Posts tagged Beauty

Before there was a product for every imaginable beauty woe (lash conditioner, cuticle softener, lip buffer), women took a simpler approach to hair and skin care. Dry skin might merit a slathering of olive oil, while puffy eyes called for cucumber slices. Now it seems grandma was ahead of her time: Many of today’s top spa treatments take their cues from old-fashioned home remedies, and there’s science to back up the ingredients’ effectiveness.

Here are some natural skin savers which you can purchase at your local grocery store.

Oatmeal

  Use it to calm and soften skin

Why it works: Soothing and anti-inflammatory, oatmeal contains beta glucan, a soluble fiber that creates a thin, moisture-retaining film on the surface of the skin.

How-to: Place a handful of whole oats in a clean washcloth and using a rubber band to secure it. Next, immerse it in a sink full of warm water and squeeze the bag 4 or 5 times. Once the water is cloudy, splash it on your face and then air-dry. (If you must towel dry, pat as gently as possible.)

Beer

 Use it to pump up flat, dull hair

Why it works: Yeast and hops help to swell the hair shaft and plump the cuticle, adding volume. The acidity of the beer helps remove built-up product residue.

How-to: In the shower, after you’ve shampooed, pour a bottle of beer over your hair. Rinse briefly with fresh water (the idea is to avoid the beer smell while retaining the beer’s body-boosting benefits). A rich beer with a high yeast content works best. (Read: No light beer.)

Avocado Oil

 Use it to repair dry, sensitive skin

Why it works: Avocado oil’s abundant fatty acids help balance skin’s moisture levels, and the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E protect skin from further damage.

How-to: Combine equal parts avocado oil and evening-primrose oil in a sealable bottle and shake to blend.  Massage 5 or 6 drops into clean skin, and then cover your face with a warm washcloth for a minute to help the oils sink in.

Walnuts

Use it to exfoliate hands and feet

Why it works: Rich in oil, walnuts make for extra-gentle sloughing.

How-to:  Blend 1/4 cup shelled walnuts, 1/2 cup olive oil (for extra emollients), and a tablespoon of honey (to seal moisture into your skin) in a food processor set on a slow speed, creating a fine-particle scrub. Standing in the shower (if you’re scrubbing your feet) or over a sink (if it’s for your hands), work the mixture thoroughly over your skin for a couple of minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Orange

 Use it to slough dry skin off heels, knees, & elbows.

Why it works: The fruit acid loosens dead skin cells.

How-to: Cut a fresh orange in half and squeeze the juice of one half into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup olive oil and then blend into a moisture-rich scrub. Next, rub the exposed side of the other half of the orange over knees, elbows, heels, and any other dry spots. Last, rub in the sugar mixture to slough off dead skin. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.

Milk

Use it to soothe and soften dry, sensitive skin

Why it works: The lactic acid in milk serves as a gentle skin exfoliant, while its natural fat content acts as a body moisturizer.

How-to: Add 1 gallon of whole milk to a tubful of warm water and soak. It’s a great alternative to sugar and salt scrubs which may be too abrasive for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin. If you prefer a fragranced bath, add 10 to 20 drops of an essential oil such as lavender.

Eggs

Use it to add strength to damaged, weakened hair

Why it works: Eggs’ high protein content helps improve hair’s resilience and luster.

How-to: Whisk together 1 egg, 2 tablespoons coconut oil (“rich in moisturizing fats), and 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Apply the mixture to dry hair and wrap a hot, moist tow­el around your head. Relax for 5 to 10 minutes. Without wetting hair first, work in a handful of shampoo, and then rinse and condition your hair.

Apple-Cider Vinegar
  Use it to fight breakouts

Why it works: Its high acid content makes skin inhospitable to blemish-causing bacteria.

How-to: Place a handful of parsley (a skin-clarifying herb) into a French press (or coffee press) and cover it with 1/2 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, and then plunge and let the liquid cool. Transfer to a spray bottle along with a splash of vinegar and 4 drops of tea tree oil (an antiseptic), shake well, and spritz on a freshly cleansed face. (Store the spray bottle in the fridge.)

