Product junkies will flip for Beautyfix! This members-only club sends out seven to ten top beauty items - each selected by a panel of makeup and hair pros - each season. The standard subscription prices is $50 per quarter.
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 9
Sunday, March 15
Drug Store Savers and Sites
"That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin' ." -Otis Redding
Aveeno Insense Relief Hand Cream: It's a nongreasy treat for rough, dry skin.
Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets: The papers remove oil and are easier on the go than touch-up powder.
Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge: It blends in foundation just as well as a high-end sponge.
Ardell DuraLash Flare Individual Short Lashes: Stick 'em on lashes outer corners. Glam, but not overdone.
L'Oreal Paris Colour Juice Sheer Lip Gloss in Melon Punch: The coral color looks great on everyone.
Pampers Sensitive Wipes: They're a gentle, supercheap way to remove makeup.
Beautycrunch.com: Up to 75% off makeup.
Alconeco.com: Beauty tools at a deep discount.
Beautysteals.com: Big-bucks skin care - on sale.
Luckyscent.com: Find $3 mini bottles of posh perfumes.
Raybeauty.com: Pro hair tools at excellent prices.
Tuesday, March 3
Natural Beauty
"Got a natural beauty ma beside my eye." -Kool G. Rap
Grapes: The rich polyphenol content of grapes that helps protect the cardiovascular system can also have anti-inflammatory and revitalizing effects on the skin. Researchers are studying antioxidants such as those found in grape seed extract for their natural sun-protection properties. With its vitamin E and fatty-acid content, grape seed oil is being used in beauty products from body moisturizers to eye creams. Find in: L'Occitane En Provence Bath Tonic, Guerlain Success Eye Tech eyelid treatment, Lancome Primordiale Cell Defense and Skin Perfecting Serum, Nivea Body Summer Touch Daily Moisturizer self-tanner.
White Tea: With its anti-inflammatory properties and high polyphenol content, white tea is starting to appear in a wide range of beauty products to quash wrinkle-inducing free radicals. Applying it to skin before sun exposure helps boost the immune function of skin cells and protected them from sun damage. Find in: Clarins Younger Longer Balm, Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist, Nivea My Silhouette Slimming and Reshaping Gel-Cream, Origins A Perfect World for Eyes.
Mushrooms: They may not be as sexy as grapes or as pretty as white tea, but mushrooms are believed to be a source of vitality. They are the basis of the Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom line. They are used with other natural ingredients, and refreshing essential oils, to promote skin firmness. Aveeno Active Naturals uses a "shiitake complex" to help accelerate skin cell renewal.Find in: Origins' Plantidote Mega-Muschroom Treatment Lotion for dryness, redness and hyper pigmentation, which complements Plantidote serum and face cream, Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting and Firming Night Cream.
Pumpkins and Yams: Packed with vitamin A, pumpkin revitalizes skin tone when used in masks or peels. Pumpkin seed extract, like grape seed oil, is resplendent in fatty acids, and it improves the smoothness and softness of the skin, and helps restore tone and elasticity. Yams and yam root extract are used in products for mature skin to help counterbalance dehydration due to hormonal changes.
Monday, January 26
Seasonal Beauty
"Reminiscing our love as I watch four season's change." -Boyz II Men
Experiment with fragrance: Cosmetics counters are crammed full of gift sets for the holidays, and the leftovers go on sale after the fat guy sings. Grab a marked-down fragrance and get a whiff of something you've been meaning to try.
Stop flaking: Your skin needs extra moisture during the cold, dry months. But the hydrators in lotions and creams can't do their job if there's a coat of dead, rough skin blocking your pores. Send your flaky winter layers down the drain with a gentle body wash containing exfoliants like alpha hydroxy or urea.
Drown your skin's sorrows: Once you've exfoliated, follow these steps to keep your skin happy: Layer on a moisturizer with sunscreen int he morning, apply a thick night cream before hitting the sheets, and make a humidifier part of your bedroom decor.
Fight fuzz: Now that our summer flow has disappeared, it's time for laser hair removal. The devices are designed to target the darker pigments in your hair, so the more contrast between your hair and skin, the better it works.
