Love Bare Skin

Homemade Lip Scrub

2013-04-26T14:01:00.001-07:00

While taking care of our skin, lets not forget about our lips!!! As women our lips go through the ringer, with lipgloss, lipstick, lipstains, the weather, the list goes on and on. Let's pamper our lips and make them silky soft. This isn't just for women, men can have dry chapped lips as well!!

This is a very easy DIY lip scrub, it's only three ingredients!! Only three ingredients to make your lips irresistible??? Heck yes, sign me up!! lol.

All you will need is:

Honey

Coconut Oil

Sugar

Honey is very nourishing to the lips and skin. Coconut Oil is very moisturizing and hydrating. Sugar will help exfoliate the dead skin off. These three ingredients will make your pout perfection!! It feels amazing to remove all the build up and dry skin off of the lips. Also your lipstick/lipgloss, etc. will look so much smoother on the lips, without all the gunk in the way.

To use: I like to melt the coconut oil and honey together first. I then add the sugar and mix in a bowl. Only a tiny bit is need of each ingredient (this is only going on the lips, so don't make too much). You can apply this with your finger or a q-tip, continue to massage the scrub on your lips. Wipe off and apply your favorite lip balm or use vaseline (which helps to seal in moisture).

An added bonus to using a lip scrub is the lips will appear flushed and fuller from the exfoliating!!! Enjoy!!

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TURMERIC, GREEK YOGURT, AND RAW HONEY MASK

2013-04-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

A great alternative to pricey peel/exfoliating masks are DIY (do it yourself) masks, these are easy on the budget and give great results. Most items can easily be found at the grocery store. There is something gratifying about preparing and making your own mask versus purchasing one.

So, one of my favorite DIY masks to make is a turmeric mask. This mask is great for clearing acne, brightening the skin, fading dark spots, and treating wrinkles.

Turmeric is a powerful anti-oxidant, it is anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory. Turmeric has been used in India for many years on soon to be brides. A turmeric paste is prepared and applied to the face, neck, and body. This tradition gives the brides glowing skin before the wedding.

There are different variations of this mask but I have set ingredients that I like to use, turmeric, greek yogurt, and raw honey.

Greek yogurt is great for soothing and hydrating the skin, I also like the consistency of it better than regular yogurt.

I like to use raw honey because it isn't pasteurized and it still contains live enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Honey has anti-oxdant and anti-microbial properties as well, great for moisturizing, smoothing, and clearing acne.

These three ingredients give the skin an unbelievable glow and clarity.

To use, mix these ingredients together about a tablespoon of each. I usually warm the raw honey up a bit as it is in a paste form and not easy to mix. Apply to a cleansed face and neck. Once combined leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with cool or tepid water. The turmeric may stain the skin a little, but it is only temporary. Continue with regular skincare routine.

In my opinion this is a must try mask, if you haven't yet I'm sure you'll fall in love with it!

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Zinc Picolinate

2013-03-15T14:33:00.001-07:00

Having a good skincare routine is very important to achieve a beautiful complexion, but it doesn't always guarantee clear skin. There are many factors that can cause blemishes or breakouts, stress, diet, using the wrong products for your skin type, hormones, poor hygiene, etc.

If you are someone who is doing everything right and are still noticing breakouts, mild or severe, it may be time to help fight it from the inside, not just the outside with topical products. Topical treatments can only go so far, so it's nice to have "back up" and take a supplement to help out.

Always speak to your Doctor before starting any new supplements!

Zinc Picolinate is a mineral that aids in healing tissue from an infection. Zinc also helps with a healthy immune system, which will help fight acne causing bacteria. Since zinc aids in healing, it will also help with scarring that acne leaves behind. There are a few forms of zinc that can be taken, but zinc picolinate has been shown to be absorbed the best by the body.

There is no cure for acne, Zinc Picolinate is not a cure, but it will help reduce acne.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for zinc picolinate is between 30mg-50mg once a day. This must be taken with food.

It usually takes 6-8 weeks to see results.

Zinc is found in many foods we eat, but do to certain unhealthy diets, some people may not be getting enough zinc.

I take zinc picolinate everyday to help prevent any future breakouts. I am very sensitive to stress and I will breakout out from it. This has helped me a lot :)

I use the "now" brand and I purchased it at a local supplement store for $6.29. It is easy to find online as well. There are many brands to choose from, but I can only comment on this one.

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Reference
University of Maryland

BIODERMA Sebium H2o

2013-03-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

I have been on the hunt for a great makeup remover/ pre-cleanse for a while now. The market is saturated with cleansing oils, cleansing wipes, and cleanser's that wash all your makeup off magically with the first cleanse. There are many options, but I am very picky! I have very oily skin so cleansing oils are out (that's my opinion, if you use them and love them great), I'm worried that they will clog my pores and create a break out. I have tried a few cleansing wipes and they do work, but they always seem to cause my skin to become pink for a while after I use them. If I only have a cleanser on hand, I use it twice, first application is to remove my makeup, second application is to cleanse my skin.

