True or Falsies #7 - Thickness, Schmickness!!

Does shaving make hair grow back thicker or is this another one of those rumors passed around?

********** FALSE **********

I know it may seem like it, but it’s not the case. Hair growth is actually controlled by hair follicles found just underneath the skin of which are not affected by shaving in any way. It’s all about perception, ladies and gentlemen! When you shave, you're cutting hair off at its largest diameter. What you’re left with is the blunt end, which often times feels coarser and thicker. The stubble feels stiffer because it's short and cut straight across and is exposing the thicker part of the shaft.


You’ll notice that as the hair gets longer - it feels softer. Somehow, I’m thinking that the long hairy look isn’t what you are going for! Waxing is a good option as it makes the skin smoother and the hairs will lessen over time. You may want to start thinking about laser hair removal if you have curly hair or hair that's prone to becoming ingrown from shaving, Laser hair removal generally works best on people with light skin and dark hair.


What’s your true and falsie question? Go to our website and contact our oh-so smart staff with your question.

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar

True or Falsies #6 - Wink, wink!

One of my friends always great little beauty tips for our little group of ladies, but I’m a little unsure of her most recent suggestion.....applying petroleum jelly to your eyelashes to make them grow faster. Is this true or is my friend crazy?

********** FALSE **********

Well, I’m no psychiatrist, but I think you’re friend may be a little crazy!  Applying petroleum jelly to your eyelashes to make them grow faster is just that – CRAZY! Using petroleum jelly on your eyelashes could actually plug glands on the inner rims of your eyelids that produce tears, flush out debris and fend off infections.


Do you want a nasty infection? I didn’t think so! I hate to break it to you, but it’s genetics my friends. You either have those gorgeous thick eyelashes everyone seems to want, or you don’t. Don’t feel bad though. You aren’t alone in that group. In fact, there are quite of few with this very problem...including me. So join the club lovelies!


Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar

SUPERFOOD HIGHWAY: Part 6

POMEGRANATES

Pomegranates are the first thing that usually comes to mind these days when talking about  antioxidants and fruits with major health benefits. Studies show that drinking pomegranate juice daily may help support the normal blood flow to the heart. It has great antioxidant properties which helps keep bad cholesterol from forming. Gotta keep that ticker in shape!


Need some help figuring out what’s fact and what’s fiction about pomegranates? Well, that’s what we are here for!

Health Benefits:

•       Fights Breast Cancer
•       Lung Cancer Prevention
•       Protects the Neonatal Brain
•       Protects the Arteries
•       Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
•       Dental Protection Against Dental Plaque
•       Slows Prostate Cancer
•       Keeps PSA Levels Stable

Phew....the list is getting longer and longer as more research done on the effects of pomegranate juice come to light. Thank goodness for those smart researchers! Pomegranates are a little tricky and time consuming to eat as you have to take all the seeds wrapped in the white membrane, but well worth it once you get it all done. Enjoy those pomegranates!

Recipe Idea:

Grilled Lamb Chops with Pomegranate-Port Reduction


•       1 lemon, zested and juiced
•       2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
•       2 cloves garlic, minced
•       salt and black pepper to taste
•       8 (3 ounce) lamb chops
•       1/2 cup fresh unsweetened pomegranate juice
•       1 cup port wine
•       2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds


Directions


1.      Whisk together the lemon zest and juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl; pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add the lamb chops, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Set aside to marinate.


2.      Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.


3.      Bring the pomegranate juice and port wine to a simmer in a small saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue simmering until the liquid has reduced to half of its original volume, about 45 minutes. Stir in the pomegranate seeds and set aside.


4.      Remove the lamb from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Cook the chops on the preheated grill until they start to firm, and are reddish-pink and juicy in the center, about 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Serve the chops drizzled with the pomegranate-port reduction.

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

SUPERFOOD HIGHWAY: Part 5

GUAVA

Guava is very common fruit seen in Asian countries. Even if you has yet to taste one of these mouth-watering treats, you have at least have seen or heard about it. What you might not know about them is that they are a real powerhouse of nutrients.






