Rebecca Casciano's Sacred Beauty

image credit: RebeccaCasciano.com

image credit: RebeccaCasciano.com

I recently met the incredible, Rebecca Casciano, creator of the Sacred Beauty Salon Series. Rebecca's series aims to not only provide women with practical makeup tips, but also to hone in on the relationship between self-love, acceptance and appearance. Beauty does start from the inside, after all! This week, we sat down with Rebecca and sussed out exactly what's behind her idea of sacred beauty and how it relates to our philosophies at Holistic Spaces. Ready for a quick lesson on finding your inner beauty?

AC: What does it mean to have "sacred beauty"?

RC: It means that we acknowledge, honor and celebrate the connection between our inner and outer selves: the mental, spiritual and physical. I believe this is a sacred relationship, one that connects us with our higher power and the deep knowing that beauty comes from the inside out. Sacred Beauty is confidence, connection and sisterhood. 

How does non-toxic makeup relate to the idea of beauty and radiance?

For many years, the beauty industry has relied on toxic products and ideas to sell the standard of beauty. Consuming these products and ideas has negative effects on women's physical and mental health. Choosing more natural, non-toxic makeup is an act of self-care, as it is so much healthier for our skin, bodies and the environment. When we honor our overall wellness, we create a more effective, sustainable approach to beauty. 

Can you offer 3 tips to start the switch to "sacred beauty"?

First, set the stage for Sacred Beauty by preparing the space you use to apply your skincare and/or makeup. Clean off countertops and go through your products, letting go of anything that is old, broken or you don't use. Add a favorite photo of yourself, a candle, crystals and any items that represent beauty to you. Make it a space that feels welcoming, clear and inspiring. 

Next, create a new intention to bring mindfulness to your beauty routine. Rather than rushing through the task or criticizing your reflection in the mirror, take the time to savor the moment to yourself. Notice the scents of your products, give yourself a face or neck message-- think about this quote that is thought to come from Buddha: 

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection”

It's so true!

Last, I like to recommend clients to use their time in the mirror to say beauty affirmations. These are positive statements that reinforce how you want to feel about yourself. Beauty affirmations can be unique to you, you can take a few moments to create your own! Begin by tuning into some of the negative thoughts that come up when you look in the mirror. Then, write out the opposite of that thought, starting with the word I AM. For example, if I say to myself "I am disgusted with my skin. This acne is horrible," then I will replace that with "My skin is radiant and healthy." Even though it may feel untrue, the more you say it, the more your mind will begin to believe it!

What do you find is the most surprising thing your clients learn when working with you?

I would say they learn that they can love themselves/their looks more and that they CAN wear red lipstick! 

How do you create your own holistic spaces?

I love vibrant colors, bright light, candles, crystals, art, nature and handmade objects. I tend to create little altars with beautiful items I've collected over the years. I love to burn incense, sage and palo santo to bless the space, clear energy, help me to feel more peaceful and grounded. I definitely feel best when my environment is tidy, organized and clean. I think feng shui is an amazing sacred art, and I would love to incorporate it more in my home.

We can absolutely help with that! Keep checking back for more tips on incorporating feng shui into your holistic life style. Thanks so much to Rebecca for stopping in and sharing her thoughts on sacred beauty. I think her series is an amazing way to tap into our inner beauty and make getting ready a thing of joy. We'd love to hear your thoughts on sacred beauty and if you're preparing to make the switch!

by Anjie Cho

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Rebecca Casciano is a Makeup Artist, Natural Beauty Expert and Sacred Beauty Coach whose mission is to help women discover the connection between their inner health and outer beauty. She strives to bring this intention to each person who sits in her chair, attends one of her events or reads an article she's written. She loves what she does and from what her clients tell her, it shows! For more on Rebecca's story, her services and her Sacred Beauty Salon Series, check out rebeccacasciano.com! 

Browse the site and learn all about her makeup artistry, makeup workshops, one-on-one coaching, live events and more. Or contact her with any questions or to set up an appointment. Rebecca's new 3-month membership program, Sacred Beauty Collective, also begins on March 9th in NYC. For more info visit rebeccacasciano.com/collective. 

My Favorite Things: 5 Holistic Valentine's Day Treats

Welcome to My Favorite Things! Each month, we highlight products to help you create a holistic lifestyle that inspires and nurtures you, so that you can be happier and feel supported.

Most of us know that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and the race is on to find that perfect gift for your loved one or the perfect way to say "I love you" to yourself! Whoever you're appreciating today, consider ditching the traditional roses, stuffed animals and other gifts that can end up as clutter. Instead, try these holistic, innovative products to help you enjoy this day of love. 

Rose Cardamom Infused Chocolates

Sometimes traditions become outdated and can cause clutter, but others are too good not to keep. Chocolate for Valentine's Day is one tradition we'll never complain about.

But! Indulging doesn't mean we have to harm the environment or our bodies. Wei of Chocolate candies are organic, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, Paleo-friendly and fair trade! They're also infused with Lotus Wei flower essences (our favorite) and 100% delicious. What more can you ask for from chocolate?

