DIY Mask : Yogurt Mask

Are you a fan of yoghurt? Why not incorporate them as DIY masking? Yoghurt is full of vitamins and minerals like B12, B2, B5, Calcium, Lactic Acid, Zinc and Alpha Hydroxy Acids and would greatly benefit your skin.

Yogurt and Strawberry Face Mask

1) Mash 2 ripe strawberries with a fork, add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix well.
2) Mix 1 teaspoon of yogurt into the mixture of strawberries and honey. 
3) Apply to skin, allow it to dry on skin for 15 minutes and cleanse off.

Benefits : brightening skin, fighting acne, moisturising

Yogurt and Oatmeal Face Mask

1) Mix 1 teaspoon of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of oatmeal and let it sit for 2 minutes so that the oatmeal and absorbs the yogurt.
2) Add 1 teaspoon of honey and mix well in mixture. 
3) Apply to skin and let it dry for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. 

Benefits : softening the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, removing oil and dirt form pores

Yogurt and Cucumber Face Mask 

1) Blend 1/2 cucumber in a food processor or blender or mash it with a fork.
2) Add 1 teaspoon of yogurt to the cucumber pulp and mix well.
3) Apply to skin and let it dry for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

Benefits : tightening pores, reducing redness and irritation, shrinking dilated blood vessels to reduce puffiness.

Source : Bellatory

9 Best Beauty Tips From Around The World

BRAZIL :
- use common beach sand to remove cellulite and dead skin from their bodies by picking up some sand and start rubbing
- women of Brazil are known for their rich, deep tans. Know how they keep their tans? Before they go out to sunbathe, they are known to drink carrot juice.
- drink beet juice on a regular basis to help intensify their skin.

JAPAN :
- Japanese Geisha girls, known for their flawless skin. use camellia nut oil which is good for skin conditions such as dark spots, stretch marks, dry cuticles and can also be used as a moisturizer.

DIY Beauty : Honey + Salt Mask

Honey has strong antioxidant properties and is a great source of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that reduce inflammation and promote cellular regeneration, which helps keep skin youthful.

I have compiled a few easy DIY honey masks and scrubs from various sources for those days that you have run out of your facial sheet masks yet desperately need some pick-me-up concoctions, so what better way than to use what you have in your kitchen?

Honey + Salt + Olive Oil Face Mask 
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon salt
Few drops of olive oil

Mix everything together until the mask looks similar to caramel.  Apply gently over clean, wet skin in a circular motion, making sure to avoid eye area.  Leave on for about 15 minutes, then rinse.  Follow up with your favorite moisturizer. 

Shop 
Y.S. Eco Bee Farms Raw Honey
Sunfood Fine Himalayan Crystal Salt
La Tourangella 100% Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ice Cube Beauty Remedy

According to top facialists, ice cubes are a year-round skin hero. They are useful when blended with green tea, caffeine or milk as they can help increase blood circulation, minimizes pores and soothe inflammation for clear and radiant skin. 

Healthy Glow

Celebrity facialist Ole Henriksen incorporate ice cubes into his treatments to improve circulation in skin for that healthy glow. Brew and freeze rosehip seed tea which is high in Vitamin C, wrap the ice-cube in a thin cotton handkerchief and massage it across the skin. 

Alternatively, aesthetician Renee Rouleau suggest to put ice on skin, after serum application as the capillaries restricts and create a pulling effect that helps ingredients penetrate deeper. 

Supermodel, Kate Moss has also been known to submerge her face in a sink of icy water to counteract morning-after puffiness. 

Banish Under-Eye Bags

1) Use a cold compress made out of cotton and chamomile tea and rest it on your eyes for a few minutes

2) Wrap ice cubes in gauze and slide the cubes from the inner eye corners up towards the brow in a circular motion.

Either way, the drainage of excess fluid will improve the appearance of tired looking under-eyes. 

Source : Vogue

How To Score Beauty Freebies In Singapore

I always feel that the best way to try out a beauty product, be it a skincare or make-up, is to read reviews and get samples before investing in the full size product. It takes time and effort and probably most would have do away with it, but you will benefit in the long run.

1) You don't waste your money, should the product deemed unsuitable.
2) You are saving the earth on its resources and packaging, should the product suits you well.
3) You don't waste time trying to sell it to someone else, if the product does not suit you.
4) You reduce the chances of bad reaction to products, if you have very sensitive skin and save time and money to see a dermatologist.