Forget foundation: The heavier pigments and thick consistency of foundation tend to make it settle into dry areas on your skin and give your complexion a patchy look. Save time, and your skin, by using a tinted moisturizer instead.
Check your conditioner: If your hair is dry and static-y, protein could be the culprit. Switch to a conditioner that contains lubricants such as panthenol, glycerine or shea butter to keep your strands smooth.
Summer
Layoff the bottle: When the weather warms up, cut back on cosmetics. A study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology found that reports of sensitive skin rise during the summer months. Simplify your regimen and seek out products with a short ingredient list. The fewer ingredients a product has, the less likely it is to irritate the skin.
Wear it short: Hair grows faster when the weather is warm, so if you have been wanting a shorter 'do, now is the time to try it. If you don't like it, you'll have to live with it for a shorter period of time.
Let the waxing wane: Yes, it gets rid of that annoying fuzz, but waxing also removes a thin layer of skin - enough to make you a lot more vulnerable to the sun. Opt for shaving, depilatories or bleaching instead.
Switch to the dark side: The more intense your nail polish color, the better your pedicure will look. That's because brighter shades hide the yellowing effect the sun has on pigments.
Go faux: The rate of skin cancer is rising. Satisfy your baking needs by hitting the bottle. Apply self tanner about two hours before bed and fix any streaks that may have developed in the morning.
Try acid: Salicylic acid, that is. Sweat trapped against your skin can clog pores. Prevent acne with a quick mist of a salicylic acid spray to keep pores clear and kill bacteria.
Easy on the nails: People are drawn to water when the weather turns hot, and that's where bacteria and yeast can breed. Your cuticles act as a natural barrier, preventing the bad stuff from entering the nail bed, so make sure you are not cutting your cuticles and aren't overly aggressive when working on your hands.
Spring
Worry about wrinkles: Retinoids are the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients, but dry air or lots of sun can make it difficult for your skin to tolerate these creams. This is the perfect season to introduce them into your skin-care arsenal, so the skin can get used to them in the perfect weather.
Get rubbed the right way: After winter hibernation, your muscles are likely to be a bit creaky. A sports massage will help work out the kinks that come from taking your body out of cold storage.
Play with new products: Milder temps mean your skin is less likely to be sensitive, and it's not hot enough yet to sweat off anything new you try. So go ahead, this is the safest time to experiment with new moisturizers and foundations to see which is best for your skin.
Ditch your hair dryer: Don't wait for tropical heat to hit to unplug your dryer or flat iron. Give your hair as much R&R as possible by letting it air-dry before the serious humidity settles in.
Up the ante: Nicer weather and more daylight mean more sun exposure. Increase your daily dose of SPF.
Shed some skin: The increased humidity makes spring the ideal season for sloughing off dead layers of dry winter skin. Since you're less likely to be irritated, try a mild AHA peel to reveal skin that's softer and dewyer.
Fall
Scan your skin: Now's the time to go in for your yearly checkup with your dermatologist. Have your doctor do a skin scan so she can catch any sun damage that may have occurred during the summer.
Plan for the holidays: Book all your winter beauty appointments now. The holidays are a hectic time for salons, so call in September to schedule your hair maintenance and you'll have your pick of the best days.
Turn down the lights: Take sun-bleached strands a shade or two darker and they'll look healthier and more natural. The richer hue will make your skin look warmer and better, too.
Mask skin flaws: Prep your complexion for harsh winter weather by applying a mask, hydrating for dry skin, purifying for acne-prone, and calming for sensitive.
Treat your feet: People think that just because summer's over you don't need a pedicure. But it's actually important now to take care of the calluses and ingrown nails that come from wearing shoes and boots.
Leave nails naked: A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that brittle nails were three times more common in women who used nail polish remover at least twice a month. Dry, cold weather can wreak havoc on your digits. So skip the polish in the winter, and moisturize your hands and nails.
Skip Shampoo: Minerals in tap water and detergents in shampoo can cause your winter-stressed scalp to itch and flake. Before bed, rub a dry shampoo (see Blab Savorites) into your roots to absorb the excess oil, then comb it out in the morning.
