DIY skin care ingredients/recipes for a girl on budget.

Hope everyone is fine? I care to ask because you and I know that this present economy is not smiling. So babes are cutting their coat according to their material. Lols. Lets get to business.

It has not been easy to access my dreamed magnifique natural ingredients like the rose hip oil and co, around me here in Port harcourt unless I have to purchase and get them delivered to me from Lagos. And who is ready to pay for the extra charges? I am among the least. Smh!

For the meantime, I had to make the best use of what I can lay my hands on to keep up with my skin care routine. This recipes have been effective and economical.

Recipes on a budget.

Honey + Oatmeal + Lemon juice
This recipe is simply everything. The oatmeal ( I mean Quaker oats) acts as a mild exfoliate. The honey is an excellent moisturizer, soothing and healing. The lemon juice is antiseptic, clearing the pores and lightening dark spots. After scrubbing face for 5 minutes, I leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing off. This scrub leave my face soft, hydrated and clear of acne till the next 2-3 days. My girlfriend can always tell whenever I do a scrub the night before.

Honey + Oatmeal + water
Each time I run out of lemon juice, I find myself using this recipe, substituting the lemon juice with water. They say, ‘half a loaf is better than nothing'. Exfoliation is not an option. It is a must for good skin.

Honey + Lemon juice
For a quickie, I cut out a lemon. Place a few drops of honey on half and scrub face gently in circles. The pulp mildly sloughs off the dead skin cells, exposing fresher smooth skin.

Honey + Turmeric
This recipe is more of a mask recipe and less of a scrub. It nourishes and heals the skin, smoothens it to a glow and gives it that plump look.

These are tried and true DIY recipes for a girl with oily, sensitive, acne prone skin.

What are your tried and true recipes on budget?

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COILY CROWN BAOBAB MOUSE AND SHAMPOO - PRODUCT REVIEW

Howdy friends?

I am excited to inform you that Coily Crown products are in Nigeria!

I stumbled on Coily crowns stand at the WedExpo in Portharcourt recently where I met Korkor  and Esther of Kibet essentials. We had a nice chat and they told me  about how wonderful Coily crown products are. One thing that kept ringing in my mind after our chat was how softening, coily crown shampoos are. Hard hair is one of the challenge faced by most naturalistas in this part of the continent. So here's a solution! Get any of Coily crowns softening shampoos and thank me later.

I got Coily Crown Baobab set  , reminiscing my childhood moments with the baobabs in Ghana and Lome. As kids, we could lick so much of the baobab fruits till our mandibles get fatigue and mouth gets sore.

 So here I am making a review. IMO!

Coily Crown Moisturizing Mousse

What Coily crown says
Baobab oil has a way of leaving your hair silky and soft. This moisturizing mousse is a blend of baobab oil, cocoa butter and peppermint oil which works wonders for dry, itchy scalp. It helps to seal in moisture after each wash and works well for daily application to your hair, scalp and skin.


Ingredients
Cocoa butter, baobab oil, orange oil, peppermint oil.


Smell
It has a raw earthy aroma and nutty, chocolatey smell that makes one think of chocolates.

You can see what it looks like inside.

It can get real hard in very cold weather and melt easily in warm weather. So keep in cool dry place.

Benefits of the major ingredient - Cocoa butter
Hair
*Adds moisture to hair without weighing it down.
*Gives hair extra conditioning and nourishment.
Skin
*It is an excellent skin moisturizer.
*It minimizes fine line and wrinkles.
*It smoothens patches of skin at joints.
*It fades dark spots and heals wound scars.
*It increases skin elasticity so that skin stretches and expands without tearing during pregnancy or weight gain.

Note: If you are allergic to chocolates, you might show similar reactions with this mousse because they are both made from cocao.

Pros of the mousse
You get the benefits of the cocoa butter and the other natural ingredients.
+It is good for a pre- shampoo treatment.
+It is very suitable for hot oil hair treatment.
+It can serve as a hair leave-in-conditioner. Even regular daily use on hair does not weigh it down.
+It gives the skin a superficial silky shiny glow all day.
+It controls acne and pimples. Personally, I was scared to use it on my oily sensitive face. Then I tried it out. Five days of use to publishing of this post, I could confidently boast of no new pimples popping out.

Cons
-The price is a bit on the high side. 2900 naira for 250ml. A little discount will be appreciated.


Rating
4/5

Coily Crown Baobab Softening Shampoo

What Coily crown says
This has a conditioning shampoo formula which is a mix of Alata samina (Black soap), honey and baobab oil. It cleanses without leaving your hair dry or brittle.


Ingredients
Baobab oil, distilled water, cocoa pod, plantain skin, palm kernel oil, honey, peppermint oil.


Smell
It has a sweet honey minty smell.

