Step Into Fall with Great Skin! (DIY: Shea Butter Lotion)

It’s about that time ladies (and gents)!! We are slowly transitioning over to sweaters, scarves, and cough medicine. :-( Soon the burning sun rays will be dimming down and the frostbites will be rolling in. I am a Winter baby, however I do not enjoy any weather below 65 degrees; as anything lower than that makes me feel as though my limps may collapse and my skin is turning into sand paper.

The only way to combat dry winter skin is to keep it nourished during those cold months. Just like your body needs water to stay hydrated, your skin needs emollients and oils to stay moisturized. The best way to fight the effects of the cold is by purchasing skincare (and makeup) products that have more oils and butters in the ingredients. Look for items that include: aqua (water!), glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, vitamin e; and natural oils such as: grape seed oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, argan oil, and sunflower oil. These ingredients naturally condition the skin and lock in moisture without clogging your pores. 

Stay away from mineral oil and petroleum (yes, put that Vaseline down!) as these ingredients clog pores, cause breakouts and just sit on top of your skin.

If you would like to create your own moisturizing lotion, try using these simple ingredients:

½ Cup boiled Shea Butter

2 tablespoons Vitamin E Oil

1 tablespoon Glycerin

1 teaspoon Jojoba Oil (you can substitute for another natural oil)

1 Cylinder container

1 Wooden spoon

1 Ice-cream scooper or Metal Spoon

1.  Scoop your shea butter (you can add more for a creamier mix) into a cylinder shaped microwave-safe
   
   container with a clean ice-cream scooper or metal spoon.
2.  Boil 1-2 cups water in a pot. Turn off the heat after water is thoroughly boiled. (For best results, temperature should be between 140° and 160° Fahrenheit.)
3. Place the container with the shea butter inside the pot, but be sure the water does not spill into container. (View picture to right)
4. Stir the shea butter with the wooden spoon as it begins to melt in the container. When it is thoroughly melted remove it from the pot.[This process allows the shea butter to melt properly without the use of microwave radiation.]
5. Mix the vitamin e oil, glycerin, and jojoba oil into the shea butter.
6. Monitor the melted butter mix. As it begins to solidify, use the wooden spoon to whip the butter into a creamy mix. Do this step again after 15 mins to achieve your desired smoothness.
7. Scoop the mix into your desired lotion container or jar.(View below image)
8. Cover and let sit until it has cooled down.
9. Use as often as needed. Shelf life is 2 years.

Taking great care of your skin; especially during cooler months, keeps it looking replenished, young, and supple. You can use this mix on your lips and hair as well. Now go out there and enjoy the last few days of summer weather—as we know the official start of Fall has begun!on today!!

Stay Warm!

DIY :: BOOST Your Foundation For The Best Night Ever!

If you are like me, then you know how important it is to make sure your foundation (no not the one you buy at a counter, but your beautiful SKIN!) is clean, refreshed and ready for the day ahead, or at least for the makeup beat that ensues! Everyone needs to deep clean their skin at least four times a year, especially when the seasons change. Who really wants to bring Winter’s dry skin cells into Spring anyway? Facial masks get rid of all that clogged up gunk, oil, blackheads, and dead skin cells so you can start the day, week, or year off fresh! Depending on the ingredients, facial masks are designed to cleanse, tighten, exfoliate, or moisturize the skin.

I like to start my week off with a homemade facial mask every Sunday evening using ingredients from my own kitchen. They cost next to nothing, and I get two for the price of one by using items I already have stocked in my cabinets. You would think I am a Grade-A chemist by the time I lay out my products and start mixing up my concoctions. Some of you may be thinking: why not just go buy a mask or book an appointment for a facial instead of creating your own? Well, I can certainly go spend anywhere between $20-$90 on a mask, or I can create a natural mask made just for me using simple ingredients. I mean do you really know what they put into those store masks anyway, and who doesn’t like to be pampered in the comfort of their own home?