Skip Shampoo: Minerals in tap water and detergents in shampoo can cause your winter-stressed scalp to itch and flake. Before bed, rub a dry shampoo (see Blab Savorites) into your roots to absorb the excess oil, then comb it out in the morning.
Experiment with fragrance: Cosmetics counters are crammed full of gift sets for the holidays, and the leftovers go on sale after the fat guy sings. Grab a marked-down fragrance and get a whiff of something you've been meaning to try.
Stop flaking: Your skin needs extra moisture during the cold, dry months. But the hydrators in lotions and creams can't do their job if there's a coat of dead, rough skin blocking your pores. Send your flaky winter layers down the drain with a gentle body wash containing exfoliants like alpha hydroxy or urea.
Drown your skin's sorrows: Once you've exfoliated, follow these steps to keep your skin happy: Layer on a moisturizer with sunscreen int he morning, apply a thick night cream before hitting the sheets, and make a humidifier part of your bedroom decor.
Fight fuzz: Now that our summer flow has disappeared, it's time for laser hair removal. The devices are designed to target the darker pigments in your hair, so the more contrast between your hair and skin, the better it works.
Forget foundation: The heavier pigments and thick consistency of foundation tend to make it settle into dry areas on your skin and give your complexion a patchy look. Save time, and your skin, by using a tinted moisturizer instead.
Check your conditioner: If your hair is dry and static-y, protein could be the culprit. Switch to a conditioner that contains lubricants such as panthenol, glycerine or shea butter to keep your strands smooth.
Summer
Layoff the bottle: When the weather warms up, cut back on cosmetics. A study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology found that reports of sensitive skin rise during the summer months. Simplify your regimen and seek out products with a short ingredient list. The fewer ingredients a product has, the less likely it is to irritate the skin.
Wear it short: Hair grows faster when the weather is warm, so if you have been wanting a shorter 'do, now is the time to try it. If you don't like it, you'll have to live with it for a shorter period of time.
Let the waxing wane: Yes, it gets rid of that annoying fuzz, but waxing also removes a thin layer of skin - enough to make you a lot more vulnerable to the sun. Opt for shaving, depilatories or bleaching instead.
Switch to the dark side: The more intense your nail polish color, the better your pedicure will look. That's because brighter shades hide the yellowing effect the sun has on pigments.
Go faux: The rate of skin cancer is rising. Satisfy your baking needs by hitting the bottle. Apply self tanner about two hours before bed and fix any streaks that may have developed in the morning.
Try acid: Salicylic acid, that is. Sweat trapped against your skin can clog pores. Prevent acne with a quick mist of a salicylic acid spray to keep pores clear and kill bacteria.
Easy on the nails: People are drawn to water when the weather turns hot, and that's where bacteria and yeast can breed. Your cuticles act as a natural barrier, preventing the bad stuff from entering the nail bed, so make sure you are not cutting your cuticles and aren't overly aggressive when working on your hands.
Spring
Worry about wrinkles: Retinoids are the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients, but dry air or lots of sun can make it difficult for your skin to tolerate these creams. This is the perfect season to introduce them into your skin-care arsenal, so the skin can get used to them in the perfect weather.
Get rubbed the right way: After winter hibernation, your muscles are likely to be a bit creaky. A sports massage will help work out the kinks that come from taking your body out of cold storage.
Play with new products: Milder temps mean your skin is less likely to be sensitive, and it's not hot enough yet to sweat off anything new you try. So go ahead, this is the safest time to experiment with new moisturizers and foundations to see which is best for your skin.
Ditch your hair dryer: Don't wait for tropical heat to hit to unplug your dryer or flat iron. Give your hair as much R&R as possible by letting it air-dry before the serious humidity settles in.
Up the ante: Nicer weather and more daylight mean more sun exposure. Increase your daily dose of SPF.
Shed some skin: The increased humidity makes spring the ideal season for sloughing off dead layers of dry winter skin. Since you're less likely to be irritated, try a mild AHA peel to reveal skin that's softer and dewyer.
Fall
Scan your skin: Now's the time to go in for your yearly checkup with your dermatologist. Have your doctor do a skin scan so she can catch any sun damage that may have occurred during the summer.
