There is a new blog girl in town...

Best Face Forward for Teens (BFF) has just added a new blogger to the scene. As a self proclaimed beauty product junkie, I am always looking for the latest and greatest in beauty products. As I search, I hope to share my insight will all the BFF ladies out there. In the coming months I will be reviewing products, discussing BFF events, and keeping you informed on all the fun stuff. I am excited to begin this journey with all of you.

In case you are new to BFF, we are a non-profit organization that promotes self-esteem in tweens and teens alike by teaching them proper skin care techniques, makeup application, and the ins and outs of hair care.
We, of course, believe that inner beauty is the most important aspect of any young lady, but by giving them the tools in order to truly put their Best Face Forward, we are helping each of them gain the knowledge and confidence to always be at their very best.

The journey is simple, picture yourself at 13 years old. Look in the mirror. Where you confident? Did you love the way you looked? If you did, that is wonderful. If you didn’t, wouldn’t you have liked to have a safe place to ask the questions you were afraid to ask? What about a place to learn the basics of beauty? If the answer is “yes”, BFF is for your daughter, your niece, or any young lady that could use a confidence boost in the proper use of beauty products for skin and hair! Couldn’t we all some days!

The Program: Once a month, five girls will attend a local salon to receive a mini-facial, a lesson on skin care, a makeover and have their hair styled. A guest speaker will discuss a variety of topics such as etiquette, inner beauty, health issues and skin care education. Dinner will be donated by a local restaurant. Moms (and Dads) are encouraged to stay and enjoy the day with their daughters. Each girl will receive a goody bag of cosmetics and skin care that will be used the day of the event.

Please contact the president of BFF for Teens, Cynthia, at cynthiahuszka@yahoo.com if you are or know of a teen/tween that wishes to participate. More updates to come!
CeCe

BFF

We just had our May BFF in Marble Falls and it was a success! I have great news BFF is ready to expand and I am in the process of working with a new friend to make it happen in Austin and Houston. The future is bright for BFF and we will be able to reach many more girls in the future. The program really brings so much joy to the girls and the moms, I could not be more grateful for what I have been given and for the wonderful supportive sponsors!! I have not blogged in awhile because of some health issues, but hopefully I can get back on track!!

BFF

It has been a while since I have blogged, but BFF is always on my mind and in my heart! I am working on a project to raise money for BFF. My hope is to have it ready in a couple of months. I am very excited about the future. I am planning to expand BFF as soon as I can find the right salons and the right people, who understand and want to help teen girls. The program not only helps teen girls it has also been a blessing in my own life. It is amazing what doing for others, can do for yourself! If you know of any salons that would like to participate please have them contact me. It takes a special person like Crista at CrossHairs salon, to do good for others and share their knowledge and experience with others. A big THANKS goes out to her for her time and dedication to the program!!

Cynthia

Good morning! Today i will just update on what is going on with BFF. I am working on getting other salons started on the program. I several things working at once. I am also in the process on getting together a project to raise money for BFF, I am very excited about it. There are a couple of thing I have used recently that I am going to recommend the first one is Origins acne spot treatment. It is only $12:00 at Origins. It works to dry up the blemish. The second is Fusion Beauty products. They are in major Dept. stores and Sephora. The instant face firmer gets a zero from me because it balls up when you put your make-up on. I also used the mascara and lip plumper pencil and gloss. As for the mascara its average nothing special except the price!! The lip plumper pencil really is a nice moisturizer for the lips and the gloss does seem to add a little volume to your lips!! I hope you find this info useful, I am always trying new products to talk about.

Cynthia

Good morning! Today I am going to talk about some of the products that the girls receive from our wonderful sponsors. The first thing is FAB shimmer pot, its a light pink shimmer that you can use to highlight you cheeks and decollete, it truly is FAB! The other thing is the bronzer from Hard Candy, I love it because it is build able, just add a little for a light bronze color or add a more for a contour to your cheeks and jaw line. The third is LA girl eyeshadow, the colors are great and you get four colors in one case, so you can buy the greys and you get every thing you need to create a smokey eye! All the products are fantastic so I encourage you to give them a try. Hard Candy is available at Wal-Mart, L A Girl is available online, FAB is also available on-line. Thanks to all our sponsors for the great products, I know the girls are really enjoying them!!