Health Benefits:


There are a few reasons why guava is healthy for you. First off, guava has a higher concentration of lycopene (an antioxidant that fights prostate cancer) than any other plant food. Higher than tomato, you ask? Yup. Higher than those too! It’s also rich in fibre with about 9 grams of fibre in every cup. Fibre has found to be beneficial in prevention of diabetes by slowing down the absorption of sugar in the body.


It lowers risk of cancer and diabetes. Guava contains a high vitamin C content which is known as one of the potent antioxidants which help protects cells from free radical damage. Guavas are very good sources of vitamin A, the nutrient best known for preserving and improving eyesight. How does it help your skin? Here is another reason to jump on the guava train.....


Guavas can help improve your skin texture due to the abundance of astringents in its fruits and in leaves. Your skin can benefit two ways from it. By eating the fruits, you can help tighten your muscles. You can also get its benefits by washing your skin with the decoction of its immature fruits and leaves to tone up and tighten the loosened skin.

As an added plus for your skin, guava is very rich in vitamin-A, B, C and potassium which are excellent anti oxidants and detoxifiers. Phew....that was a mouthful! Enjoy your guava!


Recipe Idea:

Guava Preserves


•       24 guavas, peeled
•       2 quarts water
•       4 cups white sugar
•       1 cup fresh orange juice
•       1 cup white sugar, or as needed
•       plantain leaves for wrapping (optional)


1.      Place the guavas in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover, about 2 quarts. Bring to a boil, and then simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Drain fruit and pass through a strainer or food mill to turn into pulp.

2.      Place the pulp in a stainless steel or copper pot and stir in 4 cups of sugar and orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture is thick enough to peel off of the bottom of the pan.

3.      Cover the surface of a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan with about half of the remaining sugar. Pour the hot guava mixture onto it and sprinkle the remaining sugar over the top. Let it cool to room temperature. When cooled, cut into squares and wrap in dried plantain leaves if you like. You could wrap in waxed paper or cellophane if the leaves are not available.


Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar

SUPERFOOD HIGHWAY: Part 4

CINNAMON

Cinnamon. Not only a flavourful spice and pleasant scent, but a common denominator in many comfort foods. I can almost smell the homemade apple pie right now! Okay, so cinnamon may not be that healthy if you mix in confectionary treats, however, on their own they actually has several
health benefits.


How can this great spice help your body? Let’s take a look at some health benefits, shall we?


It can help with a whole whack of things from diabetes to high blood pressure. Let’s not forget to mention how fantastic this little spice is for your skin! Did you know that cinnamon has antimicrobial properties can benefit your skin? Well, now you know! Don’t you feel smarter already? ;)


How to incorporate cinnamon into your everyday diet? Spice up your cup of java tomorrow morning by putting some cinnamon in your coffee pot. You could always try adding a bit to your applesauce. Who am I kidding? You’ll be coming up with ideas of your own in no time. You don’t need my help!


Health Benefits:


•       Aids in lowering blood pressure
•       May prevent blood clotting and reduce cholesterol in people with diabetes
•       Some studies show that cinnamon has an ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections
•       One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory


Recipe Idea:


Cinnamon Applesauce


•       6 cups apples - peeled, cored and chopped
•       3/4 cup water
•       1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•       1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
•       1/2 cup white sugar


1. In a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, water, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.
3. Stir in sugar, and simmer 5 more minutes.

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

Super Food Highway: Part 3

Pumpkin Seeds

Just in time for Halloween....we have our pumpkin seed entry for the Superfood Highway Series. You might think that pumpkin seeds are just the waste products of your Halloween jack-o'-lanterns, but you’d be wasting the most nutritious part of the pumpkin!! The freshest pumpkin seeds you will find will be in the fall when pumpkins are in season. Though, you can find them anywhere all year round. Yay!


You’ve never tried them?!? To give you an idea of what the taste is like – they have a chewy texture with a subtle sweet and nutty flavour. Yum, yum, I say!


Health Benefits:


Go ahead. Eat those pumpkin seeds like they are candy coated chocolates! It’s a super easy way to consume more magnesium. As a regular part of a diet, they aid men In maintaining prostate health, and to maintain good bone mineral density. Osteoporosis isn’t just for the gals, you know?  It is also a potential problem for the older gents.


