down anything that makes you feel accomplished.  Then, whenever you are feeling down or disappointed, look back in your journal.  Your frown will start to turn upside down!  

Channel your favorite celebrity

When you find yourself feeling like you are in a less-than state of mind, think of a person who you admire!  The positive qualities that we look up to in our favorite celebrities not only empower us but they also push us to become the best version of ourselves we can possibly be! Take a second to think about someone who makes you want to be a better person, write down the qualities that attract you to them, and think of that person when you find yourself feeling nervous! 

Stay Positive 

I start each day with writing down 5 things I am grateful for.  There is something about starting your day with gratitude that really changes your perspective.  Being able to start your day with such an uplifting and positive outlook on life, sets you up for success! 

Accept your mistakes 

Mistakes are inevitable… the best thing you can do is move on!  Always remember… “Every setback is a setup for comeback!” And don't be so hard on yourself... a 90% is still an A! 

Exercise

Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins.  Endorphins make you happy..”  and she was right! Working out makes you feel so much better!  When you feel good you, look good, and when you look good, you feel good!  Even if you can only workout 20 minutes a day, make it happen.  You will thank yourself later!  

Love yourself 

As I mentioned earlier, our thoughts are powerful.  They feed our soul, and nourish our body.  Make sure the energy you are sending yourself is positive. Thinking negative thoughts is just like eating junk food.  They start to poison us from the inside out.  The best way to change your thought process is to start writing daily affirmations.  I encourage you to spend the next 30 days writing something positive down, 10 times a day.  It can be anything you want… as long as it’s encouraging and celebrating you!  

When we achieve self-confidence, we know who we are and appreciate ourselves for it.  I truly believe that once self-confidence is running through our veins, we start to make better choices and decisions in life.  Whether we like it or not, our confidence effects how we live and enjoy our life.    With dedication and determination… we can achieve ANYTHING!  Never let your will to succeed, die down!  

Always do something to keep that fire in your belly burning!  

XoXo 

Ashley 

Tips for Whiter Teeth

Hello all! I hope you're having a fantastic week!

Your smile is one accessory that never goes out of style.  It's only natural that we want to achieve that photo-friendly, sparkling smile!  A question I get asked ALL the time is what I use to get my teeth so white.  Since it seems to be such a frequent question I get asked, I figured I would share it on the blog.   I don't really do anything that out of the ordinary, but if these tips and tricks can help you, I'm happy! 

Here are my tips for whiter teeth: 

1. Sip EVERYTHING out of a straw... especially drinks that aren't clear.  This includes coffee (hot or cold), tea, dark juices, etc.  If it's a dark liquid, it will stain your teeth.  If you are going to be drinking a colored liquid and can't sip out of straw, make sure and brush your teeth immediately after you're finished.  For example, red wine! 

2. Brush your teeth every morning and every night. 

3. Don't smoke. 

4. Gargle with Apple Cider Vinegar.  This helps remove stains for a whiter brighter smile and it also helps kill any bacteria in the mouth and on the gums.

5.  Use Whitening Toothpaste.  My favorite brand is Optic White.

6. Occasionally use Whitening Strips.  I typically use the strips every two or more years.  In the past, I always used them before a big event but once I felt like my teeth were white enough, I tapered back.  I rarely use them anymore but they definitely played a huge role in making my teeth white.  My favorite brand is the Crest White Strips.  Now, I'll use the Gentle Routine Crest White Strips, if I feel like need to use them.

I hope you enjoyed this blog! 

XoXo 

Ash 

Eyelash Extensions

Makeup Monday’s 

Photo Credits | Makeup: Alanna Garcia | Lashes: iLash Factory 

Happy Monday!  I’m very excited to start incorporating some fun and new topics on the blog!  My inspiration always comes from you all and the questions I most frequently get asked.  With that being said, from here on out, every Monday I’ll be sharing some of my all-time favorite beauty products, beauty secrets, beauty how to’s, and trendy looks.  

Since “Catching Kelce” aired, I’ve had a few people ask if it was hard being in front of cameras 24/7 and if I had to stay ready at all times.  I was never told that I had to stay ready or look a certain way however we knew that this show was going to air nationally and internationally so naturally you want to look your best at all times.  

My solution to getting an easy glam look without much effort also happens to be one of my best beauty secrets.  So what is this magical trick?  

I have two words for you, Eyelash Extensions!  I absolutely love my lash extensions!  Let me tell you why… 

1.      I save time.  Not having to apply mascara every single morning is heavenly, but what’s even better is not having to apply fake eye lashes.  There was no way I wanted to put on fake eyelashes every single morning while filming Catching Kelce.  Eyelash Extensions were my saving grace. 

2.     I love the look.  A simple yet important reason why I love lash extensions.  Who wouldn’t want to look great 24 hours a day? You can wear no makeup yet still have an effortlessly glam look.  It’s awesome! 

3.     I can customize the kind of lashes/look I want.  If you’re like me and scared of having over-the-top tacky lashes, don’t worry! You can choose your length, thickness, and amount of lashes applied.  You can make them as natural or as high glam as you’d like. 

Those are just a few of the pro’s to lash extensions.  They were great for the show and I still love them now that I’m back in Albuquerque living my day to day life.  I’ve had lash extensions for almost two years now.  I wasn’t asked or paid to post about his product, just wanted to share one of my beauty secrets.   If you’re in Albuquerque, I highly recommend iLash Factory!  Click here for their information.  

Photo Credits 

Makeup: Alanna Garcia 

Lashes: iLash Factory 

XoXo, 

Ash