How To Feng Shui Your Makeup Bag & Get Radiant

featured this week on MindBodyGreen

Whether your beauty bag contains a wide variety of high-end makeup products or just a few natural fragrances and daily necessities, it's important that it reflects how you feel about yourself and your beauty, both inside and out. Every day, you deserve to feel beautiful, and your beauty bag can hold the key!

Everything in your life, especially objects that are near and dear to you, like your beauty bag, can affect you energetically in many areas of your life. The beauty bag, or cosmetics bag, is something most of us carry in our purses and handbags, something we engage with almost every day. It may hold items other than cosmetics, but in general, it contains tools to help us beautify our appearance in the world. The contents can affect how we view and honor ourselves on the inside as well, so it is something to pay attention to.

Let's take a look at how your beauty bag measures up in feng shui terms and see what you can do to enhance the potential to look and feel your most beautiful. Give it a little feng shui love, and watch the transformation!

Your Makeup Bag

Let's start by taking a good look at your makeup bag. Is it clean, fresh, and new? Or is it shabby and torn? Your beauty bag can give you an internal weather report. Ideally we want a beautiful, clean, and well-cared-for beauty bag because it reflects upon your own degree of self-care and health. If your bag needs a little updating or refreshing, the simple act of giving attention to this object will create new positive energy in your life. Remember, it affects how beautiful you feel on the inside and outside.

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by Anjie Cho 

An Introduction to Using Color in Feng Shui - Part 3

We've been talking all things color and feng shui lately, and we've made it to the final installment of our Introduction to Using Color in Feng Shui! This time we'll cover when and how to use the colors red, black, pink and peach to enhance your holistic space and let the universe know your needs and desires. 

Reds

Red is the most auspicious color in the world of feng shui, related to passion, fame and recognition, including the Recognition area of the bagua map. Shades of red can invoke passion in any sense from romantic to enthusiasm for work and more. 

Because it is such a strong color, adding shades of red to your spaces requires a bit more caution. In fact, the best way to add red to your home is to do so sparingly, adding pops of color in certain areas, like the Recognition area of your home, home office or desk. To add passion to your bedroom, opt for a new red blanket, artwork including red colors or some sexy underwear! 

Blacks

Shades of black are related to wisdom and knowledge in feng shui, so if you're looking for those in your life, consider adding a few dark hues! 

Black is also the most yin color on the feng shui scale, representing contemplation, but as in any situation, it's important to maintain balance. Too much black can lead to an excessively dark space, which can be very depressing. If you're looking to add some black shades to your home, look to do so with accent pieces, or even an accent wall. This way you can bring color into your space without darkening the mood and energy.

You can also add black tourmaline, a protective crystal, to your space to absorb negative energy (including that from EMFs) and provide a positive atmosphere. 

Pinks and Peaches

If you're seeking romance, as so many of my feng shui clients are, pay special attention to these colors! Shades of pink and peach are nurturing, romantic and soft and are related to the Relationship area of the bagua map as well as to the concepts of youthfulness and joy. In the feng shui remedy, "peach blossom luck," shades of peach can assist in attracting a romantic partner.  

Unlike stronger colors, like red and black, pinks and peaches are perfect as wall colors, as they flatter most skin tones and create the same effect as "rose-colored glasses." If you're looking for romance, opt for peachy colors on your bedroom walls to let the universe know you're ready to be part of a loving couple. You can even wear peach to enhance this desire, but be sure to change your colors (or at least the intention behind them) once you meet someone special!

If you've read all three parts of our introduction to color, you've essentially got the basics of color and feng shui down. When adding color to your holistic space, be sure to pay close attention to the meanings of each shade as well as your intention behind using it. If you're looking to go deeper with the feng shui aspect of your space, pick up 108 Ways to Create Holistic Spaces or seek out a feng shui expert who understands your vision!

by Anjie Cho

The Psychology of Color: A Feng Shui Expert Explains

featured this week on MindBodyGreen

image credit: Amy T. Won for MindBodyGreen

image credit: Amy T. Won for MindBodyGreen

Color is one of the most effective ways to shift the energy in your life. From the color of your underwear to the color you paint your walls, colors not only affect your well-being, but they also have significant meaning. Yes, even the color of your underwear!

As a feng shui practitioner and an architect, I always get asked “What color should I paint my walls?” I respond with, “What color are you most attracted to?” So in approaching this survey of colors and the feng shui psychology behind them, keep that in mind. What colors do you love, and what might you need more of in your life?

RED-PINK

Red is an easy one. Red is related to fire energy. This color can invoke passion and fiery flames of inspiration. It's pretty intense! It's quite a statement when a woman walks into a room wearing a red dress. Because reds are very stimulating, in a home I'd recommend red for accents like pillows and art.

You can also use red sheets underneath a more subdued duvet to bring more passion into the bedroom. Alternatively, wearing red underwear can spice things up! Red is also very auspicious (lucky!) and protective in feng shui.

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by Anjie Cho