HOW-TO | Best DIY Charcoal Acne Face & Body Wash (Biore Charcoal Cleanse...

More homemade skincare secrets! Make your OWN face wash! I have been using this charcoal face wash for 6 months, and my face has been in love! #ForeverYoung

REALLY 24 HOURS?? | MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY FOUNDATION REVIEW FOR BLACK WOM...

My skin is super oily so I was super impressed by this new #maybelline foundation that last 24 hours, while keeping your skin uber matte! Plus its only $12! Bye #FentyBeauty and MAC lol! #makeupreview #makeuptutorial

DIY Valentines Day Gift | Rose Oil using REAL ROSES for Dry Aging Skin

Learn how to make your own Rose oil with 2 simple ingredients. Rose oil can fade scars, stretch marks, combat dry skin and plump up aging skin. This one is for all my #DIY lovers <3 <3 Just in time for #ValentinesDay







xoxo



SanaKibz

3 EASY STEPS TO FLAWLESS SKIN

Do you have huge pores? Would you like smooth porcelain skin? Then you need to get your hands on a clay mask to help deep clean and detoxify your pores. Check out this video where I show you 3 easy steps on how to achieve flawless skin.





 Watch, Like, Share & Send feedback <3 <3 xoxo









Note: You can substitute this mask for the Aztec Indian Healing clay mixed with apple cider vinegar and water to create a paste.



xoxo

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:

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?