Face by Stace

Carrot Anti‑Redness Eye Gel

A cooling, anti‑inflammatory gel that brightens and depuffs the under‑eye area.

Description

This gel is feather‑light and soothing. Carrot’s vitamin K and antioxidants help reduce dark circles and redness, while aloe and cucumber calm puffiness.

Beauty Benefits

Vitamin K — reduces dark circles.
Anti‑inflammatory compounds — calm redness.
Aloe — hydrates and soothes.
Cucumber — cools and depuffs.
Natural sugars — soften texture.

Ingredients

1 tsp carrot juice
1 tsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp cucumber juice
Optional: 1 drop rosehip oil

Instructions

Apply under the eyes for 8–10 minutes. Rinse or pat away gently.

Storage

Keeps 48 hours refrigerated.

Substitutions

Replace cucumber with chamomile tea for sensitive eyes.
Replace aloe with glycerin for a thicker gel.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Rural vs. Urban Beauty in 1930s Canada

Beauty in 1930s Canada wasn’t uniform — it depended heavily on where a woman lived. Rural and urban Canadian women experienced the decade differently, and their beauty routines reflected those realities.

Urban women, in cities like Toronto, Montréal, Winnipeg, and Vancouver had access to department stores, beauty counters, salons, and modern advertising. They could browse lipstick shades, purchase cold cream, and follow Hollywood trends through radio and magazines. Their beauty routines were shaped by modernity: waved hair, matte powder, carefully applied rouge, and fashionable ready‑to‑wear clothing.

Rural women, meanwhile, lived a more practical version of beauty. Cosmetics were harder to find and often too expensive, so DIY methods dominated: beet‑juice tint, homemade cold cream, soap‑flake setting lotion. Clothing was refashioned, repaired, and repurposed. Hairstyles needed to withstand weather, farm work, and long days — soft waves, braids, and pinned styles were common.

Urban beauty leaned toward aspiration. Rural beauty leaned toward endurance.

Yet both shared a common thread: dignity. Whether a woman lived on a Prairie farm or in a Montréal apartment, beauty offered a sense of pride and normalcy during a decade defined by economic struggle.

Together, rural and urban women shaped a diverse, resilient Canadian beauty culture — one that blended practicality with aspiration, creativity with modernity, and identity with survival.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Alyssa Rivers (The Recipe Critic) Inspired: Honey‑Garlic Chicken & Butternut Squash Sheet Pan

Sweet‑savoury honey garlic chicken roasted with squash

This Honey‑Garlic Chicken & Butternut Squash Sheet Pan is cozy, caramelized and weeknight‑simple — a warm, Autumn riff inspired by Alyssa Rivers’ family‑friendly cooking style. Chicken thighs roast until golden and crisp, surrounded by tender butternut squash, sweet red onion, and fresh herbs that perfume the whole pan. A glossy honey‑garlic glaze ties everything together, creating a sweet‑savory balance that feels comforting without being heavy. It’s the kind of one‑pan dinner that looks beautiful straight out of the oven, tastes even better, and makes cleanup effortless.

Prep 15 min Cook 30–35 min Serves 4

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
4 cups butternut squash, cubed
3 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prep the oven
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment.
Season the squash
Toss butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on half the sheet pan.
Make the honey‑garlic glaze
Whisk honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, smoked paprika, and remaining olive oil.
Coat the chicken
Place chicken on the other half of the pan and brush generously with the glaze.
Bake
Roast 30–35 minutes, brushing chicken with extra glaze halfway through, until caramelised and cooked through.
Finish
Sprinkle parsley over the chicken and squash. Serve hot.

Beauty Benefits

Chicken thighs: Rich in protein and B‑vitamins, supporting collagen production, hair strength, and overall skin repair.
Butternut squash:
High in beta‑carotene, which converts to vitamin A — essential for skin renewal, glow, and reducing dullness.
Red onion:
Contains quercetin, an antioxidant that helps calm inflammation and supports clearer skin.
Garlic:
Naturally antimicrobial; supports detox pathways and contributes to a brighter, more balanced complexion.
Honey:
Hydrating and soothing; its natural enzymes support skin clarity and moisture retention.
Olive oil:
Packed with healthy fats and vitamin E to nourish the moisture barrier and support elasticity.
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme):
Antioxidant‑rich, helping protect skin from environmental stressors.

