DIY Moisturizing Antioxidant Smoothie Mask

Hi Everyone!

Summer is here along with some really hot weather.  I've found that Fage Greek Yogurt has really helped me stay cool.  In order to make this yogurt taste even better, I've been making smoothies at home for Mr. P and myself.

Ingredients: frozen berries, Fage Greek yogurt, water, honey.

I usually make this smoothie after working out.  Lately, I've been making this after work as I wait for Mr. P to come home.  This is also the time I get to use the smoothie as a mask.

Yogurt 

Good for your digestive track.

Natural moisturizer.

Berries 

High in vitamins and antioxidants.

Seeds provide natural and healthy oils.

Seeds can also be used as an exfoliant.

Honey 

Nature's sweet treat.

Antibacterial properties.

Some benefits I've seen are that my skin look brighter and the pores look a little tighter.  My skin has a refreshed, supple feel to it after I rinse off.

What do I do with the rest of the smoothie? 

          *Gulp*
                             *Gulp*
                                                 *Gulp*


                                                                   Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!



Thanks for stopping by, y'all!

Low Cost Cleanser Removes EVERYTHING

Another Tips to Save Money Post!

Today, I'm featuring Johnson's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash that I've found works on removing foundation, eye makeup - even stubborn mascara!  It's gentle on my skin and doesn't strip away moisture from my skin.  It doesn't have anything targeted to treat acne, but that's okay - I simply dissolve 2 tablets of aspirin and use that as an exfoliator that also treats acne.

Click on the picture to link to Johnson's Baby website.

I want to compare this to one of my favorite cleansers, Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, which also is made by Johnson & Johnson.  However, I haven't had the time to really think about the similarities or differences, effects, cost/ounce, etc., etc., etc.  I will say that the baby wash is bigger and costs A LOT less than the Purpose cleanser.

I do want to compare ingredients though.  Below are the ingredients for the baby wash:

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-150 Distearate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Fragrance, Quaternium-15, Citric Acid

And now, below are the ingredients for the Purpose cleanser:

Water , PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate , Sodium Laureth Sulfate , Cocamidopropyl Betaine , PEG-150 Distearate , Sodium Lauroampho PG-Acetate Phosphate , Fragrance , Quaternium-15 , Tetrasodium EDTA

So, to my untrained alchemist mind, these are almost the same thing!  I forgot if I mentioned the ingredients in my Purpose review, but you can read my thoughts on the Purpose cleanser here.

***I also want to credit Mr. P with introducing me to using this baby wash as a makeup remover and facial cleanser***

DIY tinted lip balms

Turning unusable lipsticks into useable lip balms.

As you can see from the side bar, I have a lot of lipsticks.  True, I don't have A LOT in comparison to other beauty gurus on Youtube, but I don't want to keep a collection of lipsticks that are unflattering on my lips and skin tone.  These lipsticks costs me money and I don't want to keep these for another couple years and then toss them out.  That's money wasted, which gets on my nerves.  So, my solution is to turn them into lip balms.

Now, I'm allergic to lip balms.  This only happened in the past 4 years that I've developed a reaction to lip balms.  So I have to use Vaseline or petroleum jelly.

Today's target: Revlon Moisturestay in Perfect Pink # 45.

What I went ahead and did was to remove the lipstick from the tube and melt it in an aluminum foil sheet over a candle.  I added a scoop or 2 of petroleum jelly (the number of scoops depends on how sheer or opaque I'd like my balm to be).  I stirred the melted lipstick and petroleum jelly then poured it into my little container.

Looks very pretty in the bareMinerals sample jar.

It looks pigmented in the picture but it's actually very very sheer.  It provides just a hint of color.  

And there you go:  DIY tinted lip balms made with lipsticks you bought but don't use.

DIY makeup palette

In preparation for my 2 UNII palettes that I purchased on Friday, I've started practicing how to depot my shadows.  I depotted several shadows, some with remarkable success and some without as much success, but I did it all without needing to throw anything away.

This is the Sonia Kashuk palette box that housed my Sonia Kashuk travel brushes.

I took out the dividers that hold the brushes and glued in the depotted products with a hot glue gun.  This palette is perfect for me right now because it holds everything that I'd need for a full face.  ^_^  

I really hope I don't ruin any of my Tarte shadows when my UNII palettes come!

Natural Vitamin C Brightening Mask

My home-made orange peel powder.

Mmmm!  Chobani Greek Yogurt is so tasty!

For the mask, this yogurt could be too thick.

A little too thick, but effective all the same!

