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,