Note : Please check with the respective retailers first, before bringing the samples over, as their policy may change with time.


1) The Sample Store

Get samples from popular brands. A mixture of free and paid samples.

2) Preloot 

Get paid samples of the lesser known brands.

Korean 7 Skin Method : Applying Your Toner 7 Times

The Koreans are famed for their 8 to 10 steps skincare routine to keep their skin looking great, with the recent Korean 7 Skin Method becoming increasingly popular.

Their 10 steps routine are basically, makeup remover, cleanser, exfoliator, toner, essence, treatment, sheet masks, eye cream, moisturiser and sun protection. You can read more about the steps involved here and here.

And so, what is the 7 Skin Method all about? Have you come across them earlier this year and wondering what is it all about?

In a nutshell, it meant applying a toner or a lightweight, watery essence to your face 7 times to bring hydration to your skin. So instead of the regular 1 time application, you apply it 7 times. Get it?

Tip : get a toner that is alcohol-free to avoid dryness and irritation to the skin.

Here's the Korean 7 Skin Method, explained in an 8 minute video.
For those whose skin will turn oily after 2 ~3 hours. For those who battle with skin dehydration.
Find out, if this method is suitable for you.

Enjoy the video!

Buy from Iherb :
Thayers Witch Hazel ( Alcohol-Free, Unscented ) 

Buy from Amazon :
Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner

Beauty Secrets From Around The World

Bulgaria

Bulgarian women use rose water as a facial cleanser.
The famous Rose Valley in Bulgaria produces up to 85% of the world’s supply of rose oil, so it comes as no surprise that the women of Bulgaria have discovered the beauty benefits of this aromatic flower and its petals. Rose water is known to enhance the radiance and beauty of your skin, and is used in many skincare products across the globe.

I have tried using products with rose being part of its ingredients but most of the products did not really leave a good impression on me. 

My reviews on Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream, Renew Everyday Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner, My Beauty Diary Bulgarian White Rose Mask, My Beauty Diary Rose Moisturising Essence Mask, Madara Gloss Vibrancy Shampoo,  Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream, Nature's Gate Gentle Cleansing Lotion, Nuxe Gentle Pureness Toning Lotion, Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water and Simply Organics Rose Geranium Moisturising Body Wash

DIY Beauty : How to lighten your locks – without bleach or dye

Lemon
Lemon juice is a citric acid and when exposed to heat from the sun, the hair cuticle opens up and the pigment lifted, causing hair to lighten.

1) Add a few squeezes of lemon to water
2) Stir the mixture
3) Spritz it in the desired areas in your hair where you want it to be lightened
4) Expose it to sunlight

In Your Kitchen: 10 Natural ways to get rid of acne scars

Tomato Pulp

Ah, the good old tomato. Tomatoes are said to be extremely effective when it comes to shrinking large pores. The pulp can also fade those pesky pimple scars and clear your skin of blackheads and impurities. To create your homemade detoxifying solution, apply fresh tomato juice to a clean face and leave it on for around 15 minutes before rinsing.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is a great hydrator and has been widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Don’t just use it on sunburns though! The gel apparently does wonders when it comes to fading marks on your face. Fresh gel, straight from the plant, is especially great for your skin, so keep a live plant in your kitchen to reap its benefits!

DIY Beauty : Make Your Own Skincare Products

• Instant face exfoliator: Buy a bag of cornmeal. Take a tablespoon of that and a tablespoon of olive oil and one drop of lavender. Exfoliate your face. Then use a hot flannel to wipe it off.

• Sea salt body scrub: Buy a normal jar of sea salt. If it's a bit coarse then grind it down. Add any kind of oil, a drop of lavender and a drop of rose oil. Beforehand dry-skin brush the body, brushing towards the heart.

3 Beauty Insider Tricks To Reduce Eyebags Fast

(1) Tea
The astringent tannins from tea are a tried-and-tested way of lending an instant lift to your lids. Simply recycle used tea bags by chucking them in an airtight container in the fridge, for easy retrieval whenever you need a quick fix. Slap them on like you would any cold compress, kick up your kitten heels for five minutes or so, then whip off for a radically reinvigorated visage.

5 Natural Beauty Tips Straight from Your Kitchen Cabinet

1. Skin toner: Green Tea

If you suffer from blemished, oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to stay away from harsh chemical toners that do more harm than good by stripping your skin. Instead try good old green tea tosoothe, calm and clear your skin. Just use it regularly for a few weeks to see the difference.