I normally like to do all my masks at night so that I can sleep with the serum(s) on throughout the night; however, I think this mask is great for the mornings.  Not only do you get the benefits of low-cost, all-natural brightening mask, but you get some time to eat your morning yogurt as well.  ^_^

Benefits of this mask:

Brightened skin

Moisturized skin

Softened skin

Luminescent skin
Refreshed skin
Cooled skin

For my mask, I used only the yogurt part of Chobani's Greek Yogurt, which is really thick.  I have also used Yoplait's strawberry yogurt with similar results.  

--
Kusanagi

Smile On!

Leave a message to contact me.

All-natural calming toner

 

Just as I have received a new SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, I discovered a new way of using my lavender essential oil with what is left of my TN Dickinson's witch hazel.  The irony of trying to use up the inexpensive products so you can use the expensive product, only to find that you want the inexpensive product.  LOL.

1 tsp witch hazel

3 drops lavender essential oil

This makes for an all-natural toner that soothes and calms you to face the day or unwind from the day.  The lavender oil is surprisingly not greasy and has a cooling sensation on the skin as the toner gets absorbed.  This natural toner is more hydrating that witch hazel alone, is easily absorbed into the skin, and prepares the skin for serums and moisturizers that come after the toning step.  Personally, the scent of lavender essential oils always reminds of the spa and getting facials, so this is a plus for me!

The witch hazel at Wal-Mart costs around $5.00.  The lavender essential oil at Whole Foods costs between $7 and $11.  This will last a lot longer than a bottle of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence because there is so much witch hazel and essential oil.

Note:  This toner is not limited to lavender oil.  I have mixed and matched with tea tree oil and rose oil for some interesting toners.  Adding tea tree oil will tingle the face as its antibacterial properties annihilate acne-causing germs!  *insert evil laughter here*  Adding rose oil will moisturize the skin and calm it without the tingle that lavender oil causes and makes my skin feel so soft.  This could be my alternative to pricier toners and essences!  ^_^

2nd note:  Before using any essential oils, be sure to read what they can and can't be used for.  Also, be sure to read when they can and can't be used, i.e. pregnant or not.

Product Review: Olay Age Defying Daily Renewal Cleanser

Olay Age Defying Daily Renewal Cleanser is one of those diamond in the rough products that don't get enough love.  A lot of companies will market their cleansers as THE magical cleaning elixir but I don't agree that it's one way or the high way.  I believe you can find great cleansers for a fraction of the cost.

My bottle of cleanser is 6.78 fl oz and I got it for less than $4.00 USD.  It has beta hydroxy complex with gentle microbeads to reveal fresher, radiant skin.  It claims the following:

- Cleanses by gently lifting away dirt, oil and make-up
- Renews and reveals by gently lifting away dull, dry skin to start reducing the signs of aging. Leaves skin noticeably soft and smooth the minute you cleanse.

My first thoughts upon using this product were 1) this doesn't lather at all!, 2) smells nice, like the old-school Oil of Olay lotions (from the 1980s) that didn't contain SPF, and 3) the microbeads are doing their job nicely!

Let's work this review by claims.

Cleansing
Yes, in my experience, this product is just as good a cleanser as any Shiseido, Purpose or Neutrogena cleanser.  It doesn't foam or lather because it's a cream cleanser designed to not strip the skin of its natural oils.  I use one pump of this product at the beginning of my shower to remove makeup, dirt, oil, and other impurities.  I use a second pump at the end to make sure that I've removed any residues.  I've done the toner-on-a-cotton-pad test and have been satisfied that my face is clean.  My favorite way to use this product is as a massage cream that happens to cleanse and exfoliate.

Renews and Reveals
I'm sure this part is talking about the microbeads.  The microbeads in this product reminds me of the micro particles in the St. Ives Timeless Skin Daily Microderm Abrasion, except not as densely packed.  The microbeads in the Olay product provide a good enough daily exfoliation to boost the efficacy of a once-a-week deeper exfoliation.  I'm not so sure if this can take the credit for reducing the signs of aging because I have other products in my regimen that also target anti-aging.  Therefore, take the anti-aging part with a grain of salt.  The combination of the exfoliating beads and the cream cleanser work to leave my skin feeling smooth and soft by the end of my shower.

Bonus
This product has 16 ingredients and salicylic acid is the 6th ingredient.  I'm pretty confident that this is just a bonus for skin savvy people and that the product is not intended to be marketed as an acne control facial cleanser.  However, the salicylic acid can't hurt, right?

When I first started using this product I really was disappointed with the lathering aspect.  However, after using it for a couple more weeks, I've changed my mind about its performance.  It is just as good a cleanser as any of the Shiseido, Purpose, and Neutrogena cleansers I've used.

