How to Beat Dry Skin This Winter

December 3, 2012

Winter is finally starting to slowly creep upon us, which means our skin is beginning to need a bit more of protection from the elements. With the nipping cold, dry air, the skin on our body is just begging for more moisture. With some simple tips and tricks, you can kiss dry, flaky winter skin goodbye. (more…)

Exfoliate Your Lips To Supple Smoothness (with stuff from your kitchen!)

October 11, 2012

A key trick to getting your lips to look and feel their best is to exfoliate them. Just like your skin, lips regenerate and need help shedding those dead skin cells, and gently exfoliating them can prevent them from chapping and ensure that your lip balm penetrates them to leave them soft and kissable. Now, before you go running out to buy lip exfoliators, rest assured that you can make your own with things you already have in your kitchen for a fraction of the price. With two simple ingredients, you’ll have the best exfoliator for the best lips.

  1. In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of brown sugar and a couple of drops of lemon or lime juice until it forms a paste. The sugar and lemon/lime are both Alpha Hydroxy Acids which aid in dissolving and exfoliating dead skin cells, but unlike the AHA’s used in spas, this one is gentler and, of course, right at your finger tips.
  2. Taking the paste, gently start to scrub your lips in a circular motion. Don’t be scared if you get some in your mouth – it’s actually really tasty!
  3. Rinse the scrub off and apply some lip balm.

That’s it! This is a great thing to do in the winter months when your lips are in extra need of moisture as this keeps the chapping away.

TIP: When your lips are exfoliated, your lipstick applies much smoother and actually lasts much longer!

Make Your Own Exfoliator With Ingredients From Your Kitchen

October 1, 2012

We are all looking for the best body scrub to leave our skin silky smooth. The problem is we don’t want to break the bank. Instead of spending the big bucks for the latest exfoliators or spa treatments, why not make your own?  I’ve come up with a recipe for the perfect scrub that will leave your skin smooth, fresh and clean without any irritation. Want to know the best part? Everything you need is waiting for you in your kitchen cabinet!

  1. You’ll need salt and sugar (more of one, depending on the type of scrub you want), olive oil, and honey.  You need one part oil to two parts sugar or salt.
  2. For an average amount of the scrub, take ½ cup of salt or sugar. I decided to use sugar, since it tends to be gentler on the skin, and add it to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Then take ¼ cup of olive oil (regular or extra virgin) and add it to the salt or sugar.
  4. After you’ve added the olive oil, add two tablespoons of honey for extra benefits. The honey acts as an adhesive for the scrub and it also is amazing for your skin. (more…)

How To Wash Your Brushes, The Right Way

September 18, 2012

The importance of washing your brushes is, well, important! If you use them everyday, there could be a colony of bacteria having a fun time in the expense of your face (breakouts, anyone?). Makeup brushes should be washed at least once a week, maybe more depending on the products – like type of foundation, blush, etc. The best way is to use a mild soap and warm water. This will keep your brushes soft and in great shape for years to come. Your skin will thank you later.

  1. Fill up your sink with some warm water and add a couple of drops of a mild soap. I’m using castile soap which is 100% natural and made of oil, which if you remember science class – like attracts like - it will remove every speck of dirt and oil from your brushes without stripping them with harsh chemicals. Plus, you can use this soap for everything because it is always very gentle; I use it as a makeup remover.
  2. While your brushes soak for a couple of minutes, add a drop or two of soap to the palm of your hand and take a brush and swirl it in the soap. This is how you individually clean them–you will also see how much makeup gets left behind! (more…)