Now let’s jump right into these “Do-It-Yourself” homemade masks! Remember, before you apply a mask, always wash your face with warm water and a cleanser.

Exfoliating Mask:

Is Your Hair Fried and Dyed? Bring It Back To Life!!

Way too many people (especially my girls!) use harsh chemicals in their hair. The over processing of the hair can make it look dry, feel brittle, and become fried! Whether you use relaxers, perms, or color, too much of it can affect your beautiful strands.When you use ammonia and peroxide-based ingredients, you are stripping your natural color from your hair, breaking down the hair shaft, and damaging your tresses. But, there's hope!

The road to recovery depends on the hair treatments you use to bring your weakened locks back to life. First, you want to be sure to use sulfate-free shampoos, as other shampoos tend to leave hair very dry due to the ingredients used to make those bouncy suds!. Moisture-rich shampoos target these problems with the use of emollients and hydrating conditioners.

Shampoo Recommendations: Kiehl's Chamomile Shampoo,

Want The Best Skin You've Ever Seen?!

Follow these steps to keep your skin firm, radiant, and blemish-free.

• STEP 1 - CLEANSE
• Use a sulphate (sulfate) free facial cleanser to clean, and refresh the skin. If you are oily, or prone to breakouts use a cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree oil. (CETAPHIL, NEUTROGENA, AVENE, CLEARASIL, DR.BRONNERS)

• STEP 2 - EXFOLIATE
• Exfoliate your skin once to twice a week to remove dead skin cells, and rejuvenate the skin. If you have lots of black heads or blemishes you can mix a teaspoon of dried oatmeal or a mashed strawberry for an exfoliating boost! (ST.IVES, DERMALOGICA, BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA, DERMA E)

• STEP 3 - TONE
• This step is commonly skipped; however, using an alcohol-free toner helps to rebalance the skin's natural PH levels, and calms the skin after your cleansing process. It also helps to clean out any pores and dirt you may have left behind after rinsing your face. (AVENE, NEUTROGENA, PROVINCE APOTHECARY, DERMA E, TEA TREE OIL)

10 Makeup Artist Secrets

Have you ever wondered how the pros get it perfect every single time? They're certainly not special gifted aliens! It took hard work and of course cutting corners with some tricks of the trade. If you are like me, then you want to know how to look your best, and look as great as the professionals. Well I came across some makeup artists hacks that use these simple tricks to kill a beat (aka do makeup really good)!

1. Let glue dry on strip for 30 seconds before applying false lashes. This allows glue to become tacky and stick faster, instead of watery which can spread into your eye and take longer to dry.

2. White liner on the water line of your eyes creates the illusion of bigger eyes, where as dark liner creates smaller eyes.

3. Use a white primer or eye pencil on your lids before you apply eyeshadows to make the colors pop and last longer. To minimize creases, dust your lids with powder before the primer.

4.  No one likes black raccoon eyes. To keep black (or any color) eyeliner from running, apply loose powder right under the liner to set it and keep it in place. Sometimes I apply light translucent powder on top of the liner to keep it from running on my bottom eyelids.

Breakouts :: What Is Your Skin Telling You?

Whether you get random pimples or breakout often, no one likes the harsh reality that we all have flaws. But what if you could stop breakouts all together by knowing what causes them? Well, you may not be able to stop them forever, but you can certainly understand the reasons behind breakouts in order to combat them before they get a chance to sprout on your beautiful face.

What is your body trying to tell you when you breakout??

• Forehead breakouts are triggered by stress, and lack of sleep. You can also breakout from dirty hair and product buildup that clog your pores. So calm down, get some rest, and wash your hair to keep your scalp clean.
• Eyebrow breakouts are signs of a weak immune system and tend to pop up right before you get a cold. If you see pimples in between your brows, you may want to cut back on sugar, unhealthy eating habits, and incorporate vitamins into your daily life. Also make sure those tweezers are sterilized!
• Cheeks can show different signs of acne, because this is an area that is touched often by your hands, pillows, cellphone, etc. Keep anything that comes near your face clean with alcohol [phones] or antibacterial soap. If you breakout around your neck or ears, your jewelry most likely needs some cleaning too.
• Chin breakouts are associated with hormonal changes such as a women's menstrual cycle, also dirty scarves, jackets, or anything that comes close to the chin. We can't stop our time of the month, but we can cut back on fatty oils around this time to decrease breakouts.

