Sonia Lovett, Author at Style Beyond Age

5 Ways you can Support Small Businesses During Covid

by Sonia Lovett | May 27, 2020 | Fashion

There´s a whole lot of female-led fabulousness on the Style Beyond Age blog today, we´re sharing 5 ways that you can support small businesses during the time of Covid.

Support Small Businesses during Covid

As the country starts to relax its Covid-19 precautions, we emerge into a different world. No matter where you are, I’m sure that you feel and see a change. Everything from the way we socialize, shop, eat, and engage is evolving.

As we transition into this “new normal,” have you noticed that some of your go-to retailers haven’t come back or are packing up their storefronts for good? Some national retailers haven’t re-opened their doors yet, and if they have, they are only offering limited services or curbside pickups.

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Support Small Businesses

I see my local boutique owners as brave because these are stark and scary times for small businesses. Women often run most of these businesses that we admire and depend on as a community.

And as you know, here at Style Beyond Age, we LOVE to support our fellow female entrepreneurs. I’ve made a list of my favorite shops that you can patronize today and five ways to help support small businesses during these transitional times!

5 Ways you can Support Small Businesses During Covid

(and Beyond)

1 – Shop local – online

Our communities need us now more than ever. Online shopping is convenient and can be done right from the comfort of your couch! Most, if not all, small business retailers have websites offering their products with a click of your mouse that can be delivered right to your door. Honestly, I love this way of shopping. I get just what I need, and it is available for pickup within the hour.

2 – Purchase gift cards

Consider buying gift cards for the businesses you visit most often to use later when they are officially up and running again.

3 – Order takeout

Can’t wait until you can eat your favorite meals from your favorite local restaurants? Many are keeping things going by offering meals to go, and some are even providing free delivery. This is a great way to keep money going into the local community while enjoying all your favorite dishes.

4 – Increase the tip amount

Don’t forget, servers and delivery people will also be feeling the decrease in business, and many of them survive on the tips they’re now missing. If you’re ordering takeout or delivery, consider giving a little more than usual when tipping.

5 – Practice patience

We’re all in this together. Don’t forget that many small businesses are most likely working with a skeleton crew, so you might have to wait a little longer for your delivery to arrive or for items to become available to purchase.

SUPPORT – SHOP – SHARE

Women’s Boutiques and Brands that we love to Support

Join Style Beyond Age in supporting small buisnesses during Covid-19, and beyond.

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Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips Cover

10 Rules to Even Self Tan Application

Day to Evening Maxi Skirt Restyle

10 Rules to Even Self Tan Application

by Sonia Lovett | May 24, 2020 | Skincare

From skin preparation through to applying and preserving your tan. Here are 10 rules to even self-tan application that everyone needs to know.

It´s no secret that I enjoy a good glow. Applying self-tanner allows me to achieve a sun-kissed look any time of the year, without the harmful UV rays damaging my skin. There are a few potential stumbling blocks though, so today on the Style Beyond Age blog, I´m sharing my top tips to achieve an even and natural-looking self-tan.

10 Rules to Even Self-Tan Application

1 – Leave Self-Tanning until Last

Self-Tanning should be the last step in your self-care routine. If you’re planning on getting a manicure, shaving, or waxing, make sure it´s all taken care of before you start your application. These treatments will remove your self-tan and we don´t want you going to all this effort for nothing.

2 – Exfoliate your Body before Applying Self Tan

Self-tan and dry skin do not mix, so exfoliating your body is a crucial step in the application process. I like to use my exfoliating body mitt in the shower, paying particular attention to the heels, ankles, knees and elbows. A back exfoliator is also handy, for those hard-to-reach places.

3 – Exfoliate your Face before applying self-tan

Like your body, your face also requires TLC before self-tan application. I use a facial exfoliating mitt, which is much kinder to your delicate facial skin than the alternative mitt for your body. Methode Brigitte Kettner also has a gentle, yet effective exfoliating tool, that I have been using for years on my face.

4 – Dry Fully Before Applying the Product

After washing and exfoliating, allow yourself time to dry completely before moving onto the next stage. I recommend waiting fifteen minutes once you´re out of the shower. It sounds like a small step, but it can make a big difference, don´t be tempted to rush ahead. A great towel helps with patience. This is my favorite, an oversized lightweight Italian waffle weave towel.

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 7

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 8

5 – Moisturize your Skin

Once you´re fully dry, but before the self-tan is applied, we need to add some moisture back into the skin. I like to use Cetaphil Moisturizer cream around my knees, ankles and elbows to avoid these areas taking on a darker shade. For my face, I choose Perricone MD and pay special attention to my nostrils, eyebrows and hairline.

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 1

6 – From the Bottom to the Top

When applying self-tanner, we work from the bottom to the top. Starting with the feet and legs, moving onto the body, and finally applying to your face.

When applying the self-tan, avoid using your hands. Our hands move the product around the skin too much and often leave us looking sad and streaky, instead use a mitt like this one from Best Bronze for the most even results.

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 3

7 – Applying to your Face

Less is more when it comes to applying self-tan to your face. I sparingly dab the self-tanner on the areas of my face that would naturally catch the sun. Focus on your forehead, cheek bones and around your nose, then gently spread the product out towards your hairline and the edges of your face, to achieve a natural look.

8 – Extend the recommended drying time

For the best self-tan results, extend the recommended drying time of the product. If product guidelines recommend ten minutes, allow for twenty and you won´t be in for any nasty surprise streaks.

9 – Tidy Up Problem Areas

If you have messed up, there are ways to rectify things. Some say rubbing a lemon on the area will remove streaks. For those streaks that a lemon can´t budge, soak the area in warm water and oil to remove the tanner, before applying again.

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 2

10 – Preserve your Tan

Now that you’ve gone to all this effort, we want your tan to last. Keeping your skin moisturized, washing gently in the shower and minimal exfoliation will help to preserve your tan and keep it looking good for longer.

I hope you enjoyed these 10 rules to even self-tan application.

Will you be giving them a try?

Shop the Self Tan Products I Use

MicrodermaMitt Body Mitt

From $30

MicrodermaMitt Face Mitt

From $30

Back Exfoliator

$10.99

.

Methode Brigitte Kettner Exfoliating Tool

Regular Price $200

Oversized Lightweight Italian Waffle Weave Towel

Regular Price $110

Style Beyond Age Oversized Waffle Weave Towel

Cetaphil Moisturizer

Regular price $10.99

Perricone MD

On Sale $149

Best Bronze Self-Tan Application Mitt

Regular price $6

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Applicator Mitt

Best Bronze Clear Vegan Self-Tanning Mouse

On Sale $39

Style Beyond Age Clear Vegan Self Tanning Mouse Best Bronze

Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer

Regular Price $37

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Style Beyond Age tries Face Yoga for Anti Aging

5 Face Yoga Exercises to Naturally Combat the Signs of Aging

Day to Evening Maxi Skirt Restyle

by Sonia Lovett | May 20, 2020 | Fashion

Today, at Style Beyond Age, we´re taking you from day to night with a maxi skirt restyle. As you know, we love to feature women-owned brands and businesses. I was over the bridge, excited to connect with the Peruvian Connection. Not only are they a woman-owned company but were founded by a mother and daughter team! That resonates with me because, as you know, I am super close with my daughter and our resident stylist, Serena.

She has taught me a lot over the years about styling and using dynamic color theory to change a look completely.

When we shop for clothing, we look for items that can be worn in multiple unique ways and through the seasons. Today, we’re going to show you how to style this jacquard circle skirt, from Peruvian Connection, for a casual day time look and another for a warm summer night.

How to Wear a Bohemian Maxi Skirt Casually

Let’s be real; you know that I only live in casual looks here in Montana. Keeping it light, I paired my Siena skirt with one of the Peruvian Connections Sophia Swing Cami in blush and used a white camp shirt to cover up. Layered with a suede and pearl lariat necklace from Proud Pearls and topped it off with a tan straw hat (also Peruvian Connection).

Once Upon A Warm Summer Night

My Day to Night Maxi Skirt Restyle

I swapped out the blush cami and white camp shirt for a more romantic black knit blouse that I’ve had for years. I love the soft fabric and off the shoulder neckline of this top. It makes any outfit feel softer and more romantic. Paired with delicate black wicker handbag and my favorite vintage silver and coral pieces, I feel like Stevie Nicks!

Style-Beyond-Age-Peruvian-Connection_DETAILS

Maxi Skirt Restyle

If you enjoyed this day to night maxi skirt restyle, you can pick up a few pieces of your own…

Shop these Looks

Siena Pima Cotton Skirt

$239.00

Sophia Swing Cami

$89.00

Apolline Hat

$149.00

Basket S Tassel Pom Black

$170.00

Off The Shoulder Thong Bodysuit

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5 Face Yoga Exercises to Naturally Combat the Signs of Aging

by Sonia Lovett | May 17, 2020 | Skincare, Wellness

Aging gracefully can be a scary thought in a world saturated with lotions, potions and procedures that promise to be the elixir of youth. Facial yoga is a practice on the rise and it is said to achieve that youthful lift many of us are searching for. Here are 5 face yoga exercises to combat the signs of aging, that you can try at home.

Queue the funny faces…

What is Face Yoga

Face yoga is a natural alternative to procedures like facelifts and Botox. It uses repetitive exercises and a range of stretches to strengthen the muscles under your skin, improve circulation and maintain your natural beauty. With regular practice, facial yoga works to combat, and in some cases even reverse, the signs of aging. It utilizes a range of facial exercises to tackle those telltale signs; crows feet, forehead wrinkles, drooping eyelids, jowls, thinning skin and eye wrinkles. Ready to take on them all?

Benefits of Face Yoga

I was making the funny faces in the mirror by this point, but here are a few more reasons to give it a try. Face yoga benefits include:

Decreased fold lines
Wider, more open eyes
Reduce forehead lines
Wider, fuller lips and mouth
Uplifted corners of the mouth
Improved lymphatic flow
Reduction in dark under eye circles
Plumper cheeks
Slimmer, more defined jaw line
Tighter neck and chin
Increased blood flow
Released tension
Smoother skin
Can easily be practiced at home

Style Beyond Age Face Yoga Exercises for Anti Aging

Fans of Face Yoga

I´m not usually one for celebrity endorsements, however Megan Markle, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston have all spoken about the benefits of face yoga, and just look at their skin. With youthful complexions like theirs to advocate, it´s worth seeing what difference a few strange expressions can make.

How to Practice Face Yoga

Much like traditional yoga, face yoga takes daily practice for the best results. I´ve been doing my exercises in front of the bathroom mirror and we should start to see results after just a few weeks.

Ready to Practice Face Yoga?

5 face yoga exercises to combat the signs of aging.

Exercise 1 – Eye Lift

Targets: Crows feet and droopy eyelids.

When performed on a regular basis, this exercise is said to smooth out skin around the eye and reduce lid drooping.

How to perform

Lifting one arm up and around your head, place your fingertips on your temple, with your ring finger positioned on the corner of your eyebrow.
Apply pressure through your fingers to lift the skin and then drop your head towards your shoulder.
Hold this pose for three seconds and repeat on the other side.

Exercise 2 – Cheek Plumper

Targets: Fullness in cheeks

As we age our cheeks can loose fullness. This face yoga exercise works the cheek muscles, improving circulation and giving the cheeks a plumper appearance.

How to Perform

With your lips closed tightly, suck in your cheeks to form a fish-like mouth.
Hold this exercise for around ten seconds and relax.
Repeat five time for each practice.

Exercise 3 – Jowl & Neck Tightener

Targets: Jowls

Designed to tighten the neck, resulting in a firmer, more defined jaw line.

How to Perform

Pucker your lips and leading with your mouth, stretch your lower face to one side, as far over as possible.
Turn your head to that side and raise your chin to a 45 degree angle (you should feel the stretch in your neck)
Hold for 10 seconds, relax, and then do the same for the other side.
Repeat 3 times each day, as part of your practice.

Exercise 4 – Neck Tightener

Targets: Loose skin around the neck and jawline

Since skin around the neck is thinner, it is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging. This simple exercise works to strengthen neck muscles and improve circulation in this area.

How to Perform

Place fingertips on your collar bone, tilt your head backwards and pucker your lips.
After two deep breaths, move your lower jaw forward to increase the stretch for a further two breaths.
Once your breaths are complete, relax bring your head back to center and repeat three more times.

Style Beyond Age Face Yoga Neck Tightener

Exercise 5 – Forehead Smoother

Targets: Forehead lines

This is my favorite exercise to end on as it smooths forehead lines and relaxes your forehead muscles – a lot of tension can be stored here.

How to Perform

Making two fists, place them together in the center of your forehead.
Begin to apply pressure using your index and middle finger knuckles.
Maintaining the pressure, steadily drag your fist out from the center of your forehead, ending at your temples.
Repeat this five times to end your face yoga practice for the day.

Giggles aside, I think there could be something to this. Are you going to try these 5 face yoga exercises to combat the signs of aging?

If you want to find out more, head over to the Face Yoga Method . They offer guidance and some more face yoga exercises to try.

Had enough of the exercise? Grab yourself a drink and browse through our latest Fashion, Skincare and Wellness blogs.

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Boho Refreshed with our Resident Stylist

by Sonia Lovett | May 13, 2020 | Fashion

We’ve got company. Join us for Boho Refreshed with our resident stylist, Serena. We’re shopping from my closet, restyling old favorites and embracing a romantic boho style.