Ingredients: Green tea leaves (or bag) + fresh water

Method: Brew a fresh cup of green tea. Let it cool. Pour it into a bottle and refrigerate. Don’t store for more than 3 days, so keep making small batches.

Application: Soak cotton pads with the green tea and swipe all over your face. Use in the morning and evening after cleansing your skin.

Why it works: Green tea is brimming with anti-oxidants that soothe and heal angry, red, irritated skin.

Affordable Alternatives to Expensive High-End Cult Cosmetics

Benefit High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter ($46) vs. ELF Shimmering Facial Whip (US$3)

Benefit’s High Beam offers a satiny, long-lasting finish with a subtle dewy glow. It perfectly highlights the cheek and brow bones, and is an instant face lifter for the exhausted and overworked. A fab alternative is the beloved ELF Shimmering Facial Whip – just be sure to only dab a little as the high pigment means one can easily overload on shimmer.

Read my review on Benefit's High Beam.

DIY : Green Cleaning Products

Homemade Fabric Softener

Ingredients: 2 cups of vinegar, 10 drops of essential lavender oil

Directions: Mix the ingredients in an old fabric softener bottle. Make sure you give the bottle a good shake prior to each laundry load.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients: 1 cup distilled water, 1 tbsp lemon castile soap, 10 drops lemon essential oil

Directions: Place the castile soap and essential oil in a spray bottle. Add distilled water and mix well. Did you know that both castile soap and essential oils have disinfecting qualities? This natural, all-purpose cleaner not only smells amazing, but cleans any surface well!

Wood Polisher

Ingredients: 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 tsp castile soap, 4 drops essential oil

Directions: Mix lemon juice, castile soap and essential oil in a glass jar. This natural wood polisher consists of similar ingredients to the all-purpose cleaner and it smells as good as it cleans! Don’t forget to pop it in the fridge in-between uses as this is an all-natural product. Remember to shake the glass jar before using!

Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaner

Ingredients: Half distilled water, half vinegar, few drops of your favourite essential oil

Directions: Mix distilled water, vinegar and essential oil in a spray bottle. It is strongly advised to keep a bottle of this under your sink as vinegar is considered a natural disinfectant. The essential oil works wonders to musk the smell of the pungent vinegar odour.

Toilet Cleaner

Ingredients: Baking soda, vinegar, distilled water

Directions: Mix vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle. To use, simply sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl accompanied by a few sprays of your water/vinegar mixture. For the best effect, remember to scrub it clean with a toilet brush after!

Source : Saferskin

15-second trick for smaller pores and a V-shaped face

Here’s the hangover recipe you never knew you needed. My beauty hack requires the most perfunctory prep the night before. Decant the tiniest bit of toner into water straight from the tap – I’d say approximately one to five, proportions-wise – then give everything a good stir before chucking your container into the fridge. Done? Good, you’re free to shuffle off to bed.

The morning after, simply step out of the shower and dunk your clean face into the deliciously cold brew, then caress the contours for 15 seconds or so. (Pay special heed to the cheek and jowl areas, where most of the sagging and bagging occurs.)

The result? You’ll see an instant depuffing effect, alongside a reduction in ruddiness, pore size and such – essentially any and every cosmetic concern.

How does all of this work? Let me explain. You may be aware that irritated post-party facial bloatedness (“erythema” in derm-speak) is due to the dilation of pores and blood vessels on the skin’s surface. To dial back the blotchiness, you’ll need to shrink said pores and vessels, which is where the cool liquid comes into play. (And sceptics out there: I have science to back me up on this!)

Wait, why not use plain ol’ toner, “neat” out of the bottle? Besides the (pun alert) cool factor, there’s also the inconvenient fact that most toner-type products are quite dear on the purse. It’s also really shiok to be able to use as much of this watered down (but still pretty darn effective) solution as you like; carefully dispensing one measly drop of toner on a sorry square of cotton pad is not the way to live, guys.

Want to be the ultimate budget Barbie? Skip the toner altogether and splash off with water spiked with cucumber slices instead. 

Source : Herworld

5 Vitamin Cures for Fantastic Skin

1. Vitamin C: Exfoliator.
Mix a teaspoon or two of vitamin C powder (ascorbic acid) with some almond milk until you get a nice paste, and massage it into your face with a little brush. Once you feel it tingle, rinse and apply some rosewater. Do this 3-5 times a week, and your skin texture will improve quickly. Don't use on injured skin, as ascorbic acid burns in open wounds.