I have one (or two, sometimes more) of these chocolates every day! Wei Love is one of my favorites and highly recommended.

Available at: Wei of Chocolate

Venus Yantra Mandala

Valentine's Day gifts don't have to be fleeting, like flowers or chocolate, though both are wonderful options. Loving and supportive art can also be a fantastic way to express yourself!

The Venus Yantra Mandala, associated with the feminine planet, Venus, can assist in relationships and harmonize an imbalance of Earth element. I have the Venus yantra in my bedroom, in the Relationship area to cultivate love and harmony in my relationships. The Venus yantra is also an amazing addition for self-love, which is the most important kind! Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers!

Available at: Holistic Spaces

Rose Quartz 

One of my favorite feng shui adjustments for love and compassion is the placement of rose quartz crystals. If you're seeking a relationship, adding rose quartz to the Relationship area of your bedroom can be a powerful adjustment. And, you guessed it...this is a feng shui adjustment that I have in my bedroom!

Rose quartz can also help to support an existing relationship and can be a wonderful way to encourage and deepen self-love! We can't pour from an empty cup, so it's important to fill our own cups and nurture our relationships with ourselves first!

Available at: Holistic Spaces

Relationship Mandalas

Mandalas of any kind are a beautiful gift for almost any occasion, but my friend and yantra teacher, Mavis Gewant, can take these meaningful pieces of art to a new level!

Mavis offers personal, hand-crafted mandalas based on the combined energy patterns of each person in the relationship. A relationship mandala isn't just a stunning gift; it's also a unique representation of your relationship!

Available at: Sacred Mother Arts

Deluxe Perfume Making Kit

Perfume is another traditional Valentine's Day gift most of us can appreciate. I really love this perfume making kit from The Scentarium, because it offers the chance to create your very own, bespoke smell!

I went to a workshop at Sue's showroom and had so much fun figuring out my scent personality and smelling all the diferent potions. This home kit is the perfect way to have the same experience with your partner at home (or just you!). The best part? The custom scents they've created contain no chemicals!

Available at: Scenterprises

Holistic Spaces 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

We're excited to be back with our second Holistic Spaces Holiday Gift Guide, and this year we're focusing on balancing out the elements in our holistic spaces and lives. All year we've shared ways to bring balance to your life by paying attention to the five element theory, an ancient Chinese philosophy that we utilize in feng shui. Listen in here for podcasts and check out our My Favorite Things posts, take a peek at Nine Star Ki, then consider your individual friends and family and give something supportive this year! Don't worry, we'll help you out. :)

For More Metal:

Your gift recipient needs more metal if she doesn't speak up for herself, has trouble completing things or could use more beauty in her life. Metal is symbolic of righteousness and joy and assists with attracting helpful people and efficiency. It is related to the Benefactors and Completion areas of the bagua map, metallic colors, white, grey, autumn, circular shapes and actual metal. Keep these tips in mind, and take a look at these two perfect gifts for those in need of metal. 

Modern Minerals Emotive Lip Gloss

I recently met the beautiful Diane Read, founder of Modern Minerals Makeup, at a full moon meditation hosted by Lotus Wei. She offered me a sample of her Emotive Lip Gloss, which I've been obsessed with ever since! The lipgloss is infused with flower and gemstone essences in collaboration with Lotus Wei, and formulated to "uplift and awaken positivity."

So, how does this tie into the metal element? Metal relates to the mouth and beauty. The Emotive Lipgloss encourages "Love, inner strength, compassion and living in the present moment" and how we manifest that in the world through our voice and with joy. Perfect for that friend lacking in metal!

Available at: Modern Minerals

"Little Black Book" Daily Action Planner

Since those lacking metal can have difficulty with efficiency and completing projects, a day planner is an excellent way to encourage the addition of metal in these areas. 

This style, the 30-day action planner, is my favorite design, but Savor also offers 90-day versions and other 30-day versions. In fact, a 90-day planner would be great for feng shui, since it is a multiple of the auspicious number 9!

I’ve been using the daily action planner systems for a few years now, and it’s been INDISPENSABLE to manifesting my goals. So for those who need a little (or a lot of) help with precision, organization and action planning, this is for you!

P.S. This one is especially great for entrepreneurs. I would say it's made a huge difference in how I plan and complete things.

Available at: Savor the Success

For More Fire:

If your friend or family member is fearful of and afraid to express anger or lacking passion in life, he may need more fire! Fire represents explosiveness, passion and sincerity, and relates to the eyes and heart, making fire people very heartfelt. It is related to the Recognition area of the bagua map and the color red, as well as triangular shapes, the season of summer, lighting and actual fire, and can add passion and recognition to life. If this sounds like something your gift recipient could use, try these!

Artisanal Intention Candles

My friend Valerie Oula has created a collection of candles enhanced with reiki energy, healing sound vibrations, crystals and sacred geometry. 

Each candle is made of natural soy, essential oils, safe fragrances and a cotton wick. They're housed in reusable jars and even come with a guided meditation! 

