Staying beautiful when you can't afford cosmetics is easy with the following tips.
Tip #1 – Make your own microderm abrasion product
Mix a few grains of sugar crystals in with your favorite skin cream and apply to freshly washed skin. Gently massage the cream in small circular motions around the face and neck area. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Your skin will look almost as good as an expensive spa treatment.
Tip #2 - Extend existing foundation
Instead of using foundation straight out of the bottle, mix it with moisturizer. That way you take care of two birds with one stone. You continue to moisturize the skin - the most important treatment of all - and still add a touch of healthy-looking color. You may want to play with the mixture to get the ratio the way you want it; however, two parts moisturizer to one part foundation works well for most women.
Tip #3 – Ditch those under-eye bags and dark circles
Instead of throwing away tea bags after you brew your morning tea, put them in a zipper bag and place them in the refrigerator. When those nasty eye puffiness comes calling, lay down for about 10 minutes with the cool damp tea bags on your eyes. Tannin, one of tea’s main ingredients, works naturally to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
Tip #4 – Add natural highlights to your hair
If you can’t afford hair color, try highlighting instead, done the natural way. Mix one part lemon juice with three parts water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the hair, or paint on highlights using pure lemon juice and a small paintbrush. Then blow-dry or let your hair dry naturally in the sun. Be sure to condition it afterwards to keep hair from becoming too brittle.
Tip # 5 – Shine up that hair
Any number of items from coconut milk, to honey or even vinegar, will add vibrancy and shine when used during a hair rinse. A few drops of glycerine or olive oil applied directly to freshly washed and dried hair will also do the trick.
Tip # 6 – Make your own blush
Mix one cup of strawberries, raspberries, or cherries with a teaspoon of glycerin or liquid vitamin E. Blend thoroughly in blender. Mix a small amount of the berry mixture into your loose face powder to create a smooth creamy blush that will brighten any complexion. Add more berries if a deeper color is desired.
Tip # 7 – Rejuvenate skin with a natural toner
Cucumber does wonders for the skin whether you use it directly or just throw in your morning facial bath. Because the vegetable has amazing hydrating properties, it will give your skin the same youthful, beautiful glow as your favorite, more expensive, facial cream.
Importance of the Sun and how to stay protected
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Know how to select and apply a good sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and other skin damage
Sunscreen absorbs, reflects or scatters UV light. It's divided into three wavelength bands — ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC). Only UVA and UVB rays reach the earth.
Sunscreens provide either physical or chemical protection from UV light.
Physical sunscreens :
form an opaque film that reflects or scatters UV light before it can penetrate the skin. These sunscreens contain ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Original formulations of physical sunscreens remained white when applied to the skin. Newer formulations blend more with your skin tone and are less noticeable.
Chemical sunscreens :
absorb UV rays before they can cause any damage. They contain one or more ingredients, such as avobenzone or oxybenzone, which absorb UVA or UVB rays. For broad protection, chemical sunscreens often contain more than one ingredient to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. A newer over-the-counter sunscreen contains mexoryl (Anthelios SX) and offers protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Be safe in the sun
Vitamin D
Vitamin D from the sun helps us absorb calcium and prevent osteoporosis (porous bones) - simply eating calcium-rich foods without the vitamin is not enough, as the calcium may end up depositing itself in areas other than the bones, which is not good news.
More evidence from researchers is showing an increased link between vitamin D from sunlight and the reduction in cancer risk. People who live in areas where there is more sun have reduced risk of breast and prostate cancer (IIAA Issue Autumn 2005). For more information on the correlation between vitamin D and cancer, read here
In addition, researchers at Aberdeen University have revealed that lack of vitamin D from sunlight contributes to obesity. Vitamin D controls the hormone leptin which signals to the brain when you are full. They found that those who were obese had lower levels of vitamin D; in fact they produced a tenth less vitamin D than those of average weight.
Sunlight (or its ultraviolet component to be exact) is needed for the body to produce vitamin D, whose deficiency leads to bone loss, poor immunity and, possibly, increased cancer risk. Experts believe that adequate vitamin D status requires ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen. Some people, especially those with darker skin or unusually low rate of skin synthesis of vitamin D, may require more. Furthermore, recent research indicates that vitamin D levels above what's minimally adequate may have various health and longevity benefits.
Avoid sunbeds
Topping up on a sunbed is not a good way to supplement your exposure. Sunbeds mostly block out the UVB rays but not the UVA rays, and it is the UVB that makes the vitamin D in your skin. All you’ll get from a sunbed is a tan and wrinkles as a result of the accelerated ageing from UVA.
Supplements
Protect yourself well on the inside as well as the outside. Build up your store of vitamins A and C by eating foods that are rich in these vitamins and other anti-oxidants, and apply skin products that have potent quantities of vitamins A, C and E, as these get destroyed by the sun so need replacing.
