Monday, September 20, 2021

Relax, Nourish and Brighten Your Eyes

One of the things I get asked most often about for recommendations is eye brightening and concealer. I get asked this by friends, family and clients of all ages. 

I have three major categories of how to treat your eyes to relax the muscles, get the blood circulating, hydrate the skin and conceal as needed.



The first is massage and lymphatic drainage
. If you go for a professional facial one of the main components of most facials is massage, this gets the blood circulating and the lymph moving which contributes to less puffiness, a brighter appearance and to a toning and lifting effect to the skin.


My favorite method to do this at home is through Gua Sha. This is the method of using a stone to to massage the area. There are variety of stones and techniques to do but here are a few of my favorites to get you started:


The Gua Sha Spoons are my favorite for the eye area https://foxanddollshop.com/search?q=spoon


Any of the B3 oils are excellent choices as a companion product https://foxanddollshop.com/search?q=b3


Monthly 30 minute online sessions from my friend emiko can be found at: https://emikooyoga.com/whatsup/


Some of emiko's quick instagram videos can be found here


There is also a whole Gua Sha section in my online shop carrying a great selection of stones, oils and with links to some great videos. Shop here




The second component is to moisturizer and nourish the skin. Using good quality products are key with this component, and I love sharing some of my favorites. Remember to use a delicate touch when applying any eye products and to massage them in using circular up and out motions, similar to the techniques you would do massaging the eye area (see tips above).


Hale & Hush Eye Mousse is wrinkle fighting and smoothing, and can be used day and night.


Hale & Hush Brilliant Eye & Lip plumps, repairs and protects the delicate skin of the eyes and lips, should be used at night. If the delicate skin in the eye area is dry it will boost hydration immediately.


B3 Tiger's Eye Under Eye Oil is amazing and kind of an all in one to de-puff, brighten and moisturize as opposed to doing the above recommended Gua Sha. This feels amazing and smells amazing. 




And thirdly is concealing. I feel like you need to go through the first two steps above before getting to this one. Skipping them is sort of like putting a bandaid on without cleaning the wound first. Prep the skin with massage and nourish the area with moisturizer, then go for your concealer  You will use less, in will blend better with the skin and it will look more natural.


Before you reach for makeup first consider what you want the concealer for.


If you’re looking for something light for under the eyes than I would recommend my Illuminator Pen that I carry. It gives minimum coverage and brightens under the eyes, it blends easily and because it is semi-sheer it looks natural. Think of it as the tinted moisturizer on concealers. Bonus is you can also use this on the cheekbones to highlight.


If you want more coverage under your eyes or spot concealing on your face I would recommend the Concealer Duo from Mineral Fusion. It has skincare built in and is a nice creamy formula that blends beautifully. Plus it comes with two colors that you can mix as needed and is good on all parts of the face. Sometimes I use a little under the eyes, on the eyelids to neutralize the any veins and a bit of the edges of the nose and chin. Make sure you are well moisturized first and that you blend. In addition to being able to easily order online can find this at most Whole Foods Stores.


If you want even more coverage and a multipurpose product I discovered a fabulous product called Even Steven from The Balm. That one is actually meant to be a foundation but I use it like a concealer, or just to get a little more coverage in some places, similar to how I use the concealer listed above but when I want a bit more coverage.


There are of course many stones, eye creams and concealers on the market but these are seen of my favorites after having tried many. I hope these tips help and answer some questions. 

xo Fox & Doll

For more recommended products look up the hashtag #foxanddollapproved on instagram, and visit my page https://www.instagram.com/foxanddoll/ 

And read about more Fox & Doll Approved Products in this blog post.

Friday, July 23, 2021

Fox & Doll Approved

Fox & Doll Approved Products 

Recommended by Shana Astrachan of Fox & Doll, a professional makeup artist, hairstylist and licensed esthetician.


And for some special discounts check out this companion post!


And shop the Fox & Doll Shop for lots of other Fox & Doll approved items!


updated 4/6/24





Skincare

Hale & Hush Quite Wash *, calming, soothing and refreshing, great for sensitive skin. I sue this every morning on my face.