BIODERMA has two amazing no rinse cleansers, Sebium H20 and Sensibo H2o. The sebium h2o is for oily skin and the sensibo h20 is for normal/dry skin, especially sensitive skin.

I finally got my hands on the BIODERMA Sebium H2o, this is a cleansing water made for oily skin. I love this product, it doesn't irritate my skin at all, and no breakouts. This feels very refreshing on the skin and dissolves makeup instantly. I will say it doesn't control my oil at all, but it does make my skin look healthy and clear. This is packed with zinc, copper, gingko biloba, and xylitol, which are all great for oily/acne prone skin.

The description on the bottle: • BIODERMA innovation, Sébium H2O gently cleanses the skin without drying it, through the micro-emulsion of impurities and excess sebum.

• Enriched with purifying active ingredients, Sébium H2O cleanses the epidermis in depth and regulates secretion of sebum. The patented sebo-correcting complex, Fluidactiv^®, normalises sebum quality.

• Sébium H2O guarantees excellent cutaneous and ocular tolerance.

• Sébium H2O is non-comedogenic.

Ingredients
WATER (AQUA), PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, SODIUM CITRATE , ZINC GLUCONATE, COPPER SULFATE, GINKGO BILOBA EXTRACT, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, RHAMNOSE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, DISODIUM EDTA, CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM).

To use this product apply it to a cotton round or a clean non moistened wipe, gently wipe all over the face until there is no makeup on the cotton round. You may go through 2-3 cotton rounds to make sure all the makeup is off. This is a non rinse product meaning you don't have to wash or rinse your face after using it. It is optional if you still want to or not. I still cleanse my face after I use this, it's just by habit. This can be used as a cleanser or a toner as well.

BIODERMA is a french product line, and from what I understand it is very inexpensive in France. I live in California and it is very expensive to purchase here. I purchased it online for $30, the 500 ml size.

Thank you for reading along!!

Ole Henriksen Blue/ Blackberry Enzyme Mask

2013-02-23T12:32:00.001-08:00

Lately I have been on the hunt for over the counter enzyme masks that really work. There has been a lot of hype surrounding certain enzyme masks lately, and I wanted to test them out. This blog post will solely be about Ole Henriksen Blue/ Black Enzyme Mask. I will blog about the other masks soon.

I was interested in this product because it is designed for normal/dry, sensitive skin and it is left on for twenty minutes. This isn't my skin type ( I'm oily), but most enzyme masks for at home use are usually left on for ten minutes. I had to assume this is very gentle since it is left on for so long, but I wanted to know if it was effective.

I didn't purchase this product, I went to Sephora and was given a generous sample to try. This lasted about 5 uses. I generally would like more time to review a product, but I felt I already had my opinion on this product.

This is the description of the mask, "This aromatic, reparative gel mask hydrates with sodium hyaluronate and lavender to quench dry and sensitive skin. The perfect antidote to facial stress, this potent blend of extracts smoothes and polishes skin."

Ingredient Benefits

Blue/blackberry fruit extract Oxygenates, renews skin cells, smoothes and refines texture
Lavender extract Reduces inflammation, repairs and renews
Panthenol (vitamin B5) Hydrates and nourishes
Papaya enzyme Renews skin and removes dead skin cells

*In case you were wondering what sodium hyaluronate is, it is meant to moisturize and plump up dehydrated skin. It comes from hyaluronic acid, which attracts water/moisture to the skin, also smoothing and plumping up the skin.

This mask can be used 2-3x a week at night. Apply a good amount to the face and neck after the skin is cleansed. Leave on for 10-20 minutes. Rinse with cool or warm water until all product is off. Continue with moisturizing routine.

In my opinion this mask is very gentle, perfect for sensitive skin. This mask did not sting or burn like other enzyme masks I've tried. I found it to be somewhat hydrating, it definitely did not dry my skin out. I noticed my skin had a smooth, soft clearness to it after using this mask. Too bad the effect doesn't last very long, which is probably why you can use it so often in a week. I like this mask, I think it is gentle and effective. I would recommend this to someone who has never used an enzyme mask before, it is a nice introductory mask. This definitely is great for dry and sensitive skin types.

This mask comes in two sizes, 1 oz./ 30ml for $10.00 and 3.5 oz./ 100g for $32.00. You can purchase this on their website Ole Henriksen Blue/ Blackberry Enzyme Mask or through Sephora.

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Thank you for reading and feel free to ask any questions!!

Retin-A

2013-02-22T13:06:00.003-08:00

Is there actually a holy grail cream that works on acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles??!! Yes!! This holy grail cream is Retin-A (tretinoin). As amazing as this product is, there are still plenty of side effects to be aware of before starting Retin-A.

Retin-A comes from vitamin A also known as retinoic acid. Retin-A works by increasing cell turnover, which means it is heavy duty exfoliation. It is clearing out old cells and allowing new cells to come up, which is preventing clogged pores, fine lines, and fading dark spots.

Retin-A comes in a cream and gel form. The prescription doses for cream form are: 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. For gel form it is: 0.01%, and 0.025%.