Benefits of the major ingredient - Baobab oil.
*It treats dandruff, dry scalp, excema, psoriasis and rosacea
*It protects hair from sun damage.
*Has anti-aging properties.
*It is quickly absorbed into skin leaving a silky feel.
*It does not clog pores.


Pros of softening shampoo
You get the benefits of baobab oil and the other natural ingredients.
+It contains No sulphates, No parabens, No artificial additives. 100% natural.
+It is a moisturizing shampoo.
+It conditions hair while cleansing. So you do not need to use a rinse-out-conditioner after use.
+It softens hair and leaves it noticeably silky.
+Its adds volume to hair.
+It perfectly double as body wash. Excellently cleansing and refreshingly rich to the skin.
+You get more value for your pay, 1900 naira .

Cons
-One needs to be careful when pouring out the shampoo to prevent waste from spill. One way I prevent this, is by pouring out a quantity into a nozzle container for use.
-If you use it as a body wash, you can experience the same drying potential, characteristics of the raw african black soap.  So after bath, immediately follow up with your moisturizer to retain moisture.


Rating
5/5. I could give it 7/5 if there is any such rating.


*Remarkable of 100% natural products brands is the fact the they are multi-taskers. Its perfect for use from head to toe unlike the commercial chemical brands.


Will I repurchase?
I am a happy advocate of natural brands. I can go for Coily Crowns anytime. Infact, the softening shampoo is now one of my ride-or-die staple. The moisturizing mouse will stay as long as I have dark spots to clear and stretch marks to prevent.


Other Coily crown products
Coily crown softening shampoo with coconut oil & Tea tree oil
Coily crown Daily dew Hair spray with coconut oil $ Tea tree oil
Coily crown Sheabutter crea with Aloe
Coily crown Miracle detangler with coconut oil $ tea tree oil
Coily crown Paya puree mask
Coily crown Daily dew hair sprsy with Aloe $ tea tree oil
Coily crown Liquid gold enriching oil.

Which of Coily crowns products have you used and what was it like? Please comment in the comment box below.


To get yours Nigeria- Delivery is nationwide.
Call: 08139021319
         08166766867
         08033088770
       

Coily crown is going global
Johannesburg : +27 832383961
Cotonou: +229 9790609
Lome: +228 99047313
Ghana: +233 268891622

Online connect
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Website: thebodybutterco.com

Catch ya!

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ALL ABOUT EYEBAGS AND PUFFY EYES #2

Am happy you enjoyed reading the #1 of this subject. Thanks for the DMs. If you have not read it, please click here to read.

What can be done to prevent and reduce eye bags/puffy eyes?

* Have adequate night rest. 7 to 8 hours of sleep is enough because sometimes oversleeping can also give you puffy eyes.

* Cut down your intake of foods and beverages that encourage fluid retention eg. Alcohol, coffee white sugar, fried foods, white flour, salt foods etc.

* If you work long hours before the computer screen, get an anti-reflex prescription glasses from an eye care professional for protection. Following the 20-20-20 rule can be helpful. The 20-20-20 rule means, for every 20 minutes of work before the computer screen look away at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds.

* Avoid allergens. If you identify any thing you are allergic to, try to stay away from it to prevent body sensitivity reactions.

* Drink enough clean water each day for general good health and hydration. The more hydrated, the better.

* Follow all occupational safety rules. If in the course, you experience any negative eye effect like eye swelling, see an eye care professional and check protective equipments for faults. There might be need for change or upgrade to adequately protect the worker.

* If you are in the habit of squinting, see an eye care professional for examination to correcf any refractive error that strains the eye area. Constant squinting can cause early wrinkling of eye area and other symptoms like puffy eyes.

*  Eye creams can be helpful too. They are formulated specially for the eye area and to slow aging in the peri-orbital areas.

Examples of eye creams that have proven to be effective with regular application.

Oriflame Collagen wrinkle correcting eye cream.
It is made to reduce wrinkles, eye puffiness and dark circles. It improves microcirculation around the eyes and the skin around eye becomes smoother and firmer.

Oriflame seeing is believing eye cream
It is formulated to reduce puffiness, dark circles and refreshes eye area.


* Try cold compresses over the eye for 20 minutes or more. The cold compress act as vaso-constrictor to reduce the fluid beneath the eyelids. For a cold compress you can use cotton pads soaked in cold water or cold milk ; chilled sliced potato; chilled tea bags. Place it over eye for about 20 minutes. You will notice temporary reduction in eye bags.

* Natural butters and oils are loaded with vitamins, minerals and anti-aging components. Regular use of them for the skin can promote elasticity, tightening of skin generally and around the eye, minimizing lines and wrinkles. Examples include sheabutter, cocoa butter, olive oil, coconut oil, baobab oil etc.