Meta Skin Pumpkin Smoothing Wash *, nourishing and great for all skin types, I use this at night.

Hale & Hush Remedy Rehab Oil *, balances and nourishes while boosting overall skin radiance.

Hale & Hush Soothe Essence Serum *, calms, protects and hydrates skin, this is an ESSENTIAL in my skin prep before makeup and always!

By Neives C-Perfect Skin Serum *, this is a great anti-aging and skin repairing product, plus smells amazing.

Hale & Hush Eye Mouse *, very moisturizing, great for day and night

Hale & Hush BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 *, the perfect face SPF

Milk Primer SPF 35 *, the perfect face SPF for under makeup

Spray Refresh Setting Mist from Super Goop, unfortunately its out of stock but I love this for spraying over makeup when you need an SPF boost.

Finally! I have the perfect eye makeup remover for you! Get this Azulene Eye Makeup Remover * from my shop. It is soothing and doesn't leave behind any oily residue like so many others do. Of course coconut oil is still a great remover, but when you want have a fresh canvas to work with this remover is perfection.

Castor Oil for lash and brow growth, just place a bit on your lash line and brow at night, that's it. You can buy it at a drug store or natural foods market. Very inexpensive and the best growth serum I know of. Look it up online and you will find so many great uses for castor oil from helping with an eye infection to doing castor oil packs for detoxing the liver.

Gua Sha Stones * for facial massage

B3 Rose Squalene *, for facial message

The Beauty Wand *, for when you are really ready to step up your at home skincare routine. And each purchase comes with a 20 minute zoom session with the to review how to use it.

Melt method at home facelift, learn more abut Melt here and here

Items with a * are carried in the Fox & Doll online shop


Makeup

FACE

LUNE+ASTER RealGlow Skin Tint, my favorite hydrating lightweight foundation. 

LUNE+ASTER RealGlow Primer, put this on your cheekbones under the above product and get that natural highlight glow.

Senna Cosmetics Barely Base Luminous Skin Tint with SPF 20, this product is perfection, the perfect balance of color and SPF in one!

Face Atelier Ultra Foundation Pro

Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation, I love this as an everyday product. You can use a little or build it for more coverage. Spray over it with a hydrating list to transform it to blend with your skin more like a traditional foundation.

Mineral Fusion Color Correcting Primer, this stuff is magic for erasing redness, the best green primer I have tried. Great under makeup or alone. I have turned so many clients onto this magical product!

The Mineral Fusion line often has sales in their online shop and is found at most WholeFoods stores.

Charlotte Tilbury First Love Blush is another all time favorite for myself and my kit, perfect for fair skin. But also check out all the colors. 

CONCEALER

Concealer gets in own category.

Mineral Fusion Concealer, it has skincare built in, and is creamy and blends easily. I love that it comes with two colors so you can mix them if needed.

The Balm Concealers, I truly love both formulas

YSL Touche Eclat has become a classic, perfect for brightening under the eye area but using very little coverage

Also the brand Tower 28 has a lovely concealer, creamy and is lovely under eyes

I also like the concealer from Lune + Aster 

I also see some new under eye brightener products on the market but there are things I haven't tried yet, and look forward to experimenting with. 


EYES

Esum Mascara a favorite for myself and my pro kit!

BakeUp Beauty Tarantulash gives that inky really black lengthening fullness

A good eyeshadow primer is hard to find but luckily there are two that I like!

The Balm Eyeshadow Primer was a longtime favorite that was discontinued and just came back with a new name and new packaging.

And new to the market is the BakeupUp Beauty Triple Threat Primer

Shadows I recommend are many:

Viseart (the small ones I have stocked that I showed you)

MAC Cosmetics

Nars

Stila

The Balm

Makeup By Mario - for a neutral palette with a nice selection this is a great one

Charlotte Tilbury - Any of the quads would be great here

Bakeup mini palettes for fun matte colors. I also love their mascara and black liner. 

