DIY Beauty : Oatmeal Mask

Oatmeal is more than just a cereal that helps lower high cholesterol. Your skin will also enjoy a bowl of this nutritious grain as oatmeal contains avenanthramides, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe itchy, dry and irritated skin. It is also great for acne-prone skin because it absorbs oil from the skin’s surface. All of which makes oatmeal a perfect ingredient for facial masks.

Here are some fuss-free ways to incorporate oats into a DIY mask, at the comfort of your own home.

Milk and Oatmeal Face Mask

1) Mix 1 tablespoon whole rolled oats with 2 tablespoons milk
2) Stir until ingredients are smooth and even
3) Apply mixture to face, neck and decollete and let it sit for 20 minutes
4) Wash off with lukewarm water

Result : Exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal smoother and clearer skin which in turn provides bright, youthful and glowing skin.

DIY Beauty : Aloe Vera Mask

Aloe Vera has been used for a host of purposes since the ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality.” Since then, its uses have become more targeted and medicinal, and it's one of the leading therapies for sunburns.

Aloe Vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. It grows in dry climates such as those found in parts of Africa and India and has been used medicinally for centuries. Aloe leaves secrete a clear gel that when broken off from the rest of the plant, can be applied topically to heal wounds and soothe skin.

Various studies have been conducted to examine the benefits of the Aloe Vera plant and it was found out that Aloe Vera is effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, from flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems to many more.

It treats sunburns, acts as a moisturiser, treats acne, fights aging, reduces the visibility of stretch marks, beneficial for health if taken topically, soothes periodontal diseases and aids digestion. You can read more about it on MindBodyGreen.

If you are keen to extract the gel by hand, you can purchase the plants from the local supermarkets. Slice the leaves open lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape the gel away from each leaf and into your container. The gel is packed with nutrients, active enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Aloe Vera gel contains two hormones: Auxin and Gibberellins. These two hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation.

Other than applying it directly to skin, you can also incorporate the gel into masks for mini spa sessions. Here are some favourites.

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

3 beauty secrets to looking good from Song Hye Kyo

You can't deny the beauty of Song Hye Kyo, even at the age of 34. Her flawless skin is envied by many and she has fronted Laneige for several years and now, Sulwhasoo. Both brands are manufactured by Amorepacific Group, a South Korean beauty conglomerate.

So what are her beauty secrets to looking so good and youthful? It turns out that she is an advocate of homemade facial masks. She is a fan of using honey and egg white in her DIY facial masking.

Honey is full of antioxidants and moisturising properties which can help to slow down signs of aging and plump up your skin. It is also a natural antibacterial agent which is great for acne treatment and prevention.

Egg whites helps to shrink your pores by tightening the skin.

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

DIY Beauty : Tame Inflammation With DIY Aloe Vera Mask

Aloe vera, a healing skin-care ingredient is ubiquitous in the wellness world both in beverages and beauty products as an uber-soothing and hydrating force.

It speeds up your skin's ability to heal and also acts as a great moisturiser. It fights inflammation and is high in antioxidants. 

Manuka honey is loaded with antibacterial properties while lavender oil is calming for the mind, body and skin. Try the easy receipe today.

Ingredients :
1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Powder
1/2 tablespoon Manuka Honey
2 to 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil

1) Stir aloe vera, honey and lavender oil together in a small bowl and ensure the honey melts into the aloe vera and lavender.

2) Apply with clean hands to entire face

3) Leave on for a few minutes to 30 minutes. Store the extras in a jar with lid.

4) Rinse for a glow.


Source : Wellandgood

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 juices for the most radiant complexion

Smooth Healthy Skin 

Why it works: Not only is it absolutely delicious, mango is an absolute dream for the skin. It’s chockful of antioxidants, which shields the skin from free radical damage and rejuvenates your complexion. The silky creamy avocado is loaded with fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, which maintains the firmness of your skin and gives it a deep hydrating treatment. The detoxifying effects of spinach reduces the possibility of breakouts and acne, leaving you with smooth and healthy skin.
Recipe: 1/2 cup of mango, 1 avocado and a handful of spinach

Divine Detox

Why it works: Bountiful in dietary fibre, which reduces collagen-damaging sugar spikes, pears smoothen out the skin and delays the visitation of wrinkles and fine lines. Teaming up with lemon juice, which has detoxifying properties, your skin will be left radiant and supple.
Recipe: 2 large pears, 1 cucumber and 1 lemon

Sunblock Juice

Why it works: Carrots are packed with beta carotene, which our body transforms into the powerful vitamin A that nourishes our skin and boosts its health while ginger is a fantastic source of antioxidants which fights free radical damage and tones the skin, granting you luminous complexion.
Recipe: 4 carrots, 1/2 apple, ginger to taste.

Acne Buster

Why it works: Pineapple is loaded with bromelain, which aids in the purification of the skin. Working hand-in-hand with anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties of apple and antioxidant-rich raspberries, this is the ultimate juice remedy for acne-prone skin.
Recipe: 1 apple, 1/2 cup of pineapple, and 1/2 cup of raspberries. 

Recommended Reading :
Make Your Own Skincare Products
Top 10 Beauty Natural Remedies

Source : MarieFranceAsia

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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

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.