3 quick ways to become more memorable

• Sharpen up your body language. Slouching when you stand or walking with your head tilted down screams I LACK SELF ESTEEM. Not only is it better for your bones and joints to stand up straight, but you can command more authority just by changing the way you stand and how you move your body. Look people in the eye. This powerful tool tells people that you are interested in what they have to say. When you look people in the eye, you connect and it tells them you are listening and that you can be trusted. Smile! This universal gesture of acceptance is critical when meeting new acquaintances, courting new clients and it can even help with negotiations.

• Take an objective look at your image. Does your wardrobe need rethinking? Dated, stained or ill-fitting items which have served you well in the past now have to be retired. What do you need to change to really show the world how capable and professional you really are?

• Reassess your attitude? Your attitude about your yourself and your work are screaming out to the world. Do you move with a sense of urgency? Do you dress like you are running the show? Do you speak with a passion about your work? Your appearance and your actions tell the world how you really feel about yourself and your work.

Are your cosmetics safe?

How sad it is that the health of millions of women could be jeopardized because of the use of some cosmetics and body products. Check out this web site where you can find articles that raise that very important question: Are my cosmetics safe?
(http://www.safecosmetics.org)

Logic tells me that if trans-dermal absorption is a problem for humans when it comes to products we use to clean our home, then why shouldn't we be concerned about the unregulated cosmetics that we use every day? The ingredient list doesn't say "small amounts of lead or mercury" so if you are not a chemist, how would you know? I am grateful that some companies have made a financial commitment to creating formulas that work without causing potential harm. We all know that we will not die from using cosmetics, but the exposure over time has a cumulative affect that could be making you sick.

I am wondering why the billion dollar cosmetic industry has been allowed to create potentially harmful products in the first place. We should demand that testing by independent companies be done to ensure the safety of products. We need regulation if we want this to stop.

What can you do? Take action! If sales plummet, these companies will be forced to reformulate their products.

• Stop purchasing products from companies that use known irritants or carcinogens
• Write to these companies and tell them why you are no longer using their products
• Write to the women’s magazines and tell them to stop accepting advertising from these companies, cancel your subscription or stop buying the magazine
• Call and write your congressperson and ask them to mandate funding for the FDA to do testing of cosmetic and body products.

How to pick the right foundation for you

Several people have asked how to pick the right foundation. Keep the emails coming at kim@kimfoleystyle.com and I will continue to answer all your style and beauty questions.
First, decide if you want a powder foundation (great for oily or combo skin), or a liquid. Also consider trying mineral foundations they come in both powder and liquid.

Picking the right brand is a matter of personal preference when it comes to texture, coverage and harmful ingredients. Now that we know thatharmful chemicals can be absorbed, you should consider reading labels and being aware of the hazards of some commonly found ingredients in popular cosmetic brands. Some brands have less pigment and are more sheer, while other brands have more pigment and offer a more opaque coverage. Look at the packaging for key words such as "sheer coverage" or "maximum coverage" for clues to the amount of pigment. I use powder foundation in the summer and liquid in the winter.

The purpose of a foundation is to even your skin tone, not to make you look tan. The goal is to match the most prevalent color on your face. The easiest way to get a good match is to apple a small amount on your neck, close to the jawbone. Smooth and blend. If you see the makeup, then it is too dark. This is easy to do in a department store but impossible if you are buying at a drug or discount store. If this is the case, buy 2 or 3 choices in the shades you think are close. When you get home see which one matches and return the others. Check with the store first to be sure they will accept open returns for cosmetics. Most drug stores have a liberal return policy, just be sure you have the receipt.

I have been experimenting with foundations made from "natural" ingredients. The liquid mineral foundation by Shaklee is one of my favorites for several reasons:
.no harmful ingredients
.not tested on animals
.good coverage
.easy to apply
.beautiful shades
.spf 15

Kim

The $64,000.00 question?

I have been getting emails with the same question lately, "What is the one thing I can do to have a better appearance?"
Some people want a total revamp on their appearance while others just want to take incremental steps in that direction.
Unfortunately, the answer is different for each individual. Think about it, for one person it might be getting a more flattering or current hairstyle, and for others it may be a clothing or makeup issue. Getting a more current pair of glasses might be the answer, working on your posture or body language could al be possibilities. There are two questions you need to ask yourself:

1. "How do I want to be perceived?" Current, professional. artistic, approachable, smart...be specific.
2."What is driving my look?" ie, comfort, style, credibility...
When you honestly answer these questions you will begin to understand why and how you have created the image you now have. Does your image reflect who you are on the inside?
Remember: you are telling your story through your appearance. This is why intentional dressing is so important particularly in the workplace.

Happy New Year!

Now that it's 2008, it's a great time to think about TRANSFORMATION. At the beginning of each new year I feel as though I am turning a giant page in the story of my life.
Intentions and resolutions are circling my mind as I contemplate my dreams for the next twelve months. My New Years wish for you is that you LOVE WHO YOU SEE IN THE MIRROR.
My mission in life is to help you with that. If you need some new techniques on illusion dressing get the my DVD, "Look Ten Years Younger and Ten Pounds Thinner", or if you want to become more memorable and powerful don't miss my ebook, "The Credibility Factor". I created these resources for any woman who does not have access to a stylist. If you want to schedule a consult with me just email me and I will call you.
Also, I am available by Skype for those of you who do not live outside the DC area or overseas. Skype is a free way to video phone someone on your computer. You can see me and I can see you. This is a great way to get a 2nd opinion on that dress you just bought to wear to that wedding, reunion or special occasion.
Send your questions on image, makeup or fashion at kim@kimfoleystyle.com
Best wishes for the New Year!
Kim

free teleclass today!

Suzanne Falter-Barnes is a marketing and branding genius! Her site has provided me with new ideas, do's and don'ts, and concrete info on how to get the word out about my business. She offers free teleclasses from time to time with various experts.
Today I will be doing a teleclass with her helping all those who want a more memorable and influential image. Please join us.
Go to :www.getknownnow.com to sign up fro the free class which will be at 1:00 today.
Kim
P.S. I highly recommend her ebook, Get Known Now

Are you wondering what to wear to all the holiday events?

Holiday festivities are in full swing and the phone calls and emails I am receiving are all sounding the alarm! One client can't fit into her favorite holiday standby. Another client wants to avoid wearing red and needs some suggestions and yet another client wants to know what to wear to look taller and thinner.
OK, Here goes....
If you tried on your favorite holiday outfit and it feels a little too tight: run, don't walk to the nearest mall and get some power panties. Spanx are my favorite but most brands will take you down a size. If this doesn't do the job then it may be time for a new
ensemble.
If you do not want to wear red but you want something with a little pizzaz,wear any color with a some sparkle. This will glam up your outfit giving you some holiday glitz.
Want to look taller and thinner? Wear heels, the highest you can stand. V-necks are always more slimming than hight necklines and if you wear a jacket, make sure it tapers in at the waist and avoid boxy sweaters at all cost.
Happy Holidays!