Plan for the holidays: Book all your winter beauty appointments now. The holidays are a hectic time for salons, so call in September to schedule your hair maintenance and you'll have your pick of the best days.
Turn down the lights: Take sun-bleached strands a shade or two darker and they'll look healthier and more natural. The richer hue will make your skin look warmer and better, too.
Mask skin flaws: Prep your complexion for harsh winter weather by applying a mask, hydrating for dry skin, purifying for acne-prone, and calming for sensitive.
Treat your feet: People think that just because summer's over you don't need a pedicure. But it's actually important now to take care of the calluses and ingrown nails that come from wearing shoes and boots.
Tuesday, November 4
Mask Magic
"I got it, You got it, We got the magic girl..." -Robin Thicke
Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Masque by Earth Science: Swap your usual hair conditioner for this one once a week. Natural silk protein and avocado and olive oils repair dry, damaged locks.
Masque No. 1 by Yon-Ka: This vitamin-packed, super-hydrating treatment relies on A, B, C and E to fight free radicals and reduce fine lines. You'll feel soothed by the hints of rose and jasmine.
Mineral Body Mask by Get Fresh Spa: Made with Dead Sea clay and goldenseal extract, this dense mask feels luxurious on skin, and its grapefruit scent refreshes the soul. Slather it on legs, arms and feet before hopping in the shower, and emerge smooth and glowing.
Chocolate Mask by Violet Skin Boutique: Completely natural ingredients like fresh egg yolk, chocolate oil and eglantine-seed syrup come together in a handmade sweet treat for face and neck.
Rose Formula Anti-Oxidant Facial Mask by Neal's Yard Remedies: Skin feels clean and rejuvenated after a session with this blend of organic rose and maple extracts, geranium and cardamom.
Raspberry Eye Masque by Eminence Organic Skin Care: This feather-light cream hydrates, firms and brightens the delicate eye area with vitamin K, wild hops, gingerroot and red clover.
Olive & Avocado Deep Conditioning Masque by Earth Science: Swap your usual hair conditioner for this one once a week. Natural silk protein and avocado and olive oils repair dry, damaged locks.
Masque No. 1 by Yon-Ka: This vitamin-packed, super-hydrating treatment relies on A, B, C and E to fight free radicals and reduce fine lines. You'll feel soothed by the hints of rose and jasmine.
Mineral Body Mask by Get Fresh Spa: Made with Dead Sea clay and goldenseal extract, this dense mask feels luxurious on skin, and its grapefruit scent refreshes the soul. Slather it on legs, arms and feet before hopping in the shower, and emerge smooth and glowing.
Chocolate Mask by Violet Skin Boutique: Completely natural ingredients like fresh egg yolk, chocolate oil and eglantine-seed syrup come together in a handmade sweet treat for face and neck.
Rose Formula Anti-Oxidant Facial Mask by Neal's Yard Remedies: Skin feels clean and rejuvenated after a session with this blend of organic rose and maple extracts, geranium and cardamom.
Raspberry Eye Masque by Eminence Organic Skin Care: This feather-light cream hydrates, firms and brightens the delicate eye area with vitamin K, wild hops, gingerroot and red clover.
Let's Make This Simple
"Why do you make something so easy so complicated." -Usher
I keep tearing out articles and snippets about what vitamins are found in what fruit/vegetable and what it'll do for you specifically. I hang them on the fridge like, "Oooo, I'm gonna start eating more x (enter in any fruit/veggie of your choice)." But I know I won't. I won't make an concerted effort to seek out that new, anti-aging fruit that, while supposedly works miracles, can't be found anywhere.
I keep tearing out articles and snippets about what vitamins are found in what fruit/vegetable and what it'll do for you specifically. I hang them on the fridge like, "Oooo, I'm gonna start eating more x (enter in any fruit/veggie of your choice)." But I know I won't. I won't make an concerted effort to seek out that new, anti-aging fruit that, while supposedly works miracles, can't be found anywhere. What I suggest, as much to me as to you, is to eat a wide variety of fruits and veggies and don't worry about it! But make sure you're eating them! Start your day off with fruits so that you are eating them on an empty stomach (fruit acids produce a fermentation that can upset stomachs and slow digestion of other foods) then have veggies with dinner and as a late night snack (vegetable may be combined with either proteins or carbohydrates). See HealthyWayMagazine for a good article on this concept.