There have also been a few studies pertaining to the healing properties of pumpkin seeds. They have been recently investigated with respect to arthritis. Good news for those suffering with arthritis. My hands are overjoyed at this possibility! Woohoo! :)


There are approximately 126 calories in 1 serving, about 85 seeds, of roasted pumpkin seeds.


Recipe Idea:


Roasted Pumpkin Seeds


Ingredients:

•       Pumpkin seeds
•       Cooking spray, olive oil, or butter

•       Optional: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, or other seasoning of   choice

1. Rinse pumpkin seeds. Use your fingers to remove all the pulp. Drain pumpkin seeds and discard pulp. Spread out on a cookie sheet to dry overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.

3. Toss pumpkin seeds in olive oil, butter, or spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, or your choice of seasonings. Toss to coat.

4. Bake about 1 hour, tossing every 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.

5. Cool pumpkin seeds before eating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 months or refrigerate up to 1 year.


If you like your toasted pumpkin seeds extra-salty, soak overnight in a solution of 1/4 cup salt to 2 cups of water. Dry an additional day, then proceed as above.


Note: Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepitas.

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

SUPERFOOD HIGHWAY: Part 2

BEETS

Beets might not be first thing you think of when at the grocery store, but don’t let those beets fool you. Underneath that dull appearance, beets have a buttery, sweet flavour and a whole whack of nutrients!


Beets have been known for many years to aid with all sorts of ailments.


Name a few? Ok....are you ready for the list??




Health Benefits:


• Drinking beet juice regularly aids with relief of constipation
• Effective in preventing lung, liver, and skin cancer
• Helps with red blood cell production
• Beets can help in normalizing blood pressure.
• They help keep the elasticity in your veins


What can they do for your skin? Well, beets can be incredibly beneficial in the prevention and cure of skin inflammation, acne, dry skin problems, dandruff and pustules. It also helps eliminate blemishes and promotes healthy skin and hair growth. Wow! Who knew??


As tempting as it may be to go the easy route and use the canned beets....go for fresh ones. In addition to the obvious reasons, the fresh ones come with a bonus - savoury greens! Yum, yum!

1 cup of raw beets has 58 calories!!

Recipe Idea:

 
Bay Leaf Beet Soup


• 4 large red beets, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

•1 red onion, chopped
•2 tablespoons chopped leek
•4 cloves garlic, chopped
•4 cups vegetable broth
•5 bay leaves, broken in half
•1 pinch ground cinnamon
•1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
•1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
•1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
•1/8 teaspoon dried basil
•1 pinch ground cinnamon
•1 pinch ground cumin
•1 pinch dried tarragon


1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Wrap beets in foil.

2. Bake the beets until tender, about 1 hour; allow cooling, and then peeling the beets. Cut them into bite-size chunks.

3. Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat, and cook the red onion, leek, and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, and mix in the beets, bay leaves, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, cinnamon, cumin, and tarragon. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the flavours of the bay leaves and spices are blended, 20 to 25 minutes. Pick out bay leaves.

4. Ladle about 1/4 of the beets into a blender, and add soup liquid as needed to fill the blender about 1/4 full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the beets and broth moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree the beets until smooth, and pour back into the soup.
Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

SUPERFOOD HIGHWAY: Part 1

CABBAGE

Many European and Asian diets consist of a high content of cabbage. Did you know that cabbage is loaded with great nutrients? You may say cabbage schmabbage, but it’s true! There are plenty of ways to incorporate cabbage into your diet without a whole lot of effort, but with many benefits.


Health Benefits: Cabbage has a special nutrient called sulforaphane. This awesome nutrient is working hard to keep you healthy. Sulforaphane has been proven to actually boost your levels of these cancer-fighting enzymes higher than any other plant chemical. Really?!? Yes, really!!


Cabbage is also rich in iodine. What does that help with? Well, it helps brain and the nervous system function properly.  There are a ton of other great nutrients in cabbage such as vitamin-E. This is especially good for keeping your skin, eyes and hair healthy. Throw in some potassium and calcium, a little magnesium and you have a powerful tool for good health!


Oh, and FYI....it’s been reported that cabbage can also be used for treatment of varicose veins. Hooray!!

1 cup of chopped cabbage has only 22 calories!!