So, now, the loyalty test.  Would I repurchase this?  Yes, definitely!

--

Kus

"Smile on!"

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

I think Vaseline makes some of the best stuff ever.  It's lasted for generations and will probably last for many more generations to come.

As the winter and dry air sets in, I find myself returning to this staple in my beauty and skincare regimen as a body moisturizer.  It is so versatile and works in so many different ways: moisturizer, treatment, lip conditioner, DIY projects, and even insect repellent.  I believe that this petroleum jelly is noncomedogenic because it's refined to cosmetic grade.  The trick to using Vaseline as a moisturizer without feeling like you dipped your body in oil is to use it sparingly.  Like makeup, it's easier to build up rather than slather on too much and try to take it off.  It absorbs easily and provides a protective barrier between my skin and dry winter air.

And this is so inexpensive, too!  I believe this cost me around $5 or $6 for this 13 ounce jar.  Anyways, there's not much more I can say about Vaseline that hasn't been said before.  This is a product that deserves more love than it gets.  

***For use as insect repellent: swipe Vaseline along the crack where the insects are coming in.***

Haha!

Some oils are good!

Yes, some oils are good for you.  I got interested in natural and essential oils when I had a really bad acne breakout last year.  So, I just wanted to share my experiences and thoughts about natural and essential oils.

Some oils are better than others because they won't clog pores.  Jojoba oil is one such oil.  According to several articles I have read, jojoba oil is most like our natural sebum.  It also has antimicrobial properties, so it protects skin from bacterial and fungi that attack the skin.  I can't explain it very well, so I'll but the links to several articles at the end of the post.  Grapeseed oil is another such oil with great antioxidant properties.  It is also one of the oils that won't clog pores.  

In addition to the benefits of the base oil, you can mix in essential oils.  Essential oils are highly concentrated essences of the plant from which they came.  Because they are so concentrated, you only need a few drops to mix in with your base oil.  I bought the lavender and tea tree oil for their benefits.  Lavender has antimicrobial and soothing properties, the latter being the reason for its widespread use in aromatherapy.  Tea tree oil, as everyone and their dogs know, has antibacterial properties, which is why it is so commonly used in products related to acne.  I bought the bottle of rose oil on a whim because I really like the smell of it.  It makes me happy.

*Side note: Essential oils can blister through plastic.*  

The reason why I listed these under money saving tips is that natural and essential oils can do a lot.  I have used both jojoba and grapeseed oil (with essential oils) as moisturizer for face and body, makeup remover, cleanser (followed the OCM for a few weeks), acne treatment, aromatherapy, and massage.  Other possible uses for natural oils include hair and scalp treatment, in shaving, healing open wounds such as sores and blisters, etc.

For the uses I got out of natural oils, I could have eliminated several products out of my routine and be content with putting at most 3 ingredients on my skin every day.  The 4 ounce bottles of natural base oils cost me between $7 and $13 USD.  The essential oils cost between $11 and $17 USD per bottle, which can be pretty costly.  However, seeing as how essential oils are meant to be diluted into a base oil and are measured out by drops per ounce, essential oils can last a very long time.  

*Side note: Essential oils shouldn't be kept for years because they can turn rancid; there are no added preservatives.*

Aura Cacia is the brand, at Wholefoods, that seems pretty user friendly.  Their packaging is calming, nothing too weird, fanatical, or "out there."  Wholefoods carries other brands also.  

I have mentioned OCM.  OCM stands for Oil Cleansing Method, which you can read about here on the official OCM website.  A site dedicated to acne also mentions the OCM, which can be found here.  Whether or not you believe that you can use oil to fight oil is up to you.  I personally do like the OCM but only because I love my mixture of oil and I use it as a massage and mini-spa.  In small 3 ounce bottles, oils are the perfect travel-friendly skincare product.  Haha!

Links to the benefits of jojoba oil:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jojoba_oil

http://www.acne.org/jojoba-oil.php

http://www.vitaminstuff.com/supplements-jojoba.html

Links to the benefits of grapeseed oil:

http://www.vivawoman.net/2009/02/17/grapeseed-oil-for-better-skin-collagen/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape_seed_oil

http://www.natural-homeremedies.org/blog/benefits-of-grape-seed-oil/

The Aura Cacia website and info on essential oils:

http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/ar_directory.html

Beauty Secrets from Around the World

I came across this article yesterday and am very interested in some of the techniques different cultures use to pamper and care for their skins.

The full article is here:
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/12-beauty-secrets-from-around-the-world-2393238/

Some of the secrets are of particular interest to me and I would be willing to invest some money into it. 