Favorite liners - this could be a whole blog post on its own, but in the meantime I will list a few.

Liquid: Esum Pen Liner *, Stila Stay All Day, KVD Tattoo Liner, Aesthetica Eyeliner Pen. 

Pencils: Esum Dual Eye Pencil*, Charlotte Tilbury Eyeliner Pencil, Mineral Fusion Eyeliner Pencil, Makeup By Mario and Makeup Beauty.

Gel Pot: Inglot 77 (the blackest black, use with Inglot Duraline to turn it into a liquid like liner that stays all day, and use with the Esum Liner Brush*.




LIPS

Fox & Doll One Kiss Lipstick *, the perfect everyday color

Fox & Doll 9 to 5 Lipstick *, the perfect classic red color

Stila Stay All Day Long Wear Lipstick, Beso is my favorite classic red

Meet Matt(e) Hughes, my other favorite longer lipstick, and you can try the minis

Esum Dual Lip Pencil *, the Red is the perfect classic red and Blushed is the perfect nude duo.

lip balm * I love, also carried in my Fox & Doll shop!

Items with a * are carried in the Fox & Doll online shop


Hair

New Wash * this is a non foaming wash and condition in one, it takes some adjusting to but your hair will thank you. It is also the best shave cream I have ever used. So that makes it a 3 in one product!

Hairstory Lift * for get fullness at the root, I use this on almost all my clients and updos to get a natural lift at the root of the hair, a spray in and then blowdry up.

Mason Pearson natural boar bristles and nylon bristles
hair brush

YS Park Round Brush for blowouts

Wire head massager

The Wet Brush, easy to find and affordable

Fox & Doll Tail Comb *, a styling essential

Fox & Doll Volumizing Powder *, a dry shampoo and volume enhancer in one, and if you are doing teased styles it is essential in getting a beautiful overall shape

Items with a * are carried in the Fox & Doll online shop


Wellness

The Moon Juice Cookbook, amazing healthy recipes

Urban Remedy 4-day Cleanse Book, I've never done the full cleanse but I love the recipes.
Start with the vegan caesar salad recipe. I use this book often.

101cookbooks.com, This is my longtime favorite cooking blog.
And look up all of the Cookbooks that Heidi Swanson releases, a highlight is Near and Far.

Rebecca Katz Recipe Box and any of the cookbooks she releases,
a highlight is Clean Soups

Gua Sha at Home with Emiko Oye

Gentle and yin yoga with Reba Gray

Grow herbs and veggies in your kitchen with AeroGarden

Scarlet Sage Herbal store in San Francisco

Rainbow Market in San Francisco, a worker owned co-op where I have grocery
shopped for 25 year. 

Vision Sprouted Nuts just trust me, these are amazing and worth ordering. I can think of much worse habits than my monthly nut habit!

Animamundi is my favorite place to order herbal specialities from, including the Immortality ADAPTOGENIC Powder | 7 Medicinal Mushrooms + Cacao

I offer private makeup and hair lessons if you are seeking recommendations specific to your needs and goals, find more info here

Please send me any of your product questions and shop many of my
favorite products online at www.foxanddollshop.com

And search #foxanddollapproved on Instagram 

xo Shana (aka Fox & Doll)


P.S. Read more recommendations in my post
Relax, Nourish and Brighten your Eyes here.

And read all about highlighters here.

Foxy Fizz Cocktail

In honor of the Tiki Oasis event coming up and the release of my new Fan and Umbrella Cocktail Swizzles/Hairsticks I have a new cocktail recipe to share!


The Foxy Fizz! It is a light and refreshing rum and coconut drink meant to be enjoyed poolside on a hot day. Cheers!