Of course, candles actually produce fire, which is one way to add this element, but fire is also related to passion, so to enhance the adjustment, choose a candle that will help cultivate passion in an area where your receiver needs support. 

Available at: Modern Ritual NYC

Experience: Signature Makeup Lessons

Another amazing and successful woman I recently met is natural beauty expert, Rebecca Casciano. She has created a Sacred Beauty Salon Series which is offered in varying locations around the U.S. and aims to teach women the relationship between appearance and self-love in addition to practical makeup tips. 

One of her offerings is a natural beauty makeup lesson. I think this is invaluable in creating more fire energy in your life. Rebecca can help you create more passion and love with how you show your face in the world.

Available at: Rebecca Casciano

For More Earth: 

Your recipient may need more Earth if she struggles to show care and concern for others or is overly concerned with herself. The Earth element is related to earthy colors (of course..) like brown, orange and yellow as well as the Abundance, Health and Knowledge areas of the feng shui bagua map. Square shapes also represent the Earth element, which holds a quality of stability and nourishment. If your friend or family could use a little help with the Earth element, these are wonderful places to start!

 

Good Vibrations

The founder of AromatheraChi, Andrea Giordano, is my partner in creating the holistic, all-natural items in the Holistic Spaces apothecary. 

Her AromatheraChi line offers many wonderful items including this Good Vibrations soap, a very earthy and grounding blend including patchouli. It's also brown in color and square, which both relate to the Earth element as well. 

You can check the Aromatherachi site for other options, but Good Vibrations is an excellent earth adjustment for men or women. My husband loves it!

Available at: AromatheraChi

 

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GIFT CERTIFICATE for Holistic Spaces Feng Shui Consultation with Anjie Cho

We recently added a new offering on our services page, gift certificates for a consultation! I've found that those who need more Earth have a hard time spending time and energy on self-care.

What a treat for your loved one to receive a feng shui consultation in which they can learn about how to create a space that nurtures and supports them!

Both online and in-person consultations are available in a gift certificate format.

Available at: AnjieCho.com

For More Water:

Is your Secret Santa somewhat isolated, maybe finding it hard to make friends, connect with others and find opportunities? Give him some Water! The Water element is related to winter, dark colors like black and deep blues and the Path in Life area of the bagua. It is represented by wavy shapes and, of course, actual water, relates to knowledge and intelligence and can help with cash flow! Keep these characteristics in mind when shopping for someone who needs more Water, and check out some of our favorites! 
 

The Water Collection

It makes sense that an easy way to add more water is to use...well..water! This collection from Sakara Clean Boutique is perfect for balancing the water element and providing supportive chi. 

Enhanced with rosewater, liquid chlorophyll and 72 different trace minerals, Sakara recommends drinking the morning water while setting intentions for the day and sipping night water to relax and detox before bed. 

Not only are these recipes actually water, the night version is black, which reinforces the Water element as well! 

Available at: Sakara

Book: Let It Out

Our frequent guest and dear friend, Katie Dalebout, released her first book earlier this year, and it's the perfect gift for someone lacking in Water. 

Let It Out is a guide to journaling, including "insights and exercises that will elevate your life and get you “unstuck”—for good." 

Even if your friend or family member has never journaled before, this blueprint can help to break through the blocks preventing connection and opportunities, and encourage the flow (like water) of positive chi. 

Available at: Amazon, Books-a-Million, Barnes & Noble and more

For More Wood:

If you're looking for a gift for someone who seems ungrounded and is often indecisive and tends to always go with the flow, you may need a Wood item! Wood is related to Spring and the colors green and blue and represents qualities of flexibility, kindness, life energy and human-heartedness. The Wood element symbolizes growth and is represented by the New Beginnings and Abundance areas in the bagua. If your gift recipient could use a little more Wood, try these on for size! 

 

Ferlin Picnic Backpack

I know that we are currently experiencing cold temperatures in most places, but I couldn't help but include this one!

My husband and I received one of these sets as a wedding gift, and it’s seriously the best thing ever! It gets us out in nature (in the warmer months of course), and for someone who needs more Wood, this is a great way to get out to a park or out in nature 😃

These backpacks are great in spring, the season of new beginnings, which also represents the Wood element, and there's also an option to get a blue and green set, the Wood colors! 

Available at: Amazon

Nine Steps to Health / Total Wellness Empowerment

Wood is also related to action and transformation. Think of a tree sprouting and reaching out into the sunlight. This is the amazing work that my friend and nutritionist, Nancy Guberti provides.

I’ve been working with her on and off for years, and this year especially closely, and working with Nancy on my health has been a truly transformative and supportive experience.

I’ve been eating pretty healthy for almost a decade, but Nancy gently suggests even more shifts that I could incorporate that have made phenomenal changes in my everyday life with mood and appearance.

Even if you think you know about wellness, Nancy’s program can help you make huge strides in your life! (I have Nancy as my coach, but the nine steps is a little more affordable). 

Available at: Total Wellness Empowerment (Coaching); NancyGuberti.com (Nine Steps)