Tag: Skin Care

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imagesIt is that time of year when I put away my heavy, dark, over-defined statement makeup and fill my handbag with light, pretty basic products that let my skin shine through. I prefer makeup that take 2-3 minutes to apply often without a mirror. I don’t want to be a slave to the mirror, the heat or anyone’s expectations. I also keep a beautiful notebook sure to inspire and feed my creative flowI wanted to share a few of these products with you and would love to see what’s in your bag!

The Travel Make Up Bag!

SKIN CARE FIRST!

I am still on a @MilkMakeUp kick so bear with me. I hate traveling with my favorite full size skin care items….the anxiety going through security is too much to bear. Ziploc bags with all of your carefully cultivated products undergo scrutiny from agents who could care less that you can’t live without the base of your entire look. So to reduce my stress I rely on full-sized options and travel products from Milk MakeUp….perfectly sized and the solids are TSA-approved!  Fabulous face, dewy and fresh, perfect for every occasion that you may come across.

Matcha-Cleanser-cap-655x1024I love TEA and drink it everyday so Milk Makeup’s All – New Matcha tea skin cleanser and toner are perfect for your summer makeup bag. These products keep your skin cleansed, toned and protected; they also keep you from carrying your entire collection on your travels. My favorite new Milk Makeup products come in solid form so TSA can keep their hands off and you can stay beautiful throughout your adventure.

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The best feature of the Milk Makeup travel kit is that they come in their own adorable travel bag so I can just grab and go! The Milk Make Up travel kit comes equipped with the hangover-killer Cooling Water.  A soothing seawater and firming caffeine stick that helps soothe puffy travel and margarita salt swollen eyes. I apply this product each night and morning. Milk’s Hydrating Oil Stick is goes on next. This hydrating oil vitalizes my skin and help me maintain a healthy glow. Just a dab where you need it and smooth into your face….no need to pile it on. I follow up with the Blur Stick an oil-free primer in a universal neutral shade to blur the look of imperfections. Perfect for vacations when you want your skin to shine through. Let your skin bloom like the flowers that you see everyday! A minimal layer of Ubame mascara, a touch of highlighter, brow gel, rosy blush and lip balm  and you are ready for your next adventure!

Turn that fresh face look into Super Glam with Lashes from ZivaLash! Make your eyes pop and draws every eye in the room! My choice is the Zivalash Kari Ruby Lash!

These silk lashes are lengthy with a wispy flair at the end.  You will get in trouble when you wear these pretties out and about. Now get out there and be glamorous!

 

Travel Light…Travel Easy and Most of All!  Don’t be Afraid To Let Your Line Shine!

 

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31pbDuzjSlL._AC_US218_I love to talk about natural beauty and health but I truly believe that beauty starts from the inside out. You can buy the best make up and beauty products but nothing can replace WATER! I can’t stress hydration enough! Flipping through an old copy of Instyle magazine while waiting for my yearly dental cleaning made me think about how much water I drink and how it effects my beauty routine. Drinking enough water each and every day can be the answer to your biggest beauty problems (we’re talking dull skin, brittle nails, and even thinning hair. Here are a few reasons to drink for beauty and health.

Water Makes Your Skin Glow
41zylMI+JyL._AC_US218_Water helps your body flush out toxins more efficiently, leaving your skin looking fresh and more radiant as a result. Drink an 8oz glass in the morning before brushing to get kickstart your liver and kidneys from a long night of sleep. I also keep a bottle on my nightstand to give my body a chance to rejuvenate during the night.

It Makes Nails Stronger
Brittle nails that constantly break and peel can be a sign of dehydration. By sipping on more water on a daily basis, you’ll promote nail growth and prevent dry, flaky cuticles.

It Fights Aging

A gallon a day won’t magically erase fine lines and wrinkles. But by staying hydrated, you can maintain your skin’s natural elasticity and suppleness. Water consumption combined with a dedicated beauty routine can keep those lines and wrinkles at bay.

It Clears Acne
Another beautiful part about washing away toxins is that it can prevent acne flare ups and other common skin issues. Try squeezing a fresh lemon or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a cup of hot water and drinking it first thing in the morning.

If it is hard for you to drink the recommended amount every day try different methods. I have carried the infusion water bottle and experimented with different combinations of fruit and herbs. Pinterest has hundreds of pages devoted to fruit and herb infused water.

Here are a few ideas to motivate you to drink water

The S’ip by S’well bottle is a perfect compliment to a hot summer day.

  • Keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours, hot for 12
  • Double-walled to eliminate condensation so bottle won’t sweat on your hands or in your bag
  • Food-grade, 18/8 stainless steel is BPA free and sensibly tested for healthy hydration
  • Vacuum insulated to keep liquids and carbonated beverages fresh
  • Holds 15 oz of your favorite beverage

Amazon has a large selection of fruit infuser water bottles in a variety of colors because we all want our accessories to rock!