So, while it's great to know what every vitamin will do and how to get it, I'm going to stop collecting these types of articles, stop with the guilt of not incorporating each and every vitamin into my daily diet (take a multi if you're so concerned) and just start eating 'em!
Sunday, November 2
Bare Nail Care
"All my girls get your hair fixed and your nails done put your hands up and say okay." -Nivea
For bare nails to look chic, they must be well manicured. To start, thoroughly remove old polish with an acetone remover. Clean the underside of nail tips with a soapy nail brush; dry completely. Next, file nails into desired shape (square with rounded edges is the most popular) using long, even strokes.
TIP: Do not saw back and forth with the file as this splits the nail.
The next step - buffing - is key to getting bare nails attractive. Reach for a buffing block that has both a rough surface (to smooth ridges) and a soft one (to enhance shine). Use the rough side first, buffing in an X motion - from lower left to upper right of nail surface, then vice versa. Next, use the soft side of the block in a side-to-side motion: When you hear a "squeak," it's a sign that you've obtained the sheen that's necessary for this look.
Finally, use a white pencil under nail tips. You also need to take care of your cuticles with an oil or cuticle cream. For the crispest look, finish with a coat of a clear nail brightener to protect and camouflage discoloration.
For bare nails to look chic, they must be well manicured. To start, thoroughly remove old polish with an acetone remover. Clean the underside of nail tips with a soapy nail brush; dry completely. Next, file nails into desired shape (square with rounded edges is the most popular) using long, even strokes.
TIP: Do not saw back and forth with the file as this splits the nail.
The next step - buffing - is key to getting bare nails attractive. Reach for a buffing block that has both a rough surface (to smooth ridges) and a soft one (to enhance shine). Use the rough side first, buffing in an X motion - from lower left to upper right of nail surface, then vice versa. Next, use the soft side of the block in a side-to-side motion: When you hear a "squeak," it's a sign that you've obtained the sheen that's necessary for this look.
Finally, use a white pencil under nail tips. You also need to take care of your cuticles with an oil or cuticle cream. For the crispest look, finish with a coat of a clear nail brightener to protect and camouflage discoloration.
Wednesday, October 15
Rules of Natural Makeup
"You make me feel, you make me feel like a natural woman." -Aretha Franklin
1. Prepare your skin: Start by applying moisturizer, followed by sheer foundation, then press a bit of concealer under the eyes. Lightly dust on powder if you're super oily - but the skin shouldn't be completely matte.
QUICK TIP: To get foundation to melt into skin, apply with your fingers. Put a small amount on tips, rub together and then dab onto your face.
2. Define your eyes: To play up eyes without getting dramatic, use a pencil liner to dot between the roots of lashes. Then apply no more than two coats of mascara to curled lashes.
QUICK TIP: Brows should be clean but not overly groomed. Pluck stray hairs and use a clear or light brow gel to keep them in place.
3. Warm up your cheeks: To look as if you've just come in from a frosty night, pick a blush that complements your natural coloring. Light pink for fair ladies, dusty pink for medium complexions, peach or bronze for olive skin and poum for darker tones.
QUICK TIP: If your skin is on the oily side, stick with powdery textured blush. For normal to dry skin, go for creams and mousses.
4. Amplify your lids: Go for a sheer wash of matte shadow applied only to the lids. Pick a shade close to your skin tone. Again, for fair try Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Morning Dew, medium skin try M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Soft Brown, olive try L'Oreal Paris Wear Infinite Eye Shadow Single in Brushed Suede and for dark try Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eye Shadow Single in Nutmeg.
QUICK TIP: Use a bit of concealer on lids. It cuts down on redness and works as a primer to make shadow last.
5. Enhance your lips: Skip matte and glossy textures and go for lipstick with a creamy consistency. Match your lip color or choose a shade or two deeper (I've heard you should match the color that is on the inside of your lips). For a sheer application, dab it on with your finger or apply and then blot.
