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?