The best solution to keeping pimples at bay is by eating healthier, drinking lots of water, cleaning your face with a good cleanser, and keeping your hands off your face. If you have cystic acne or breakout due to problematic skin, then you may want to see a dermatologist or change up your skincare routine. 

Stay beautiful!

Banish Cellulite Now!

Tired of stubborn cellulite that doesn't allow you to show off those legs with pride? Well there's a non-surgical solution to that problem. All you need is a few extra minutes in the morning and a brush!

Dry brushing is an old-age secret to healthy, supple, and hydrated skin. Due to our fast-paced modern ways, people don't want to spend extra time doing something they do not deem necessary. However, dry brushing only takes a few minutes of your time, and the benefits are worth it. 

Dry Brushing eliminates the need to use a moisturizer because it stimulates the circulatory system, rids the body of toxins, and brings nourishment to the skin from the blood. Exfoliation as a whole removes dead skin, and allows the body's natural oils to surface to the skin. Try dry brushing your skin at least once a week with a natural-fiber brush in the morning before you take a shower, and your skin will be soft and moisturized.

 How to dry brush:

1. Make sure your skin is dry and the shower is not on. Use your DRY natural brush (with a handle for easy gripping) in the tub and start from your feet going upward towards the heart (blood circulates better this way).
2. Brush with 6-10 quick long strokes towards the heel, then up each leg and thigh. Do not go back and forth because that defeats the purpose of dry brushing.
3. As you go up your body, brush your knees, elbows, hips, glutes, and stomach in circular motions. This is very important if you have cellulite as this tightens skin and promotes cell renewal.
4. You do not need to brush your chest or neck since they are the thinest parts of your body, other than your face of course. You can use a loofah or sponge for these areas.
5. After brushing, wash your skin with warm water and a vegetable-based bar soap to cleanse and hydrate your skin. Rinse off with cooler water to close pores and keep skin from drying out. 
6. Clean your brush with antibacterial soap and allow it to hang dry. I spray mine with a mist of alcohol after washing to kill the germs that rubbed off with my dead skin.

Tips: Skin should be stimulated, not irritated or red from dry brushing. Your knees, elbows, and heels are the toughest part of your skin, so be sure to scrub those areas really well in the tub, especially if you have discoloration. Apply a brightening serum or gel on these areas before your moisturizer if you need to lighten them up a bit.

Happy brushing!

DIY :: 10 Beauty Hacks Using Household Products

We all want beautiful hair, clear skin, white teeth, and the list goes on. Better yet, we all want those things without spending an arm and a leg to get it. Well, I did some digging and there are tons of homemade or household products you can use without burning your wallet. There is nothing better than "two for one", like using that olive oil for your salad, and as a hair moisturizer. Take a look at 10 beauty hacks using household products:

1. Olive Oil - This is one of the healthiest oils to use for cooking, eating salad, and moisturizing your hair or skin. The emollients in this oil lock in moisture and keeps hair shiny and soft. I tend to use this oil on my ends because they are the driest part of my hair, and it can be a little too heavy for my scalp. 
2. Starch (for Ironing) - Now I have never tried this one, however, I have read some articles online about hairstylists running out of dry shampoo and using this instead. I would assume it could be used as a holding spray too, but there is only one way to find out. Let me know how this works for you!
3. Dryer Sheets - Not only does it take the static out of clothes, and make them smell good, but it can also be used to remove static from hair. Just run a sheet over your dry hair to eliminate static electricity.

The 411 on Anti-Aging

Aging begins before the first wrinkle even appears. 