QUICK TIP: This natural look calls for smooth, moisturized lips. Exfoliate them with a soft-bristle brush and a dab of Vaseline. Then make lipstick last by filling in lips with a pencil that matches your natural lip color before applying lipstick.
1. Prepare your skin: Start by applying moisturizer, followed by sheer foundation, then press a bit of concealer under the eyes. Lightly dust on powder if you're super oily - but the skin shouldn't be completely matte.
QUICK TIP: To get foundation to melt into skin, apply with your fingers. Put a small amount on tips, rub together and then dab onto your face.
2. Define your eyes: To play up eyes without getting dramatic, use a pencil liner to dot between the roots of lashes. Then apply no more than two coats of mascara to curled lashes.
QUICK TIP: Brows should be clean but not overly groomed. Pluck stray hairs and use a clear or light brow gel to keep them in place.
3. Warm up your cheeks: To look as if you've just come in from a frosty night, pick a blush that complements your natural coloring. Light pink for fair ladies, dusty pink for medium complexions, peach or bronze for olive skin and poum for darker tones.
QUICK TIP: If your skin is on the oily side, stick with powdery textured blush. For normal to dry skin, go for creams and mousses.
4. Amplify your lids: Go for a sheer wash of matte shadow applied only to the lids. Pick a shade close to your skin tone. Again, for fair try Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Morning Dew, medium skin try M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Soft Brown, olive try L'Oreal Paris Wear Infinite Eye Shadow Single in Brushed Suede and for dark try Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eye Shadow Single in Nutmeg.
QUICK TIP: Use a bit of concealer on lids. It cuts down on redness and works as a primer to make shadow last.
5. Enhance your lips: Skip matte and glossy textures and go for lipstick with a creamy consistency. Match your lip color or choose a shade or two deeper (I've heard you should match the color that is on the inside of your lips). For a sheer application, dab it on with your finger or apply and then blot.
QUICK TIP: This natural look calls for smooth, moisturized lips. Exfoliate them with a soft-bristle brush and a dab of Vaseline. Then make lipstick last by filling in lips with a pencil that matches your natural lip color before applying lipstick.
Sweet Treats
"Baby first let me know what you gonna do about this sweet tooth." -R. Kelly
Moisturizing soap: Jelly Pong Pong Soap Popsicle
Glossy scented lip balm: Sweet Shop Cupcakes & Cartwheels Lip Gloss Set
Friday, September 19
Cool v Warm Skin Tone
"I should tell you I'm feelin'' yo skin tone, You lookin'' just like a precious gem stone." -Lil Wayne
Ok, so here's the scoop. I can never remember this so I thought I'd put it somewhere I will always be able to find it, as will you. Cool v warm skin tone.
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist: If they're blue, skin is cool and pale pinks will look great. If they're more green, skin is warm, so peaches and nudes will look pretty!
Ok, so here's the scoop. I can never remember this so I thought I'd put it somewhere I will always be able to find it, as will you. Cool v warm skin tone.
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist: If they're blue, skin is cool and pale pinks will look great. If they're more green, skin is warm, so peaches and nudes will look pretty!
Wednesday, August 27
Everything Skin
"Ooo, rub her smooth skin, you say you wanna get in my benz." -Sir Mix-A-Lot
Tidbits about your skin.
Antioxidants: The Pac-Men of skin care, such as vitamins C (also a collagen-builder) and E, beta-carotene and those within green tea and grape seed, gobble up the free radicals produced by factors like sun, pollution, stress and cigarette smoke, neutralizing their skin-weakening powers.
Tree oil: A natural antiseptic, to banish breakouts. Honey, I've heard, does the same thing. But it won't soak into skin alone so add moisturizer to it (I use aloe vera w/ honey as a mask).
Grapes: The main source of the antiaging powerhouse resvertatrol. When taken internally, it triggers health effects similar to a low-calorie diet and is believed to help prevent diseases including cancer and diabetes, as well as ward off weight gain and increase endurance. Found within the skin of the fruit, resveratrol offers several complexion benefits when applied topically - amped-up collagen production, protection from UV damage and defense against loss of elasticity.