Cynthia

We had our second BFF, yesterday and it was a great success!! Arielle was our guest She spoke about her experience with abstaing in a world which sometime pressures girl to be another way. Our sponsors this month sent great products that brought out the beauty of each girl. This months sponsors were, Sephora, Hard Candy, L A Girls, Fab Beauty, Origins, and Papa Joes pizza. I want to thank them all for sponsoring such a great program. The program is finally ready to expand into other communities, so if you have a salon that would like to participate please contact me. A big thanks to Crista, Amy, and Christina for there time and talent.

Cynthia

Looking forward to our next event this Saturday at 5:00pm. The girls will receive over $100:00 in free products that were donated by our wonderful sponsors. The first event was such a great success I know this one will even be better!!

Cynthia

Good morning! Today I just want to say that BFF is moving forward in a very positive way!!! The program has two new sponsors, FAB Beauty and LAGIRLS cosmetics. The next event is coming up this Saturday at CossHairs salon. I am also working with the students at the Art Institute in Austin on a fundraising project for BFF. I met the instructor and the students yesterday and they are going to produce something amazing I can tell already!! From now on I will be updating the blog on Saturdays only, unless I have some important news. Thanks to those that are following the blog.

Snow

Its snowing in the hill country!! Yeah!!!

Cynthia

Good morning! I do not know what I am going to do when I run out of quotes!! "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all" {Hellen Keller} Today I will discuss a new hair color on the market that is great if you color at home. It is Nice and Easy 10 min. color. You have very shiny silky hair after you color and the conditioner is great. But of course go see the girls at CrossHairs Salon for professional color.

Cynthia

Good morning. Today's quote "Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom" {Euripides} I just want to say that the program has been a great success so far. The program is booked through June. I am still taking reservations for July and August. I can see wonderful changes in my own daughter Abbey who attended the first program. My heart is heavy for some of the stories I have heard from some of the moms who's girls will be coming through the program. I hope the program can provide a ray of light for these girls. I am very grateful I decided to take this program to the community so many teen girls will be able to benefit from it.

Cynthia

Good morning! Today's quote "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" {Harold R. McAlidon} Today I just want to say make sure you have a beauty insiders card for Sephora. When you make a purchase you get points that you can use for free products!!! All of the girls who go through the program get a pre-loaded card ready to use. Its a great place to shop, if you want to try a product they will give you a sample, so you can decide if you like the product before you purchase it. I was in the store at Barton Creek mall yesterday and I received a lot of samples. So make sure you visit Sephora soon!!!

Cynthia

Cant sleep! Here's today quote. "The only journey is the journey within" {Rainer Maria Rilke" I have spoke about make-up a lot. Now I want to tell you if you really want your skin to be its best you need to make sure you are taking your make-up off at night. You first need a good cleanser. I recommend purity made simple by Philosophy, because it will also remove eye-make-up. Then I recommend a Clarisonic, to really get your skin clean. Also you need to exfoliate at least once a week. I recommend Clinique 7 day scrub or Philosophys microexfoliater. There are many products you can get at the drug store at a reasonable rate, as well as My Mark page which you can access through my Facebook page. The most important thing is make sure you are cleansing, your face will break out less and your skin will feel softer and smoother!!

Cynthia

Good morning! Today's quote "Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake" {Henry David Thoreau} I will continue the discussion on age appropriate make-up. For the oldest girls meaning 18 and 19, you can start with the smokey eye look that is so popular. This is a great look for evening, a little to heavy for day. There are many kits, pencils, and other products to help you learn this technique. The most important thing is that you do it correctly. Just remember to do a more nude lip with this look!!

Cynthia

Today's quote "Happiness does not consist in pastimes and amusements but in virtuous activities" {Aristotle} Good news we have two more sponsors!! Fabcosmetics.com and lacolors.com. Things are going great!! I would like to talk about middle aged teenagers for a moment. When girls are old enough and ready they can add eyeliner and a little darker shades of eyeshadow as well as a lip stick with lip gloss. The most important thing is to not hide behind a lot of make-up but to accentuate your God given beauty. In going through this program girls learn tricks and tips when it comes to make-up application. Our goal is to educate the girls on what is age appropriate, and take some of the confusion out of the make-up process.

