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.

Benefits of Lemon Water

When I first discovered that people were throwing all kinds of fruits into their water, I thought we had all lost our marbles. Then I decided to do some research and I quickly joined the bandwagon. I now love adding lemons to my water to give it added benefits and flavor. You can also use oranges, cucumbers, strawberries, and other fruits to really give your water and immune system a boost. Be sure to rinse the fruits well before adding them to your water. Check out the benefits of drinking Lemon Water below. 

- Stay Healthy!

Are You Exfoliating?

Hey Beauties!

Approximately every 2-3 weeks, new cells push up from the lowest layer of your epidermis and move towards the surface of your skin. In turn, our skin sheds dead cells, and new skin cells come to the surface to reveal a more healthier appearance. Depending on how often you exfoliate, this process can be slowed down and your dead skin cells can stay on your skin longer than expected. Exfoliation makes it easier for the skin to absorb moisture, removes surface debris, and evens out the texture of skin. If you have issues with dry skin, eczema, dermatitis, and clogged pores then you want to exfoliate as often as possible.

There are 2 different types of exfoliators; physical scrubs and chemical (Alpha-hydroxy acid aka AHA) exfoliants. Scrubs usually consist of micro mini particles like apricot pits, nuts, or synthetic beads that you rub onto your face, then rinse off with water. AHA is a chemical acid that makes the skin smoother, brighter, and softer; and it comes in lotions or creams that stay on your face like a moisturizer. AHAs are recommended for "mature/older" indivduals since it thins the skin.

Note:Always use an SPF lotion after a scrub.

Exfoliators: Blemish Control Apricot Scrub, Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Refiner, Kiss My Face Scrub Masque, Lancome Controle Peel-Off, Dermalogica Mircofoliant, Neutrogena Power Clear Scrub, Neutrogena Purifying Pore Scrub

Make your own exfoliating mix using household products such as the one below. Before you apply any mask to your face, wash face with cleanser and warm water.

2 drops tea tree oil (Antiseptic and Antibacterial)
1/2 cup water or milk (Vitamin B and Protein)
3-4 tablespoons of clay (use powder or pre-made store bought cream)

Mix together to create a paste. Apply to face and neck with fingers using circular motions. Let sit for 15 mins then rinse off with lukewarm water. Pat dry and apply SPF 15 or higher moisturizer.

Tip: You can substitute tea tree oil for lavender oil, rose hip seed oil, evening primrose oil, or carrot oil.

- Stay Beautiful

DIY: Lemon & Sugar Face Scrub

Lemon & Sugar Face & Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 of a fresh lemon
• 1/2 cup of  sugar 
• 1 Tbsp of olive oil
• 1 Tbsp of organic honey [optional]
• 1 bowl with lid for storage

Directions:

•  Add lemon juice and olive oil in to a bowl and mix together. Add the honey and whisk or stir quickly until the ingredients bind together into a medium thick consistency.  Add in the sugar and mix. If you sense that there is not enough sugar to get the scrubbing done, add a bit more.This is purely up to personal preference.

Review: Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Polish

I love a great nail polish that only needs one coat, dries fast, and doesn't chip. This describes the Crabtree & Evelyn nail polish that I am currently rocking on my nails. I'm always skeptical if I use anything other than OPI and Essie nail polishes because these brands do not play when it comes to nail quality. But now I can add another brand to that list.  I'm really happy to have found a nail polish that works great for only $6.00!! 

I'm wearing color "Black Cherry".

The texture of the polish was very concentrated, and it glided on smoothly. I did not have to apply 2 coats to get a rich color or wait very long for them to dry. The shine from the polish is so radiant that I did not use a top coat after. So far so good!

 What are your favorite nail polishes?  Have you tried Crabtree & Evelyn Nail polishes?  

DIY Homemade Nourishing Hair Conditioners

It's so easy to care for your thirsty dry stresses in this winter weather by using home-made deep conditioners. You can find these items in your kitchen cabinet, or hit up your local grocery store. Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions on keeping your hair moisturized all year round.