Niacin: A derivative of vitamin B3, niacin helps the digestive system convert food to energy and assists nerve function. But skin-care gurus love it because niacin breaks down into nicotinic acid, which stimulates the release of leptin, a hormone that's been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation. Applied twice a day, a niacin-enriched, gentle product could fade brown spots and other discoloration over time.
Tea: Whether brewed as soothing beverages or added to a daily skin cream, these antioxidant superstars also contain large amounts of polyphenol, a known antiager. These types of tea (most potent are green, white and yerba mate) have been scientifically proven to defend against the formation of certain cancers when sipped daily, and there's evidence that they fight free radicals, minimize UV effects and repair damaged cells when applied to skin.
Yogurt: Low levels of lactic and alpha hydroxy acid make plain yogurt an ideal DIY exfoliant (leave on for five minutes then rinse) even for those with sensitive skin, while its probiotic content beats bad bacteria effectively on the skin's surface just as it does within the body.
Another tip: While so many skin care products are expensive, spend your money on items that will be applied and left on skin, such as moisturizers and night creams. Spend less on items that are washed off, such as cleanser and exfoliants. And, as always, drink water, use sunscreen and sleep!
Antioxidants: The Pac-Men of skin care, such as vitamins C (also a collagen-builder) and E, beta-carotene and those within green tea and grape seed, gobble up the free radicals produced by factors like sun, pollution, stress and cigarette smoke, neutralizing their skin-weakening powers.
Tree oil: A natural antiseptic, to banish breakouts. Honey, I've heard, does the same thing. But it won't soak into skin alone so add moisturizer to it (I use aloe vera w/ honey as a mask).
Grapes: The main source of the antiaging powerhouse resvertatrol. When taken internally, it triggers health effects similar to a low-calorie diet and is believed to help prevent diseases including cancer and diabetes, as well as ward off weight gain and increase endurance. Found within the skin of the fruit, resveratrol offers several complexion benefits when applied topically - amped-up collagen production, protection from UV damage and defense against loss of elasticity.
Niacin: A derivative of vitamin B3, niacin helps the digestive system convert food to energy and assists nerve function. But skin-care gurus love it because niacin breaks down into nicotinic acid, which stimulates the release of leptin, a hormone that's been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation. Applied twice a day, a niacin-enriched, gentle product could fade brown spots and other discoloration over time.
Tea: Whether brewed as soothing beverages or added to a daily skin cream, these antioxidant superstars also contain large amounts of polyphenol, a known antiager. These types of tea (most potent are green, white and yerba mate) have been scientifically proven to defend against the formation of certain cancers when sipped daily, and there's evidence that they fight free radicals, minimize UV effects and repair damaged cells when applied to skin.
Yogurt: Low levels of lactic and alpha hydroxy acid make plain yogurt an ideal DIY exfoliant (leave on for five minutes then rinse) even for those with sensitive skin, while its probiotic content beats bad bacteria effectively on the skin's surface just as it does within the body.
Another tip: While so many skin care products are expensive, spend your money on items that will be applied and left on skin, such as moisturizers and night creams. Spend less on items that are washed off, such as cleanser and exfoliants. And, as always, drink water, use sunscreen and sleep!
Wednesday, August 20
Roses
"Yeah, roses really smell like poo-oo-ooo." -Outkast
intimately Beckham for Her - Lasses who love rose will find that this floral fragrance tickles them pink.
They really don't, its one of my favorite scents. Here are some great, rose smelling products.
intimately Beckham for Her - Lasses who love rose will find that this floral fragrance tickles them pink.
Annick Goutal Creme Splendide Nuit - Why does the nicest stuff always have the longest names? Expensive, but claims that the rose seed oil is
skin-softening.
Alora Ambiance Rosa reed diffuser - Fill your home with the scent of fresh-cut roses for months.
Lollia Inspire perfumed dusting powder - A dusting of this powder will leave skin petal-scented!
Wednesday, August 6
Blab Savorites: Miscellaneous Beauty Products
"So come on, such a cutie, I love you Sleeping Beauty." -Tech N9ne
Colorescience Powder Sunscreen - Throw it in your bag and brush it on throughout the day, without spills. In fact, they have other great sunscreen products to check out as well.