* For the ladies, you can apply makeup and concealer to disguise the pronounced eye bags for a momentary gorgeous look. Be gentle anytime you are working on the skin around the eye.


To round up this subject, I believe proper general health care and and a good inner personality is more attractive. This should be priority!

Did this article prove helpful? I will like to know.

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ALL ABOUT EYEBAGS AND PUFFY EYES #1

The struggle with eye bags and puffy eyes is real. When you have tried your best to hide them, they sit out steering in the open and can be annoying at times. As a doctor of optometry, this subject is of interest to me too. I wouldn't bore you with medical terminologies. I will put it out very simple.

The skin around the eye is the thinnest of the whole body and most fragile and among the first to show signs of aging.

Early morning eye bags
When asleep, the body's circulatory system moves slowly, leaving excess fluid beneath the eyes. Early morning bags are normal. They disappear gradually during the day. If the eye bags persist throughout the day, then it is an indicator that your body needs more rest.

Genetics
Eyebags /Puffy eyes can also be inherited. Personally, I got mine from my mom. Mom and her siblings got theirs  from their mom, my granny. So eye bags do run in family and there is little or nothing you can do to eliminate them.


Aging eyebags
Eyebags that come with aging are caused by weakening of the tissues and muscles supporting the eyelids. Consequently, it falls forward to form eye bags as one ages.


Work Hazards
People who sit very long hours before computer screens without protection do experience what is called computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS symptoms include eye fatigue, heavy eyes, eye pain, itching , edema (puffy eyes) and more.
Certain jobs like welding, expose the eyes to harmful rays. Therefore its important
that workers in that environment follow safety procedures and guidelines.

Food
Certain foods encourage fluid retention in the body like salty foods, processed foods containing sodium and food loaded with carbohydrates. Some people identify jollof rice for dinner as what gives them early morning puffy eyes.

Other factors
Other factors that can cause puffy eyes include smoking, alcohol consumption, hormone level changes, change in weather, allergens, certain medications, sinus infections, kidney or liver problems etc.

When does an eye bag become a serious cause for concern?
When they persist for days and/or get worse, it can be a sign of a serious underlying health problem.
When eye bags/puffy eyes are accompanied by itching and redness, see your eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Continued on next post.....


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Mangoes Recipes For Great Skin - Beauty DIY

The mango season has been here for long now and I know you've been doing justice to the mangoes. Have you tried mango cocktails, like spiced mango shandy or delicious snacks like Tiger nut crumble with mango cream and candied Zobo flowers. If not, quickly check out kitchenbutterfly.com  . She is an amazing traveller by plate, who uses food ways to explore the Nigerian cuisine and the world because she believes ''food is more than eating''. Discover amazing delicacies and enjoy at home with your loved ones!

As much as you savor this sweet naturally packaged fast food, you can remain a slice of your mango or just scoop out a bit from your smoothie recipe to give your skin a treat.

 There are many mango recipes for the skin, but I chose to share two easy ones with you. A mango scrub and a face mask recipe.

Mango Scrub
First , wash the ripe mango well, cut out a slice and remove the flesh.
Blend the pulp of the mango to a smooth paste.
Then take 1 tbsp of it and mixed it with 2 teaspoons of semi-grounded quaker oats (any oats will do).
Next, cleanse your face, apply the mixture on your face gently on circular motion.
Leave it on for about 15mins and rinsed of well with cool water. You can chose to scrub it all over body, but make sure to wash it all off.

You will love the smooth fresh glow on your skin.

Mango Avocado Face Mask
This mask will be more suitable for people with dry skin. Presently my face is still NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Commission). I am highly experimental with anything natural and organic, so i wouldnt mind trying it out sometime.

What to use
1tsp ripe mango pulp + 1tsp coconut oil or olive oil + 1tsp avocado puree

How to
Blend all the ingredients together an apply on a clean face
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse of  with lukewarm water. Then pat dry.

Note : Make sure to use ripe mangoes with intact skin and without bruises. Raw, unripe mangoes contain anacardic acid that can provoke allergy, mango latex allergy, in sensitive individuals resulting in itching, swelling and more.

What mango pulp does to the skin.
Mango pulp contains about different vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B, C, E,  which can treat acne scars, dark spots and pigmentation, delay skin aging, restore and revive the skin and keep skin glowing. It is also excellent in skin hydrating and moisturising.


What's the benefits of the other ingredients in the scrub and mask?

Grounded Oats -It acts an exfoliator in the mixture to slough off and remove dead skin cells.

Coconut Oil - Has active antibacterial, antifungal properties. It has antioxidants that slows aging. It moisturises, hydrates and exfoliates.

Avocado - It heals and revitalizes tired skin. It prevents aging and encourages healthy skin growth and repair.

Simply put, let your skin eat inside and out!

Enjoy!!!!!!