(Source: zazzle.com)

Prep Your Skin

(Source: zazzle.com)

Q. I want to get a spray tan before my wedding but my mom says that it is not a good idea. What do you think?

A. I agree with your mom. Not only are you putting yourself at risk of skin damage, but getting too dark a tan can look unnatural in wedding photos. Especially if it’s a spray tan gone wrong. Nothing says Jersey Shore more than an orange bride in a white dress. This is one of the worst looks, and it’s not fixable!

Winter’s harsh weather can be hard on skin, leaving it dry, dull and even raw. Homemade face masks can restore skin to its springtime glory and—better yet—can be made with ingredients from your kitchen.

To slough away dead skin cells and restore moisture, try this banana facial mask recipe. This rejuvenating facial only requires two ingredients: banana and honey. The acids in the creamy banana core slough away dead skin and leave you with a glowy complexion, while the honey blends the mask into a smooth consistency and helps your skin hold in moisture.

Choose a banana that’s turning on the brown side. The ripened banana will add extra moisture to the mask. Plus, that means no wasted food for you eco-minded beauties.

Ingredients

Method

Mash the banana and honey together in a bowl.

Using your fingers, pat the mixture onto your face. Be sure to avoid your eye area.

Let the mask work it’s skin-rejuvenating magic for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse.

(Source: zazzle.com)

Winter is a beautiful time of year. There’s a chill in the air, fireplaces are warming up our homes and it’s a grand time to cuddle with those we love. One of the downsides of winter for most of us is dealing with dry, cracked, itchy skin caused by dry air.

 While there are hundreds of commercial soaps and moisturizers  available on the market, many are made with synthetic ingredients and chemicals which have the propensity to dry out the skin. There are natural beauty soap alternatives to help heal dry skin without using harsh chemicals. In this article we will discuss several ideas how to help heal your winter skin.

Drink water.

Keeping yourself hydrated is key to whole body health. Just remember the old 8-8 adage, drink at least 8 8 oz. glasses of water a day. Drinking water not only benefits your skin, but it helps keep all parts of your body working properly. Dehydration, even mild dehydration, can make you feel tired, your skin will feel dry, your mouth will feel sticky dry and even mild dehydration can lead to headaches and constipation.

Use Natural Soaps

What you put on your skin is just as important as what you eat and drink because the skin absorbs most of what it comes in contact with. Many of the soaps on the market today are made with synthetic ingredients that can irritate and dry out your skin. Commercially made soaps such as Ivory and Irish Spring should be avoided as they contain petroleum products, detergents, animal fats and sodium laurel sulfate (SLS). SLS and other surfactants are often added to soaps to increase lather quality.  Many soaps also contain harmful parabens. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives, which have been linked to possible carcinogenicity with prolonged use.

Using a natural soap such as my favorite Bellus is a healthy alternative. 

I love Bellus soaps as they are 100% natural and contains a powerhouse of ingredients to moisturize, firm, and clear your skin.

Beware not all natural soaps are created equal. A high quality natural soap such as Bellus will include 5 basic ingredients.

Shea butter:  Excellent for rejuvenating and moisturizing the skin, providing essential vitamins needed to make your skin smoother, healthier and softer, along with protection against wind, cold and sun, plus stimulates cellular activity to fight the effects of aging rough damaged skin.

Coconut oil:  To protect and prevent loose, sagging, wrinkled skin and heal and reduce blemishes all while removing dead skin cells leaving you with a healthy shine. Also provides an unbelievable clean you can’t get from regular soaps.

Grapeseed oil:  Providing antioxidants to slow the process of aging, clearing up acne by preventing clogged pores and breakouts, tightening , moisturizing and nourishing the skin without that greasy feeling.

Olive Oil:The #1 oil used in ALL fine soaps for centuries. Olive oil produces a moisturizing, hard but very mild soap and creates a luxurious , smooth long lasting lather. This is the oil that started it all!eral key ingredients.

* Click here for a Free Sample of Bellus Soap or scroll to bottom of this article for more infomation.

Avoid Hot Water

Avoid excessively hot water during your shower or bath and moisturize your skin upon exiting the bath while it is still damp and most receptive to moisture as your   pores are open. Using a slightly heavier lotion containing rich butters such as natural shea or coco butter will moisturize and protect winter skin. A body oil can be used as a moisturizer in bath as well as on skin after bathing. It gives your body a warm feeling as well as protects against dryness. Avoid over fragranced lotions and creams and opt for natural essential oil blends if you prefer scented products. Plant derived essential oil blends tend to be less drying and irritating than synthetic fragrances.

Regulate the humidity in your home by using a humidifier.

Low humidity in the air can cause chapped lips, dry skin, sinus problems and a dry cough. Using a humidifier in your home, especially when your heater is running can help alleviate these annoying issues. There are two types of humidifiers, cool mist and warm mist. Cool mist humidifiers usually work better for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. They are also considered safer, especially if there are small children in the home. Warm mist humidifiers can be used for steaming medications or essential oils (such as eucalyptus) and are wonderful if you have a cold. They do have to be cleaned more often though because warm water provides a good environment for bacterial growth. You can find a decent room sized humidifier starting at approximately $40.

Beautiful, clear skin does not have to be just a dream. With a few healthy habits and the use of a moisturizing, natural soap you will notice a considerable difference in your skin this winter.

Free Sample of Bellus Soap

To receive a Free Sample of my favorite Bellus Soap please click on the bar of soap below.

*Photo Credits: Bellus Soap Company

Q. I am getting married next year and want to get Botox treatments but my mom tells me they are dangerous? What exactly is Botox and is it dangerous? Do you know of any other way to get rid of tiny wrinkles and laugh lines?

One of the most popular and effective beauty treatments on the market today is Botox, a substance that when injected into the muscles near the site of fine lines and wrinkles will make the area smooth. Since approved for cosmetic purposes in 2002, millions of women and men have received Botox treatments.

A Stem cell cream like Luminesce is an alternative to Botox when it comes to making lines and wrinkles disappear. Adult stem cells are used to create growth factors in a special stem cell serum, after which the stem cells are discarded. The resulting stem cell cream, Luminesce, contains peptides and proteins that stimulate the body to produce collagen, elastin and other substances that keep the skin youthful and soft.

Botox is made from botulism, virulent bacteria that cause food poisoning that can be very serious and even fatal. In the doses it is used in cosmetic procedures, however, it is not harmful. It blocks the messages sent from the brain to the facial muscles and effectively paralyzes the site into which it is injected. Crow’s feet around the eyes will disappear because there is no communication to tell the skin to contract. Botox is injected into the muscles around the eyes, in the forehead and other places where wrinkles and lines tend to form.

Each Botox treatment’s results last 3-4 months and sometimes takes up to a week to produce results. It can cost $165-$600 depending on where it’s injected and how much Botox is used. A large area like the forehead can run as high as $900. Each unit of Botox averages $9-$18 in cost.

Botox does have side effects but they are relatively rare. These can include infection, nausea, flu type symptoms, redness at injection sites and muscle weakness.

On the other hand, when you use a stem cell serum like Luminesce that takes advantage of stem cell technology to help your facial tissues renew themselves, you simplify your life. You are applying a natural substance on your face and stimulating the production of your body’s natural cell regeneration process. Applied twice a day, Luminesce doesn’t involve going to a doctor’s office, having your muscles paralyzed, paying costly fees or risking side effects.

The process you use to treat fine lines and wrinkles is a highly personal choice and depends on your financial health as well as how much time you’re willing to spend on it. You can apply a stem cell cream twice a day or pay for injections 3-4 times per year; the results produced by the two products are very similar.

To learn more about the Luminesce line of anti-aging products you can visit their website Jeunesse

Congratulations to the staff at my favorite spa, Dyanna Body and Nail Salon for being named one of the top Spas in Manhattan.

If you have never been to Dyanna Spa, you have no idea what your missing. You will feel like a pampered princess and leave the spa utterly relaxed and rejuvenated.

The Dyanna spa has alway been center stage when it comes to affordable luxury. When they first opened in 1983 in New York City, they were one of the first salons to offer full body waxing hair removal services. In 1987, Dyanna Spa opened their current 21st Street location in Manhattan with a huge expansion of services.

They offer a full range of spa services for both men and women that is usually hard to find all in one place. Their services include:

• A wide range of facials and skin care services
• Massages including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology massage and more

• Manicures and Pedicures

• Body treatments including body scrubs, body wraps, and anti-cellulite treatments

• Hair removal services including electrolysis and waxing

• They specialize in Brazilian Bikini wax treatments for men and women

For more information on making an appointment at Dyanna Spa, please click on the banner below, or give them a call at: Tel: 212.995.2355

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book and how makeup artists made gel liners back in Old Hollywood. It really fills in the holes in between your lashes and gives you an intense smudge like a kajal liner or grease paint. It’s super simple and easy.

TOOLS

• A kohl eye liner pencil from your local drug store. Our favorites {that you probably already have in your makeup drawer} that work especially well using this technique are this Maybelline one and this one from Covergirl.
• An open flame {a lighter is nice because it’s portable, but you can also use a candle or a gas stove top}.

STEPS

To slightly liquefy it, hold the tip of the pencil in the flame for one quick second. Don’t even say one Mississippi!

Wait 15 seconds for the pencil to cool down. It gets really hot so you have to let it cool down then always test it out on the back of your hand before you go anywhere near your eye!!

Roll it a little on the back of your hand to mold and keep the tip pointed while it’s becoming a solid again.

Sweep the liner along your upper + lower lashlines as well as your inner waterline if you want to make your eyes even more piercing.

* Photos by Amy Nadine

Dear Jasmine,

I have a major problem with my hair. I am getting married in 10 months and my hair is very fine and breaking off. I notice it’s also getting very thin and unless I strategically comb my hair a certain way I can even see my scalp. I am starting to panic as I don’t know what to do. Can you recommend any shampoos or hair product to repair my hair and make it stop falling out and appear thicker?

P.S. My thin hair is herditary so please do not suggest my visiting a dermatologist.

Thanks Casey

Hi Casey,

The problem of thinning hair in women is not as uncommon as you may think. It is estimated that 1 in 4 women experience thinning hair at some point in their lives.

Thick full hair begins at the hair follicle and with a healthy scalp. For healthy hair it is very important to use a good quality shampoo. Since there is so much hype about hair shampoos for thin hair I decided to consult a friend who works as a professional in the hair care industry for some advice. He recommended RegenePure as the best hair loss shampoo on the market.

After some online research I discovered RegenePure Shampoo offers a medical line of shampoos to specifically treat scalp problems and promote hair regrowth. Unlike many shampoos it doesn’t coat your hair with films or fillers, instead it gently cleanses and nourishes your scalp for thicker and healthier hair.

What separates RegenePure from other hair loss lines is their unique combination of  nutrients to stimulate blood flow to the scalp. The main ingredient is Ketoconazole which prevents and treats dandruff and inflammatory scalp disorders. In recent studies, it has also been shown to disrupt the production of DHT, which can curb hair loss and help to stimulate growth.

RegenePure shampoos are sulfate and paraben free and are safe to use daily on color and keratin treated hair.

Hair Style

The trick to hide your thinning hair is the proper cut. A shorter cut will put some bounce and fullness back into those thinning tresses. A great short cut is the spiky, boyish look like that of actress Sharon Gless in Burn Notice. It takes a bit of gel and the right temperament to know that this contemporary look is for you. Another short cut is the bob which is a cut that is not layered. It has blunt ends that fall at your jaw line and gives a sense of fullness and thickness. These shorter looks can also be varied with curls or bangs.

* For more information on RegenePure, please click on the banner below.

Anyone who knows me, knows that the condition of my skin is something I take very seriously, yet I am not always happy with. I am very fair-skinned and unfortunately, sun care wasn’t something I practiced until I was in my mid twenties. And embarrassingly I will admit I also tend to suffer from red blotchy skin sometimes which is a real downer…especially since I’m now 31 years old and I look like I am blushing. 

My bathroom counter is littered with every possible skin care product you can imagine and I think I’ve literally tried almost every major skin care product on the market. This is why I was skeptical when a friend suggested I try a cream called  NeriumAD. This age-defying skin treatment sounded like all of the others I’ve tried before so at first I was reluctant to even try it. My friend kept telling me it will work and I needed to try it. So being the skin care maven I am, I finally gave in and decided to see what this cream was all about. And to be honest I was pleasantly surprised.