Recipe Ideas:


Cabbage Casserole

8 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1 head)
2 onions, chopped
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 lb. (450 g) extra-lean ground beef
2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
2 cans (10 fl oz/284 mL each) condensed tomato soup
2 soup cans water


1) Heat oven to 350ºF.

2) Cook and stir cabbage and onions in dressing in large skillet 5 to 10 min. or until tender. Remove from skillet; set aside.

3) Add meat to skillet; cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in rice, soup and water until well blended. Layer 1/3 of the cabbage mixture and half the meat mixture in 13x9-inch baking dish. Repeat layers; top with remaining cabbage mixture. Cover.

4) Bake for  1 hour.


**************************************


Cabbage Soup


(Not only great for the skin but rumored to be fat burning too)


5 carrots, chopped
3 onions, chopped
2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
1 large head cabbage, chopped
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 (15 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
2 quarts tomato juice
2 green bell peppers, diced
10 stalks celery, chopped
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth


1) Place carrots, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, peppers, and celery in a large pot. Add onion soup mix, tomato juice, beef broth, and enough water to cover vegetables. Simmer until vegetables are tender. May be stored in the refrigerator for several days. 


(Only 90 calories a serving)



Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

Superfood Highway - Getting your skin on the road to healthier looking days!

Youth doesn’t come in a jar of face cream. Yes, yes there are many creams out there that can help with a variety of issues we have with our skin....but really, there are other ways to help get that youthful glow. We are in a time where many people are so busy that they are constantly consuming foods that are easy to make, or are from a take out menu, but oh so bad for us. Funny how we then say to our skin care specialists when getting a facial “I don’t know why my skin keeps changing on me.”


Well, we often put ourselves on these special diets. We all know about those! Even if it wasn’t you on the diet, you’re sitting there nodding your head thinking of that friend of yours. The diet goes well for a bit, but there is temptation everywhere we look! We cheat a little here and there; a bag of chips, that oh-so tasty can of Dr. Pepper, the Chinese buffet across the street from your office. Oh yeah - temptation is out there!


We see the changes in our skin and then look for “quick fixes”. Well, you are going to get a treat over a two week period. Check in at the Urban Buzz on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for entries in our six part series:

SUPERFOOD HIGHWAY: Getting your skin on the road to healthier looking days!

For each entry, we will showcase a specific “superfood”. You’ll get the 411 on its health benefits and as an added bonus – a recipe. Oh, how fancy!! ;) When is this series starting, you ask? Check back on Monday, October 24th for the first entry.


Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

Falling for Fall Contest!

Fall is here and often times we start noticing the changes going on with our skin as the changes in weather begin to appear. It's also a likely possibility that your social calendar has slowed down somewhat as well and now you actually have time to notice that you haven't had a facial in a while. The summer is great, with all that fun in the sun! We're going out to barbeque's, having drinks on the patio, weddings to attend with midnight buffet tables....does the list really end??

The problem with summer is that we sometimes forget about our skin rituals for a little bit. This has gotten me thinking over the last few days about facials and what to do to spread the word. I don't know if it's the passing of Thanksgiving just a few days ago or that I am just feeling very generous today.....buuuuut I woke up today and decided that I'm having another contest! :)

This contest is for Facebook users.

Facials, facials, facials. Just like the title says, it's the "Falling For Facials Contest". We all know someone who could probably use a little pampering, yes? Maybe someone who always says they don't have the time to get out to said spa to get their facial? Is that really their excuse? Eesh! You really DO need to tell them about this contest!

Ok, well let's be nice and share the secret with these friends and get them to sign up as a fan on Facebook....and voila! The 100th fan for The Urban Beauty Bar, will receive a free Express Facial. Remember, we are a mobile spa.....so we come to you! Well, go on now....what are you waiting for? Go out there and spread the word! ;)

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

True & Falsies #5 - Just a dab will do! Not a rub....a DAB! ;)

I always remember my grandmother dabbing a little bit of perfume behind her ears and then a bit on her wrists that she would rub together. Yet, the girls at work seem to think that you should never rub your wrists together when you apply fragrance. Is this true or false?

********** TRUE **********

I’m not really sure who came up with the idea of rubbing your wrists together when you apply fragrance, but it’s a no-no ladies and gents. According to various fragrance experts quizzed on this topic, the consensus seems to be that it is a bad idea.


