CinHar Beauty

Giving yourself a facial

2012-02-08T09:26:00.000+13:00

The purpose of this facial is to deep cleanse the skin getting rid of dead skin cell build up from makeup, environment and day to day dirt and grime. It is ideal to give yourself a facial once a week and get a professional facial every six to eight weeks.
What you will need Headband
Cleanser
Toner
Exfoliator
Any special creams or ampoules
Masque (optional)
Moisturiser
Sun Bloc (if doing the facial during the day)
Face Cloth
Cotton Pads
Spatulas (if your skincare comes in pots)

Some notes about this routine The best place to carry out this routine would be in your bathroom where you have easy access to water and a mirror to look into so you can see what you are doing. This routine will take you about 30 minutes to complete.

The facial routine You start with the double cleanse – the first times cleanses the skin and the second balances the skin. On damp fingers place a little cleanser and starting at your neck in upward sweeping motions apply the cleanser to your face. Rinse off using a damp face cloth; use cool to lukewarm water so that you do not irate the skin. Repeat the process for the second cleansing.

On two damp cotton pads spray some toner and pat on skin to refresh it. Or you can use lukewarm water and splash it on your face.

Follow this with exfoliator. The exfoliator aids in the deep cleansing and ‘polishes’ off the dead skin and build-up that the cleanser misses. Much like with the cleanser on damp fingertips place a small blob of exfoliator in upwards sweeping motions starting at the neck and working up to the forehead. Gently going over the lips but avoiding the eye area. Once your face is covered with the product, you then remove with your warm damp face cloth.

Once all of the exfoliator is removed then with the toner pads from before pat your face again.

If you have, a special treatment cream or ampoule now is the time to use it. Using dry hands place the cream or ampoule liquid on your fingers and massage into your face.

(Optional) Apply the masque to your face according to manufactures instructions. Relax for 10 to 20 minutes.

(OR) Leave your ampoule or treatment cream on for about 10 minutes before wiping off with a tissue.

Now massage your facial moisturiser onto your face followed by your sunbloc if it is day time.

That is as simple as it gets. Follow this routine weekly and every six to eight weeks get a salon facial to enhance your homecare skincare routine. Morning and night do a simple skincare routine.

Choose the right foundation

2012-01-30T17:42:00.001+13:00

What IS really the best way to find the perfect foundation for your skin tone? Asked by Tracy.

Choosing the right foundation for your skin can seem so complicated if you do not know what to look for. This article will help you to choose the right colour and also give you advice on what type of foundation to use such as cream, liquid or an all in one. So many choices, so many decisions. Take a deep breath this article has taken the confusion out of the equation.

Colour of foundation for skin tone

Everyone has different skin tones even between sisters and daughters and friends. So it might not be possible to borrow your friends or sisters foundation.

If you skin is translucent or light in skin tone the best colours to choose would be soft peach, creamy pink beige or light warm beige.
Do you have medium skin tones? Then go for rose beige, soft beige/tan, a cool beige or a sun bronze.
For dark tones the colours you would, use deep peach, dark beige, sun bronze, or luminous light olive.

Type of foundation for your skin type

Before we do look at the different types of foundations here are some things to consider. If your skin is dryer then you will want to use a thicker and creamer foundation. However, if you skin is oily you will want to use a lighter cream, unless you have acne skin in which case you will want to use a medicated foundation.

Dry and mature skins will use cream or moisturised emulsion.
Dry and sensitive skins will use cream or oil based foundations.
Combination skins will use liquid, semi-fluid or all in one foundation (Fluid and powder)
Oily skins will use non-oily astringent or water based (combined) foundations. Cake or block foundations or suspended liquid.
Blemished or acne skins will benefit from medicated liquid or block foundation.
Allergic and hypertensive go for hypo-allergenic foundations that have all known irritants screened out.

It is a matter of trial and error with choosing the right foundation to meet your needs. The goal is a natural look and not to look like you have paint on your face. If you are buying from a department store that has poor to no natural light then it is best that you apply a streak of a few samples on your jaw and then take a mirror out into the natural light and see which one blends in the best with your natural skin tone.

A beautiful you starts on the inside! If you have any questions or comments about this blog please email beauty@hotmail.com. Thanks for reading; Cindy Hargreaves Editor and Beauty Consultatnt CinHar Beauty http://cinharbeauty.blogspot.com/

Ajax Meeting by C A Hargreaves

2012-01-30T16:29:00.000+13:00

Ajax looked around her puzzled, why the hell would he want to meet her here of all places. She stood at attention just like the good little soldier she was, exactly where she had been instructed to. To anyone that knew her they would be able to see that she had a look of utter puzzlement in her eyes. Yet her stance and facial features remained blank.
Read More>>

10 hand and nail care tips

2012-01-29T19:53:00.000+13:00

We will start this section off with 10 hand and nail care tips that will help you keep your hands in tip top condition (mind the pun). Besides your face your hands are the most seen part of your body, so you want to look after them. Even if you do not where nail polish and your nails are short they can still be presentable.

After you have washed your hands or they have been submerged in water smooth on some hand and nail cream. This will help prevent your hands from drying out and it will nourish them. Try Just Herbal Rosewater Hand and Body Lotion only $24.99 NZD. Buy Now
When doing the dishes or you are using chemicals to clean always wear gloves. The water will strip your hand of natural moisture and oils causing your hands to dry out. Wearing gloves will also prevents the harmful chemicals from being absorbed into your skin. You can get reusable gloves priced at around $2.75 NZD at any supermarket.
In the morning after your shower and in the evening before bed massage a little cuticle cream or lip balm into your cuticles and nail bed. This will soften the cuticles and it will keep you nails in good condition. Try Just Herbal Peppermint Lip Balm only $5.50 Buy Now. Also available in Lavender or Geranium each pottel contains 10 gms of lip balm.
If you are a nail biter or nail picker choose a nail polish or polishes in your favourite colour and apply two coats. By seeing your nails look pretty, it might help you to leave them alone.
File your nails once a week to keep them in shape and to help prevent splitting and chipping.
If you nails a thin then apply two coats of nail polish even if it is simply a clear polish. These days there are plenty of polish’s on the market that help to thicken nails. I have also heard that if you make up a solution of gelatine and soak your nails for about ten minutes a day, this too may help. I have not tried this so I can not give firsthand knowledge.
Buff your nails once a week, this will get rid of any ridges and give them a natural shine.
Always treat your nails as if you have just put polish on them, this will help you look after them and help prevent damage to the nail bed.
After you have had a shower or a bath gently push your cuticles back with the edge of your towel. This will gently exfoliate the cuticles and help to remove the cuticle.
When you exfoliate your body of face use a little for your hands, this gets rid of dead skin cell build up and dirt and grime. Just make sure you moisturise your skin well afterwards.

In the next issue of Hand and Feet we will look at putting together a hand and nail care kit. Would love feedback about what you want to know beauty@cinhar.co.nz.

Le Reve Nautral Soy Wax Candles

2012-01-28T15:15:00.001+13:00

I have been an Independent Le Rêve Beauty Consultant for a while now, but Oh. My. Goodness. Our 100% natural soy wax candles are divine. Their scent and lasting power (grins) and the pleasure they give me is mmm out of this world.

What do I like about these candles? I like that they are made out of natural soy wax, there scent is intense but not over-powering. They also are not tested on or made from animals and animal products and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans to use. Let’s not forget the fact that they are non-toxic – bonus! They don’t have that black soot that most paraffin based candles have. AND they are biodegradable.

The beauty of these candles is if you have dry hands and hard calluses on your feet; dip your finger or more preferably a spatula into the melted wax and rub into your hands and feel before bed. At first I was a bit iffy about this but then I tried it ... absolutely divine. In the morning once you have showered and washed your hands and feet; your skin feels as if you have just spent $70 plus on a manicure and pedicure.

And if all of that’s not enough to make you want one how about the fact that the medium candle burns for about 95 hours and if you used it for everyday for 3 hours then you would get roughly 31 days out of it. The large candle burns for about 130 hours and will last roughly 43 days. Bear in mind that it is more than likely you won’t use the candle every day, because you probably have a few and will alternate.

Also because these candles come in a glass jar once the candle is used up you can use the jars for something else maybe for your cotton balls, for potpourri and many more ideas.

Letter from the editor 1

2012-01-28T14:55:00.001+13:00

Saturday, 28 January 2012

I am sitting here pondering life, what I want from it and how I am going to get it. Why am I pondering life you may be asking? Well last week 5 days before my 32nd birthday I had an operation to get all of my teeth removed. It has left me wanting more from life than I already have. So as a consequence I am looking at all of my current projects and asking: is this actually something I want to do and if so how can I make it better.

Here is my solution for CinHar Beauty: I will turn this blog into a women's magazine. But I won't do it alone. I am going to hire freelance writers to write articles. I will also need your help: what do YOU want from a beauty magazine? What topics do you want to know about? Do you want the normal subjects? Fashion, beauty, body, fitness, health? Anything else?

Are you a freelance writer? CinHar Beauty is wanting writers that can write articles about women's issues such as: hair, fashion or more importantly style; health and other women's issues. I will be doing the beauty section but all others are fair game. Articles are to be 400 to 1000 words long. Send queries to info@cinhar.co.nz. At this stage compensation is limited BUT every article will have a link back to your portfolio website and a mini bio, and if you have it an author photo.

My vision of CinHar Beauty Magazine (Blog)

There will be new content each week
Beauty articles written by Cindy Hargreaves
Fashion/Style articles
Body articles
Fitness articles
Women's Health
Women's Fiances
Short Stories - Written by freelancers and readers
Hair Help

Do you have a beauty question you want answered? beauty@cinhar.co.nz Or any other question about anything women related info@cinhar.co.nz

Until next time xoxoxoxoxox
Cindy

Winter Facial Skincare: Beauty Question 1

2011-12-09T12:53:00.000+13:00

What to do with dry facial skin in cold weather. The moisturizer that I have leaves my skin feeling really greasy but without it my skin is too dry. (Asked by Tracy)

Your facial moisturiser

Winter can be a harsh mistress, and your skin needs extra care. As you may have noticed Tracy, without the protection of your moisturiser your face dries out more. This is due to the cold and the wind battering your skin. The moisturiser acts as a barrier to protect your face.

To answer your question about your face being greasy after you use moisturiser. You may need a lighter lotion rather than a cream. Look for a moisturiser from your preferred brand that is suitable for normal to oily skins. The lighter lotion will protect your skin, but it will not clog it with oils that you don’t need.

Winter Skincare Routine

As with summer, a good skincare routine is important as this keeps your skin in the best possible condition.

Some winter skincare tips:

Morning and night cleanse, tone and moisturise your face and neck. Using a night cream at night as this is when you skin regenerates and heals while you are sleeping.

Once a week give yourself an at home facial this with give your face a deep cleansing and rides your skin of dead cell build up.

Once a month to 6 weekly get a professional facial.

Do you have a beauty question you want answered?

2011-12-09T10:09:00.000+13:00

Hey beautiful wonderful awesome people;
I have been thinking and wondering what to put in this blog and then I had an idea: what if I got you the reader to chose what you want to read about. So here is my idea; you ask a beauty question and I write the answer, and turn it into and article.

Either ask the question in the comment section or send me an email at beauty@cinhar.co.nz. In the subject line put Beauty Question.

Caring for oily skin

2011-07-29T11:16:00.001+12:00

This article looks at the characteristics of oily skin and how you can look after said skin with some tips and a simple skincare routine.

Oily skin is defined by having excess oil or sebum production. You will find that the pores are often large and become easily clogged with dead cells and oil, thus the presence of blemishes and breakouts is common.

Here are some signs that your skin is oily

· A shiny appearance from excess sebum and oil

· Open pores predominantly in the t-zone section

· Your complexion is sallow – your skin is very pale and yellowish – it may also process a greenish colour

· A thick texture and sometime resembles an orange peel

· There may be pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogging present;

· The good thing about having oily skin is it tends to age well.

Some skincare tips for oily skin

· You will want to look for lighter skincare products such as lotions that will not add to excess oil problem. The aim for your skincare routine will be to balance the skin so that it is not as oily, without drying it out.

· As with any skin type it is important to drink plenty of water each day. This is important as the body is made up of more than fifty percent of water and it needs to be constantly replenished and hydrated.

· When you are cleansing your face use hot water and a good cleanser, this will help in the prevention of pores clogging. Look for cleansers that are suitable for oily skin and avoid harsh ingredients that irate the skin as they can damage and strip the skin of oils. The harsh products can also lead to blockage and breakouts.

· Only wash your face morning and night as too much washing will cause the skin to produce more oil.

· It is important that you give your face a regular facial every four to six weeks, be it a salon one or one that you give yourself. The facial will insure that you skin gets regular exfoliation and deep cleansing, which prevents scaling.

· With oily skin you will want to use a clay based mask as opposed to a cream or gel based mask.

· If you have any concerns visit a beauty salon for professional advice, as well as a personalised skincare routine that is tailored for your individual needs

· Use medicated skincare if your skin is blemished.

A simple skincare routine for oily skin

The goal with your skin care routine is to balance the skin with a combination of products and repetitiveness. The cleanser will remove the excess oil and sebum as well as any dead skin cells or dirt. The toner will refresh the face and remove any leftover cleanser. The moisturiser will hydrate the skin as well as providing a barrier against the environment as well as a base under your makeup. You would carry out this routine morning and night.

The cleansing process

On the tips of your damp finger tips squirt a blob of cleanser and then wipe tips together before applying to the face in upward and outward motion starting from your neck. Use gentle motions so as not to clog the pores or drag the skin. The water from your fingers will help to emulsify the cleanser. Remove the cleanser with a warm wet sponge or face cloth. Repeat this process but spend longer on the massage. Once you have finished splash the face with some cool water.

The toning process

Squirt a small amount of cleanser onto two damn wool pads and pat onto the skin, this will freshen the face.

The nourishing process

Morning

Place a small amount of moisturiser on your fingertips and in and upward and outward motion spread over your face. Being careful not to use too much product or not enough and dragging the skin. Follow this with a sun bloc before waiting five to ten minutes before applying your makeup.

Evening

Start with a very small amount of eye cream or gel on your pinky fingertip and pat very gently on to the eyebrow bone and then the bone under your eye. Repeat on the other side. It is very important that you do not use too much product as it could give you puffy eyes in the morning.

Follow this by placing a small amount of moisturiser on your finger tips and in and upward and outward motion spread over your face. Being careful not to use too much product or not enough and dragging the skin. If there is an excess of product or oil after twenty minutes blot the face with a tissue.

Once it becomes habit this routine will only take a few minutes to complete and you will be rewarded with skin that is balanced and under control.

What Tools Do You Need for Your Makeup Application? | Healthmad

2011-07-28T11:42:00.000+12:00

Get confused about what tool to use when you do your make up, this guide should help clarify this for you.

There are so many different beauty and makeup tools on the market and it can become confusing what brush, sponge or stick to use for what. This article will look at just a handful of tools. Over time you will find out the ones that work for you. You can get some good brushes starting at around $10 from your beauty section in a department store or chemist.

What Tools Do You Need for Your Makeup Application? Healthmad

Rosewater Hand and Body Lotion by Just Herbal - Review

2011-07-14T10:21:00.003+12:00

Product: Rosewater Hand and Body Lotion

Brand: Just Herbal http://www.justherbal.co.nz/naturalbodycreams.php
Buy Now: $24.99 + $4.50 postage and handling in New Zealand

This hand cream is light and not greasy at all. It contains some natural skincare goodies such as Shea butter, coconut oil and pure rose essential oil. It is light and smooth and easily absorbed into the body.

The first thing that I noticed about this hand cream was the divine smell it reminds me of my mother’s rose garden. Then I actually used it and I liked that you just need a tiny amount and it was quickly absorbed. I would definitely buy this product.

Using Aromatherpy for headaches and mirgraines

2011-06-07T17:15:00.003+12:00

Headaches and migraines

A headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck (Benjamin C. Wedro, unknown). A migraine is caused by enlarged blood vessels, this causes a release of chemicals from nerve fibres that coil around the large arteries of the brain. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery, which causes more pain. (Melissa Conrad Stöppler, Unkown)

The causes of headaches are many, among them flu, colds, stress, sunstroke, sinusitis, neuralgia, too much TV, bright or bad lighting causing eyestrain (Bachmann, 2002).
What to get

The best way to deal with headaches and migraines is through massage of the temples, around the eyes and the back of the neck. But you could also burn some in a vaporiser or add to a relaxing bath.

You will need:

· A carrier oil such as grapeseed oil (found with the cooking oils in your supermarket or from health food shops) or one specifically for the face

· A small bowl, cup, or bottle to mix the oils in and store any leftover mix

· Essential oils (chose 3 from the list or see suggested blends): basil, chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus or eucalyptus and cedarwood, geranium, lavender, peppermint, rosemary or rosemary and petigrain.

· An oil burner and candles (if it is not an electric burner)

· If you only have a shower you will need a face cloth to put your oils on under the spray of your showerhead.

Suggested blends:

Lavender 4 drops Peppermint 4 Eucalyptus & Cedarwood 3
Basil 3 Lavender 4 Rosemary & Petigrain 3
Basil 4 Chamomile 3 Geranium 3

(Bachmann, 2002)

Or choose 3 essential oils.

Recommended dosage

Full bath: chose 3 oils, combined total of 6 – 12 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil. Add oils after bath is at least half full.

Massage: chose 3 oils; no more than 10 drops in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Vaporiser: chose 3 oils; use no more than 5 – 10 drops in total.

Compress: chose 3 oils; no more than 5 – 10 drops in total in half a litre of water (Bachmann, 2002).

On Cloth in shower: chose 3 oils; 6 – 12 drops straight on the cloth, and place on the floor of the shower where the spray will hit it.

Safety Precautions

· Do not use more than recommended dosage

· Read safety data from the manufacture

· Do NOT take internally (you will get very sick)

· Avoid contact with your eyes

· Not for use in genital area

· High blood-pressure: avoid eucalyptus, sage, rosemary and thyme

· Low blood-pressure: avoid lavender, ylang ylang and marjoram

· Epileptics: avoid basil, rosemary, eucalyptus and sage

· Pregnancy: avoid essential oils, use base carrier oils instead

· Avoid using on children 2 or younger (Bachmann, 2002).

How to get ingredients:

You can get carrier oils such as grapeseed oil form the oil or health foods section of your supermarket. You can get essential oils and carrier oils from a good pharmacy and health food shops. There are also some party plan business that sell high quality pure essential oils.

Where to buy:

Just Herbal (New Zealand essential oils and skincare)

http://www.justherbal.co.nz/index.php

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_scat_3760901_ln?rh=n%3A3760901%2Ck%3Aessential+oils&keywords=essential+oils&ie=UTF8&qid=1307408701&scn=3760901&h=b03e4aec3683dc18810098a33a2e2cb68de4e052

Amazon.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddrugstore&field-keywords=essential+oils

Le Reve (Australia)

http://www.lereve.com.au/

Le Reve (New Zealand)

http://www.lereve.co.nz/

Lotus Oils

http://www.lotusoils.co.nz/

Works Cited

Bachmann, M. (2002). Introducing Aromatherpy. NSW, Australia: Phillip Mathews Book Publishers Pty LTD.

Benjamin C. Wedro, M. F. (unknown). Headache. Retrieved June 7, 2011, from MedicineNet.Com: http://www.medicinenet.com/headache/article.htm

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, M. (Unkown). Migraine Headache. Retrieved June 7, 2011, from MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_headache/article.htm

The benefits of getting a facial

2011-03-26T11:01:00.001+13:00

The benefits of getting a facial are that it helps to relax you and get rid of any built up tension and stress, to improve or keep your skin in tip-top condition. A good therapist will give you individualised advice about your skins needs and requirements.

Once the therapist has conducted the consultation they will have a better understanding of your needs and requirements and as such they will be able to personalise the facial. Also after consultation they will be able to tailor a skincare routine for you. This will help to keep your skin in excellent condition.

Built up stress and tension

Facials can help to reduce the stress and tension of everyday life by providing a relaxing environment. The essential oils used either in an oil burner or in a massage blend will also help you to relax. The music in the background will also help with the tranquil environment. A trained therapist is using their magic hands on you to massage the stress and tension out.

All of this and the fact that you are out of the stressful environment for about an hour; depending on the facial you are getting; will help you to relax and unwind. This in turn will help your health and skin condition.

Your skins condition will improve

The improvement in your skins condition is due to the correct products being used on your skin. The removal of the dead skin cell build up, dirt and other debris will give your complexion a lift. These products should start to balance your skin and it will feel smoother to touch.

It should be noted that when you start a new skincare routine you may experience breakouts for about fourteen days while your skin is detoxing itself. But once you are regularly using your skincare as directed your skin should settle down. And you will soon see noticeable difference in your skin’s complexion.

A personalised skincare plan

Once you have had your facial your therapist will put together a skincare plan for you to follow at home. This will contain what products are recommended for your skin. The plan will also show you how to use the products and when. Your therapist will also prescribe any specialty products and advice on a course of facials for your skin condition. The skincare routine will help you keep the results you got from your facial.