Cynthia

Today's quote "you cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one" {Henry David Thoreau} Today I am going to speak on age appropriate make-up. When a young girl around the age of twelve or thirteen decides she would like to start wearing make-up the most important thing is that it is age appropriate. At this early age I recommend very light make-up, that will just enhance her features. There are a lot of products that will do just that. The colors of eye-shadow are important, light pinks, light neutrals, no eyeliner a little mascara if she has very light eyelashes and that's it. Blush should be very light as well. A soft pink right on the apples of her cheeks. If she needs or wants to wear foundation I recommend a tinted moisturizer, because it has very little coverage, but has the benefit of a moisturizer. Finally a little gloss or lip balm and shes good to go.

Cynthia

Good morning, today's quote "The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook." {William James} Today I am going to discuss teeth whitening. I have tried many product that you can buy over the counter, with no luck. But I have a tip that really does work. Buy the auqafresh pre-loaded tray at the store, then go to your dentist and buy their whitening kit for about 41 dollars. Make sure you buy the 22% kit. Then add the 22% to the pre-loaded trays and you only have to wear the trays for an hour. I found that this works well and you save a lot of money this way.

Cynthia

Happy valentines day!!! Today just love the one your with!!! I just want to touch on a couple of hair products that I recommend. The first is Ojon restorative hair treatment, the second is Chi silk infusion. I have seen Chi silk infusion at many stores, but the best place to get it at the lowest price is Folica.com. The prices are like half of what you will pay in other places. The best way to use Ojon is to apply to hair and then sleep with it, the next day just make sure you shampoo very good to get all the product out of your hair. If you don't get it all out of your hair it will look greasy. The Chi silk infusion, apply a small amount, about a quarter size to towel dried hair. Make sure for best results with Chi you blow dry your hair. If you have long straight hair like my daughter Sophie, your hair will feel and look like silky ice. Both products are amazing!!!

Cynthia

Today's quote "When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us" {Helen Keller} I am going to discuss my favorite body products, I have a few it all depends on my mood. The first is Amazing Grace by Philosophy, I use the shower gel and the perfumed body moisturizer, which is also firming. The second is Bath and Body Works Vanilla Jasmine, it has a very wonderful scent. The third is Origins Ginger souffle body lotion. I use all three it just depends on my mood!!

Cynthia

Good morning! Today's quote "Go back a little to leap further" {John Clarke} I am finally to lips. My favorite lip gloss is Clinique Long Lasting gloss in Bamboo Pink. This gloss stays on for hours (no joke). My other pick is the new Michael Korrs line at Estee Lauder. I have been searching for the perfect flesh tone nude lipstick for a least 2 years. I finally found it!! Remember if you do a dark eye, you need a nude lip, if you do a light eye then you need a darker lip. Laura Gellar make-up has a beautiful lip compact with four colors, that a wonderful, for more color. You can purchase her make-up at QVC or on-line.

Cynthia

Today's quote "The only journey is the journey within" {Rainer Maria Rilke} Now we are going to move on to blush. I am not going to discuss different brands, but color and how to use it. First if you have a round face, and want to create a more defined cheekbone then you need to contour and highlight. The way to do this is use a bronze color right along where you need a shadow. Then apply a light color along the bottom of your cheek bone and jaw line. Finally apply your blush color right on the apples of your cheek. If you have a defined cheek bone then just smile and apply blush right on your apples of your cheeks, and lightly blend back. I recommend experimenting in the mirror until you get the right look for you.

Cynthia

Today's quote "Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think" {Ralph Waldo Emerson} Today I am going to talk about mascara. The first thing I want to say is if you wear waterproof mascara here is a tip. First apply a regular mascara, then apply a coat of waterproof over top. Your mascara will then come off more easily. Also I think different mascara's work for different people. We all seem to have our favorite. I am currently using Loreal 2 step mascara, it has one side that is white with conditioners in it, and the other side is black. What I like about it is that the first step gets all the little lashes like at the inside of eye and the outside corner. Then when you apply the black coat you are able to capture all of your lashes. I hope this information helps!