If you are interested in using Retin-A, it is best to get a prescription for it. This way you know the percentage and amount of Retin-A you are using. If it is too hard to get a prescription, there are many over the counter brands that now use Retin-A in their products. There are many to choose from and I haven't tried any, (I do have a prescription for Retin-A) but I would recommend RoC or Philosophy help me night cream.

The best way to use Retin-A is at night on a clean dry face. After you cleanse the skin do not moisturize, moisturizer will interfere with the way Retin-A works. Wait about 10-15 min after you cleanse your face and apply Retin-A to the areas of concern. The skin must be dry so it properly absorbs the Retin-A. If you are applying it all over the face, use only a peas size, a little goes a long way. If you are using it in a small area, apply a very thin layer. If you have never used Retin-A before, I suggest you apply it every other night or 3rd night.

The most common side effects are dry, peeling, irritated, and sensitive skin. Also you will be sensitive to sun light so you must wear a sunscreen if you are going to use Retin-A.There are some people with very sensitive skin who just can not tolerate Retin-A, therefore please be aware of your skin type and talk about this with your Doctor.

I started using Retin-A about 6 years ago. I had a horrendous breakout on my chin that wouldn't stop, I finally decided to see my Doc and she prescribed Retin-A 0.05% (a generic brand) and clindamycin in a topical gel form (this is an antibiotic in a topical gel form). I felt the Retin-A worked amazing and the breakout stopped, it also helped to fade the acne scars I had left. I don't use Retin-A consistently anymore, but when I do use it I apply it once or twice a week to keep my skin smooth and clear. I have oily skin and I can't use this every night, if I do my skin is irritated and peeling, not cute.


Please excuse my worn tube of Retin-A.

Retin-A does not cure acne, there is no cure, but for some people it may help. Using Retin-A properly will help for some people, depending on the type of breakout. I don't recommend this for severe acne, it will only irritate the skin and you must see a Dermatologist for other recommendations.

A prescription of Retin-A could cost between $10-$50 depending on your insurance and the brand.

I hope you found this post helpful, if you have any questions feel free to ask!

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Barlean's Omega Swirl Fish Oil Key Lime Flavor

2013-02-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to take care of our skin, especially these days with countless products claiming untrue results. It's important to remember to take care of our selves from the inside out. It's even more important than what we use topically. What we consume plays a big roll in how we look and feel, just like that saying "You are what you eat!". Including more veggies and fruits is always a plus, whether you eat them, blend them, or juice them! Also consuming healthy fats (omega-3) will have a positive affect on the skin and body. I will go more in depth on healthy foods in another blog, I'm starting to go in another direction!

I want to blog about the benefits of fish oil. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acid which is EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is found in cold water fish. Fish oil is beneficial for heart health, brain function, dry skin, acne, anti-aging, high cholesterol, and it's anti-inflammatory. The list goes on and on, fish oil is beneficial for so much more. Our bodies do not make omega-3 fatty acid, so we have to get it from supplements or diet.

I have been taking Barlean's Omega Swirl Fish Oil Key Lime Flavor and it is amazing! I used to take the capsule form of fish oil on and off over the years, I was too scared to take fish oil straight up! Many companies have made fish oil easier to take by adding lemon or flavoring to it. I heard great things about Barlean's Fish Oil and I would always see it at Whole Foods. I caved when I heard they had a key lime flavor, I am a sucker for key lime anything. Barlean's has many flavors to choose from, so if you don't like key lime just know there are options!

Okay, so what makes Barlean's Omega Swirl Fish Oil Key Lime Flavor so great? Of all the flavors they have, key lime has the highest potency of omega-3 in it, at 1,500 mg per serving. It is "Ultra High Potency". You will only need one tablespoon a day. Barlean's is naturally sweetened with Xylitol. It is "clinically proven 9 times more absorbable than standard fish oil".
The taste is amazing, there isn't even a hint of fishiness. The texture is thick and creamy and the color is a mint green. If I could I would have more than a tbsp a day. You can take this by it self or blend it in a smoothie. Barlean's must stay cold and refrigerated.

Barlean's Omega Swirl Fish Oil Key Lime Flavor retails for $29.95. I purchased mine at The Vitamin Shoppe on sale, I believe for $22 or $23. You can find this at Whole Foods or online. If you do purchase this online make sure they ship it over dry ice, this must stay cold!

There are many brands to choose from, I happen to really like this one.

Reference
University of Maryland Medical Center

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Castor Oil Helps Nourish Skin and Hair

2013-01-30T16:09:00.001-08:00

Castor Oil has countless uses, but I want to blog about the beauty benefits of castor oil. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean and is a plant based oil. It is high in ricinoleic acid which helps prevent infection. Castor oil is rich in proteins, minerals, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal. Since castor oil is high in omega-9 fatty acids it's a great moisturizer for the skin and hair

Always use 100% castor oil that has been cold pressed. Castor oil is thick and it should it should be a pale yellow color.