Why is that, you ask? That’s what I’m here for! The reality is, this action can actually "bruise" the oils contained in the blend you’re wearing. This ultimately will chemically alter the scent. If you fell in love with a particular scent – chances are, you don’t want to mess with it and end up with a different scent all together!


My advice? Spray on your fav fragrance and leave it alone! Let the air do it’s thing and air dry the fragrance on your skin. Unless of course, you are in a competition for how many different fragrances you can make out of your perfume.  Ya, you’re right. You probably don’t want  to do that!


Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar

True & Falsies #4 - To wax or not to wax. That is the question!

Is it true that you shouldn’t wax during or before your period?

 ********** TRUE **********

Don’t you go through enough around the time that you get your period? Seriously! Leave the waxing for another time! There are some hormonal changes that occur just before as well as during ovulation that may heighten the sensitivity of your nerve endings.


What does this mean? It basically means that waxing maybe more painful. Go ahead smarty pants....ask your doctor! There really is no need for you to put yourself through more pain than necessary. Be a smart cookie and book that waxing appointment for just after your period.


Believe me, you’ll be wanting to thank me later. In case you’re wondering – sunflowers, jewellery and chocolate are always nice thank you gifts! ;)



Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

True & Falsies #3: Exfoliatin​g & Waxing

I read somewhere that it is a bad idea to exfoliate your skin with products containing acids before getting waxed. Is this true?

********** TRUE **********

Do the smart thing and learn from my friend Sandra’s mistake instead of learning it the hard way....firsthand! If you are one to regularly exfoliate with products containing a beta hydroxy acid (ie: salicylic) or an alpha hydroxy acid (ie: glycolic) and then get let’s say your eyebrows waxed....you will regret it.


Why is that you ask? Waxing removes a layer of your skin cells just as exfoliating treatments do.  If you are doing both, you are essentially stripping off a layer of skin twice. This will give your skin a raw look leaving it red and itchy. Hey, if you are into harming your skin and achieving the lobster look.....go for it! Otherwise, I’d say lay off the exfoliation treatments when waxing.


Another good point to mention is that retinols double this effect.  If you're using any treatments or creams with retinols (which actually thin your skin), you’ll feel the effects even more!


What is my recommendation for the day?  If you are booking that waxing appointment....be it a bikini or a lip wax - skip the harsh acids and exfoliating treatments for at least one week prior to your appointment. If you are using retinols, make sure to stop usage four weeks prior.


Quick lesson for the day....Exfoliation/acids + waxing = OWWWWW!!!!

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar

True & Falsies #2: Unwanted Puffy Eyes

My mom swears that putting cucumber slices will get rid of my puffy eyes after a night of “too much fun”.  Is this true or just one of those myths?

********** FALSE **********

Oh yes, the unwanted puffy eyes. Aren’t they such an attractive look? Of course not! It’s called sarcasm people! ;)

Who or what to blame for this new look you’re sporting? You have either consumed too much salty food or you’ve had a little too much fun losing count of how many drinks you had last night at your best friend’s birthday party. Not to worry! I’ll help ya out! ;)

Truth be told, there is a botanical ingredient in cucumber, known as cucumis sativus.It can help, but it's not going to be the cure-all you’re looking for. Especially if you are trying to look presentable for that 9:00 am meeting. What you are looking for to help combat puffy eyes are two things:

1)     Coldness:  The coldness is what acts as a vasoconstrictor, constricting the blood vessels and pulling excess fluid out of the tissues to reduce puffiness.

2)     Caffeine: Really?!? That’s right! Caffeine is also a vasoconstrictor.  If you pay attention to beauty product ads, you will notice that many eye gels contain it.

If you really tore up the dance floor last night and look a little like a zombie today – it might be a good idea to double up on the efforts.  I would recommend keeping chilled tea bags in your refrigerator for a cheap solution and a caffeinated eye gel (that should be left in the fridge as well) for a quick fix the morning after.

A little concealer to hide those dark circles and boom! You are good to go! Who says your boss has to know that you’re a party animal? It’s our little secret.....I won’t tell if you won’t!

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

Falling For Nail Polish.....fall colours for the urban gal!

