DIY Facial and Body Scrubs

Spring is in full affect and it's no time like the present to scrub off the winter by revealing your Spring skin. Now is the time to start giving our weather worn skin some much needed pampering for the upcoming warmer months. Luckily, there are ways to refresh your skin by simply going through your pantry. DIY sugar scrubs are some fun and fresh products to give your skin its glow! Check out some of our faves below:

Cherry Blossom Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

 1/4 cup loose green tea

1/4 cup loose cherry tea

 1/2 cup white sugar

 1 tbs. grapeseed oil

 Preparation: Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Use mixture to exfoliate the body. Your skin will feel soft, plump, well-hydrated and smooth.

Just to list a few benefits of using the cherry blossom sugar scrub has an amazing fragrance, leaves skin, soft and smooth, does not dry skin, and does not irritate skin.

Chai Sugar Scrub

 Ingredients:

5 chai tea bags

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup white granulated sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 tablespoons coconut oil (room temp) – expeller pressed (unscented) coconut oil is best for this recipe

1 teaspoon honey

2 teaspoons vanilla extract OR 12-15 drops vanilla essential oil (learn to make your own vanilla extract, or get vanilla essential oil here)

Blend all ingredients together. For a wetter scrub, use more oil. Use less for a drier scrub.

Spoon the mixture into an airtight jar. Using a spoon or wooden scoop, use a small amount as a body scrub in the shower. Rinse thoroughly.

  

     

How to: Maintain Curly Extensions

There are two main reasons why curly hair becomes fuzzy. Either too much handling (touching, combing, brushing or lack of moisture. Curls are delicate and excessive styling is the fastest way to make them fall apart. Keep touching of the hair to a minimum.If you're pressed for time and need to dry it fast use a blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment. This way your curls won't frizz or flatten.
There are even proper ways to hydrate your curly locks. The shape of the curls will only form if they're bathed in the right amount of moisture and sealed with the right amount of "product". Use the right leave-in conditioners designed for curls (natural or extensions). Make sure that before you sleep at night you put a silk or satin scarf over your hair because the cotton pillow WILL dry out your hair and destroy your curls.  

How to: Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Do you have dry skin most of the time and have tried several remedies to combat this problem? Here are some tips on how to improve the moisture in your skin.

Don’t buy a cheap body wash. Good body wash products normally contain essential oils such as: coconut oil, olive oil and jojoba oils that help keep moisture.

Dry your skin properly. Some people are often in a rush in the morning and don’t dry properly which means your skin will dry out during the day.

Shea butter and essential oils based cream are ideal. These type of cream bases help keep your skin healthy and moisturized.

To ensure your skin is smooth and healthy, every week or 2 weeks give your skin a treat. Use body scrub or a body mask occasionally to wash off dirt but keep the moisture. Doing this can help keep your skin moisturized, smooth, and soft.

Cosmetic Check-Up

Take this opportunity to check the expiration dates on all your cosmetics and skincare products. Each product has a specific shelf life and using them past their expiration dates is not the best practice. Bacteria can grow quite easily from air getting trapped inside containers. Also using your fingers for application can contribute to contamination.

Skin Care Tips for Winter

Winter is still here and your skin is feeling dry ,uncomfortable, and itchy. What do you do? Here are a few of tips that will help..

Drink Water
Hydrate your skin from within by drinking lots of water. Carry a bottle with you when you go outside. Herbal tea is also great when it’s really cold. Your skin will soon have a healthy glow. So drink up and don’t let your skin go thirsty.

Exfoliate
A good scrub and facial exfoliate can help remove dead skin cells from your body. Add this to your cleansing routine once a week. Not only will you feel fresh but your skin will be free from all that old dry cells.

Oil-Based Moisturizer
This will help protect your skin from moisture loss. Choose one that comes in an ointment form as it will contain 80% oil. Creams and lotions may tend to dry out the skin rather than keep it moisturized and soft.

Gloves
Why expose your hands to the cold. Choose a good quality pair that does not irritate the skin. It will help keep your hands dry and warm.

Oil Bath
Now how does a jojoba oil or sweet almond bath sound to you? You don’t have to keep these for holidays. Nourish you skin by adding a few drops of these oils into your every day bath. It will do wonders for your skin.