Health Benefits

Balanced protein + complex carbohydrates for steady energy.
Butternut squash provides fibre for digestion and gut‑skin synergy.
Honey offers natural antibacterial properties and gentle immune support.
Garlic supports heart health and natural detoxification.
Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats for hormone balance.
Herbs add anti‑inflammatory compounds that support overall wellness.
Sheet‑pan cooking reduces added fats and keeps the meal nutrient‑dense.

Substitutions

Chicken thighs → chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or tofu (for a plant‑forward version).
Butternut squash → sweet potato, acorn squash, or carrots.
Red onion → shallots or yellow onion.
Honey → maple syrup (Canadian classic), agave, or brown sugar.
Garlic → garlic powder (½ tsp per clove).
Olive oil → avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Herbs → swap rosemary/thyme for sage or parsley.

Storage

Keeps 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to maintain crisp edges.
Freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture — the squash softens too much.

History

Honey‑garlic sauces have deep roots in both Asian and European cooking traditions, prized for their balance of sweetness and savoury depth. Sheet‑pan meals gained popularity in the 2010s as home cooks sought faster, healthier, minimal‑cleanup dinners. Butternut squash, once considered a humble winter vegetable, became a modern staple thanks to its versatility, nutrient density, and ability to caramelize beautifully in high‑heat roasting. This recipe blends classic comfort with contemporary efficiency — a nod to family‑friendly food bloggers like Alyssa Rivers, who helped popularize approachable, flavourful one‑pan meals.

Enjoy!!

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

The Influence of Opera and Ballet Makeup on Modern Editorial Looks

Opera and ballet have shaped modern editorial beauty more than any other performance traditions. Their makeup philosophies — built on visibility, drama and emotional clarity — created the guidelines for the sculpted faces, graphic eyes and exaggerated features seen in today’s fashion imagery.

Stage makeup began as necessity. Under harsh lights and distant sightlines, performers needed bold brows, defined cheekbones and amplified eyes to communicate emotion to the back row. Opera singers relied on matte skin, strong contouring, and sharply drawn lips; ballet dancers used soft yet architectural shading to emphasise bone structure and purity of line. These techniques weren’t about glamour — they were about storytelling.

Modern editorial beauty borrows this language directly. The graphic liner seen in couture campaigns echoes opera’s elongated, expressive eyes. Sculpted cheeks and precision contour mirror the structural shading used in ballet to enhance movement and silhouette. Even the current fascination with hyper‑matte skin and powder discipline traces back to stage traditions designed to withstand heat, sweat and intensity.

Colour theory also migrated from stage to editorial. Opera’s deep reds, plums and blacks — chosen for visibility under warm lights — now appear in high‑fashion beauty stories for their emotional impact. Ballet’s ethereal pastels and soft washes of colour inform modern “bare‑but‑defined” looks.

Today’s editorial makeup artists continue to reinterpret these performance roots, blending theatrical exaggeration with contemporary minimalism. The result is a beauty aesthetic that feels timeless, expressive and shaped by the stage.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Alyssa Rivers (The Recipe Critic) Inspired: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Butternut Squash

Creamy Tuscan sauce, sun‑dried tomatoes, spinach, golden shrimp

This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp with Butternut Squash is rich, silky, and restaurant‑level — a warm, Autumn‑forward twist inspired by Alyssa Rivers’ signature creamy skillet dinners. Tender shrimp simmer in a glossy Tuscan sauce with sun‑dried tomatoes, spinach, and roasted butternut squash for sweetness and depth. It’s fast, comforting and the kind of skillet that feels luxurious but cooks in under 30 minutes.

Prep 15 min Cook 20 min Serves 4

The “Taste of Tuscany” Skillet: The Easiest, Creamiest 20-Minute Tuscan Shrimp! – Melobites/melobites.com

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups roasted butternut squash cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun‑dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
To taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

Sear the shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
Build the Tuscan base
Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sun‑dried tomatoes; sauté until fragrant.
Create the creamy sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and chilli flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add greens and squash
Fold in spinach and roasted butternut squash. Let spinach wilt.
Finish with shrimp
Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat. Simmer 1 minute to warm through.
Serve
Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty sourdough.