The cooler temperature has me thinking about the fact that summer is coming to an end and fall is just around the corner. My strappy sandals look very upset by this. I think they realize it’s that time of year again where they’re going to be spending a lot of time at home!


It’s time to start making some adjustments: switching tank tops for long sleeves, strappy sandals for closed toe shoes and changing up my nail colour line up. My summer colours are just a bit too bright for the earthiness of autumn.


I am a big fan of China Glaze’s nail polishes. They have a wide range of colours, are reasonably priced and the application brush is one of my fav’s on the market. Enough about that and on to the colour suggestions.


Awaken: This is a great metallic grey colour. It’s a shade that looks good on just about anybody! It’s a great shade for a special event since it has a bit of sparkle to it. Don’t worry though...your nails won’t be sparkling enough to be seen across the room.;)


IX: I love my browns. What can I say? This is a nice deep brown colour that has autumn written all over it!


Wagon Trail: Not everyone will be a big fan of this colour, but I like it more and more each day. It has a deep green undertone with a bit of sparkle to it as well.


Drastic: A gal can never go wrong with having a red nail polish. Lucky for you, there are two on our list! This red is a deeper tone. So for those of you looking for a more festive red, continue on to Red Pearl.


VII: Personally,I think this colour should have been called eggplant. Then again, what do I know about nail polish names? LOL. This is an awesome nail colour that’s bold without being over the top. Me likey!


Bermuda Breakaway: If you find yourself singing the blues this fall, why not make your nail polish match your mood? Be sure to imagine being on a beach in Bermuda while painting on your fav blue. Who knows, it may lift your spirits a bit.


Red Pearl: Someone at China Glaze must have been watching The Wizard of Oz before coming up with this nail colour. It reminds me of Dorothy’s classic ruby slippers. A must have for those fancy nights on the town you have coming up this season.


What are your fall nail colour suggestions? Feel free to comment on your fave’s. After all, it isn’t all about me!

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar

TRUE & FALSIES: 1st Edition

The Urban Beauty Bar Presents.......


TRUE & FALSIES



[Insert game show music here]






We are happy to present the true or false, the good, the bad, and the ugly about all of those common beauty tips that have either been passed down to you or have telephoned, texted, emailed, their way into your beauty bible. If you have a tip that you would like us to "True or Falsies", please drop us a note....frontdesk@theurbanbeautybar.com.

The Urban Beauty Bar's VERY FIRST True & Falsies!!!!!!!

My nail polish is looking blah and almost dry. I was told to add a little nail polish remover into the bottle and then shake it all up to get a few more applications out of it. True or False?

********** FALSE **********

An important lesson I learned years ago was to NEVER, EVER use nail polish remover to thin your nail polish. Why is that? Well, if you are looking to thin your nail polish because it’s gooey and clumpy, then what you want is a nail polish thinner. Makes sense right? I know you’re shaking your head in agreement, yet most of you out there are using nail polish remover. Tisk, tisk!!


The common misconception is to use nail polish remover. The problem with that is quite simple actually. Nail polish remover contains acetone which is built to break down the components in your nail polish and will actually ruin your fav nail colour. Duh! Why didn’t you think of that, huh? Like I said, simple stuff.


So class....what did we learn today? When looking for a quick fix to make that favourite nail polish last longer, add a bit of nail polish THINNER and not REMOVER. It’s super cheap and really, are you looking to ruin that polish all together? I didn’t think so!

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina

The Urban Beauty Bar

WHICH LOGO????

The Urban Beauty Bar is designing a new logo, but we need your help!

Our designers have been hard at work designing three options to choose from. Vote on your favourite logo and you could win a free pedicure. Contest runs from August 24 - September 7th, 2011.

RULES:

1. Visit Facebook at www.facebook.com

2. "LIKE" The Urban Beauty Bar's Fan Page.

3. Vote on your favorite logo.

4. Check your Facebook message inbox to see if you've won the prize!


Good luck to everyone!


Out of the participants in this contest, a lucky winner will be announced and contacted on September 8th.

Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar

Disclaimer

Urban Buzz is provided for general informational purposes only. The opinions expressed here are that of The Urban Beauty Bar and not those of any advertiser, company, affiliate or group. None of the content or opinions are ever meant to harm or malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.


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