Castor oil can be taken internally to help with constipation. I have never taken castor oil as a laxative, but I can imagine it isn't very pleasant.

Castor oil use for the face works well for people with dry skin. Castor oil is able to deeply penetrate the skin, adding moisture and plumping the skin. Also helps greatly with fine lines and wrinkles. It is best used at night, sparingly, a little goes a long way. This can be used all over the face, or in certain areas that need hydration.

Since castor oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, it can be used as an acne treatment. Apply it to areas that are breaking out, also use sparingly. Castor oil is very thick.

Castor oil is great to help grow and maintain eyebrows and eyelashes. Castor oil is very nourishing, and helps to thicken the hair. If you have noticed your eyebrows and eyelashes have become sparse or brittle due to products or age, castor oil will bring them back to life and then some. I like to think of castor oil as "food for the follicle". For best results apply it to the eye lid, lashes, and eyebrows. I recommend using a q-tip to remove the oil, that way there is no contamination of the oil.

Castor oil is also a great moisturizer for the scalp and hair.

Castor oil is not a quick fix, this needs to be used regularly for months to see results.

There are many brands of castor oil to choose from, I purchased De La Cruz Castor Oil for under $7. Castor oil can be purchased at Whole Foods, CVS, etc., and it can be easily found online.

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Preventing Fine lines and Wrinkles

2013-01-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

My quick tip for early prevention of fine lines and wrinkles is to sleep on your back. This is the best way to avoid creases in the skin and fine lines while you sleep.

Hopefully everyone is getting the recommended eight hours of sleep at night that rejuvenates us and keeps us healthy. Eight hours of sleep on your side or stomach usually means your face is pressed against the pillow for a long time, creating fine lines and creases (the unpleasant pillow face in the morning).

If early prevention of fine lines and wrinkles is on your mind, this is just something to be aware of. It isn't easy to remind your self to roll on your back when you are sleepy or very cozy in a certain spot, but reminding your self to do it will help you to do it more and more.

I still have difficulty doing this, I like to sleep on my right side and I've noticed I have a few, very fine lines on the right side of my face that I don't have on my left side. This is no bueno, so I need to remind myself as well!!

CETAPHIL MOISTURIZING CREAM

2013-01-23T16:53:00.000-08:00

Suffering from dry skin can be very unpleasant, especially during winter. The dry, cold winter air magnifies the symptoms of dry skin. If left untreated or just by simply not using the right product, dry skin will not get the relief and moisture it needs. The symptoms include flaky, patchy, irritated, itchy, red, and chapped skin. Show winter who's the boss and get your skin back to normal.

I usually blog about skincare for the face, but I wanted this post to be about the body, after all the skin is the largest organ we have.

In my opinion the best moisturizing cream is by Cetaphil. Cetaphil's moisturizing cream is by far the best, not only is it inexpensive, but it really works. Cetaphil's products are designed for sensitive skin, so it is gentle and fragrance free. This formula is meant for extremely dry skin, it is a cream not a lotion (I don't have dry skin but I love how this cream makes my skin silky soft).

The texture is smooth and creamy without feeling greasy. The formula helps seal in the moisture to the skin, so through out the day your skin still feels hydrated. If you have dry skin this product is a must, you will feel the difference in the first application. With continual use you can kick dry skin to the curb!

This product is wonderful and does exactly what it says it will " Its unique formula and superior system of emollients and humectants binds water to the skin, preventing moisture loss."

For best results exfoliate your skin and apply this as soon as you get out of the shower. Leave the skin a little damp and apply.

I purchased this cream for $11.99 at Target. I believe CVS carries it, but for a higher price. This can also be purchased online.

Rice Flour as a Facial Scrub

2013-01-17T22:58:00.001-08:00

Rice Flour has been a long time staple in Asian cuisine and skin care. Asian women have used rice flour as part of their beauty regime for many years, which has helped their delicate skin stay clear and smooth. Rice flour is known to help with wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, blemishes, dull skin, and dry skin. With regular use of rice flour your skin should appear brighter, smoother, and softer.

Rice flour is finely ground, uncooked rice. DO NOT purchase regular flour, you will not get the same results. Regular flour is too fine and will not exfoliate the skin, rice flour still has texture and very fine beads.

Rice flour is very similar to Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant, texture wise. In fact rice flour is one of the main ingredients used. Rice flour has a very soft, fine texture to it. Gentle enough to use everyday. Rice flour works well because it is anti-inflammatory and it contains antioxidants.

To use rice flour as a scrub use less than a tea spoon worth, you need to wet it first before you apply it to clean skin. Keep it in the palm of your hand and run it under warm water. Don't add too much water, this will turn into a paste, if it is too thick then add more water. Begin to exfoliate your skin in upward circles for about 60 seconds (can be left on for 5-10 minutes, if used as a mask). Rinse with cool or warm water and continue with routine.

I purchased Bob's Red Mill white rice flour. This is a 24 oz. bag (that will last forever) that was under $6 at Von's. This is a huge bargain, most exfoliants are 6-8 oz with a price tag of $5-$50!