Source :
Mayo Clinic
SmartSkin
Sunscreen absorbs, reflects or scatters UV light. It's divided into three wavelength bands — ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC). Only UVA and UVB rays reach the earth.
Sunscreens provide either physical or chemical protection from UV light.
Physical sunscreens :
form an opaque film that reflects or scatters UV light before it can penetrate the skin. These sunscreens contain ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Original formulations of physical sunscreens remained white when applied to the skin. Newer formulations blend more with your skin tone and are less noticeable.
Chemical sunscreens :
absorb UV rays before they can cause any damage. They contain one or more ingredients, such as avobenzone or oxybenzone, which absorb UVA or UVB rays. For broad protection, chemical sunscreens often contain more than one ingredient to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. A newer over-the-counter sunscreen contains mexoryl (Anthelios SX) and offers protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Be safe in the sun
Vitamin D
Vitamin D from the sun helps us absorb calcium and prevent osteoporosis (porous bones) - simply eating calcium-rich foods without the vitamin is not enough, as the calcium may end up depositing itself in areas other than the bones, which is not good news.
More evidence from researchers is showing an increased link between vitamin D from sunlight and the reduction in cancer risk. People who live in areas where there is more sun have reduced risk of breast and prostate cancer (IIAA Issue Autumn 2005). For more information on the correlation between vitamin D and cancer, read here
In addition, researchers at Aberdeen University have revealed that lack of vitamin D from sunlight contributes to obesity. Vitamin D controls the hormone leptin which signals to the brain when you are full. They found that those who were obese had lower levels of vitamin D; in fact they produced a tenth less vitamin D than those of average weight.
Sunlight (or its ultraviolet component to be exact) is needed for the body to produce vitamin D, whose deficiency leads to bone loss, poor immunity and, possibly, increased cancer risk. Experts believe that adequate vitamin D status requires ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen. Some people, especially those with darker skin or unusually low rate of skin synthesis of vitamin D, may require more. Furthermore, recent research indicates that vitamin D levels above what's minimally adequate may have various health and longevity benefits.
Avoid sunbeds
Topping up on a sunbed is not a good way to supplement your exposure. Sunbeds mostly block out the UVB rays but not the UVA rays, and it is the UVB that makes the vitamin D in your skin. All you’ll get from a sunbed is a tan and wrinkles as a result of the accelerated ageing from UVA.
Supplements
Protect yourself well on the inside as well as the outside. Build up your store of vitamins A and C by eating foods that are rich in these vitamins and other anti-oxidants, and apply skin products that have potent quantities of vitamins A, C and E, as these get destroyed by the sun so need replacing.
Source :
Mayo Clinic
SmartSkin
Ditch Dark Circles and Puffiness for Good
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dark circles
In order to treat your circles properly, you first need to know what's causing them. Dark circles may be due to pigmentation, blood vessels or an effect of the shadow of the tear through [the muscles and ligaments near the eyes on either side of the nose]. If you pull the skin under your eyes taught and the circles seem to go away, your issue is likely the effect of a shadow.
If not, your circles are likely blood vessels. As you age, your skin gets thinner, making red and blue vessels show through. If your circles don't look red and bluish though, pigmentation could be the cause of your circles.
Treat dark circles caused by pigmentation
If your dark circles are caused by pigmentation, you can treat the area with topical retinoids, hydroquinone or laser treatments
Treat dark circles caused by visible blood vessels
If your dark circles are caused by visible blood vessels, look for "anything that vasoconstricts," to help reduce the darkness, Waldorf says. Caffeine is the most common ingredient found in skin care products that fits that bill
Treat dark circles caused by shadows
If shadows are causing your dark circles, you can fill the area between the bridge of your nose and the inner corners of your eyes (the tear through) with fillers. Beyond that, there isn't much you can do with skin care products to lessen the shadowy effect. However, all dark circles look worse when your skin is dry, so improving the texture of your skin with proper moisturization is important
Camouflage dark circles
Step 1: Massage on an eye cream in a circular motion with a cool fingertip to improve circulation. Step 2: Use a firm tapered brush to apply creamy concealer that's half a shade lighter than your skin and slightly peachy in tone over the dark areas. Avoid shades that are too light or cool in tone or the area will look ashy. Also, don't forget to cover the darkness on the inner corners of your eyes.
Step 3: Tap a fingertip over the concealer to further blend it into your skin.
Step 4: If your eyes appear very sunken in and shadowy, apply a luminizing cream or powder over the concealer to make the area pop and appear brighter.
Puffy eyes
Puff is usually caused from one of two things -- "swelling from fluid shifts," causes puffiness that comes and goes and "the protrusion of the fat pad," causes persistent puffiness
Reduce temporary puff
Apply a cool compress for 10 or so minutes to temporarily puffy eyes to deflate them. Follow the compress with an eye cream that contains caffeine to further deflate the area.