Some of us are either trying to prevent aging, or trying to correct it. Whether you have dark circles or deep wrinkles, the best way to turn back the hands of time is by choosing the right products to use for your skin.

 Before you can begin that process, you have to know the Anti-Aging terms, and what they do to slow down the signs of aging. The last thing you want to do is buy a product that you do not need. Let's start with a breakdown of all the major ingredients one can find in a product that promises to reverse the clock.

• Retinol / Retinaldehyde - The term you see very often on products when you look past the puberty-aged acne scrubs and washes in the grocery aisle. Retinol aka the "Skin Rejuvenator" is a Vitamin A exfoliant which comes in cream, serum, or gel form that fades sunspots, evens skin tone, and firms skin. 

Dermarollers :: No Pain No Gain

They say no pain no gain, right? Well that is surely the case with Dermarollers because the only way they can work is by puncturing the top layer of your skin with the tiny micro-needles embedded in the hand held device. Fun, right?

There are many reasons to use a dermaroller, such as:

• Fading Stretch Marks
• Acne Scar Removal
• Anti-Aging (Wrinkles)
• Hair Restoration (Traction alopecia/thin edges)
• Cellulite Reduction

Dermarollers work by increasing the collagen production and tricking your skin into believing it needs to repair itself. Sort of like creating a wound so your body goes into restore mode and naturally begins to heal itself.

DIY :: Charcoal To Whiten Teeth?!?

So I have become a pinterest fanatic, and with that obsession has come the desire to try out everything I see on there. My latest craze has been oral hygiene and ways to make my smile brighter so it lights up a room. While searching on pinterest, I came across a few posts on using activated charcoal to whiten teeth.

Now, why would I go and buy something that will make my teeth as black as, well... charcoal? Well I love DIY projects, and this just seemed too crazy not to try. The proof is in the pudding because I tried it myself, and here are my results:

Skin Is In!!

How is your skin? Is it dry, uneven, or breaking out? How often do you wash your face? Are you using bar soap or a cleanser? Once upon a time I was lost in the sauce and my skin suffered tremendously. I broke out non stop, had tons of dark marks on my face, and went to sleep with makeup on.

I have come a long way since then, and now I enjoy the fact that I can wear light makeup because I stepped up my skincare routine and stopped disguising my impurities with caked on foundation. When I muster up the courage to step outside without any makeup, I get tons of compliments on my skin smoothness and glow. Well sharing is caring, and it's only right that I share my updated skincare routine. 

MORNING:

1. Avene Mattifying Cleansing Foam to wash my face
2. Avene Thermal Water Spray to smooth and plump up my skin
3. Avene Eye Contour cream for dark circles, lines, and puffiness (yes by 25 you must begin the prevention stage)
4. Derma E Brightening Serum to wake up dull skin by giving my face a glow
5. Avene SPF 50 Mineral Face Lotion to moisturize my skin (Always use sunscreen!!)

AFTERNOON (before bed):

Heads Up!

"Hair is a decorative crown that shows off our true style." - Asanat Akibu

Your hair says something about who you are, how you want to be seen by others, and how you see yourself. Contrary to popular belief, "good hair"  is not just about genetics; great hair is a combination of good hair care, products, and a healthy lifestyle.

Hair is made up of keratin (protein) and starts deep in the dermis layer and sprouts up through your follicles and out through the scalp. Too much oil/dirt on the scalp can clog the follicles and stunt hair growth. Too little oil and moisture causes dry scalp and leads to flaking or dandruff. Chemical processes, product abuse, and over styling can cause hair to break, dry out, and become weak.

 To keep your hair as healthy as can be, follow these simple shampoo and conditioning tips:

Five Min Beauty Boost

A quick facial mask can revitalize your skin, and help assist the epidermal layer in getting rid of dead skin cells much faster than a daily facial wash. A good mask can improve the look and feel of your skin and leave you with instant gratification. All you need are a few extra minutes. 