Ultimate Creamy Tuscan Shrimp: Delicious One-Pan Dinner/yummyyield.com

Beauty Benefits

Shrimp: High in protein and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that supports skin elasticity and reduces inflammation.
Butternut squash: Beta‑carotene converts to vitamin A, promoting cell turnover, glow, and smoother texture.
Sun‑dried tomatoes: Lycopene helps protect skin from environmental stressors and supports firmness.
Spinach: Rich in iron, folate, and vitamin C — essential for collagen synthesis and bright, healthy skin.
Garlic: Naturally antimicrobial; supports detox pathways and clearer skin.
Olive oil: Vitamin E and healthy fats nourish the moisture barrier and support long‑term hydration.
Cream + Parmesan: Healthy fats help absorb fat‑soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Health Benefits

Balanced protein + healthy fats for satiety and hormone support.
Butternut squash provides fibre for digestion and gut‑skin synergy.
Spinach adds iron and antioxidants for energy and immune support.
Sun‑dried tomatoes offer concentrated minerals and anti‑inflammatory compounds.
Garlic supports cardiovascular health and natural detoxification.
Olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats for heart and brain health.
Creamy sauces help maintain fullness without relying on heavy starches.

Storage

Refrigerate for 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat; add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving shrimp — it toughens quickly.
Not ideal for freezing due to dairy separation.

Substitutions

Shrimp → chicken, scallops, or tofu.
Butternut squash → sweet potato, pumpkin, or carrots.
Sun‑dried tomatoes → cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Spinach → kale or Swiss chard.
Heavy cream → coconut cream (for dairy‑free), half‑and‑half, or evaporated milk.
Parmesan → Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for dairy‑free).
Olive oil → avocado oil or butter.

History

Tuscan‑style creamy dishes gained popularity in North American cooking in the early 2000s, blending Italian rustic flavours with modern comfort‑food richness. Sun‑dried tomatoes and spinach became hallmark ingredients of “Tuscan” recipes, thanks to their bold flavour and visual appeal. Shrimp entered the trend as a quick‑cooking protein that elevated weeknight meals. Pairing this classic Tuscan base with roasted butternut squash adds a seasonal twist — a nod to contemporary food bloggers like Alyssa Rivers, who helped popularise approachable, flavour‑forward skillet meals that feel both cosy and elegant.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

The 1950s Obsession with Permanent Wave Machines and Hair Technology

The 1950s marked one of the most dramatic eras in hair‑technology history — a decade when permanent wave machines, salon gadgets, and futuristic beauty devices captured the public imagination. After the austerity of the 1940s, women embraced glamour, structure, and highly styled hair and the permanent wave became the centrepiece of that transformation.

Permanent wave machines had existed since the 1920s, but the 1950s brought refinement, accessibility and mass cultural fascination. Salons displayed towering chrome machines with dangling electrical cords and heated rods, promising long‑lasting curls that aligned with the decade’s polished aesthetic. These machines were symbols of modernity: part science, part spectacle, and entirely tied to the era’s vision of feminine perfection.

Magazines and advertisements showcased women seated beneath elaborate waving apparatuses, smiling as stylists monitored timers and temperature gauges. The process was still intense — heat, tension, and chemical solutions — but the results delivered the structured curls and soft waves that defined mid‑century beauty. The “home permanent” also exploded in popularity, allowing women to recreate salon results with kits from brands like Toni, Lilt, and Ogilvie.

The obsession wasn’t just about hair; it reflected the decade’s faith in technology. Beauty was becoming mechanised, modern and aspirational. Permanent wave machines symbolised progress, convenience, and the promise of transformation — a way for everyday women to access Hollywood‑level glamour.

By the late 1950s, safer formulas and improved tools began replacing the dramatic machines, but their legacy remains. They represent a moment when beauty, engineering, and cultural desire converged — and when the permanent wave became a defining icon of the decade.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?