Oatmeal As A Cleanser

2013-01-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

While most people eat oatmeal for breakfast, I use it as my morning and evening cleanser! I don't mean I use a product containing oatmeal, I use the actual oats, plain no flavor added oatmeal. I began my search a few months back, as I was looking for a new cleanser to use. I knew I wanted to use an oatmeal based product, because of all the benefits oatmeal offers. As I searched, I realized I was being too picky, I didn't like all the added ingredients in most of the products I came across, so I said "self, just use oatmeal!". Best thing I ever did for myself. I also had an added push to try it when I came across a youtuber by the name of Bubzbeauty, she talked about her skin problems and how she loved oatmeal as a cleanser.

So, what are the benefits of oatmeal as a cleanser?? Oatmeal naturally absorbs dirt and impurities while providing gentle exfoliation. Oatmeal does not strip moisture from the skin, in fact it does the opposite, it helps restore the natural balance of moisture in the skin. Oatmeal is great for treating skin conditions such as eczema, acne, dryness, and irritation. Oatmeal is very soothing and gentle on the skin, leaving it super soft. Oatmeal also helps to remove dead skin cells, which means softer, brighter skin (bye bye scars, and acne scars).

I have very oily skin and this does a great job of cleansing my skin and absorbing my oil. My skin has a firmness now that no other cleanser has given me. My skin feels extremely soft, and I don't get shiny as fast as I used too. I love using oatmeal as a cleanser, I don't think I'll ever go back to a traditional cleanser.

To use the oatmeal as a cleanser I start by grabbing a handful, I then run it under warm water for less than a minute. You need the oatmeal to become soft and mushy. You will know it's ready when you press the oatmeal and the water turns milky. Dampen your face and begin to massage the oatmeal into your skin. I won't lie, this a messy cleanser but worth it. When you are done rinse off with cool or warm water, continue with normal routine.

I still use makeup remover wipes at night before I use the oatmeal. I want to make sure all my makeup is off before is use the oatmeal.

I purchased the large size container of oatmeal at Vons, I believe I paid $3.99. You can't beat that price for a cleanser that will lasts you months!!

Thank you for reading along!!!

Boots No7 Intensive Moisture Face Mask

2012-12-20T21:19:00.002-08:00

The weather outside is definitely colder and drier, winter is here!!!! Well, it starts officially tomorrow, or not, if you believe the Mayan calendar. No matter what you believe, cold weather equals dry skin for many people. If left untreated you will have flaky, itchy, red, dull, and irritated skin.

Relief is on the way! Boots No7 Moisture Face Mask is great to tackle winter weather and reclaim your skin. http://www.us.boots.com. This mask is hypo-allergenic and contains vitamins A, C, and E. Apple extract is also included to help brighten the skin. This moisture mask is soft pink in color and has a light perfume scent. The texture is very soft. It's a gel-cream mask with a whipped feel to it, but it still feels very rich.

All of these ingredients work together to plump up dry skin, seal in moisture, and leave the skin silky soft.

If you find your self very busy during the holidays a great time to apply a mask is when you are wrapping presents. The longer you leave on this mask the better.

To use this mask, apply a generous amount to cleansed skin, face and neck. Leave on for 10-15 min. Wipe off and then rinse the remaining mask. You can also apply a very thin layer to clean skin and sleep with it on. This can be used 2-3x a week.

I would recommend this for Normal/Dry skin types that don't have an issue with sensitivity. This product does contain mineral oil. I purchased this product at Target for my mom to try. I have very oily skin, while my mom is normal/dry. After my mom uses this mask her skin glows and looks plump. All the dry areas are transformed into dewy soft skin. This is a great mask to moisturize dry skin.

This retails for $16.99 at Target.

Thank you for reading along!!

Quick Tip: Clean Your Pillow Case

2012-12-15T15:33:00.001-08:00

This quick tip is for guys and girls! Remember to regularly clean and rotate your pillow case. Our pillow cases can take a beating, with styling product gunk, makeup (some women still sleep with makeup on), natural body oils, and saliva (for those that drool). All of this can affect our skin, by causing irritation, sensitivity, and clogged pores which will lead to breakouts.

If you already do this, great! Just a friendly reminder.

Tea Tree Oil Review

2012-12-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

There are many essential oils on the market today, but, one of the "must haves" is Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia.

Tea tree oil is light yellow in color and smells like camphor. It is a very strong smell that does linger for a while after applying it. I don't mind the smell, but people around you may take notice of it.

Tea tree oil is beneficial to aid in many skin conditions, such as dandruff, lice, acne, and athlete's foot. It is also great to put on wounds, cuts, and burns. This can be used after shaving and waxing.

Tea tree oil can be added to shampoo, body wash, hand soap, face wash, and toner. I add about 4-5 drops to my toner, that I keep in a 8 oz. container. I use witch hazel as my toner, which is in my previous blog.

If your skin is sensitive, it is best to dilute the tea tree oil before applying it to your skin. For example, you can fill a spray bottle with water and add a desired amount of tea tree oil to it. This will be handy for cuts, athlete's foot, lice, etc. You can also apply tea tree oil to a cotton ball and add water to it.

It is okay to use undiluted tea tree oil on the skin, just make sure it's not a large area you are applying it to. This is a great spot treatment for acne, just dip a clean q-tip inside the oil and dab it on the pimple. You can do this morning and night, if skin irritation occurs use only once a day.

It's very easy now to find a brand or products containing tea tree oil. I personally like to have my own 100% tea tree oil on hand, this way I control how much or little I use.

I have been using the De La Cruz Tea Tree Oil. This comes in a dark 2 oz. glass. I find this brand to be strong and effective. I purchased this at Target for under $10. I've also seen it at CVS and online.

Thank you for reading along!! If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment!

Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner Review

2012-11-30T13:41:00.002-08:00

Over the years I have had a love hate relationship with toners on my skin. I like that toners remove any residue or makeup left behind that my cleanser may have missed. I don't like that some toners just don't do anything, no results, too harsh, too irritating, and too many chemicals as ingredients. I was previously using a toner that was too harsh even for my oily skin. I was disappointed, I had used that particular brand before with no problems, but over time our skin does change.

I am happy to say once again I have a love filled relationship with toner/astringent again! I have been using Dickinson's Witch Hazel, the blue label. This product is amazing, it is 100% natural. There are only two ingredients in this astringent, witch hazel and alcohol. Do not be alarmed by the alcohol content in it, not all alcohol is bad for the skin. This is very soothing, gentle, and most important effective on the skin.

This astringent gets high marks from me because, it gently cleanses the skin without stripping any moisture from the skin. Also this contains no artificial fragrance. Witch hazel does have a interesting smell, it's not exactly pleasant but I don't mind it.

This will help greatly if you are suffering from any kind of breakout, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, etc.

It helps to keep the skin clean and the healing properties are amazing. If you are picker (someone who picks at their skin) this will help with redness and inflammation.

I use this morning and night, right after I cleanse my skin. I put some on a cotton ball and I gently glide it over my entire face, in an upward motion. I love how this feels, very cool and refreshing.

Dickinson's also has a yellow label astringent, but my review is only based on the blue label. The blue label is great for oily, acne prone skin. It is still gentle enough for normal to dry skin. The yellow label I believe is meant for all skin types.

I purchased this product at Target for less than $4. Amazing deal and this is 16 oz. You can find this at CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, and online.

Thank you for reading along!

Yogi Skin Detox Tea

2012-11-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

It is important to have a great topical skincare routine, but it is also nice to cleanse the skin from the inside out.

There are many detox methods to choose from, I recently have been using Yogi Skin DeTox Tea. This tea is designed to "Support a healthy glow" as the box says. With just the right blend of spices, antioxidants, and botanicals, this tea will support and cleanse the liver, as well as cool and soothe the skin.

This tea is not meant to cure or treat any illness or disease. This blend is just meant to help remove impurities from the body and the benefit is more radiant skin.

I have been drinking this tea for about 3 weeks, once a day. I usually use two tea bags in my cup of hot water and let it steep for about 4-5 minutes before I attempt to sip it. You can add up to three tea bags in a cup, to get the most out of the tea. I like to add a little manuka honey to my tea, it really doesn't need much sweetener added. This tea has a floral, sweet, and tart flavor to it. This tea also has a very pleasant floral aroma. You can drink this tea for a month straight, but they advise that you take a week break and resume again.

I really like this tea, the taste and aroma. I did notice a soft glow to my skin after just a few days of drinking this tea. It is a subtle difference that I can see without makeup. I haven't been drinking the tea for that long so I will happily do an update when I reach the 10 week mark.

Yogi Skin DeTox contains 16 tea bags and is 100% natural.

You can find this tea at Whole Foods and online at Amazon.

Thank you for reading along!!!

Homemade Eye Makeup Remover

2012-11-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

This is an easy and effective homemade eye makeup remover. Simple and great ingredients! My good friend is actually the one who told me about this (thanks Reyna!!!).

Okay, so all you need is Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Witch Hazel. Both are amazing natural ingredients. This is great for very sensitive skin too, but depending how sensitive you are, you can try this without the witch hazel.

All you need is a small container and mix even parts of the extra virgin olive oil and witch hazel together. These two products together separate (like oil and water), so you will need to shake the container when you are ready to use this.

On your skin you should only use Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Extra virgin olive oil retains the most antioxidants and nutritional value of the olive. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in vitamin A & E. It is also naturally hypoallergenic. Extra virgin olive oil is very moisturizing to the skin, and this is great to use on the delicate eye area. This will keep the lashes moisturized and the skin soft. Extra virgin olive oil will not clog your pores!

Witch Hazel is 100% natural and is extracted from a plant (Hamamelis). Witch hazel is an astringent, which naturally cleanses and soothes the skin. Witch hazel is amazingly gentle and effective on the skin, also okay to use on the eye area, but not alone! I personally love witch hazel, there are so many great uses for it. I use it as my toner, but I will save that for another blog.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Witch Hazel can be easily found at any grocery store, market, Target, etc.