Lumene Vitamin C+ - This vitamin C oil, Energy Cocktail Intensive Care, when used daily under moisturizer, makes skin glow.
Philosophy Hope in a Jar - A world-renowned skin cream. Results can be seen and felt within days - a healthy, rosy glow to the skin that doesn't require makeup or cover up. I use it at night for a night cream.
Colorescience Powder Sunscreen - Throw it in your bag and brush it on throughout the day, without spills. In fact, they have other great sunscreen products to check out as well.
Lumene Vitamin C+ - This vitamin C oil, Energy Cocktail Intensive Care, when used daily under moisturizer, makes skin glow.
Philosophy Hope in a Jar - A world-renowned skin cream. Results can be seen and felt within days - a healthy, rosy glow to the skin that doesn't require makeup or cover up. I use it at night for a night cream.
Saturday, August 2
Everything Hair
"Top down hair blowin in the wind rims spinning, that's what Ryders do." -Ruff Ryders
Savorites Stuff box Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo, it smells great and makes my hair really soft and shiny, without having to wash it. As we know, it's not good to shampoo our hair every day, so this offers us an alternative. Haven't tried other Blandi products but if you have, write us a review!
For dry and ultra fine hair, I have read that J.F Lazartigue Micro-Pearl shampoo contains less drying detergents and is good for hair. I have heard from many sources that suds are created with detergents and are not good for any hair type, or skin for that matter.
Fekkai products are also great, I used the travel size on a vacation to Alabama recently and really liked them.
Organic cleanser line Dr. Bronner's carries shampoo, body wash and laundry soap. Can be purchased at Target stores.
Terax Crema Ultra Moisturizing Conditioner is a cult favorite, which deep-conditions hair without weighing it down.
Coconut Milk shampoo by Organix is nourishing and organic. Plus it smells good!
HAIR MYTH: Cool-water rinses add no more shine than warm ones do.
Savorites Stuff box Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo, it smells great and makes my hair really soft and shiny, without having to wash it. As we know, it's not good to shampoo our hair every day, so this offers us an alternative. Haven't tried other Blandi products but if you have, write us a review!
For dry and ultra fine hair, I have read that J.F Lazartigue Micro-Pearl shampoo contains less drying detergents and is good for hair. I have heard from many sources that suds are created with detergents and are not good for any hair type, or skin for that matter.
Fekkai products are also great, I used the travel size on a vacation to Alabama recently and really liked them.
Organic cleanser line Dr. Bronner's carries shampoo, body wash and laundry soap. Can be purchased at Target stores.
Terax Crema Ultra Moisturizing Conditioner is a cult favorite, which deep-conditions hair without weighing it down.
Coconut Milk shampoo by Organix is nourishing and organic. Plus it smells good!
HAIR MYTH: Cool-water rinses add no more shine than warm ones do.
Tuesday, July 29
Organic Beauty
"Logo organic, herbal fresh, hypoallergenic." -RZA
Origins by Dr. Andrew Weil: His remarkable integrative approach features highly effective proprietary blends of various organic items. I was mostly interested in the Weil Bee-ings Honey - supposedly great for using in tea and on pb&j. I also use a mixture of aloe vera and honey for a face mask sometimes and was thinking I would use this honey. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
Linden Leaves USA: "Combines the very best of local New Zealand and international ingredients to create a pure bodycare." I was most interested in their Gold Family. - supposedly great for the skin. Have yet to try it though. Man I'm a slacker.
Another Gold product I've wanted to try is the Guerlain 'Lor' Radiance Concentrate.
Origins by Dr. Andrew Weil: His remarkable integrative approach features highly effective proprietary blends of various organic items. I was mostly interested in the Weil Bee-ings Honey - supposedly great for using in tea and on pb&j. I also use a mixture of aloe vera and honey for a face mask sometimes and was thinking I would use this honey. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
Linden Leaves USA: "Combines the very best of local New Zealand and international ingredients to create a pure bodycare." I was most interested in their Gold Family. - supposedly great for the skin. Have yet to try it though. Man I'm a slacker.
Another Gold product I've wanted to try is the Guerlain 'Lor' Radiance Concentrate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