Make water a part of your daily routine and the benefits will shock you.

 

 

 

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Spring is in our sights…that groundhog be damned! I am looking to freshen up my beauty look with the addition of a few new products. Take advantage of the time cooped up inside avoiding the bitter cold by researching your Spring look. All the information is at your fingertips with a lot or the footwork done by bloggers and subscription beauty services like Ipsy or Birchbox. Sign up and share the code with your friends for referral credit or glam points. Don’t stop there! The beauty industry has a plethora of beauty subscriptions to choose from. 

Don’t let the winter doldrums conquer you. Use this time to refresh your skin from the inside out. I start my Spring prep by adding a few teaspoons of Bragg’s images-2ACV to my daily water intake to clear up any residual skin issues and maintain my weight. Bragg’s is my go to and costs about $5.00 a bottle this appeals to my budget and my inner hippie. The benefits of Bragg’s ACV are far reaching with some using the natural remedy for everything from digestive issues to skin toner. Do the research and figure out what works for you. 

I regularly cleanse my skin with African black soap. Black soap cleanses gently, so it’s ideal for people with rosacea, rashes, dryness and other skin conditions. Some African black soap products contain a plantain extract, which has antibacterial properties that may help treat acne breakouts. abs2Some
people use the soap as a shampoo or mild makeup remover. Available at Whole Foods. Coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter round out my skin care regime and keep my skin clear and ready for the sun. Shea and cocoa butter make my skin soft and supple and coconut oil is perfect for oil pulling. Coconut oil pulling is my secret to white teeth but contributes to my overall good health. 

Go easy on your skin. Make the changes a part of your daily routine and you will see the changes in no time. 

Spring Prep Part 2 coming soon….

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It’s time to change your skin care routine. Fall is in full swing! The leaves are changing and the nights are getting cooler. Why not change your skin care routine! You’ve given your wardrobe a makeover do the same for your skin! It is important to hydrate your skin from the inside out with the most basic of beauty treatments…water! Don’t skimp on your water intake! Water is good for your internal system all year round and hydrated skin glows.A great way to achieve that super soft, glowy look is adding a facial oil to your night routine. Learn what works for your skin and you can maximize moisture!

Here is a breakdown of facial oils and the skin type they work for!

832505-coconut-oil

 

Dry Skin Loves Coconut Oil! Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and provides maximum hydration to dry, parched skin. Coconut oil has healthy, fatty acids that make dry skin glow. If you have dry skin, apply coconut oil to your face after washing and drying it lightly with a towel. Use a small amount since the oil spreads well. Take just ¼ teaspoon oil in the palm of one hand rub it with the other. Apply it on the face with both palms, gently massaging it in. Wait for 5-10 minutes for the oil to absorb into the skin, and wipe away any excess with a soft cotton towel. A thin layer is all you need to prevent moisture loss through evaporation from the skin surface.

If you have oily skin don’t avoid this wonder oil you can still make use of the moisturizing effect of this oil. For oily skin, apply warm coconut oil liberally on the face and neck after washing with a mild soap. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash with warm water and dry with a soft towel. Repeat this for several days to condition your skin. You may experience an initial flare up of acne, but you can ignore it unless it is too severe. Your skin would eventually reduce sebum secretion. Gentle on the skin coconut oil is a great make up remover.

avocado-oil-on-table

 

Avocado oil soothes sensitive skin and cleanses deep without irritating skin further. If you suffer from eczema or rosacea this oil is for you! You can apply avocado oil to your face in the same way you would any other moisturizer – with a cotton wool pad or very clean fingers. Make sure your face is washed well and preferably still damp to spread the oil easily.

It is important to look for cold pressed avocado oil if you’re interested in the potential skin restorative properties, rather than just the moisturizing effects. The minimal refinement of cold pressed avocado oil preserves more of the important plant sterols, chlorophyll, vitamin E and other antioxidants.

 

pomegranate-oil

 

Pomegranate seed oil stimulates “keratinocytes”, major cells found in the outer layer of the skin. This helps to reverse skin damage, revive skin and reveal a more youthful appearance. Pomegranate seed oil also contains a unique polyunsaturated oil called “punicic acid”, an omega 5 fatty acid, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. The oil fends off free radicals to keep skin aging at bay. Spend the summer in the sun? This amazing oil also provides protection against sun damage. Like most essential oil, pomegranate seed oil penetrates deeply into the skin, creating lasting and healthy moisture. The oil absorbs deeply into the skin without leaving any greasy residue behind. The oil is perfect for all skin types, including oily and acne prone skin. The oil is used in products meant for oily skin, to control acne breakout, reduce scarring and soothe minor irritation.

Let me know what works for you!