Fox Fizz Cocktail Recipe:

Small handful of fresh mint, plus and extra sprig for decor

1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice, plus an extra half for decor

1.5 oz light rum (leave out to make it non-alcoholic)

3/4 oz falernum

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1/2 oz simple syrup (I use cardamom or cinnamon

simple syrup to make it extra Foxy)

4 oz coconut water (vita coconut pressed is my favorite)

Shake with ice till chilled

Strain into an ice filled Collins glass or tiki mug

Top with sparkling water - about 2 oz - I like coconut LaCroix

Stir with the Fox & Doll Fan and Umbrella Swizzles

Garnish with mint and lime




Check out Miss Rox the Fox making it on her instagram



The new swizzles/ hairsticks are available in 8 pearlized colors. Just in time for Tiki Oasis!

Shop the new Fans and Umbrellas


Put them in your drink! Put them in your hair!

xo - Fox & Doll

Monday, June 21, 2021

Summer Skincare from Fox & Doll

Now that summer is here I want to share some of my favorite skincare specific for the warm weather and sun. Click on the link for each item to read more about their uses and ingredients.


Sooth Essence Serum $50

Restore and hydrate with this gentle serum from Hale & Hush. This bill rebalance and rehydrate your skin while soothing and reducing redness and irritation at the same time. It also makes a great after shave.


Mist Me $34

Mist Me is a refreshing face spritz formulated to hydrate, nourish and energize skin via gentle, yet proactive ingredients. Detoxifying, protecting and restoring the delicate nature of all skin types especially sensitive skin. Calming, cooling and soothing on the skin, perfect for a hot day refresh. 



Relief Bio Powder $36

It is hard to explain how special the Relief Bio-Powder from Hale & Hush is. This little bottle is a powerhouse for calming and concealing. An expert blend of eight botanical extracts makes Relief Bio-Powder a powerful sensitive skin aid with fast-acting abilities to quickly rescues skin under attack from redness, irritation and itchiness. Relief Bio-Powder also helps conceal redness and, when water is added to make a paste, becomes a soothing mask. This powder uniquely and gently targets redness and reduces inflammation.


Cell Food Oxygen Gel $32

Cellfood Oxygen Gel from Lumina Health is specially formulated as a nutrient-rich topical base to deliver Cellfood's foundational support to the skin- the same Cellfood that's been the world's #1 oxygen + nutrient supplement for over 50 years. Recommended by dermatologists and estheticians, Cellfood Oxygen Gel helps provide healthy skin an active layer of oxygenated moisture and protection while decreasing the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Cellfood Oxygen Gel also helps to nurture damaged skin by revitalizing and rejuvenating the epidermis. The combo of its abilities to renew the skins texture, restore skin's natural balance and revitalize skin's moisture makes it a go to for sun damage repair.


Did you get too much sun?

The above four items are my magical combo for sunburn relief and repair. Layer mist and then the serum and gel then lock them in with them in with the Bio Relief Powder. You will be soothed instantly while you start the repair process. Also drink LOTS of water and take extra vitamin C and E. I like to add coconut water to the my hydration regimen too. 


Rare C Serum $62

This Vitamin C Skincare serum from Hale & Hush is effective for bright, clear, even skin. Rare C Serum features a highly bio-available form of Vitamin C, which strengthens collagen, brightens the complexion and, as an added bonus reduces the appearance of pore size. A daytime serum that helps protect your skin from the long term effects of the sun and will promote supremely radiant, strong and youthful looking skin.


Hush Hydrate Gel $36

Calm and revitalize skin with this delicate and moisturizing formula from Hale & Hush. This gel formula soothes and cools skin immediately on contact. It can be used as a lightweight moisturizer or a face mask treatment. Hush Hydrate is chock full of botanical extracts, antioxidants, and skilled inflammation fighters. Supports moisture and protection against environmental-damage effects, offering detoxifying and brightening benefits.


Face Fix $15-$28

The perfect face wash for travel since it is dry and activated by water. Plus it doubles as a mask and spot treatment.

Face Fix


Broad Spectrum SPF 30 $32

This Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from Hale & Hush is the perfect combination of sun, sensitivity and age defense. Natural Zinc Oxide provides chemical-free broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection at the surface while a specialized amino acid and algae blend provides UV protection at the cellular level.  Skin will be moisturized, calmer and better equipped at resisting premature aging. This SPF brightens skin tone naturally and moisturizes while providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging benefits.