Remember, Eat Healthy! Stay Healthy!

Let me know if you tried this or any mango recipes and how you did it. Share in the comment box below.


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RAW AFRICAN BLACK SOAP REVIEW

Raw African black soap is that kind of locally made product that has been given a lot of yays around the globe but I am not the type that proudly supports the crowd about any natural product without first giving it a try.

Praises
It has been praised to be effective in skin exfoliation, deep cleansing,  even skin toning, fading discololorations, healing skin problems like eczema and psoriasis and skin fungal infections.



To begin my trial session, I chose to make my raw african black soap (Ghana soap)  into a body wash instead of using it directly in a solid form  and started using it 3-4 days in the first two weeks.

 During the period, I observed the effects on my skin and  then ended up using it every day. Moisturising with oils or oil based lotion is a must within 5minutes after wash to prevent skin dryness.

Positives
 I noticed a gradual even skin toning. Hehehe, I didn't say skin bleaching. It evened the skin areas that usually suffers from sun exposure, reducing the  hyperpigmentation. So, its a skin repair product. I find it to be very ideal for us living in the tropics where the sun is not always kind.

I also attest to its deep cleansing action. Does not really need extra help by exfoliating scrubs. Only the hands and the soap with cool water will do, for a clean feel.

It was also fast in clearing some cluster of skin 'wahala' that popped up somewhere around my mid-chest.

Negatives
But it was not all positive. My face rejected it. In the first few days of use, it was so drying that I couldnt stand the burning pain in some parts of my face like under my nose and the tightening effect as if my face was been stretched. So I  tried using it twice a week. My face felt no better. I tend to attribute this effect , not just to the harsh stripping off of the oils on the face but the pH effect. Raw african black soap alkalinity level was not suitable for my face. It struggled to balance the pH to normal which manifested in discomfort, breakout and acne.

Also bathing with the soap and warm water can leave the skin extremely dry. So cool water is better.

It also stinks and burns on bruise or any opening on skin. Its temporary, though.


Finally, I would say, incorporating the raw african black soap in my skin care regimen was worth it. Yeah, am stuck now. My homemade black soap body wash will always be standing right there in my bathroom.

You can also give it a try. Find out how it works best for you. You can gradually increase or decrease  the frequency at which you use it depending on your skin's response. Find a balance and always make sure to moisturize with oil after use.

Who knows, It could become your BEST!

Note
The original Raw African black soap has an natural earthy scent. No fragrance or perfume. It not hard and jet black. Its loose and crumbly and it looks like 'faeces'. Oh! Am sorry I just said that, but that's how it looks to me. Beware of fakes.

To buy original raw African black soap, click here



What are your views about African black soap? We will love to know. Share with us in the comment box below.


Related post
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DIY - Make your own Aloe vera Gel /Juice

       I remember there was a time, some few years back, most people in this part of the world were so crazy about Aloe vera. It was like missing out on a miracle healing drug if you do not have it planted close to you at home. I guess that was the period my Anty planted the one at home.

   In fact every one who have experienced aloe vera  goodness is still enthusiastic about it. That is also why there are  various brand aloe vera beauty products for skin, hair even health.
 
   If you are interested in making your own aloe vera homemade products like in  hair spray, conditioner, shampoo, face mask etc, then you need aloe vera gel/juice. Will you prefer to buy aloe vera juice or gel or make yours? If you prefer to get aloe vera gel fresh and do not know how to go about it,  then i will like show you how I make my own aloe vera gel/juice.

Things you need
Sharp knife or vegetable peeler
Teaspoon
Clean board.

How to do It
Wash the aloe vera leaf.
Wash your hand with soap and rinse well.
Place the leaf on a clean board.
Holding one end of the aloe leaf use the sharp knife to cut out the edges and the the top green layer of the leaf showing the gel.
With teaspoon, scoop out the gel carefully so as not to add the yellow part.
Here is your extracted aloe vera gel.

   To make it into juice, blend the gel in a blender to a smooth paste. The juice will be foaming on top. Leave to rest.

Your aloe vera gel/ juice is ready for use!

If you are using it for hair, then you need to pour into a strainer and squeeze out only the juice for use, leaving the bits in the strainer. Panty hose or wig cap can serve as strainer.

   If you do not have aloe vera plant very close to you and you happen to stumble on it somewhere and you harvested so many leaves at once. You wish you could use it fresh for a while, extract the gel , store it in a clean glass container and cover and keep it in the refrigerator for a week or so.

   To make it last longer add lemon juice to it (the vitamin C into the juice act as a natural preservative) , then pour it onto ice tray or bags and keep
 it freezes in the freezer to last for couple of months. But if in the course of preservation it becomes rancid or smells badly , then discard it.

Note: Make sure the yellow sap is removed completely. The yellow sap is said to contain toxins and laxatives such as a loin and aloe-emodin that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. You should carry out a patch test like, on the inside of your elbow before use to be sure your skin won't react to it.

I did a patch test for 3days. Result: No skin reactions. So am free!

This article is just for informational purposes. Seek the opinion of your doctor before use especially of you are latex-intolerant .


Hope this article was helpful?


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When Does My Makeup Products Expire? - Makeup Hygiene #3

As far as I know, makeup products do not have expiration dates. Or do you know? They can even expire immediately you open it. If you want them to last longer then you will need to handle them properly.

Based on their formulation and their susceptibility to contamination from use, professionals in the makeup industry around the world have come up with make up products life span charts such as this :

Foundation.   1yr - 11/2yr

Eye shadow.  1yr - 11/2

Lipstick.         11/2yr - 2yrs

Mascara.        3 - 6 months

Blush.             11/2yr - 2yrs

Lipgloss.        11/2yr - 2yrs

Lip Pencil.      1yr - 2yrs

Bronzer.          11/2 - 2yrs

Eyeliner           6months - 1yr

Eye pencil.     1yr - 2yrs

Powder.          11/2 - 2yrs


Generally, you need to stop using makeup when you see these signs

1. When they begin to smell badly

2. Have water on top eg. Foundation, concealer etc.

3. Looses it consistency, becomes hard and difficult to apply or becomes gloppy like in lip gloss.

4. When you get irritated, itchy or inflamed skin.

If there is anything I omitted under the series Makeup Hygiene, fill it in please in the comment below.


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Raw African Black Soap

   In a conversation with my girlfriend, I wanted to know the secret to her smoother skin lately. She kept pulling my legs that his guy in overseas sent skin products and that was what she used. She later opened up. Guess what ? It  is Raw African black soap .
 
    The raw african black soap comes in less black , brown shades, maybe that's why I prefer to call it native soap rather than black soap. Growing up in west African countries exposed me to various names of the black soap like 'Lagos adi' by the Éwé in Togo and the Volta region of Ghana, 'Alata Samina' / 'Anago Samina' by the Akan who speak Twi dialect in Ghana and 'Ose Dudu' by the Yorubas in Nigeria.

     From what i read about the origin of the black soap, i found out that it originated from the western part of Nigeria which is dominated by the yorubas. So I am not surprised  that the various names when translated informs us of the roots of the soap. For example, 'Lagos adi' means Lagos soap and 'Anago Samina' means Yoruba soap.

  About the black soap
     Black soap is made from roasted plantain skins, palm oil cocoa pod with additions like coconut oil, shea buttter, palm leaves ashes, or honey, did I hear, argan oil, carrot oil, snail lime? ...
      The black soap is so rich in natural ingredients that most people who use it call it the wonder soap. It is a deep cleansing soap, effective exfoliator,  dark spots fader, skin toner, acne and skin disease eliminator and anti-aging special.

       The black soap is worth incorporating into my skin care regimen. I am aware all the while that is 100% natural and wonderful but I've been reluctant to use it. I don't just know why. Though I am currently using three different organic soaps i got from my travel during the December/January holidays. l love to buy good organic skin products anytime i come across a good one and enough that could last for several months. I blame this psychological effect on my longtime struggle with my imperfect skin.

         My memories of the feel of the 'Lagos adi' on my skin as a kid is vague. This time I will be using it and will share my experience about it with you and more on another post.

I will love to hear from you too.

      Do you use the african black soap? Can you inspire me and others with your experience in the comment box below?



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Makeup Hygiene #2

     This post is a continuation of my previous article, Makeup Hygiene #1. In this writeup, I will be sharing with you info on how to keep your makeup applicators, makeup products, and tools clean.

    Please just follow up.

Eye shadow/ Powder/ Powdered foundation/ Blush/Bronzer
    Spraying these products with alcohol before each use might sanitize them but can also ruin them overtime and shorten their lifespan. Use sterilized spatulas to scoop products from their containers especially the cream-based products and place them on clean sterilized pallets to work with instead of double dipping. Avoid applying this products from their containers with your fingers instead make use of brushes and makeup applicators.


Makeup products with pumps ( foundations, concealers, lip gloss)
     Makeup products with pumps are usually pressed out onto pallets or the hand for application. Make sure the pallets are clean and sterilized. The hands too should be washed properly and cleaned and/or sanitized. That's why , hand sanitizer is a must have in your beauty bag ( not only during Ebola epidemic.. Looks). That was by the way sha...

Sharpener/Eyelash curler/ Reusable strip eyelashes/ Spatula /Spooley/ Tweezers ...
   To clean, dip a cotton wool/pad into alcohol and use it to clean the makeup tools. Let it evaporate to be effective instead of wiping clean with cloth.

Beauty Blender/Sponge
     Makeup-build up in beauty blender gives a less-than perfect makeup application. They also pick up skin oils, cells and bacteria.

How to clean
    1. After each use, rinse makeup sponge with warm water. Squeeze out excess water. Pat dry on clean towel/cloth. Air dry or dry under the sun.

    2. If you use makeup everyday, once a week, wash with a mild shampoo or organic soap. Rinse well with excess water. Squeeze out excess water and dry.
Discard the sponge after a month.

Powder Puff/ Blending Wedges
Use these once or twice and dispose. Buy  them in bulk, it cost less and its affordable.

Brush
   1. In keeping makeup brush clean, the rule of the thumb is to clean makeup brush after each use.

How to clean
    To clean after each use,spray alcohol lightly on a paper towel or preferably damp wipes (I use baby wipes ). Rub the brush bristles along the surface and remove excess makeup.
Note: Do not dip your brush into alcohol because, the brush will dry out and get bad really quick.

  2. Thoroughly clean your brushes once a week if you wear makeup everyday or once in two weeks if you do not.

How to clean
      To thoroughly clean your brushes, use mild shampoo, organic soap or brush cleaner.

      First, wash off excess makeup from your brushes with lukewarm water.

     If you are using a liquid form of the cleaning agent,
1. Apply a small amount of it to your brush and gently lather.
2. Rinse with excess lukewarm water.
3. Gently Squeeze out excess water.
4. Pat dry on clean cloth or towel. Leave it on flat surface to air dry.
   
      Another way is to add a small amount to a bowl of water (about 1tbsp of the liquid cleaning agent  to 1Cup of lukewarm water). Then swirl the brushes in the water, and follow the process above 2-4.

    If you are using a solid form of the cleaning agent, rub the bristles along the bar, after wishing off excess makeup with lukewarm water and gently lather. Finish up  by doing the above process 2-4.

Note: Take care not to let the water get into the handle especially this applies to wooden handle brushes. Moist handles breed bacteria and also shortens the life of the brush.
   Discard brush, if the bristles start to fray or fall out.

Lipstick
    To disinfect lipstick, dip it in alcohol of for about 10 seconds and wipe off gently so as not to break your lipstick or better, allow the alcohol to evaporate. I do use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect, that one used in hospitals.

Eye pencils/ Lip pencils
    Sharpen the pencil before each use to remove the old layer and expose the new inner layer. To avoid contamination, do not wet the tip with saliva or water.

Eye shadow applicators/Eyeliner applicators
Disposables are better, since they get clogged with products easily.

Mascara wand
Having a good number of disposable mascara wand in your beauty bag prevents overuse of one. Dispose after use.

Cotton buds
Dispose after each use. After all , they come in so much quantity.



What this article helpful or not? I will like to know.. Express your views in the comment box below..

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How Do I Know My Skin Type?

To successfully maintain good skin care and beauty routine, you should know your skin type at any time since it is subject to change with growth, diet and weather change.

The basic skin types are

*Oily skin
*Dry skin
*Normal Skin
*Combination skin
*Sensitive/Reactive Skin


To determine your skin type, you can observe the face for features and/or carry out a test.

Oily Skin
An oily skin produces much sebum so has oiliness all over the face even shortly after having a bath. It is quite undesirable since you will have to dab your face many times in a day.
It has large pores and its prone to breakouts, pimples, blackheads and blemishes.
The good thing about this skin type, is that it hardly ages and wrinkles because the oil keeps the skin plump and thicker.


Dry Skin
Dry skin produces less sebum and so it is usually ashy and grey with fine lines and wrinkles , that appear too.
If not properly taken care of, dry skin is rough and forms flakes.
Dry skin ages faster.

Combination Skin
Combination skin is usually oily on the T-Zone, that it the forehead, nose and chin) leaving the other parts dry. It does experience changes with the weather.
It breaks out occasionally.

Normal Skin
Normal skin is not too oily or too dry. It has an even skin texture. It hardly breaks out.

Sensitive/Reactive Skin
This skin is prone to rashes, redness and breakouts with weather change, product change. Sensitive skin can be either dry or oily.


Test to determine skin type
All you need is a oil blotting paper

Directions
Wash you face and pat dry
Leave your face plain without applying anything for about 3-4 hours.
Clean your hand and make sure its dry.
Using the oil blotting paper, dab each area of the face separately ( forehead, nose, cheeks, chin). Also make sure you are not sweating before the dabbing.

You will notice oil absorbed by the any blotting paper that is used on an oily area or none for areas without oil.

The above picture of what my test looked like after about 3-4 hours. It just confirmed how oily the skin on my face is.


Skin Type Testing Machine
In Spas, skin type testing machine is common. Its an automatic faster way to test ones skin type. They are placed on the skin and they have indicators they gives results from auto skin analysis.


Go see a Skin Doctor 
A skin doctor is also in a better position to tell you what your skin type is. A skin doctor a professional in skin care like a dermatologist, esthetician, beautician.


Skin Change
Skin types do change for most people, depending on the air and humidity levels. For example, an oily skin can become dry in winter, harmattan or dry season.
As we age, the sebum production rate also is affected by hormones and body metabolism.

So what's your skin type now? 

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Beauty DIY - How Do You Get Rid of Your Acne?

Acne and pimples are pains in the ass. They keep popping up unexpectedly and make you feel you have no control over them. So annoying.
  Are you spending your small fortune on luxury products to fight acne? You really do not need to. Right in your kitchen are recipes that can clear your acne naturally and they are easy to make and not time consuming.
  I wish i knew about this recipes some years ago. Anyway, better late than never.

The key ingredients in the recipes are Honey, Lemon juice and Egg white.

What are the benefits of these ingredients?

Honey
Honey has antiseptic, antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties. It also has antioxidants that fight off free radicals which causes aging. Honey keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized.

Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is known to be a great astringent that kills acne-causing bacteria. It also acts as skin toner, reduces discolorations from blemishes and acne scars. Its a natural skin lightener.

Egg white
Egg white is great for skin tightening to help reduce large pores, where acne causing bacteria breeds. It also repairs skin tissues and reduce wrinkles.

Here are the recipes:

No.1 Lemon-Honey facial scrub

Ingredients
Lemon (you can choose to chill it a bit).
1tsp honey

Directions
Cut the lemons into half.
Drop the honey on the halt-cut lemon.
Rub the lemon and honey on your face in circular motion avoiding the ey area. You can rub over lips too.
Leave it on for 10 minutes.
Wash off with cool water and pat dry.

*This scrub is top on the list of scrubs effective against acne. Use it often and your acne, pimple and dark spots will disappear.


No.2 Egg White Face Tightening Mask

Ingredients
1 Egg white
1tsp lemon juice
1tsp honey

Directions
Mix the egg white with the lemon juice well.
Add the honey and mix thoroughly.
Apply the mixture on the face from the chin upward to the cheek and forehead avoiding the eye area and mouth. You can protect your hairline too.
Then relax for 15 minutes or more to allow the mixture to dry.
Gently wash off with lukewarm water. All the particles still come off gradually so be gentle to your skin.
Pat dry.

These mask will leave your face smooth and glowy.

How often can you use this?
Once or twice a week.

Note: Cleanse your face first to remove the sweat, dirt and grime before using the scrub and mask.

For me
Once in a week, I do the lemon-honey facial scrub after cleansing my face with coconut oil, unless am trying out something else new. Depending on how I feel, I do the egg-white masking immediately after the scrub or the next night.  I feel good when I see good results. I can wear my skin comfortably nowadays to work from Monday to Friday without makeup. Its like a miracle.. People who know me few years back do commend my new improved look.

Extra
Resist the temptation to touch your face frequently because the palm always picks up a lot of dirt and microbes. So when you touch your face often, you drop them there. God knows they ain't there to do any good.
Additionally, get a good skin care routine (cleansing, toning, moistyurising) and eat healthy.

Read also
#What You Need to do if you want to Stay Beautiful.
#DIY - These hair masks came to my rescue.

If you tried this, I will like to know. Share with us which recipe works for you in the comment box below.

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Glowww With Pride!!!!

   I understand that our lives these days are so busy that there is no time to even sit and eat. Most, eat on-the-go. But there are important things in life too that need our daily attention. Taking care of our body is one. Our skin is our first suit. Any other covering is second.

   Beautiful skin does not happen overnight. It requires time and the know-how on  good skin care. Not to leave out, the discipline required at times to carry them out.

     I am going to list out some basic beauty tips you can follow. Read through. Take note of the points. Be conscious of been beautiful as you go about your daily activities. Then you will find out that imbibing good beauty habits comes easier than you thought.

   Below are the beauty tips:

1. Cleanse

Good thorough cleansing frees the skin of sweet, dirt, excess oil and pollution. Cleansing is not just about soap and water. Get a good clesnser that suits your skin, clean without making your skin red, too tight and itchy. Proper cleansing will enable the absorbtion of other skin products.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating removes the older skin cells, revealing the fresher new ones. Using an appropriate body scrub, exfoliate once a week or more depending on your skin demands.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizing daily is a must. This keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dryness with its troubles, Eg. Aging. Even an oily skin needs moisturizing.

4. Reduce skin exposure to sun

Lessen your exposure to the sun or hot outdoor weather. When you are outdoors, protect yourself by wearing a hat, carry an umbrella along and do not leave the house without applying a sunscreen. Some makeup products do have SPF for skin protection from sun radiation.