Quick Facial:

Why Are Americans Obese?

Americans are constantly fighting a battle of the "bulge" to help control their weight. But why are Americans among the most obese populations in the world?

Most of us do not cook the majority of our meals any longer. We are now a growing fast-food, processed-food culture. These fast food are loaded with so much sugar and fat that it is impossible to maintain a healthy weight. Then there is our lack of exercise that play a key role in the battle of the bulge. 

20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily is essential to proper weight management. Finally, stress has been shown to be another underlying factor in obesity. While lifestyle changes such as better diet, more exercise and stress reduction have been shown to help lose weight, there are supplements that have been shown to be helpful in encouraging weight loss as well. 

High-nutrient, low-sugar and low-carbs option like salads, fruits, fibers, and protein smoothies can be just the thing you need to help minimize calories but still provide the necessary nutrients to stay healthy, and not hungry. Supercharging your smoothie with vitamins, along with whole food ingredients will help supply the body with the energy to work, and make healthful lifestyle changes. 

What are you going to do to begin your healthy lifestyle change?

Beauty Talk | How Far Is Too Far?

Bruce Jenner has officially become CAITLYN JENNER! No K first name?

Video: http://video.vanityfair.com/watch/vanity-fair-cover-caitlyn-jenner-is-finally-free

Boost Your Immune System

Even with the best lifestyle, or eating habits, your immune system can still be challenged beyond its capacity. Nutritional supplements that support and boost your immune system are recommended, especially during the cold and flu season, or at times of high stress. 

WHAT PRODUCTS CAN I USE TO HELP SUPPORT AND BOOST MY IMMUNE SYSTEM?

Green Tea (EGCg) has a potent viral inhibitive effect and has been shown to prevent viruses such as influenza from taking hold in the body.

Stop Damaging Your Skin

The sun can do a lot of damage to your skin cells and epidermal layer. We often forget that lack of sun protection can cause age spots, hyper-pigmentation, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.  Black is beautiful, but black CAN crack so be sure to protect your skin now before the damage is irreversible. 

Most people only use sunscreen during summer seasons, or at the beach, not knowing that the sun's UV rays can damage our skin cells all year round.  The #1 cancer in men and women from ages 25-30 is skin cancer caused by prolonged sun exposure. You must protect your head with hats and your skin with an SPF of 15 or higher lotion.  SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and the SPF # tells you how long the product will protect your skin from the sun. Also, don’t even think about hitting up that tanning salon. The UVA radiation from tanning beds are three times as harmful as the sun. You may love the way you look now, but the sun damage will be evident in your mature years. No one wants to look older than they really are.

Makeup Brushes Cause Bad Skin

Imagine thousands of bacteria organisms living and breeding on your makeup brushes. Then imagine your

carefree self placing these brushes in your makeup, and on your face. YUCK!

That's exactly what is happening when you leave brushes unclean and full of gunk from weeks of makeup build-up. Bacteria gets into your pores, and you begin to see blackheads and breakouts. Follow these simple steps to effectively clean your makeup brushes.

Using Brush Cleaner spray:

1. Soak bristles of brushes (one at a time) with your spray

2. Grab a paper towel and gently rub the brushes back and forth until there is no more product on the brush.

3. Reshape the bristles with your fingers and let air-dry on a clean napkin, while laying them down.

This should clean and dry your brushes in minutes.

Using Baby shampoo (or Organic cleaner):

7 Steps to Beautiful Skin At Any Age

As simple as these 7 easy steps are, everyone has their own preference and no ONE way of taking care of your skin is correct. As long as you put a little bit of effort into your skincare, you should be just fine.

This guide is absolutely perfect if you want to incorporate a serum, moisturizer, and makeup primer into your daily skincare routine. Everyone should at least have a good facial wash, and sunscreen for the day time.

image via gurl.com

I am currently using: 

DIY: The Perfect Nutritional Smoothie

We've all heard the saying, eat an apple a day to keep the doctor away. However, most people can't find the time or patience to sit there and eat an apple.