Here are some other at-home hair conditioners:

1/2 Ripe Avocado
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 egg
* Mash (or blend) the avocado with the olive oil and raw egg. Spread throughout your hair, focusing on your ends. Cover with a shower cap for 30 mins. Rinse with cool water, then shampoo with a nourishing shampoo.  Deep condition after for maximum nourishment.

How To Apply Makeup

Everyone applies makeup to their face in different ways, because let's be very clear, we are all mini Picassos. However, there are certain ways to apply your makeup so it looks polished and well blended. Follow the simple steps below!

Tip: Before you apply any makeup to your face wash it thoroughly and apply a moisturizer.

1. Prep your face with a PRIMER.

2. Fill in and shape your BROWS.

3. Apply CONCEALER to blemishes and under eyes.

4. Apply FOUNDATION to your whole face.

5. Apply eye primer and EYESHADOWS to your eye lids.

6. Apply EYELINER and MASCARA (or false lashes).

[Optional] 7. CONTOUR nose/cheeks and HIGHLIGHT forehead/under eyes.  

8. Apply POWDER to your whole face to blend everything together.

9. Apply BLUSH to the apples of your cheeks.

10. Apply LIPSTICK/LIP GLOSS to your lips.

For Natural looks:

I Can't Stop Breaking Out!

Pimples, bumps, acne, blemishes --- call it what you want, but its annoying and needs to stop making appearances on my face! I have moments when I break out after months of clear skin, and I get so upset that I attack my face with every force imaginable. The down side to this is: DARK MARKS for months! :( There is nothing fun about pimples, and there is certainly nothing amusing about having dark marks and scars on your delicate face for what seems like an eternity. They just don't want to go away. Here are 4 at-home remedies for getting rid of pimples, and tips to keep them far away!

Note: Always make sure hands are clean and face is washed with a good oil-free cleanser. After doing the steps below, apply an oil-free moisturizer (don't forget your SPF if going outside).

- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup warm water
*Mix together and apply to face with a cotton ball (or Q-tip on blemish)
----------

- 2 drops tea tree oil
- 1/2 cup milk
* Mix together and apply to face with a cotton ball. Rinse off after 10 mins.
----------

- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 drops tea tree oil

3 Steps to Great Skin

Now ladies and gents! Your daily skincare regimen should consist of 3 steps: Cleanse, Tone, and Moisturize. Anything else is extra, and totally up to you. So lets break down the importance of each step!

CLEANSE
It is very important to clean your face with a cleanser, rather than soap. Soap strips the skin of its natural lipids which causes severe dryness and possibly more oil. It is very important to know your skin type when purchasing facial cleansers so you do not clog your pores, or irritate your skin. It is also very important to clean your face thoroughly, with circular motions using lukewarm water to rinse --water that is too cold or too hot can cause broken capillaries. Splash a little cool water on your face after you rinse off the cleanser to jazz up your circulation.

It's best to wash your face at night with a cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. You can just rinse your face in the morning with lukewarm water to get rid of overnight oil build up, unless you use a heavy moisturizer at night then you can use a cleanser again in the morning.

Some women believe water can dry out the skin, so they prefer to use cleansers that do not need to be rinsed off with water. If you are one of these women, be sure to wash your face with a rinsable cleanser at least once every 10-14 days to unclog your pores and clarify the skin of any product build-up.

TOP 10 Hair Care Products UNDER $10

I enjoy reading other blogs to get the latest scoop on beauty tips and tricks. I came across Total Beauty and they list the best hair care products under $10. Check out the list!

10. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner - $7.49

9. Herbal Essence Set Me Up Mousse Extra Hold - $3.99

8. Patene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner - $3.78

7. Neutrogena Silk Touch Leave In Cream - $7.99

What's Your Go-To Makeup Brand?