I purchased the Dickinson's Witch hazel from Target, and I purchased the Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Trader Joe's.

I love this eye makeup remover and I hope you will too!!!

Thank you for reading along!

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Johnson's Baby Milk Lotion

2012-10-03T15:04:00.001-07:00

I recently came back from a vacation in Thailand. Let me just say Thailand is beautiful, the people are so friendly and the food is amazing.

Every time I went the market I couldn't help but look at all the skin care products. I was very curious to see how products are marketed to other countries. The store by our hotel had some very similar products I'm used to seeing on the shelves at the stores I go to ( L'Oreal, Ponds, Oil of Olay, etc.) , but these brands had different products I'd never seen before. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera or phone on me at the time to take pictures.

There was one product that caught my eye and I had to purchase it. I purchased Johnson's Baby Milk Lotion. Now, I don't have kids, so I rarely purchase Johnson and Johnson products. I am familiar with many lotions they have and of course baby oil. I have never seen a milk lotion from them though, and this lotion has advertised on it "Double Natural Milk Protein". Milk is very hydrating and nourishing to the skin, so needless to say I had to try it!

I was very happy that I purchased this lotion. It's very lightweight and has a delicate clean scent. Since the lotion is very light, it absorbs fast, it leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized. This does not leave the skin greasy at all.

The store only carried the travel size, which I purchased for less than a dollar. I would love to purchase this lotion again, but I've never seen it in California. I did Google it, and there are some websites that sell it. I think I'll just keep my eye out for it and hopefully come across it.

Thank you for reading along!!

Aspirin Mask For Acne

2012-10-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

A great inexpensive home treatment you can use to help fight acne is an aspirin mask. Aspirin is anti-inflammatory, which helps to reduce the size of a pimple. This mask can also be used for reducing the amount of blackheads and clogged pores on the skin.

Typically this mask is mixed with water but, you can personalize it to yourself! Depending on the severity of your breakout, you can add lemon juice to this mask. Lemon juice is also anti-inflammatory as well as a disinfectant. To help bind the mask together, you can also add Greek yogurt or honey. Greek yogurt helps to soothe irritated skin. Honey helps to soothe irritated skin as well, but honey also has anti-septic properties, which helps treat acne too. I would suggest to use raw honey, if you are going to add honey to this mask. All of this is optional and up to you, you can always stick with just adding water.

What you will need:
1. 4-5 Aspirin. (Uncoated is best)

2.Bowl

3.Spoon

4. 1-2 tablespoons of water. (Consistency is up to you)

5. Extras optional: lemon juice, Greek yogurt, honey, etc.

To make this mask add the aspirin into a bowl. Crush the aspirin with a spoon, once it is in powder form start to add water. Add in extra ingredients at this time if you like. Be careful not to make it too watery, as it will not stay on the face like a mask should. Once you have the consistency right apply it to your face and leave it on for 5-10 min. Make sure to keep the mask away from the eye area. Rinse with cool water and continue with your skin care routine. You can apply this mask 2-3 times a week.

Do not use this mask if you are allergic to aspirin. Only use aspirin in this mask, no substitutions!

Please do not expect a miracle over night, use this mask for 2-4 weeks to get results.

Thank you for reading along!

Homemade Mask for Dry Skin

2012-09-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from very dry skin and flaky patches on your face, this mask will be great for you. This homemade mask consists of yogurt, avocado, and honey. The avocado and honey will add moisture to the skin while they yogurt will soothe the skin.

You will need:

1 Avocado

1 tbsp of Greek yogurt

1 tsp of raw honey

I like to use Greek yogurt because the consistency is thicker than regular yogurt. I suggested raw honey because it hasn't been "heated up" or "cooked", so it still has all of it's natural vitamins and goodness in it. Now, to mix together, start by mixing the yogurt and honey in a bowl. Separately cut the avocado and just use half of it. Mash the avocado in a separate bowl with a fork ( I find this easier, or you can mash it all together). Once you have it mashed, add the avocado to the yogurt and honey, stir together. This will be lumpy because of the avocado.

Apply the mask to clean skin. Leave the mask on for 15 min. Use a heated towel to remove the mask. You can run the towel under hot water and let it cool for a bit before you put it on your face. Once you have wiped the mask off, continue to rinse your skin with warm water. Apply your usual products to the skin.

For added moisture you can use Glycerin. Glycerin helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. You can easily find Glycerin at CVS and Rite Aid. Also, you can find it online. A good one to use is by Africare 100% Glycerin. This is a clear liquid. To use in the mask just add a few drops, and mix in. This can also be added to any conditioner or lotion for added moisture!

Thank you for reading along!