Cynthia

Good morning! Today's quote "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." {Francis Bacon} I would like to continue with the eyes today. I can not express enough how important the eyebrow is to the overall look of the face. Some women and teens have perfect brows but that is the exception. Most women and teens need to have their eyebrows professionally shaped. If you have very blond eyebrows it may be necessary to darken them. There are several options for darkening your brows, you can use a gel brow color, a pencil brow color or if you have your hair colored at the salon they can darken your brows to match your hair color. I recommend trying (at home) several different products until you achieve the right color. I feel it is one of the most important things you can do, in your make-up routine.

Cynthia

Good morning. Today's quote "The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can". I am going to continue with what is in my beauty bag. Back to the eyes, I have several eyeliners I like to use. The first one is Smashbox Heartbreakers line, felt tip black eyeliner, the second is Maybelline Eye Studio gel eyeliner, and finally I like the Hard Candy double ended pencil eyeliner (two for one). I am going to be taking the flyer's for the program to the school this week, so the girls can start signing up for the next event.

Cynthia

Good Sunday morning. We had our first event last night, it was great. Crista told a story about how she got to where she is at, it was very touching and the girls were all ears. I feel the girls really learned a lot. I also think they had a good time! I want to thank several people who contributed to the success of our first event. First I have to thank CrossHairs salon for donating their time and talent. The atmosphere of the salon and the hairstylist were perfectly suited for the event. I would also like to thank our sponsors, Sephora, Origins, Ojon, and Hard Candy!!! I also would like to thank the local businesses that contributed to the raffle, Olivia J's Pantry, Pappa Joe's pizza, Circle B liquor store, Allure day spa, Fresh n Fruity and CrossHairs salon. I will be uploading video and pictures soon (waiting on my husband) who is out of town working hard. I would like to thank my husband for his support and for helping me with the web-site, he is very supportive of the program, and I could not have gotten this far without him. I am looking forward to the next event, and reaching out to as many teen girls as possible!!!!!

Cynthia

Today's Quote "Happiness is not achieved by conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities. {Aldous Huxley} I am so excited, today is the day of the first event. I want to thank everyone who has got behind the program, the fruits of our efforts are about to pay off. The girls are going to learn so much and I expect they are going to have fun as well. Stay posted, the pictures will be coming soon!!

Cynthia

Just in case any one is concerned about qualifications I want to say Crista is a trained skin care professional, make-up artist and hairstylist. The girls are going to learn a lot about their individual skin and how to bring out their best features with the make-up application. (So no worries)

Cynthia

Today's quote is "I have spread my dreams beneath your feat. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams." The next item I am going to talk about is eyeshadow. I feel beginners should wear pale colors like soft beige and soft pinks. The in between girls can step it up a little with a little darker colors, and an eyeliner on the top, right at the lash line, with no gaps. This makes the lashes appear fuller and darker. Finally for the oldest girls they can learn to do a smokey eye, but always remember that with a darker eye, do a more nude lip. Lighter eye color do more color on the lip. There are many good color pallets on the market just be careful when you are choosing.

Cynthia

Good morning. Today's quote is " It requires less character to discover the faults of others, than to tolerate them" { J Petit Senn } The next item in my beauty bag is Manual Override concealer. This concealer was designed by Americas Next Top Model Manuel. It goes on after your foundation and covers imperfections very well. You can also use on your whole face as a foundation. It does not settle into fine lines which is great for those of us who have them. I purchased mine from QVC. You can go to Qvc and read reviews before you order.

Cynthia

More good news, I just received the package from Hard Candy cosmetics. The girls are really going to love them. They were so great to send five products for each girl. Thanks so much for your support Hard Candy!!!

Cynthia

Great news Crista is going to be the very first guest speaker. She is a wonderful person and I know she will inspire the girls. Also the girls from the salon are going to be applying the make-up and explaining it step by step. I feel they are the perfect people to take care of the girls and bring out their natural beauty.

Cynthia

Today's quote is "The future depends on what we do in the present" {Mahatma Gandi} The next item in my beauty bag is for people with enlarged pores. I have tried many products that claim to reduce enlarged pores, and they did not work for me. But I can say I found a product that is a temporary fix it is called (Pore minimizer) from Clinique. It fills them in for a smooth appearance. Clinique has several products for pore reduction, but this is the one I use with the best results.