From Japan:
Rice Body Rub: "In the old days, rice bran was a substitute for soap," says K.C. Kang... "You'd bring your little cotton pouch to the local bath house and fill it up with the bran. Then you'd soak and scrub your whole body, including the face. People still do this." Beyond sloughing off the dead skin layer, rice bran oil is known for its potent vitamin E and other antioxidants that brighten the skin. To see for yourself, fill a pouch with rice bran, and rub your body. If you're bathing, leave the bag in the tub and let the nutrients seep into the water.

I found some rice bran being sold online:
Here: http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Rice-Fiber-Ounce/dp/B0017WFMZI
Here: http://www.nutsonline.com/cookingbaking/grains/rice/bran-gluten-free.html?utm_source=googlebase
Here: http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-Rice-Bran-20-oz-567-g/11047

From Eastern Europe:
Milky Skin Wash: "Eastern European women are extremely vain." That's the verdict from Bella Schneider, who lived in Ukraine, Poland, Italy, and Israel while working in salons with Hungarian and Bulgarian clients.... "These women have always taken every effort to look wonderful, even in Communist times when so little was available and they had to rely on home remedies." A tried-and-true remedy is milk. "We know about Cleopatra taking milk baths," Schneider says. "The reason is the lactic acid, which now, we chemically alter for peels. But you can just use a little milk to rinse your cleanser off and it's great for the skin." If your complexion is dry, she advises, use whole milk; if oily, go for low fat.

Egg White Oily Skin Lift:  A little egg on the face apparently makes an amazing mask for oily skin: Beat a few whites until they're not tacky, stir in a bit of baking soda, and add some shredded lemon and grapefruit peel. Brush on the mixture and let it harden. According to Schneider, you'll feel a undeniably youthful, fresh lift.

Michelle Phan did a tutorial on egg white and egg yolk masks, but I think this Eastern European take could be equally as soothing.  I haven't tried it yet, what with the salmonella scare we're having in the Mid-West.

From Pakistan:
Crushed Orange Watermelon Mask: Another skin secret from her homeland: Take a dried-out orange peel and crush it into a fine powder. Add a little lemon juice, water, or in the summer, mashed watermelon, and apply the mixture on your face for 20 minutes before going out for the evening. "The mask has antioxidants, and—especially if you use lemon—oh boy, forget it!" says Kahn. "It smells good, your makeup goes on easily, and your skin looks so nice and bright."

This, I know, can help lighten your complexion.  If this works better than the Envie de Neuf mask, I'll go ahead and do this every week!  It is time to go buy oranges!!!

Globally:
The soak. ...[S]oaking is a universal beauty secret we often pass up in favor of the rush-hour shower. "In Japan, we worship water," K.C. Kang says. "Toji is the word for bathing, and it's been a traditional therapy ever since the Samurais started fighting." Aside from the minerals and healing qualities of certain waters, an obvious benefit is relaxation—and we know a zen mind can translate to beaming skin. To that end, Kang suggests taking a half hour, drawing a nice, warm tub, and throwing in a touch of sake. "It's fantastic for the skin," she says, laughing. "Just don't drink your bath!"

I hate the standard American bath tubs.  They have a 2nd drain 6-8 inches from the bottom on the tub on the wall.  This means that no matter how much you try, you can't ever get a really good soak because the water is so shallow.  *grrr!* 

But anyways, I really want to give these methods a try, and I think I'll be able to after this weekend.

^_^

New discovery on the uses of Aspirin!

Let's discuss the use of uncoated aspirin!

1.  Pain relief from headaches and menstrual cramps (but must be careful not to take it too frequently as aspirin damages stomach lining)

2.  Aspirin mask as taught by Jen from Frmheadtotoe and Michelle Phan (good for pimples)

3.  The NEWEST discovery is that this serves as a scrub in your face wash!  I've reverted back to Johnson&Johnson's Purpose cleanser because I really love that it is very gentle in terms of chemicals and it seems to remove all my makeup (even mascara!).  So last night, I dissolved one aspirin tablet in my palm with a few drops of warm water, added one pump of the Purpose cleanser, and washed my face.

4.  Spot treatment for pimples

It felt so good and clean!  Exfoliation plus pimple control all in one, and cheaper than Neutrogena's grapefruit scented acne scrubs and cleansers.  Multi-purpose too!  Okay, that's it for the ramble!

Economically sound oil blotting paper

In one of my previous posts I mentioned than e.l.f. Shine Erasers (oil blotting sheets) were economically sound, being $0.02 per sheet, or $1.00 for a packet of 50 sheets.