5. Do not squeeze/pick/pop pimples

Picking pimples irritates, inflames the skin and triggers more pimples. When squeezing pimples, the skin structure is disturbed, then dirt, dead cells and bacteria gets into the skin pores, causing dark pigmentation and acne scars.

6. Maintain good hygiene

Clean the skin at least twice a day to clean off the dirt, sweat and grime of the day. The towel used in drying the body should be kept clean too. Make sure the bed and pillows have clean covers that is washed regularly. Wash cloths, innerwears very often , if possible, wear them once and then wash. Wash hands frequently.

7. Drink Water

Drink enough water daily. Take about 7-10 litres glasses of water to keep body hydrated and remove toxins easily.

8. Good lifestyle

An active lifestyle as opposed to a sedentary life is important. Exercise regularly at least 20 minutes each day. During exercise, there is increased for active metabolism of nutrients and energy to all parts of the body including the skin. Reduce stress because stress releases inflammatory chemicals that effects the skin.

9. Good diet

Eat healthy food rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and iron, that nourishes the skin. Eg. green vegetables, egg, fish, pawpaw, avocado e.t.c. Good food helps skin rejuvenation, natural hydrationand improvement in skin texture. Avoid junk food, high fat, greasy snack food, all high-sugar foods. They add more toxins into the body.

10. Sleep well

Have adequate sleep to allow the skin to repair and renew itself.

11. Good skin care therapy

It is advised by skin care professionals that skin care and anti-aging therapy should begin early, at least in early 20's. Find suitable scrubs, cleansers, masks and anti aging products for your skin type. Skin care therapy with natural recipes is advantageous because it has little or no side effects and it is more economical when compared to the chemically based ones.

12. Do not go overboard with skin products.

When you apply too many products at a time or too much of one product at once, the skin gets irritated. If you like to try out different skin products, space the application and observe the effect on the skin. Then you will know whether to drop a product or continue to use. Switching beauty products very frequently can cause harm to skin as new ingredients in the products can irritate your skin and cause breakouts.

13. Do not sleep with makeup on.

Sleeping with makeup on can lead to clogged pores and trapped bacteria, dirt and makeup in the pores that forms acne, blackheads and pimples. So make sure you clean off your makeup before hitting the bed.

14. See your doctor

In cases, where mild cases of acne worsen with home treatment and or you suddenly have serious breakouts all over the face, chest, back and arm, go see your doctor or dermatologist. It goes a long way in not only treating you physically but also relieves you emotionally and psychologically.

15. Avoid bad habits

Avoid bad habits like smoking. Smoking pollutes the skin causing acne and dull skin and early aging.

  If you take care not to break this rules, you will save yourself many skin problems and your skin will be beautiful.


Is there something I omitted, please share in the comment box below.

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Beauty DIY- How to Use Coconut Oil on Face

  
  Owing to the great benefits of coconut oil to the health, skin, and hair, many people are getting initiated into the coconut oil beauty world. Coconut oil's versatility, affordability, naturalness, chemically-free nature continues to endear it to us.

   Nevertheless, some are hesitant to use this product. Possibly, because they are sensitive/allergic to it or the results are not encouraging. This happens in the case of  people with oily acne prone skin. They are concerned about using oil on an already oily face. No need to worry.

   Most times it is about how you use it. I will like to share with you how I use it on my oily face and it works.


Procedure

Get a Cotton wool.

Drop a sizeable amount on the cotton wool (like a teaspoon).

Gently clean up your face in a circular motion, starting with the cheeks, forehead down the nose and sides and then the chin.

Repeat the process with another cotton wool and coconut oil until the cotton wool comes off clean and/or you feel you've had a good clean.

Take another cotton wool and wipe off excesses  leaving a thin layer of oil on the face.

Wait for about 10minutes to let the coconut oil to sink into pores to fight off the bacteria and prevent acne from developing.

Then wash off face with natural mild soap or warm water and pat dry. This step is important especially for acne-prone skin because if the coconut oil is left that way on the face, it can clog pores, thereby creating acne and encouraging blackhead formation.

My experience

   My skin is terribly oily and also sensitive. I had acne, pimples and sometimes dry flaky skin around my chin and mouth. Then I discovered coconut oil. At first, i had breakout and felt it was not working. I continued using it though, for other things like for my hair. The more I read about how good coconut oil is for the skin, i felt compelled to start using it for my face again,  tried different methods and then i ended up with this.

   I have been been doing this coconut oil beauty cleansing routine almost every night for more than a year now. It took the place of cleanser and makeup remover. I hardly get breakouts now. There has been great improvement on my oily acne-prone face. Lesser worries!


Are you a coconut oil beauty? How do you use it in your beauty routine?

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#Am a Coconut oil beauty - I'd rather use coconut oil to replace this 15 others!
#Beauty DIY - How to get rid of your acne.

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