Skin Care Blog Post - AT-HOME FACIAL HOW TO

A facial at the spa can cost a pretty penny.  In this economy, it's hard to afford this type of luxury.  A facial done at home, however, costs virtually nothing.  All you need are a few essential items and you can refresh and rejuvenate your skin.

Here are the steps to an at-home facial:

Step 1: Wipe makeup off of your face

You always want to start with a clean face.
 

Step 2: Wash face thoroughly

Step 3: Steam face with a face steamer for 5 minutes

This will open the pores, where dirt and oil is likely trapped.

If you don't have a steamer, you can boil some water with a pot and put your face over the hot steam from the boiled water.

Step 4: Apply a peel-off face mask

When the pores are open, the mask can get into the pores.

After the mask is peeled off, you can see the dirt and blackheads leaving with the mask.

Step 5: Apply an ice pack 

(I used a home-made gel ice pack made from liquid dish detergent.  

Find out how from this link.)

Applying something cold will close the open pores.

Step 6: Dip cotton ball with toner and apply all over face (Optional)

Step 7: Apply night cream

Protect your skin through the night with a layer of night cream.

An at-home facial is easy and cost-effective.  It leaves your skin full of radiance and leaves your wallet with little damage.


Enjoy!

Skin Care Blog Post - How to Treat Your Skin Every Day, Week, Month and Year

There is only 1 chance to make a first impression and that's why a clear, beautiful skin is so important to obtain.  If your skin is bad, no amount of makeup can cover it up.  So be kind to the skin you are in and treat it well every day, week, month and year!

Every day:

• Wash your face thoroughly once every morning and once every night
• Wear moisturizer
• Wear SPF
• Take your vitamins

Every week:

• Let your skin breath by not wearing any makeup 1 day of the week
• Exfoliate

Every month:

• Get a facial.  An at-home facial is fine too.  Your skin has been good to you, so you need to be good to it too.

Every year:

• Get a full-body, head-to-toe skin exam from your dermatologist for skin cancer.  Early detection can save your life!

BABY OIL AS MAKEUP REMOVER

I remember someone telling me that baby oil works well as an eye makeup remover.  Today, after receiving a bottle of Burt's Bee Organic Baby Oil in the stocking, I wanted to try removing my eye makeup with it.

The result?  WONDERFUL!

The oil quickly rid of heavy makeup.  In about 2-3 hard wipes, my dark makeup, including clumpy mascara, was gone.  Plus, it did not irritate my eyes - must be the whole "organic" deal!

Yikes!  Started out with some heavy (and colorful) makeup!

Wiping it a few times with Burt's Bee Organic Baby Oil.

Nice!  All that makeup - all gone!

I was very happy with the results.  Yay for discovering another way - and a natural way as a matter of fact - to remove eye makeup!

I'll be traveling the next week.  MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!  SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!!

 

LOOKING NATURAL MADE EASY: REVLON BEYOND NATURAL CREAM TO POWDER EYE SHADOW

A total sucker for sultry smoky colors, I like to do it up for night.  But during the day, my preference is earthy, natural look that's easy to apply.  I've been using Revlon Beyond Natural Cream to Powder Eye Shadow quad for a year now, and I love it!  

Today, I happen to stumble upon the "Spice" palette at the store.  It came with 4 very pretty colors.

With just my finger tips, I was able to create a look that's natural and easy-going - perfect for day!

On a totally side note, isn't this the most darling Christmas dress ever?  I just HAD to pick it up for the kiddie!

EASY BROWNIE RECIPE MADE FROM SCRATCH

Think baking from scratch is hard?  In most cases, that is true, unless you are making brownies.  This recipe is simple, delicious and completely box-free!

Here is how to make brownies from scratch ... ... easily:

What you need:

1/2 cup white sugar

2 tbl spoon butter

2 tbl spoon water

1.5 cups of semi sweet chocolate chips

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

What you do:

Step 1: Preheat oven 325 degrees F

Step 2: In a medium sauce pan, combine sugar, water and butter

Cook over medium heat until boiling

Step 3: Remove sauce pan from heat.  Stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Mix in eggs and vanilla

Step 5: Combine flour, baking soda and salt.

Step 6: Stir mixture into chocolate

Step 7: Grease pan

Step 8: Pour mixture into pan

Step 9: Bake for 25 - 30 minutes

DONE!!

Mmmmm... ... Enjoy the sweet, chocolate goodness!

HOW I USE N.Y.C SMOOTH SKIN BRONZING FACE POWDER

 I have heard so many good reviews for this bronzer, I had to give it a try!  

Most people apply bronzer after foundation by contouring their face with it.  However, I'm after sheer tint and use it with the foundation.  The color that's created afterward is, at least to me, impeccable.


I guess you can tell that I have joined the masses when praising this product :O)  Yes!  So glad I found this little treasure!

Here is how I use the N.Y.C Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder:

Step 1: Apply foundation to face

 
Step 2: Tap foundation brush into bronzer

Step 3: In a circular motion, mix the bronzer and the foundation on the skin.  Apply evenly.

DONE!!!!

I wish the lighting was better so you can see the color.  

But it's very velvety and smooth.  And it gives me just the right amount of golden sheen.

BANGS!!

For some reason, I was feeling brave and got some bangs.  I'm still getting used to the change - all that hair in my face!  But it's okay.  Change is always good.

FLANNEL FOR FALL

This fall, wear flannel!  Because flannels are warm and stylish at the same time.
DO wear flannel with muted colors, fitted cut and comfy texture.
DON'T wear flannel without a smile :O)