2. Vitamin E: Anti-Wrinkle Treatment. 
Just squeeze the content of one vitamin E capsule onto fine lines of your clean face before you go to bed, and you'll be as good as new when you wake up the next morning.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids: Face Mask.
Skin-wise, omega-3 fatty acids are perfect for reducing inflammation, lines and wrinkles, and they even help you fight clogged pores. If you want to use them externally, mix a little bit of finely ground chia seeds with some organic yogurt and a splash of flaxseed oil, and stir thoroughly. Apply on your skin like a face mask and rinse with lukewarm water after 15-20 minutes. If you do this before you go to bed at night, you'll still feel the moisturizing and rejuvenating effects the next day.

4. Zinc: Moisturizer.
Zinc is a powerful nutrient. It promotes cell renewal, has a skin-soothing effect and is a terrific acne buster. If you want to increase your zinc intake, salmon, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, garlic, chickpeas or shrimp are great sources.

5. B Vitamins: Overall Skin Health.
B vitamins are vital for healthy skin and could easily be considered genuine skincare heroes. Because B-vitamins are water soluble and get washed out if your body doesn't use them right away, it's important to replace them daily. If you want to give it a try, buy clams, mussels, crab, beef or lamb next time you go shopping, or simply find a good (preferably organic) supplement.

Source : MindBodyGreen

10 All-Natural Hair Remedies for All Hair Types

Brittle Hair

Add protein to your diet, like eggs, poultry or beans to keep your hair strong and growing.

Fine Hair

If you have thin hair, banana, egg, and oils work wonders. The banana is one of nature's best remedies, while the egg is a mighty protein that will give your hair the strength, shine, volume, and texture of your dreams. Oils add strength and moisture.
Strengthening Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Banana
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp. Coconut Oil
- 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp. Honey
- 2 oz. H20
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in blender; apply and leave on for 30 to 45 min or 15 to 20 min with a thermal heat cap; thourougly rinse out all mixture from hair; wash with shampoo; condition and do a final rinse with cool water close the hair cuticle to seal in the moisture.

Hair Loss

Vitamins B-6 and B-12 should be your new best friends if you want to get your hair's growth cycle back in gear. Eat dairy and meat products such as milk, yogurt, and poultry to get those B benefits

Frizzy Hair

Rinse with the cold water to close the hair cuticle to make the hair looks sleek and also helps to tame frizz for a smoother finish.

Split Ends

Straight hair is prone to split ends and should be treated gently. Brush out your hair before wetting and applying any treatment to prevent knots and breakage

Coarse Hair

Mayonnaise and avocados are natural deep conditioners that will give your scalp a little TLC, in addition to promoting hair growth.
Rehydrating Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Avocado
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. Coconut Oil
- 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp. Honey
- 2 oz. H20
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in blender; apply and leave on for 30 to 45 min or 15 to 20 min with a thermal heat cap; thourougly rinse out all mixture from hair; wash with shampoo; condition and do a final rinse with cool water close the hair cuticle to seal in the moisture

Dry Hair

Add a little bit of honey to your conditioner as it is a humectant that will seal in moisture and deliver the deep cleanse your hair is craving.

Oily Hair

Stay away from applying too much of any product to the scalp, as it causes overproduction of oils. Also, keep clear of any deep conditioning products-a basic conditioner in small quantities added to the ends of hair will do the trick.

Dry Scalp

Try using the terrific trio of oils (coconut, jojoba, olive) to send an itchy scalp and dandruff packing.

General Maintenance Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp. Honey
- 1 oz. H20
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in blender; apply and leave on for 30 to 45 min or 15 to 20 min with a thermal heat cap; thourougly rinse out all mixture from hair; wash with shampoo; condition and do a final rinse with cool water close the hair cuticle to seal in the moisture.
Source : Yahoo

Sunburn Remedies via Food

Potatos

- Potato's starchy compounds will help take the sting out of sunburn
- Cut a raw potato into slices and rub a piece on your most painful sunburned spots. For a more intensive treatment, grate a cold raw potato and apply it as a poultice.

Oatmeal
- Grind up a cup of oatmeal in a food processor, add it to cool bathwater and soak. You can also wrap dry oatmeal in cheesecloth or gauze, run cool water through it and then toss the oatmeal and soak compressess in the liquid, applying every 2 to 4 hours.