Hence why smoothies, juicing, and throwing fruits in water is at an all time high. Fitness has taken over, and not many people want to be fat, or even feel like they are tipping over the average size for their age and height. Well, welcome to the new age of body wraps, waist cinchers, fat burning pills, and all that good stuff. Oh and of course the countless gym gurus and #Gymlife selfies add to the motivation to take better care of ourselves.

For those of us who want to start off with the basics, or are just lost on how to get the best out of a great tasting smoothie (or juicing), then follow these steps for a nutritional boost in your immune system --- and day!

1. CHOOSE YOUR GREENS - This will give your smoothie a solid nutritional boost and keep you going throughout the day.

KALE
SPINACH

SWISS CHARD

COLLARD GREENS

BEET GREENS

DIY: Smokey Eyes

So I've been dibbling and dabbling in makeup lately. I've always done my own face very well (give me 1 hour and watch me beat my face to the gawds!), however I am still learning how to do other faces and most importantly; eyeshadows.

My pinterest inspiration

Doing eyes properly takes skill, precision, and a few great brushes. I have always been a fan of intense eyes through the use of dark eyeshadows and black eyeliner. I seriously can't go anywhere without my black liner. So it was only right that I put my latest pinterest obsession and skills to the test by attempting a super dark smokey eye on my model below.

Hide Your Pimples Completely

Covering up pimples can be a headache when those ugly marks continue to show through your makeup. But did you know that it's very easy to combat those dark marks with simple tricks, and green concealer? 

Well, not everyone can use green concealer, but it is true that combating the color of your blemish with an opposite color helps to conceal it better and gives you the clear skin your desire -- even if it's only temporary. Check out the tutorial below using correcting concealer, and keep reading for more tips on hiding your pimples with the right color.

REVIEW: ORS Scalp Scrub - Thin Edges

Weak edges run in my family, especially for the women. My hair can grow to mid-back length, but my thin edges won't allow me to enjoy the growth. Thinning hair can be caused by alot of things, such as tight hair styles, genetics, and alopecia.

My edges are not HORRIBLE, but they have become thinner over the years. I will gladly show pictures, after I thicken them up a bit with a few products I am currently using. One of the products I am using is called Organic Root Stimulator Scalp Scrub, and it is made of a mix that stimulates hair follicles in areas of the scalp that may be lifeless and thinning.

Example of someone that used the ORS Scalp Scrub for 90 days (you can find this video on youtube)

10 Foods for Beautiful Skin

Do you ever hear the saying: "You are what you eat"? Then you are very aware of the drastic effects of what different foods can do to your overall health and beauty.

There are quite a few foods that can boost your immune system, combat skin problems, and help you achieve glowing youthful skin. Here's a list of my top 10 favorite foods for beautiful skin.

Flaxseed contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids that make your cell membranes stronger, but they also keep moisture from getting out. This in turns makes the skin look younger and more plump. You can find flaxseed in powder form to put into your smoothies for easier consumption.

Avocado has the best source if healthy fat and its high levels of monounsaturated fats protect your skin cells which prevents wrinkling. When this healthy fat is incorporated in your cell walls, it makes them stronger. Also if you want shinier hair, blend a ripe avocado with some conditioner and use it as a hair mask before you shampoo your hair.

Tuna (eaten in moderation) provides  numerous of nutrients to the body, The selenium and trace minerals in tuna help to prevent cell damage. It also promotes elasticity that keeps skin smooth, tight, and flexible.

The Perfect OMBRE Lip!

The Ombre phenomenon is still going strong, from hair to clothes, and lips are no exception.

Follow these easy steps to a perfect ombre lip. Steps: 
1. Line your lips with a dark lip liner.
2. Place your lighter (complimentary) color lipstick in the middle of top and bottom lips.
3. Press your lips together to spread color evenly, and fill in surrounding light color with darker lipstick or the liner you used.
4. Press lips together again and you are done. 