Winter Skincare

The cold icey winter weather can cause wear and tear on your skins moisture and appeal. Maintaining beautiful skin during such a cold and drying period can be a challenge but is most definitely possible.  These are a few tips to maintain healthy beautiful skin in the harshness of the winter. 

 

1.) Moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE! - since your skin is more prone to dryness in the winter. Moisturize often during the day to help your skin remain hydrated. 

2.) Wear Sunscreen - you may think since the weather in the winter isn't hot you won't need sunscreen when the fact of the matter is you need it more in the winter. The sun is even closer and the rays are even stronger. Wear sunscreen in thevwinter to protect your skin from the damaging UVA and UVB rays.

3.) lightly exfoliate - the cold wind in the winter dries skin out and causes your skin to produce more dead skin cells at once. It is important to lightly exfoliate for brighter, cleaner skin in the winter.

4.) Keep the showers short - a long, hot shower may seem enticing in the coldness of the winter, but these long hot showers can strip your skin of moisture and cause it to dry out. Keep your showers warm and short.

Sea-berry Exfoliating Soap

This soap is formulated to buff away dull, dry skin while cleansing the body and evening the skin tone, leaving an radiant glow. Retail price $16.50

Skin Care

Did you know that skin is the largest organ on your body? It is imperative that we keep our skin hydrated so that it will look better and be healthy. Healthy skin begins with skin care and facials are perfect for your overall skin routine! Facials help with clogged pores, quench dehydrated skin and removes dead skin cells. Women tend to age more in their face due to stress. There's nothing better than getting a professional facial, but they can be expensive! Don't worry there are basic-at-home remedies that works on oily, dry, and combination skin.

For example: Strawberry Mask for Acne-Prone Skin
All you need is 1/4 cup strawberries (fresh, not frozen) and 1/4 cup sour cream or non-flavored yogurt. Let both the strawberries and yogurt come to room temperature then place both ingredients in a blender. Spread on face and wash after 10-15 minutes. Simple right!? The greatest benefit that facials have on your skin is the ability to reduce stress while leaving you feeling relaxed and pampered. We recommend getting facials ladies your skin will thank you.

Find this and other great facial recipes at about.com/beauty

Thirsty?

Thirsty? Why Drinking Water is so Important

Water might not be some people's favorite choice of beverage, but it definitely should be. Why? See below. 

1) Helps with Metabolism

2) Detoxifies

3) Hydrates skin

4) Can help control calories

5) Removes harmful toxins from your body

We Heart: Simple Eye Makeup Remover Wipes

It’s very important to remove makeup before bed. These pads are sensitive, and alcohol free so your face will not dry out! Retails for $4.99 in stores.

We Heart: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Duo

Want younger looking eyes that are firmer and brighter? Well this is the perfect product for you! Retails for $22.49 in Target.

We Heart: Yes To Dark Spot Correcting Cream

This product works to lighten skin and correct dark spots while also moisturizing. Not to mention it smells heavenly! Retails for $8.49 at Ulta.

We Heart: Cetaphil SPF 50

This moisturizer is great for dry skin, and works very well for individuals that suffer from rosacea. Retails for $14 in drugstores.

Invest in Underwear that Fits

Visit your nearest intimates store to get a proper bra fitting. Many women wear the wrong bra size and the proper fitting underwear can immediately make you look great!

Switch it up! Wear Hair Up and Off of Your Face!

Make your face look slimmer by rocking a high ponytail!

We Heart: Studded Nails

Ready to add a little spice to your classic manicure? If you answered yes, then studded nails are perfect for you! This look will add the perfect girly edge to your classic manicure.

We Heart: Design Essentials Edge Control

Tame those unruly edges with this sleek edge control! It is versatile for any texture, and a bonus is its affordability! Retails for $11.99 from Design Essentials.com

WE HEART: GNC Vitamin E Ointment

This affordable ointment is the perfect moisturizer to protect your skin from being dry and flaky. Retails at GNC for only $1.99!

We Heart: Apivita Propoline Lip aid SPF 15

Perfect product to grab when you’re rushing out of the door! The cocoa butter is super moisturizing, and the berry and walnut shades give you a hint of color.  Retails for about $8 each beautyexclusive.com 

We Heart: Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brushes!

The handles of these brushes fit comfortably in your hand and make them easier to hold while you create your look! Retails $10-$15 each at Target.