Pomegranate
- Pomegranates are a rich source of ellagic acid, which can help protect your skin from UVA- and UVB-induced cell damage

Strawberries
- The berries' tannin content helps reduce the sting of a sunburn.
- Mash a few ripened strawberries and slather on sunburns for natural relief. Rinse off after a few minutes. Or make a paste out of cornstarch and water and slather it over sunburned skin for relief

Cucumbers
- Cucumbers offer sunburn relief on par with store-bought sunburn-relief products, without added with chemical preservatives and harmful fragrances
- Mash a cucumber and apply it to your skin
- Grab an organic cucumber, peel and chop, and then squeeze the juice. Mix it with glycerin and rosewater for protection from the sun.

Guava
- An antioxidant-rich diet could help prep your skin for more potent sun protection before you even step foot outside. One guava contains about five times the amount of vitamin C, a skin-healing antioxidant, as a medium-sized orange.

White Vinegar
- White vinegar's acetic acid acts like a topical nonsterioidal anti-inflammatory drug
- If you're red (just not blistered), dab a bit of distilled white vinegar onto your sunburn. It will kill the pain for about 20 minutes

Tomatoes
- 25 percent more natural protection against sunburn.

Calendula
- This easy-to-grow plant is packed with anti-inflammatory properties that ease burns, including sunburn.
- Make a poultice of calendula blossoms and apply to sunburn to help accelerate healing.

Aloe
- Break off a leaf and apply the juice to your sunburned skin.

Lettuce
- Lettuce's natural pain-killing properties can help wipe away sunburn pain
- Boil lettuce leaves in water. Strain, then let the liquid cool for several hours in the refrigerator. Once chilled, dip cotton balls into the lettuce water and gently wipe over irritated skin.
Fat Free Milk
- The milk creates a protein film on your skin that will help ease the discomfort of fresh sunburn.
- Apply cool, not cold, milk to your skin using a clean cloth or gauze. Apply compresses for 15 to 20 minutes, and repeat every 2 to 4 hours.

Source : Prevention

DIY Banana Milkshake Hair Mask

This mask is great because the bananas are packed full of nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6, folate and other good-for-your-hair ingredients while the coconut milk contains lauric acid which helps to keep your hair strong and cleans away any dead skin cells which may have gotten trapped in your tresses.

Banana Milkshake Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 1-2 bananas (or 3 if you have really long or thick hair)
• coconut milk, enough to thin out your bananas
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or a few strawberries (your choice)

1. Blend your bananas with your honey and cocoa (or strawberries) until you have a smooth paste with no chunks. Please note that you can technically mash up these ingredients really well and stir by hand – it isn’t essential that you have a food processor or blender, it’s just easier.

2. Once your mixture is nice and smooth, pour in your coconut milk and mix until you get the same consistency you would find with any typical hair conditioner.

3. When you are ready to go, begin with dry hair and make sure you are standing over a sink or in your bathtub. Then just work the mixture into your hair until it’s completely drenched from root to tip and cover with a shower cap to ensure it doesn’t drip all over the place.

4. After 20 minutes wash your hair as you normally would, although you probably won’t have to condition it, but do make sure you get all of the mask out of your hair.

Source : FeelgoodStyle

DIY Beauty: Beat Breakouts with a Tomato Lemon Face Mask

The citric acid in the lemon and tomato along with tomato’s lycopene help your skin get rid of dead cells and other gunk that can clog pores and cause breakouts. I do have two things to caution you about this mask:

1. It is OK to use the lemon tomato mask while you’re dealing with a breakout, but if you have broken skin on your face you’re better off waiting. The acid in the lemon and tomato can irritate broken skin.

2. Lemon juice makes your skin more sensitive to light, so make sure you wash this mask off thoroughly after using it, and it’s best to do it in the evening, to give your skin time to bounce back before too much sun exposure.

You can use this mask once a week to help maintain glowing skin and avoid breakouts. Here’s the recipe!

DIY Tomato Lemon Face Mask

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon rolled oats
• 1 small tomato – about the size of your fist or smaller will do the trick
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Directions
1. Put the oats into your blender or food processor and blend until it forms a powder, then add the tomato and lemon juice and blend until smooth.
2. After washing your face, massage the mask on, letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then use a warm, damp washcloth to wipe the mask away.

Source : FeelgoodStyle