Getting to Know McKenzie Westmore

You may recognize McKenzie Westmore from her 10 year run as "Sheridan Crane" on NBC's popular daytime drama Passions but that isn't all she is best known for - an actress, television host, wife, mother and fitness and health enthusiast are a few more titles she holds. Currently, she is host of SyFy's new special effects and make-up competition series FACE OFF - a new show we are loving. 

McKenzie also has quite the background in personal training and nutrition as a health, beauty, fitness and nutrition enthusiast! What else could she add to her full multi-tasking plate? A line of wellness products! McKenzie has created a line to enhance the health, beauty and well being of women everywhere. 

We are thrilled to share the lovely Mrs. Westmore with our readers as she truly is an inspiration of how you can do it all! 

{1} You do it all -- you hold so many titles. How do you manage it all?

Some days I wonder myself! Honestly, I am a very organized  person but even still it’s not easy and it’s always a juggling act. I am always making notes in my phone for the day of what needs to be accomplished, making sure Maddox is taken care of at all times! 

{2} Many of us watched you for years on Passions. Do you miss that chapter in your life? Do you have a favorite episode you filmed?  

There are certain aspects that I miss from my Passions days but am thrilled with where my life and career are headed now. As or a favorite episode I would have to say the first Tango between Luis and Sheridan.  It was really the first time seeing the sparks between the characters and my first time dancing on television, which scared me to death but I loved it! 

{3} Congrats on your new show, Face Off! What can you tell us about the new competition series? 

Face Off is a competition/elimination series exploring the world of special-effects make-up. The contestants are given a certain amount of time to create their own original works of art ranging from full body paint make up on models to creating their own horror villain. Not only does the show incorporate effects make-up but it will also include a wide range of skill sets. It all ends with one winner and one grand prize that will launch a career.  

Each episode brings something new and exciting.  If you have ever asked “How did they do that?” or “How did they make that?” in a movie or television show then FACE OFF is for you!

{4} Besides the new show you are working on developing a line of wellness products. Can you tell us a little about that?  

I’m working on a series of products for beauty, health, nutrition and wellness.  I'm very excited about these products because they have been inspired by my family's rich history, knowledge, and legacy as pioneers in the world of Hollywood make-up arts.  

{5} What can we find in your make-up bag?  

Oh boy!  What cant you find! I love trying and testing out new products but my staples are a bronze primer to start.  I’m not big on foundation since it’s so heavy on the skin and I love a more natural look so I use a tinted moisturizer with spf, mineral powder.  

As for my signature colors, I always stick with a pink blush and pink eye shadow with either brown or black eyeliner and use either white or light blue on the table of my eye to brighten them up.  For lips its usually just gloss and now I Love Lip Fusion XL!  It has totally pumped my lips naturally! 

{6} With background in personal training - what do you always tell your clients? Do you have a favorite work out?  

I always stress the importance of a well-rounded workout that is based in cardio and weight bearing moves.  I’ve always been a big fan of yoga because it not only is so great for the body but for the mind and soul too!  One of my all time favorite yoga practices is HP Yoga by Steve Ilg. 

{7} For those who always can't get to the gym - what do you suggest they do in their own home? 

When it’s a rainy day and I'm home I do a combination of yoga based moves as well as jumping jacks, pushups, jogging in place…etc…you really can get a great workout in wherever you are with simple tools we all have in our home.   Even when Maddox was a baby I would incorporate him in my workouts holding him close doing squats and such.  

10 THINGS WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT MCKENZIE! 

I’ve really been an open book most my life so here goes… 

1. I trained in opera and am a coloratura soprano.  I love to sing to this day! 

2. I am a trained equestrian rider in English and Gymnastics on horseback. 

3. I can raise one eyebrow and wiggle my ears.

4. I hate liver and onions.

5. I could live on sushi! 

6. I’m an expressive person and communicator and a huge pet peeve is when someone doesn’t pay me the same respect.

7. I first acting job was at 14 months old in a Bold Detergent commercial. 

8. My favorite color is turquoise.

9.  My favorite cars are a ’57 Chevy and Mercedes Gull wing.

10. I love to bake and make a mean cookie! 

Love her right? We do! Make sure you follow McKenzie on Twitter and tune in to Face Off on the SyFy channel, Wednesday at 10pm! 

Beauty Item of the Week: H20

By Emily Ehlers

We just got news that the high here in Florida will be 77 degrees today, which totally got me in the mood for some gotta-have-it spring items! I wanted to share one of my absolute favorite products with you all. H20 is a skincare brand that is based off of all natural sea minerals, and offers a great variety from bath/body, to skin and hair care, as well as fun little gifts. H20 body lotions and scrubs come in fun, colorful scents like 'tango mango' and 'blushing orange', but for you ladies(and gents) in need of a skin firming solution-they've got that as well! One of my personal staples this winter was H20 sunless tanner (face) and sunless tanner (body). You simply apply it after a shower just like lotion, and wait for it to settle. Nobody can ever tell the difference, and it looks flawless! So, if you're in the mood for Spring, take a moment to indulge in this awesome line.

HEIDI KLUM LOOKS GLAM AT THE 2011 GOLDEN GLOBE

 WHO: ASTOR Brand Ambassador and Artistic Advisor, Heidi Klum

WHAT: Heidi Klum attended the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

WHEN: Sunday, January 16, 2011

THE LOOK: Heidi Klum rocked the red carpet with glamorous 70’s inspired makeup at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. Klum emphasized her eyes with a playful combination of plum and chocolate hues, while her extra long lashes added a hint of drama to this sophisticated look. The soft and subtle peach cheek and lip kept Klum looking radiant and fresh faced, providing an all over glow, perfect for the red carpet.

To capture her glamorous look, Heidi wears the following products:

FACE:

ASTOR Mattitude HD Anti Shine High Definition Foundation: Mattitude HD provides an even matt natural looking finish with 16 hours of shine control.  The oil free and light gel formula leaves skin feeling soft and supple and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

EYES:

ASTOR Colour Vision Eyeshadow Palette – Tropical Velvet (shade 010): This easy to apply eye shadow with a crease resistant formula provides a long lasting, flawless look.

ASTOR Big and Beautiful False Lash Look Mascara: The unique, extra-soft brush plumps and fans lashes to look 5 times thicker while the customized formula enriched with Natural Cotton, Silk powders and Keratin moisturizes and pampers eyelashes.

LIPS:

Perfect Stay Lip Tint – (shade 400): The new 2-step Perfect Stay Lip Tint & Balm offers weightless colour that won’t rub off or smear. Lips are tinted with transfer proof colour so light you’ll forget you’re wearing it – but your lips won’t.

Must Read NOW!

I am a lucky gal. I have a FAB family! Well, lucky for you - I get to share one FAB family member with you! Allow me to introduce Cassi Hurd, my pretty-major cousin who is livin' the dream in New York City as a FABulous hair & make-up artist. Let me catch-up you to speed with a little about my darlin'! 

Cassi has been obsessed and addicted to all things beauty since she could hold lipstick. Growing up in Winchester,VA she had made her way from a small town to the big city! When she isn't styling her life way you can catch Cassi strolling the city streets, sipping Starbucks, shopping and reading the latest issue of Glamour magazine.


Cassi has now added beauty blogger to her resume! Check out her FABulous blog, Sassy Chic Beauty that I designed and just love! She brings you the must-have products, GLAM tips and guess what else - you can book an appoitment with Cassi too! 


Cassi is also co-founder of You'Nique Chic, a bridal/event glam you up biz, which she runs with my lovely Aunt Christie!  Head over to the blog now, LOVE her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter! Please, show my cuz' some LOVE! 

Anastasia in your living room

Anastasia Soare is widely referred to as the Beauty Innovator and Definitive Brow Expert™, for good reason. Over the years she has achieved iconic status in the beauty industry for her unique way of shaping the eyebrows and enhancing the eye area. A highly regarded expert in the field, Anastasia Soare has dedicated her lifetime to the pursuit of balanced natural beauty through the use of innovative ingredients and techniques. She will continue to develop products that combine the beauty of Anastasia with the science of skincare. 

Tune in to HSN on Thursday January 6^th at 5am, 9am, 1pm and 8pm where Anastasia will be introducing the following exclusive sets:

• NEW- Illumin8 Eye Shadow Sets #4 and #5 (set includes either palette or a mini lash lifting mascara at a great introductory price!) $36.00
• NEW- Brow Wiz Value Sets (an amazing value, the set features a Brow Wiz -3 shade options-, a full sized Clear Brow Gel and Anastasia's mini Berry Tweezers) $29.00
• 5 Elements Brow Kits (sold out on the first HSN shows in September!) $65.00

We LOVE Anastasia! 

Candace's Christmas List!

By Candace Cabrera Moore


This is the first Christmas that I've ever made a wish list. Per my husband's request, I put together a little list of special things I hope to open on Christmas day. I threw in some super practical things (plastic cleaning gloves, I'm lookin' at you!) and some not-so-practical things (does the name Balenciaga mean anything to you?) in the hopes that maybe, just maybe, he'll win the lottery and all the not-so-practical things would be mine! Ha. Wishful thinking, right? Well, in all honesty, I really do have everything I need, and I'd be happy with just celebrating the holiday with a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket of snow for our husky to play in. But juuust in case we hit the jackpot, here's a sampling of my wish list:

A good pair of warm, comfortable slippers. Seems like a simple request, right? Nope. I couldn't seem to find a good quality, warm, cushiony pair until I stumbled across these bad boys. I love that they have a thick sole so you can wear them outside if you need to run out with the trash last minute before the garbage man comes! (Not that I do that every Monday morning or anything...) 

YSL Singulier. I can't sing praises loud enough for this fabulous mascara. I have pretty long lashes as it is, but this mascara takes them to another level.  

Hanae Mori Butterfly perfume. If you like woodsy scents, this is the most beautiful, earthy aroma. I wore it on my wedding day, so it will always have a special place in my heart. And my bottle is gettin' low, so I hope Santa brings me a new one! 

Arm warmers. These are perfect for the girl who can never get warm (moi!). I'd wear them with my 3/4 length sleeve coats! 

Balenciaga city bag. This is a more "in my dreams" item, as I knowww Santa won't be stuffing this down the chimney at my place. A girl can dream, right? Anyway, I love the look of this bag- the wrinkled lambskin gives an edgy take on what would have been a standard east west bag, were it not for the fringe zipper, little dangling mirror, and aged brass hardware. Swoooon. 

Check out just why we are sharing our Holiday Wish Lists with you in our note from the editor! 

Shasta's Beauty Product of The Week! Bring Back That Brilliance!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Cold weather and forced air heat will take a toll on our hair, usually making it dry and lackluster.  I have the perfect item this week to bring some brilliance back to your locks, L'Oreal Perfect Shimmer Shine Illuminating Mist!  Simply spray over dry, styled hair to bring back some shine!

Editor's Pick! Featured Blogger: Rachel of EcoStiletto.com!

A few years ago I was lucky enough to sit right next to Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, Editor & CEO of EcoStiletto.com & MommyGreenest.com at a fashion show during Los Angeles Fashion Week.Well, we immediately hit it off and chatted throughout the show. I just couldn't wait to share this amazing site (if you haven't come across it already!) and the amazing things Rachel has done with it! And, I am not the only one raving about it! Check out the LOVE they have received from eco-chic celebs too! 

1.) Tell us about your baby, EcoStiletto & how was it born.

I'm a journalist and I'd been writing about fashion and beauty for a while when I realized that the products I was reviewing 1. never seemed to do what they said they would, like erase my wrinkles, and 2. contained some pretty toxic chemicals. At the same time, green fashion and beauty was exploding! Once I started learning about eco-products that actually did what they said and didn't contain chemicals, I was sold. I created EcoStiletto as a place to show women that you can be as gorgeous and glamorous as ever, while still working to shrink your carbon footprint. Hence, the stiletto metaphor.

2.) What is your favorite eco brand/line? Why?

Right now I'm loving Alaffia hair care products. (www.alaffia.com) First and foremost, they work--I was at the salon yesterday and my hairdresser took one look at my formerly-limp-suddenly-luxurious hair and was like, "What are you using?" Second, they're totally chemical free--nothing on my Big List of Things That Suck. (http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/) But the coolest part is the story: The line was founded by Olowo N'djo Tchala, who is originally from Togo, Africa and now lives in Washington State. He sources all the shea butter from fair trade collectives in Togo and supports the communities there. He also organizes bike drives twice a year for the girls in the region, who typically give up school because they can't make the five-mile walk. And he works to educate people in his community about the dangers of things like female genital mutilation. Not the most fun subject to talk about, especially for a guy. So this is an example of the perfect line for EcoStiletto--it does what it says it does, it doesn't give money to the cosmetic chemical industry, and it supports a community in need. 

3.) What can we find in your make-up bag? 

I'm a total minimalist when it comes to makeup. I have three kids, so typically I just have time to slap on some tinted moisturizer--Physician's Formula Organic Wear, at the moment--and go. So I'm loving the Living Luminizer by RMS Beauty, which is a totally organic, chemical free line created by a makeup artist here in Los Angeles named Rose-Marie Swift. The Luminizer is amazing! You just dab a little bit on your cheekbones, around the outside socket of your eye, your lower lip, the tip of your nose and all of a sudden you look just kind of awake and, yes, luminous. You can put it on in the car!

4.) When your not writing for the site what can we find you doing? Tell us a little more about Rachel.

If I could, I'd do yoga every day. Right now I have just enough time for one class a week, and I crave it like chocolate. There's nothing better to get me out of my head and work through the little aches and pains that come from sitting at a computer 12 hours a day! And about once a month, I try to hit the Give + Take swap shop, which is this amazing boutique in Playa del Rey. (www.giveplustake.com) You bring the clothes you're not wearing and trade them in, then you get to pick from everyone else's swaps. Everything is clean and beautifully presented on wood hangers. It's still reusing and recycling so it's totally green, but it's less of a hunt than thrift shopping, because everything's already edited for you by the owner Dora, who is a fantastic on site stylist, too! 

5.) What is on your holiday wish list? 

Anything by Melissa Joy Manning. Her recycled metal jewelry with fair trade stones is consistently the most gorgeous stuff I've ever seen.

6.) What do you have planned for the future? 

Giving away even cooler eco-swag--right now we're up to $1,200 per month in giveaways to our free newsletter subscribers! And next year I'm doing an eight-event series of Green Girls Night Out parties at Kimpton Hotels across the country--they're super green, so it's a perfect match. Watch out, I may be coming to a city near you ;-)

What You Don't Know About Rachel! 

Pet peeves: Sustainabullies, defined on The Big List as n. A person who makes others feel guilty for perceived eco-sins; (s)he’s holier than thou and probably drives a Prius. Yes, I made that up.

Favorite color: When my daughter was born, my then two-year-old son said, "Mommy, I love all the colors of Julia." It's so random, but I love that. We're all made of colors--who could choose? Okay, now I sound like a total hippie.

Likes: I'm obsessed with Matcha green tea right now. It's a powder, so you can drink it hot or cold. And since I gave up drinking coffee, it's my go-to for an afternoon pick-me-up.

{STAY CONNECTED, ALL THINGS RACHEL} 

EcoStiletto.com & MommyGreenest.com

http://twitter.com/ecostilettor

http://twitter.com/greenestmommy




As always, THANKS Rachel! You are a doll! xoxo 

Posh Shasta's Beauty Product Of The Week!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Essentially a facial in a bottle. This product has been in my skincare routine for two years, if I could only have one product, this would be it.

Epicuren’s Alpha Lipoic Omega contains all-natural botanical, vital vitamins, trace minerals and amino acids all combined to restore and combat skin’s aging process, as well as improve the tone and texture of the skin. It firms, minimizes pores and gives a natural glow to your face.

Ingredients: Water (aqua), Sodium Lactate (derived from milk solids), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Thioctic Acid (A-Lipoic Acid), Dimethyl MEA, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Lipid Vitamin C), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (derived from crushed Grapeseed), Retinol (Vitamin A), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Bee Propolis Extract, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5), Starch Phosphate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Bearberry Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract.

To find out more about Epicuren and where to purchase in your area or online, visit www.Epicuren.com.

Khloe Kardashian - Super Stylish. Super Sweet.

What's not to love?

Khloe Kardashian tells us just how funny it was teaching her darling hubs to swim, plans for her own book, and her thoughts on those burning baby questions. Plus -- learn some things you may not know about her. 

Khloe is the fun-loving, hilarious and can we say gorgeous youngest sister in the Kardashian clan. With everything she had going on, including the brand new season of Keeping up with the Kardashians - we were lucky enough to sit down and chat about all things Khloe! 

We see you teaching Lamar how to swim this season. How fun was that for you?

Oh my goodness! It was a ball! Some of my greatest memories are with my Dad swimming. My family and I take amazing vacations in tropical places where swimming is pretty much required. So for Lamar to not know how to swim actually made me sad.  It made me want to show him how much fun the water can be.  I love that I was able to show him something new especially in the sports department.  I love that he wanted to fight his fear for me.

Do you plan to write your own book? Do you and Lamar have plans to have your own spin off?

I would say yes to both.... I don't like putting restrictions on my life. I love writing. I used to write in school and I even had some articles printed in my school newspaper. I would love to write my own book one day. I never say never to anything.  That goes for a spin off as well... My life is now accustom to shooting daily. I am used to it. I definitely wouldn't mind.

What is your favorite part of being married?

My favorite part about being married is probably the unconditional love I feel daily. I truly have a best friend in Lamar. He isn't afraid to love me and he isn't afraid to tell me when I am wrong.  He makes me better and that is what a marriage should be about. Two people that are better together.

Everyone always asks you how soon you will have a baby, are you tired of the question or do you think that your fans are just excited and happy for you?

I can never be tired of such a sweet question.  I love and am flattered that I even have fans...(laughs) let alone people actually interested in when we will start a family together. We are anxious too. But babies are in God's hands.  I guess it just isn't time yet.

You always look fabulous! Please tell us, what can we find in your make-up bag and other favorite make up products that you can't live without. Favorite mascara?

Why thank you... I tend to break out easily that's why I love to stick to one thing. I always keep my Perfect Skin toner spray in my purse for when I get oily and feel like I need to freshen my face. I love it! It is so convenient.  My favorite mascara is Lancome Hypnose... works WONDERS!!!

Do you have a beauty secret you can share?

Honestly... My biggest beauty tip would be to take care of your skin. The better your skin quality and texture is, the better any makeup will look. My sisters and I have spent years formulating a product that we feel so confident sharing with others. Perfect Skin will change your life!

On a typical day, what is your "go to" outfit?

I would say my go to outfit would be a pair of skinny jeans, boots and a tee... Basic and not trying too hard but then I sex it out with the boots... Did I mention the boots are 6 inch thigh highs? (laughs)

What is your favorite trend to date?

I love the new sexy pant suit trend coming for fall. Don't get me wrong, I love dresses and mini skirts. But I love options. An amazing fitting pant suit can be dangerous to a man. Lamar LOVES them. I also love that camel is a HUGE color for fall.  Neutral but not black.

What can you tell us about the current season of KUWTK?

The season's get better and better with time. I believe because we do. (laughs) 

We are older. We have families now. More drama, yes... but in different ways.  We are always crazy but always in love with each other. You will be seeing Kim dating, Lamar and I tying to have boundaries with my family, Kourt and Mason... all family stuff.  Tears,

love and laughter.

What is your favorite part about being in the show?

My favorite part is being able to work with my family everyday. I get to be with Mason every single day and my little sisters and see them grow.  Most families do not get that luxury.  We are blessed.

1. I am terrified of whales.

2. One of my biggest pet peeve is tardiness... I feel when people are

late they are basically saying I don't respect you.

3. I have naturally curly hair.

4. When I was 5 I had an accident on a treadmill and have a massive

scar on my leg due to it.

5. I have and always be in LOVE with leopard print (has to be the right

print though.... some look cheese ball)

6. I wanted to be a veterinarian until I was 12. Then I changed my mind

when my vet told me they had to put my dog to sleep.

7. Lamar and I have a secret language. Shhhhh

8. I haven't eaten pork or red meat in over 18 years... and there is no

real reason behind it. (laughs)

9. Another pet peeve of mine is when people meet me and they don't look

into my eyes when they say hello. It's genuine.

10. I am obsessed with Snapple ice teas.

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