Reduce constant puff
If your eyes are constantly puffy due to a significant protrusion of the fad pads under your eyes, you will only get major improvement with surgery or injections -- creams and home remedies just won't cut it.
Camouflage puffiness
Step 1: Run your fingertips under cool water, dry them off then apply a cold eye gel or cream (keep your eye cream in the fridge for extra depuffing benefits). Press the puffy area with your cool fingertips in a circular, clockwise direction.
Step 2: Apply illuminating concealer in the half moon shape that surrounds the puffy area -- you want to "pop out that indention,"
Step 3: Draw attention away from your eyes by dusting pink blush on the apples of your cheeks.
Step 4: Curl your lashes and groom your brows to open up your eye area. Also, avoid wearing dark shadow or liner on your eyes, it will make them appear smaller and more tired
Courtesy from Total Beauty
Christy Chung's Beauty Stash
From September issue of Woman's Weekly, here's what the spokesperson for Marie France Bodyline shares :
For great health and skin
- she takes Omega 3, DHA, Q10 and antioxidant pycnogenol
To maintain figure
- she eats before 7pm and drink only green tea and water
Beauty advice
- drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning
Review on Lancôme Hydra-Intense Mask Hydrating Gel Mask
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Lancome produces 2 different types for this mask, similar to its exfoliating gel. One with botantical extracts and the other with water captors.
I am not sure why Lancome always have to do that, its so confusing to the consumer. I am suspecting that it changes according to the climate in that country.
I bought the water captors version in Singapore and the Botantical extracts version from USA last year.
I was not aware of the difference when I first bought it. I thought it was the same since the whole packaging is exactly the same except for the tiny word "with botantical extracts" or "with water captors" which I overlooked.
If your skin is dehydrated, this 5-minute moisture facial mask is said to restore moisture balance and
diminish the appearance of dry lines, leaving skin looking smooth and perfectly hydrated.
After using both types, I really cannot discern any differences. Both types feel the same to me.
Main ingredients and descriptions are almost the same, if I remembered correctly.
I am unable to do a direct comparison now as I have finished the tube with botantical extracts.
This fresh-gel mask is infused with active ingredients to intensely hydrate the skin, leaving it relaxed, refreshed and deeply moisturized.
Suitable for normal to combination skin, its glooey and sticky texture can be pretty difficult to wash off. It dries up pretty fast so its recommended to layer it for only 5 minutes.
This formula is enriched with Imperata Cylindrica extract to moisturise the upper-most layers of the epidermis. (This sub-tropical plant from the southern hemisphere known for its amazing capacity to resist the worst droughts). Combined with glycerol, it traps water in the cells to ensure optimal hydration.
On the tube, its recommended to leave on for five minutes, then remove any excess with a cotton ball. Do not rinse.
I am not comfortable with the "do not rinse" part" as its quite sticky and leave a film on the face even after I cleanse it off with water. Hence, I will usually use wet cotton pads to cleanse the first round and then rinse with lots of water to clear the gel off my face.
I am not sure why Lancome always have to do that, its so confusing to the consumer. I am suspecting that it changes according to the climate in that country.
I bought the water captors version in Singapore and the Botantical extracts version from USA last year.
I was not aware of the difference when I first bought it. I thought it was the same since the whole packaging is exactly the same except for the tiny word "with botantical extracts" or "with water captors" which I overlooked.
If your skin is dehydrated, this 5-minute moisture facial mask is said to restore moisture balance and
diminish the appearance of dry lines, leaving skin looking smooth and perfectly hydrated.
After using both types, I really cannot discern any differences. Both types feel the same to me.
Main ingredients and descriptions are almost the same, if I remembered correctly.
I am unable to do a direct comparison now as I have finished the tube with botantical extracts.
This fresh-gel mask is infused with active ingredients to intensely hydrate the skin, leaving it relaxed, refreshed and deeply moisturized.
Suitable for normal to combination skin, its glooey and sticky texture can be pretty difficult to wash off. It dries up pretty fast so its recommended to layer it for only 5 minutes.
This formula is enriched with Imperata Cylindrica extract to moisturise the upper-most layers of the epidermis. (This sub-tropical plant from the southern hemisphere known for its amazing capacity to resist the worst droughts). Combined with glycerol, it traps water in the cells to ensure optimal hydration.
On the tube, its recommended to leave on for five minutes, then remove any excess with a cotton ball. Do not rinse.
I am not comfortable with the "do not rinse" part" as its quite sticky and leave a film on the face even after I cleanse it off with water. Hence, I will usually use wet cotton pads to cleanse the first round and then rinse with lots of water to clear the gel off my face.
I will say this mask is more suitable for those mildly dehydrated skin.
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