Que Bella Dead-Sea Mud Mask Review

2012-08-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the day I was at Target, and I saw a row of about five different packages, that were masks. They were individual, one time use packages. The brand is Que Bella Bath & Beauty. I was easily intrigued when I saw the price was only $1.99-$2.04 per package! The package says they use "80% natural product", not too bad if you ask me. I purchased the "detoxify dead-sea mud mask". The mix of dead-sea minerals is to deep clean pores and refresh tired skin. I like that this mask contains kaolin clay, bentonite, natural beeswax, and seaweed extract. All great for the skin. If you are allergic to any of these ingredients,please do not purchase this mask.

I had to give this mask a go, I cleansed my skin and I applied the mask.
I left the mask on for 15 minutes, like the directions say to. The mask it self is a very light blue color, thick and creamy texture. It is easy to apply, and it spreads well on the skin. It has a light scent to it, it definitely does not smell like mud or ocean! Once I had applied the mask, I noticed there was still plenty left in the package, so if you wrap it up well you can get one or even two more applications out of it. I rinsed my skin, and I really like how my skin looked after. My skin did look refreshed, smooth and clear. I would purchase this mask again, as well as try the other ones by this product line.

Happily using my dead-sea mask.

I purchased this product at Target, I'm not sure if all Targets carry this line in their stores, if not you can check the companies website http://www.quebellabeauty.com and from there, you can search what stores carry them.

I hope you found this blog helpful and thank you for reading along!

Quick Tip: Don't Neglect Your Neck

2012-08-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Don't neglect your neck when applying moisturizers, serums and masks!!

The neck is very delicate skin and needs to be taken care of too. This step is crucial when applying your day moisturizer with SPF 15 or 30, the neck needs to be protected as well.

Some women and men as well, will also apply their creams, serums, and masks to the decollete (chest) area. This is up to you, if you would like to take it that extra step. Anytime you apply a product to the neck, apply it in upward strokes , never pulling down on the skin.

Thanks for reading my quick tip!! More great blogs to come!

Quick Tip: Shiny and Strong Hair

2012-08-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

A quick tip for keeping your hair strong, shiny, and healthy, is to use a mix of moisture and protein. Too much moisture alone will make the hair soft and flat, while too much protein will cause the hair to get hard and brittle.

I am currently using two different deep conditioners. I rotate between them, one is for moisture and the other is protein also known as keratin. The problem that I face is that I have very long hair, but my scalp is very oily. I don't want to wash my hair every day, but in case I do, I always use deep conditioners (so my ends do look dry and frizzy). I never deep condition my scalp, I apply the deep conditioner starting at shoulder's and working down. If your hair is extremely dry and your scalp doesn't get oily, then you can apply directly to the scalp.

I usually leave in on for about 10 min, and rinse with cool water. The moisturizing deep conditioner I'm currently using is by Joico, this one is called K-Pak. The protein deep conditioner I'm currently is using is by it's a 10, with keratin plus. These can be found easily online, and at certain salons that carry them.

This is just a friendly tip for hair care. Thank you for reading along!

Home Remedies For Extremely Sensitve Skin and Cleopatra Used This

2012-08-25T12:26:00.001-07:00

Today I'm going to write about a few home remedies for very sensitive skin. This is going to be for people who have a hard time with most or all products they have tried. Usually the skin is so sensitive that many people give up and just use water, to not irritate the skin. Using water alone is not properly going to cleanse the skin of oils, dirt, and bacteria that needs to be removed.

The main ingredient is going to be milk!! Milk naturally has lactic acid in it, which will gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin.

Cleopatra was know for her beautiful skin, and back then they didn't have products like we do now. She was very well known for her oils and perfumes, and also taking milk baths. Even then she knew the benefits of milk, and how it made her skin glow. Lets all take a lesson from Cleopatra then!

You can use powdered milk or 2% milk as a cleanser and as a mask. Powdered milk can be found at easily at most grocery stores. I would recommend using the powdered milk first, as you can make a consistency you like by adding warm/hot water.

Place 1/3 cup of powdered milk in a bowl. Slowly add warm/hot water, stir the mixture as you pour. If you would like to use this as a mask leave the consistency a bit thicker so it can stay on the face. It will be a bit lumpy and that's okay, just mix it to you have it where you like it. Leave the mask on for about 10-15 min. Rinse with cool water and continue with your usual routine.

If you'd like you can add in half a cucumber to the mask. Cucumber is good for very sensitive skin as it will soothe the skin. You can use half a cucumber, slice it and add it to your blender or food processor. Add in a 1/2 cup of water to help liquify the cucumber. You can also be the judge of the consistency you want. Add this to the powdered milk slowly and gently stir together. The consistency will be lumpy. If you have extra you can refrigerate it for 5-7 days.

To use powdered milk as a cleanser mix it the same way but add in more water so it easier to cleanse with. Pat it on the skin in upward circular motions for about 30-60 seconds. Rinse. You can do this with 2% milk as well. You may want to heat the milk up before you put it on the face.

You will need:

1. Powdered Milk

2. 2% Milk

3. 1 cucumber

4. Water

If you are nervous to try this, use in on your jaw and neck first, as a patch test.

I hope you found this helpful. Keep reading along as I blog more home remedies!!! Thank you.