She's Back!!!!! DIY Videos Made For You

It's been a long time coming, but I am back--again! New Year, New Goals, same flawless skin!!

I will be updating this blog weekly with Do-It-Yourself videos on natural skincare, hair care, and beauty reviews. If I fall off again due to life... catch these videos HERE: https://www.youtube.com/ausbos

Check out my latest DIYs below: 

  

xoxo

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:

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.

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):

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:

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: 

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.