Swamp Water $16

This spray from By Nieves protects you from pests and smells amazing. 




All items can be found in the Fox & Doll Online Shop

And if your wanting guidance on how to apply and use facial care products schedule a At Home Facial Session with me for a personalized skincare consultation. Check out the options here.


xo - Fox & Doll

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Mint Pea Chili Soup

 A spring favorite! Mint Pea Chili Soup




Tuesday, February 2, 2021

A Valentine's Gift To You - My Triple C Cookie Recipe

These cookies have become my absolute favorite cookies and I want to share them with you. They are easy to make, vegan, don't require any refrigerated ingredients like eggs or butter and are somewhat healthy.


Triple C Cookies - Shana's Coconut Chocolate Cherry Cookies



Vegan and Gluten-free 






Makes apx 20 cookies


Dry Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups almond meal or almond flour (not almond pulp from making almond milk)

1/4 cup chocolate chunks or chips

1/4 cup dried cherries roughly chopped

1/4 cup walnuts roughly chopped

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon 

1/4 tsp cardamom 


Wet Ingredients:

1 tbs flax meal and 2.5 hot water to make a "flax meal egg" - see method below (or you can use 1 large egg)


6 Tbsp coconut oil (melted) - add more if batter seems too crumbly, this is a somewhat dry batter but needs to come together just enough to form into scoops, it will seem crumbly even when its just right


1 tsp vanilla extract


Instructions:


Make the "flax meal egg" by combining 1 tbs flax meal with 2.5 tbs boiling hot water in a small bowl, stir and let sit 5 minute, stir again after 5 minutes before adding to the mixture below. 


In a large mixing bowl, stir together all of the Dry Ingredients: almond meal, chocolate, coconut, cherries, nuts, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, salt and sugar.


In a separate bowl mix the "flax-meal egg", coconut oil and vanilla, then add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add a little more coconut oil if needed for batter to bind. 


Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight.


Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).


Shape dough into 1-inch balls, I use a round tablespoon to pack them into to shape them so they are round on top and flat on the bottom. Place on baking sheet with 1" space in between each. Optional- press down slightly to flatten a bit. But I don't, I like them to look somewhat like a traditional round macaroon. 


Bake until edges begin to brown, 7-10 minutes.


Remove from oven and let cool on a cooling rack before devouring.


Keeps for 4-5 days. Tastes great anytime the day, yes I do eat them for breakfast sometimes. Yumm. 


Did you know a "flax-meal egg" can be substituted for an egg in baking, such a good trick to make something vegan or for when you don't have fresh eggs.


These cookies were inspired by a recipe from the Minimalist Baker site that I have made a bunch of times but has since evolved into my own Triple C vegan version. This site is such a treasure for delicious, easy and healthy recipes.


Do you like the vintage Valentine's in the image above? I was led to this adorable vintage valentine animal garland tutorial online and added my own face to some of them. I am making them to add to all orders in my online shop through February 14th.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

My Obsession with High Waisted Retro Panties - Part Two

Back in February 2015 I wrote a post called "My Obsession with High Waisted Retro Panties". It featured some favorites available online. I realized that some of these are no longer available and of course now there are many new things I have discovered, so I though it was time for an update to this post with. Part Two. Plus I went back to the original post and updated some of the links.

Also, I am finally starting to make my own underwear! I am working with a few different options to make my version of the perfect fit. And it is inspiring me to consider adding this to my Fox & Doll line soon. 

Made by me this week.


Still a favorite for the classic high waisted full coverage pantie is What Katie Did. Also I love that they call them knickers!


Rago is a US made classic since 1945! This whole life is my go-to for classic and affordable shape-wear. These are true vintage cuts that are made to last. A tip to you if you order  - size up.


Um pockets in my underwear? Yes Please!!! I found these searching on Amazon and few years back, ordered right away, and they are classic perfection. 


For something really special from France check out Fifi Chachnil, who I recently learned about from Gertie of Charm Patterns.

Another I just discovered from Gertie's presentation on lingerie is Carine Gilson. Do check out all her lovely pieces, beautifully handcrafted in Brussels.


Ohhh Lulu Lingerie and Apparel on Etsy is inspiring to make some underwear with velvets. 

I found Madalynne on CreativeBug, with a great tutorial on sewing underwear. I love the pieces in her shop, especially this particular pair. And if you want to learn to make your own look her up on CreativeBug or check out her kits that she sells here. Plus she has a whole supplies section! Anyone want to get me a gift certificate??? Hint Hint...


Speaking of kits and supplies check out Porcelynne.com, run by my friend Jen who I used to be part of a co-op with here in San Francisco. She has an online shop dedicated to lingerie supplies and kits.

Hope this post is helpful for anyone looking for something cute and new to add to your vintage inspired lingerie or looking for inspiration to make your own. 


Take note that I do not own items from each of these makers, only a few. But I sure would like to.


Update! I added the leopard print to my shop! Available in all sizes here.


Monday, January 4, 2021

Winter Skincare

Wintertime is great for exfoliating, moisturizing and nourishing.

Here are some of my favorite tips, products and how to use them. 

Cleans and Exfoliate

Always start your skincare routine with washing your face.


Here is how I do it:

• wet face

• massage face wash product into your skin (take time with this step, really treat it like a message)

• add water and continue to message product and water into your skin

• rinse a cotton or microfiber cloth with hot water and ring out, wipe away the cleanser, repeat rinse and wipe two or three times (this action gives you some natural gentle exfoliation)

• then finish by drying your face with a clean dry towel

• if you have been wearing foundation or other cosmetics I recommend repeating all these steps a second time

• this gentle exfoliation method does a great job at removing all traces or makeup and gets rid of the dead skin cells on the surface to reveal a brighter complexion

And here are two of my favorite cleansers:

Hale & Hush Quite Wash

Meta Skin Pumpkin Smoothing Wash



And these are the Reusable Face Cleansing Pad I use and sell in my shop:


Now is my favorite part, exfoliation!


With a powder you mix it with water or something like yogurt or honey. Another option is to mix this powder exfoliant into your cleanser.


On a wet face you will apply this gently use circular motions with you fingertips. You can do this for anywhere from 30 seconds to up to 3 minutes. Then rinse, use the rinse method above that I recommend for washing.


With a cream form exfoliant use the same method as above but no need to mix it with any other liquid or ingredient. Use the same application and removal process as above. 


Two are my favorite exfoliants:

ByNieves Face Fix

Meta Skin Smoothing Pumpkin Scrubbing Peel




Nourish

There are two steps to the nourish portion, masks and serums. Do one or the other, or do both!


First up is doing a mask.

These are usually put on the skin and left on for 10-20 minutes, then rinsed away using the above method. Follow direction on the product of your choosing.


Two I love:

Hale & Hush Hydrate Gel

ByNieves Face Fix


Now is the Serum step

All you do is massage it into your skin. Skin can be dry or damp.

Hale & Hush Soothe Essence Serum

ByNieves C Serum Skin




Moisturize

Lock in the goodness you just did. For dry skin like mine I like a combo of oil and cream.

I start with pressing oil into my skin, and when I want to give it a bit more attention I massage it in using my fingertips and doing small circular upward and outward motions with light pressure. 

Two oils I love:

B3 Fluorite Rejuvenating Face Oil

B3 Rose Squalane




Then I press moisturizer over the oil. And I do an added eye cream or oil.


Here are two of my favorite moisturizers:

Hale & Hush Saffron Meristem Cream

Hale & Hush Vital Lipid Lotion



And two eye treatment options:

B3 Tiger's Eye Under Eye Oil

Hale & Hush Eye Mouse






All products above are mix and match. Do all the steps, or pick just a few that suite your needs, time or budget.


Please message me with any questions. Or book a virtual skincare consultation with me, more info here.

xo Shana - Fox & Doll