Cynthia

Todays quote is "The secret of many a mans success in the world resides in his insight into the moods of men and his tact in dealing with them" {J. G. Holland} The next item in my personal beauty bag is foundation. I am currentley using Clinique brand oil free, long lasting foundation. This is a full cover foundation and I only reccommend it if you need full coverage. For all my teen girls I would reccomend a tinted mousterizer with an Spf, this way you only have one step in the morning.

Cynthia

Our guest speaker and makeup artist have changed... updates will be announced soon..

Cynthia

Todays quote. " If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes" {George S. Patton}. The next item in my beauty bag is Smashbox photo finish primer. This is a new primer for me, but I really like the feel of it. It feels like satin on your skin ( literally). It is not the least exspensive but if you need a good primer this one will fit the bill. www.smashbox.com

Cynthia

The quote of the day "Ideas without action are worthless" {Harvey Mackay}. Whats in my beauty bag? #3 The current skin-care I am using is called Isomers. I use the enzyme peel, one freeze targeted treatment for wrinkles, one 3000 allover face cream. I can tell you the enzyme peel is great, the benefits are immediate, I see a difference in my skins firmness, it is smoother, and I have a 90% reduction in the redness from broken capillaries. This product can be used for any skin type, there is not any stinging, or pain, it is very gentle. I have not noticed a big difference in my wrinkles yet, but I have only been using the products for two weeks. For the younger girls I feel you could use the one 3000, and the enzyme peel, and you will notice a difference. I purchased the products from Shop NBC.

Cynthia

Good morning. Today's quote. "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost, that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them." {Henry David Thoreau}. I would also like to continue with whats in my beauty bag? The second step is the cleanser. What I use right now is Clarisonic Hydro cleanser. I have found it to be very gentle, with no side effects or allergic reactions. I would recommend it for all skin types.

Cynthia

Today, I will start with an inspirational quote. "If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old." [Lord Chesterfield] I hope to offer inspiration for all young women. I also am starting what is in my beauty bag? These are products I personally use and recommend. #1. You have to start with clean skin, I could not recommend a tool more important than a Clarisonic. This tool has made a huge difference in the way my skin feels and looks. For more information go to www.clarisonic.com.

Cynthia

Well the good news just keeps coming. I just found out the program is going to be sponsored by Hard Candy Cosmetics, Thanks Rebecca!!! The other good news is Kim Woolery a well known make-up artist from L.A will be doing the actual make-overs, Yeah!!! Thanks Kim!!

Cynthia

Hey I just have to say Sarah who reps. Origins and Ojon really came through for the program. I can not thank you enough. Thanks many times over!!!!!

Cynthia

Hello,
My blog today is short and sweet. I am currently in talks with many great potential sponsors. I am truly grateful for the sponsors who have already stepped-up to support this great program. I can only think positive about all the great things that are happening..

Cynthia

Let me first say I believe teen girls are the most beautiful in their natural state. However, as we know they will be trying and testing many different cosmetics in this stage of life. My hope in developing this non-profit program that hundreds of teen girls will be given the tools to be there most beautiful with or without make-up. The program has gotten a wonderful response so far. I believe that there is a need to help girls with self-confidence and self-esteem. By educating them on proper skin-care, proper make-up application, and also proper hair-care they will be able to face the future with a very positive self-image. Please do not overlook that the program is also designed to work on inner beauty as well. We will have alot of different guest speakers to speak on a variety of subjects that will hopefully make a difference in the girls lives. I would like to thank Anna the store director of Sephora at Barton Creek Mall for her support early on,and Origins for there support as well. I would also like to thank the community for embracing my idea, and donating goods and services to be raffled off. A big thanks to Shirts and Stuff for the shirts for the girls. I would also like to thank Papa Joe's Pizza for donating the dinner for the first event. I will be blogging everyday, to keep you up to date on the program. One more thing let me thank Naomi of Vicio, for being our first guest speaker, shes going to be great. I absolutely can not thank Crista of CrossHairs Salon enough for donating her time and talent for this wonderful experience for teen girls.

Best Face Forward for Teens has been such a positive experience so far. We are selling raffle tickets for some really wonderful items!