For added shine dab a touch of clear lipgloss in the middle of your lips and pat them together.

(Tip: Prime your lips first and dab a bit of concealer over them for more pigmented color.) 

For RED lips:

DIY: Steps to Whiter Teeth

Tired of using expensive remedies to make your teeth whiter and brighter? There are a few home-made mixes that can help you get that smile you've always wanted. Here's my favorite mix that ensures that my teeth look just as great as my smile!

Steps to WHITER TEETH:

The Only Brushes You'll Ever Need

How many makeup brushes do you use to get that effortless makeup look? Some people need 25 brushes in order to achieve their flawless finish, whereas there are others that just need 5 brushes.

In order to get a great makeup look, you will need an average of 7-10 brushes (because who wants to double-dip and accidentally use their blush brush all over their face anyway?!). 

THE ONLY BRUSHES YOU'LL EVER NEED:

Fast Track Your Way to a GREAT BODY

Found this helpful daily routine of working out to create your ultimate body. You can separate the workouts to every other day or 3 times a week if 6 day workouts are too much.

If you want to commit to a few months of training, then here is a 3 month routine for a great body.

REVIEW: Flash Tattoos

They've been worn by Beyonce, Rihanna, and so many countless social media stars. They're jewelry-inspired metallic temporary tats called Flash Tattoos, that are captivating, fashionable, and jazz up any outfit in less than 3 minutes!

Foundation: Liquid or Powder?

Are you a liquid or are you a powder? There are so many kinds of foundations to chose from, and yet most of us still do not know which one works best for our skin. 

.From cream based foundations to tinted moisturizers, it's great to know what works well with your skin, and which one you need for that flawless finish that you desire.

DIY: Take Care of Aching Feet

Working long hours, or commuting on foot, can wreck havoc on your feet. After all the torture we place on our delicate toes, we tend to forget how important it is to take care of our marching soldiers. The more you ignore your feet, the worse they become, and eventually they'll give you a reason NOT to ignore them any longer.

We tend to pay more attention to our hands, and nails because it's one of the first things people see, and of course you can't hide them as well as you can hide your feet. It is really important to take good care of them, and pamper them from time to time. 

You can easily go to a spa or nail salon to have a trained professional take care of your feet. But I am here to give you a few at-home remedies to whip those pods back into shape (or at least show them a little love). 

Home Remedy 1:

1/2 Cup Sea Salt

Juice from 1/2 a Lemon

1-2 teaspoons olive oil

Basin (big enough to rest feet inside or do this in the tub using a small bowl to mix)

REVIEW: Baby Shampoo for Eye Cysts

Johnson's Baby Shampoo literally cured my eye cyst that I had for a week. To get the full story on my eye cyst and to learn how they are caused >>> click here. I bought some over-the-counter eye care products to help stop the pain and to get rid of the bump that had formed; however, I saw a review online about using baby shampoo instead and wanted to give it a try. I am so happy I did because now my eye is back to normal.

I washed my (barely opened) eyes with baby shampoo at night, and when I woke up the next morning, the cyst had shrunk tremendously, and the pain was gone. I did it for one more night and by the time I woke up, the pain and bump was completely gone. Yassssss!!

I will still use the otc items I bought to ensure it doesn't come back. But for a last minute and affordable remedy, be sure to buy a travel size version of the baby shampoo to wash your eyes of left over makeup residue, and to clear up any bumps you may have. Cysts are rare, but certainly not uncommon. For more information, click here.

Directions: Make sure hands are clean first. Squeeze a dime size of baby shampoo in your palm and dilute it with a few sprinkles of warm water. Mix together in your palm with fingertips, and then wash your eyes thoroughly for about 15 seconds. Rinse with warm water. Repeat if necessary.  Pat dry with washcloth.

Tip: My eyes were closed when I washed them, but not squeezed shut, because I wanted some of the shampoo to barely seep into my eyes. Baby shampoo is very mild and doesn't irritate the eyes.

xoxo

Attack of the EYE CYST

I woke up a week ago with a little discomfort around my bottom eyelid, but I didn't think anything of it, until this morning when my eye looked like Quasimodo. I googled what it could be (You know people love self-diagnosing), and I came to the conclusion that it was an Eyelid Cyst. I hear about painful cyst on the face or body, which is basically a bump that varies in size. Well this one started barely invisible, and now it's grown inside my lower eyelid to a tennis ball. Well not really, it's still very small, but now it's forming more of a whitehead. This is gross, I know... but the result of my eyelid cyst is due to going to sleep with mascara and eyeliner. I have never had this happen before, but if you mix the cosmetics with the oil from nights of sleeping and sweating due to the excessive heat keeping me alive through the New York winter weather. It was bound to happen, and now I am amongst those people that can claim an "eye cyst" in their lifetime. *Sigh*

Moving right along... I researched it to find the causes, symptoms, and possible remedies for combating this nasty deformity on my face. Here is an article I found on WebMD (which is like an online doctor for those that want to ask questions or self-diagnose themselves like I do often.)  and Eye Health Web that specifies an eyelid cyst and all that good stuff.

"While there are many forms of eyelid cysts, most consist of a localized swelling of the eyelid. Some eyelid cysts are caused by an infection, and these can be painful and can even alter a person’s appearance. If the infection is left untreated long enough, it can affect your vision.  If you have any of the symptoms listed below, try your best not to touch or rub your eyes, and make an appointment with your eye doctor."

Eyelid Cyst Symptoms:

At-Home COLORING 101

Before I lay down the law on coloring your hair at home, let me first state that this is not an easy task if you have never done this before. If you are unsure about the results or chemical effects of color on your hair, then go to a professional! Now let's begin...

I love dyeing my hair (and weaves!) different colors, because it makes me feel like a new person and my dark brown hair can be really boring sometimes. So it is only right that I share the tips I've learned for at-home coloring.

You'll need (After you buy the Dye):

1. A Glass or Plastic bowl for mixing the color 

2. A Small coloring brush or a color kit that has a brush and other items from this list

3. Plastic Gloves to protect your hands (I like to use colored ones so I can see if a hole appears, which I would immediately change.)

4. A rat-tail comb to part and separate hair while coloring (Clips to hold hair in sections is optional)

5. An alarm clock (or use your good ol' cellphone) to watch how long the color dye is on your hair

6. Old (but clean) towels to use after you wash the dye out your hair. Dye may stain the towel.

7. An old T-shirt or old button-down shirt that can easily be pulled  over your head or taken off if you need to hop in the shower. Also to keep dye from messing up good clothes.

If you are dying your weave:

Are You Double Cleansing?

Majority (if not all) of us believe that properly cleansing your face with a rinsable cleanser is an effective way to wash off all that dirt, oil, and makeup that has pilled up through the day. Well we may not know as much as we think we do, because there's more to it. There is an optional step for deeper cleansing, and the benefits promote healthy, balanced, and properly moisturized skin. You do not have to do this every night, but once a week really does wonders for your skin.

Double Cleansing throughly removes dirt, dust, oxidized sebum, dead skin cells, residue from makeup, and any product that accumulates daily on your face. There are two types of dirt: oil-based dirt (like oil in makeup), and water-based dirt (like dust and sweat). Water and oil do not mix well together because of their conflicting properties, so it is best to dissolve each with its own property. Plant oils cleanse your pores naturally without stripping your skin, while soap cleansers remove residue and deeply purify your skin.

It is best to do double cleansing at night, because you have more time, and the point of deep cleaning is to clear the skin of the day's grime. Here's the best method for double cleansing your skin:

CLEANSE: Massage a beauty balm, rinse-free cleanser, or fragrance-free cream into your skin using circular motions with your fingertips. Wipe off with a clean dry washcloth or cotton pads. This removes all oil-based grime from your face. Works great on eye makeup too.