Nerium is a face and neck cream designed for nightly use which in clinical trials was said to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and aging or sun-damaged skin. Just what I need!

Nerium is a thick velvety cream you apply before going to bed which dries into a facial mask you leave on all night. In the morning you follow your daily facial routine…wash your face with a gentle cleanser (no hand soap please) then apply a toner and lotion.  If you follow a good facial routine, you will see an improvement in your skin texture.

I wish I had thought to take some before and after photos of my face for the blog to show you the results. However I did find some before and after photos of Nerium users on the Love Your New Face site.

I don’t make miracle promises about this Nerium Cream. Let’s be realistic, if your 40 years old this cream won’t make you look 20. However, I can promise you if you follow a daily facial routine and use this cream at night you will notice your skin is smoother and clearer. Smoother skin diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

To find out more about Nerium, or to purchase a bottle for yourself, click here to visit the Love Your New Face website.

(Source: zazzle.com)

Awww…who doesn’t love a nice hot relaxing bath? This Tropical Bath Soak and spa scrubbie would make a cute shower or birthday gift.

Click Here For the full DIY Turorial

(Source: zazzle.com)

There’s a new trend in bridal beauty… from Kate Middleton doing her own wedding day make-up to Kate Moss and her simple chic look, brides are choosing to look more like glowing versions of themselves and less like someone their grooms hope are somewhere under all that glam! I promise you, there’s something amazing that happens to a bride on her wedding day and you’ll look so pretty from the magic and love you’ll be feeling within and all around you, you won’t need a lot of make-up. Here Lauren demonstrates how to define and accentuate your own unique beauty effortlessly on your big day.

TOOLS

• Longwear liquid foundation
• Foundation brush
• Dusty-rose colored cream blush
• Smoky-taupe wet/dry eyeshadow
• Eye shadow brush
• Dark brown or black long wear gel liner
• Pointed liner brush
• Water-resistant mascara
• Pinky-nude lip color

STEPS

1. After applying a water-based primer, even out your complexion with longwear liquid foundation that is an exact match of your skin tone. This is not the day to try to fake darker/paler complexions, you want the product to “disappear” into your skin. Use a foundation brush for an even application and depending on the neckline of your dress, carefully blend onto your neck then buff with a tissue so nothing ends up on your dress.

2. With your foundation brush, dip it in a dusty-rose colored cream blush and pat a few times on the back of your hand to disperse of any clumps. Then while smiling in the mirror to find the apples of your cheeks, swirl and pat the brush to create a dewy flush of color.

3. Wet your eyeshadow brush with water, give it a quick tap on your sink/counter then dip it into your smoky-taupe shadow to create more of a paste-like consistency. Play on the back of your hand to smooth away any powder clumps then sweep the brush over your entire lid and crease to create a solid wash of color.

4. Swirl your pointed liner brush into a dark brown or black long wear gel liner (there are so many amazing waterproof options at your department, specialty and drug stores!) and again first test the consistency on the back of your hand by swirling away any clumps. Then starting at the inner corner of your lash line, gently drag the brush across your lid, adding a little more pressure as you work your way to the outer corner (light pressure = thin line, heavy pressure = thick line).

5. Apply two coats of waterproof mascara and decide if you want to skip your bottom lashes if you think you’ll be a gushing bride as well as a blushing bride!

6. Finish with a pinky-nude lip color that your loyal maid of honor will keep on her to re-apply whenever she sees you need it.

*Photo & Credits: Justin  Coit  + TheBeautyDepartment.com 

(Source: zazzle.com)

Reviving Dull Skin

To revive tired, dull skin without hitting the spa table, try this:

Crack open an egg in a bowl, separate the yolk, and use the egg whites to make a face mask. The proteins help to heal and restore skin’s moisture. Leave it on for five minutes, and rinse off.

Use a bit of foundation on your lips before applying your lipstick. It will help the color stay all day.

Photo credit: Digital Vison/Getty Images