I'm sure there are tons of makeup brands out there that cater to colored women, however the brands below are the ones I currently use or have used in the past. They work great for any skin complexion, especially my brown girls. They carry everything from tinted BB creams, to full coverage foundation. You can't beat a great quality product, at a very affordable price. I have mentioned a few of these brands on my top 5 drugstore makeup list, so that should tell you the price point is definitely reasonable.

Black Opal
Black Radiance
ELF
NYX
Wet & Wild
KISS

Furthermore, I also find that most black girls run to MAC for their makeup fix, and yes I am guilty as charged for being one of the girls. However, I still know so many other makeup brands that can do the trick just as well. From full coverage, to a sheer finish, these brands have you covered no matter the budget. Here's a list of all the makeup brands that I have either tried, tested, or read great reviews on:

Aveda
N.Y.C.
LA Girl Cosmetics
Stila Makeup
Jane Cosmetics
Estee Lauder Cosmetics
Bobbi Brown
Clinique
Sephora Collection
Origins Natural Resources Cosmetics
L'Oreal Cosmetics
Giorgio Armani
Lancome
Cover Girl
Maybelline
Laura Mercier

DIY At-Home Skincare Remedies

Nothing beats at home remedies that can do the trick as well as store bought products. From exfoliating masks, to pimple busters, its great to be able to use the items right in your kitchen to cure these problems. Its cheap, simple, and fun to create your own skincare solutions!!

CHAPPED LIPS
Mix a dime size of honey and sugar in the palm of your hand. Mix together with finger and gently use this to scrub dead skin from your lips for about 30 seconds. Rinse or remove with warm damp wash cloth. Can also be used on the body.
Alternative: Burt's Bee Lip Balm, Cocoa Butter Lip Balm, Kiehl's Lip Balm


FLAKY SKIN
Rub half of an apple on skin to even out texture. Mix sugar and water to create a paste. Massage gently on your skin. Rinse or remove with warm damp wash cloth.
Alternative: Benefit Peel and Polish, Elizabeth Arden Eight-Hour Cream, Palmers Cocoa Butter



INFLAMED / SENSITIVE SKIN
Soak a washcloth in milk, squeeze excess out then apply to affected area for 10-15 mins. Rinse off with warm water.
Alternative: Aveda Sensitive Line, Chamocare Light Therapy


PIMPLES

Whats Your Skin Type?

Do you know your skin type? Knowing this information can help you understand what certain cosmetics can do to your skin. Your skin type is determined by how much oil your skin produces, and that is determined by genetics, diet, stress, and skincare regimen. Let's take a look at the different types of skin:

DRY - Skin feels tight, especially after cleansing. Rarely, if ever, gets oily.

Signs of DRY skin: Flaky Skin, Red Patches, Ashy or Dull, Dead skin build up

OILY - Skin looks really shiny, and is prone to blemishes and blackheads.

Signs of OILY skin: Enlarged Pores, Tightness, Oil buildup all over face

COMBINATION (NORMAL) - Some skin is just normal and doesn't become too oily or too dry. But most combo skin has oil buildup in the T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin), but is normal/dry everywhere else on the face. Most women have normal skin.

Signs of COMBO skin: Medium Pores, Smooth Texture, Healthy Color, Oily only in T-Zone

Sub Skin Types:

SENSITIVE SKIN - Skin is very delicate, thin, and is very prone to broken capillaries.

SUN DAMAGED SKIN - Skin feels very tight, has visible wrinkles, and has a leathery texture. Be sure to combat this by using sunscreen and a great vitamin E based lotion at night before bed.

10 Steps To Real Beauty

There are tons of lotions and potions to make us look great on the outside, but we must not forget the true steps to real beauty. No matter how much powder you puff on, if you're not taking care of yourself internally then that extra concealer won't do a thing.


1. SLEEP - We all need a good amount of beauty sleep. Lack of sleep can cause dehydration, puffy
eyes, and health issues. Always try to get at least 7-8 good hours of sleep a night.

2. SUNSCREEN - This goes for ALL races, ALL ages, and ALL year round. Sunscreen prevents up to 90% of skin damage caused by the sun (UV rays). You don't want to look 50, when you are only 31.

3. NO DRUGS - This is pretty much self explanatory, but for those that do not know the obvious. Drugs are very damaging to your health and the effects of it doesn't show up right away. It has been scientifically proven that smoking and drinking wreaks havoc on your teeth, skin, cells, liver, and lungs. Being a social drinker (sipping on a cocktail at a bar with friends three times a month) isn't horrible, but smoking will age you four times faster than the normal drug-free person. Enjoy your vices, but don't over do it.

Best Motivational Tumblr

Will never be afraid to show God some love.

http://spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com/post/107568209831

Going To Sleep With Makeup On?

Let's keep it real! We all have those lazy nights when we do not feel like washing off our makeup. The gruesome task of getting up, going to the bathroom, splashing water on your face, and scrubbing off that beauty mask feels like mission impossible. All we want to do is lay in bed and fall asleep (or wake up beautiful hehehe)!

Well you are not alone, and beauty companies are well aware of this 1st world misery. They are so aware of this, that they've saved us the time and torture by creating many different products that wipe off your makeup in a matter of seconds. Ok maybe minutes, but you still get my point.

My Top 5 Drugstore Makeup Brands

I love a great quality (and CHEAP!) makeup product that works just as well as expensive makeup brands. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my fair share of MAC and Dior beauty products, however, I am not going to pretend like I don't have a few items in the $2 range.

Nonetheless, nothing beats finding items such as powders, foundations, brow pencils, lip sticks, and so much more for $10 or less. These are my Top 5 favorite makeup brands, and NO they are not in a specific order, but the first one is truly the icing on the cake.

1. NYX - You can find items from $2 - $30 in this makeup line. I use their matte lipsticks and eyebrow pencils, but you can also find a full range of beauty products from primers, bb creams, eyebrow gels, and much more. NYX can go head-to-head with ANY expensive makeup brand out there, for HALF the price!! I am still in awe by how many items this brand has for very low prices.






2. E.L.F. - Now lets get one thing straight, ELF has the cheapest makeup products that I have ever used! Their items start at $1! I have hit the jackpot many times with this brand, and I love the products I currently use. I have the finishing mist, a few brushes, the eyeshadow primer, and the eyebrow gel duo. All of that for about $10. Yep... thank me later.

How About Those Vitamins?

Vitamins A, B, or C??? Most people don't know a thing about vitamins.

If you do know a thing or two, most still don't know how vitamins can affect their body. When it comes to your health, there are key roles that each of them play. I made a simple list of each vitamin, what they do for our bodies, and what foods you can eat to get these natural nutrients. You can knock out your daily intake of these vitamins by creating tasty smoothies.

Winter Hair Care

The winter weather can be damaging to my hair and scalp due to the drastic drops in temperature and unpredictable elements. So I try to change up my hair care regimen because the same products I use during the summer hot season, may not be as effective in the winter cold season.

Klorane is an affordable pure botanical haircare line that features everything from dry shampoos, to hair oils. All of their products are derived from botanical ingredients, such as, magnolia, mango, citrus pulp, desert date, quinine, and many more.

Instantly Smoother Skin

Are you one of those filter loving types?  Do you love the way your skin looks when you use the smooth skin (or blur) feature on your photos before you show them off to the world?  Well you are looking at a beauty product that gives you smooth skin instantly by mattifying your face, filling in your pores, and temporarily diminishing your fine lines/wrinkles. The 5 Sec Blur Instant Smoother ($15 - Drugstore) from Garnier uses a light reflecting technology to make your face appear a bit porcelain -- without the shine. Now, before you get too excited, everyone has different skin so effects of this product may not work as well as it does on others. However, it works for me when I want a smoother face before applying my makeup. It feels really great on the skin as well. Some people have used this as their primer,  however, my skin needs a bit more help in the Anti-Shine department so I use this along with a primer. 

My routine before applying makeup: