All posts tagged oil

How to Achieve a Shine Free Complexion

by Carrie Dagenhard on September 4, 2012 in Beauty

Genetics, hormones, weather patterns – there are lots of factors that contribute to an oily complexion and, unfortunately, they are mostly out of our control. You may attempt to cover your oily skin with thick powders and matte makeup, but usually find that these products only succeed in clogging your pores and lead to frustrating break outs. If you are constantly battling oily skin, you’re certainly not alone. However, you can’t solve this problem by attempting to cover it up. Instead, you need to get to the root of the issue.

Don’t Over-Wash. Even if your skin feels slightly greasy to the touch, resist the urge to wash it more than twice a day. Washing your face too much will deprive your skin of the oil it needs and, instead of reaching a healthy balance, will force your glands to over-produce. Before you know it, you will have made your already oily complexion much worse.

Hands Off. Resting your chin on your hands during long hours at work or in class and touching your face every time you step in front of a mirror will only contribute to face oil. Besides the fact that our hands are perpetually covered in grime and bacteria, the oil from your finger tips can easily transfer to your face.

Use the Right Products. There are tons of facial cleansers that claim to “cut the grease” – but may include ingredients that dry out skin too much and cause redness and irritation. Instead, use a gentle cleanser, a toner and an oil-free moisturizer twice daily. When choosing cosmetics, select only oil-free products and consider switching to an oil-control primer formula that can help you create a more even skin tone – such as bareMinerals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer ($23 bareescentuals.com).

While we may not be able to stop the ill effects of Mother Nature on our complexion, we can at least work to restore our skin to a beautiful, natural balance.

Joe Fashion – Guide to Shaving

by Joe Fashion on July 5, 2012 in Health & Beauty, Mens

There’s nothing quite like getting that baby faced softness that you get when shaving with a razor.

The downside?

-Razor burn

-Bumps

-Ingrown hairs

-Cuts, nicks, and bleeding

Or at least that had been my experience up until a year ago where I had given up the use of a razor, and thought the most I could do was to “trim” my facial hair.

The guide I am about to provide you is culmination of my (unfortunate) experiences in the grooming exercise of shaving, and a breakdown of what it is you will need (to do, and buy) to get that ultra close shave you’ve always wanted.

What you need to buy:

1) RAZOR - The first and most important thing you need is a good razor. Cheap razor, cheap results. Here’s a few I recommend:

Joe’ s Pick

Gillette Fusion Power

I personally use this razor, and while the price point for it is a little high, the results are incredible. With 5 blades, the razor does all the work and I don’t have to push down as hard and irritate my already sensitive skin.

Runner Up

Schick QUATTRO

2) SHAVING CREAM/LOTION - Anything you can buy from Wal-Mart, Walgreens, etc, isn’t going to do you any favors. For the ultimate close shave (without killing your skin) I recommend using a brush and pre-shave oil. The brush will stimulate the hair follicles, and the oil will give you an extra layer of protection. Here’s my recommendations:

Joe’s Pick

The Art of Shaving Kit

Priced at nearly $100 this kit gives you everything you need. A brush, pre-shave oil, shave lotion, and after shave. I guarantee this will be the most incredible shaving experience you’ve had, and well worth your money.

Runner Up

Kiehl’s ULTIMATE BRUSHLESS SHAVE CREAM

If you’re not ready to make the jump to a full on barber shop in your bathroom, then this is the next best thing. For the man that doesn’t have time to do all the pre-shave preparations, Kiehl’s shave cream is spiked with Menthol and Camphor to give your face a nice numbed tingly feeling as you shave. At $19 a jar, it is a small investment in your skins happiness.

What you need to do (PRE-SHAVE INSTRUCTIONS):

Here’s a list of tips to help you avoid razor burn.bump/nick hell, and some tips to have your shaving experience be as pleasant as possible.

1) WASH YOUR FACE - Washing your face before you shave helps eliminate all the dead skin on your face, and is the first step in making sure you get as close a shave as possible.

2) STEAM - Two options here: Option 1 – Shave in the shower. Investing in a fogless mirror for your shower will help you shave when your pores are open, and your skin is in the best condition to meet your razor. Option 2 – Use a hot towel. Take a small hand towel, soak it in hot/warm water and set on your face for 2 minutes. While not as effective as the first method, it’s still a step in the right direction.

3) SHAVE LESS OFTEN - Even with all these tips, you may still be sensitive to the razor. I would recommend begining a shaving regimen of every other day, or even every 2 days (depending on how fast you regenerate facial hair).

With the tips and products I’ve recommended, I assure you that shaving with a razor can be pleasant and liberating experience in your near future.

DIY Sugar Scrub

by admin on May 25, 2011 in Beauty, DYI Fashion, Health & Beauty

So I see a lot of people on beauty forums looking for DIY beauty services and this sugar scrub is my favorite. I have been making it for a few years now and have given up on store-bought scrubs because this is low cost, non-irritating and most importantly it works. Here’s my own recipe:

I start with a small plastic food container. I use plastic in case the vessel were to slip off of the bench or sill, it would not shatter in my shower.

I use ‘baking’ sugar because it is a very fine grind and will not microscopically scratch your skin the way raw sugar can. I add about 1/3 cup of sugar then drizzle about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil on top. I don’t actually measure any of the ingredients, I add them on a visual ‘that looks good’ basis – I don’t want to waste time or water washing measuring cups and spoons.

When I mix them together the consistency is delicately dry, not wet – just enough oil to allow the sugar to form ‘crumbles’ . I keep the consistency dry because my wet skin will provide the additional viscosity needed to make the product work. Note: If you add too much liquid to the bowl you could start to dissolve the sugar.

That’s it! I make this scrub on a as needed basis in small batches and use it all at once. I tried to save the first batch but the water that had dripped into the bowl from my wet fingers caused the scrub crystallize, start to solidify and become unusable.

I’m into all natural right now so I like the fact that this is only 2 actual ingredients – pure cane sugar & olive oil – not 47 synthetics / preservatives / stabilizers. Plus it’s cheap! I paid $10 for both products at Safeway and can make 50 scrubs @ $0.20 a scrub v/s the $10 a jar cost from bath shops.

My Dos & Don’ts:

Do use Olive Oil. It penetrates deep into the skin, is pleasant smelling and is thicker than other oils like peanut or sunflower.

Don’t apply coarse salt or raw sugar to your face. Also know by it’s brand name Sugar in the Raw, it is very rough and will scratch your delicate facial skin which could lead to bacteria collecting in those scratches and even premature aging.

Do customize your body scrub by adding a few drops of a ‘skin safe’ essential oil to the mix. If your EVOO has a heavily olive scent it could alter the scent of your essential oil, which can be purchased at health food stores and Whole Foods.

Don’t slip! Warn future shower’ers that the floor might be a bit slippery.

Do let me know if this worked for you!

xoxo

Nancy-Lee

Brush Care 101

by admin on May 12, 2011 in Beauty, Health & Beauty

A core brush wardrobe is like your core clothing wardrobe; There are must-have’s for every closet and we build on from there. You do not have to spend a fortune on brushes, with a few key tools you can apply your cosmetics like the pros.

If you’re looking to start or simply rebuild your core brush wardrobe, here are the pieces you will get the most use out of: All over Shadow, Precision crease / short shader, Large powder brush, Blush brush and Eyebrow.

I would build upon that wardrobe with Face Concealer, Buffing, All Over Blending and Lash.

Finally I would accessorize with Bronzing, Precision crease / short shader, Precision eyeliner, Lip & Foundation.

Whether you are a brand loyalist with duplicates or your makeup brush collection consists mostly of those that came with a product, cleanliness is a necessity.

How often should you wash your brushes? Weekly. It should not take more than 10 minutes total to prep and clean all of your brushes.

Each time you use a makeup brush, it picks up both makeup and any natural oils on your face, as well as any other products that you’re wearing. Plus there’s dust in the air that lands on your resting brushes. No one wants bacteria to become a house guest but that is just what happens in dirty brushes. This buildup of dirt, oil, dust and bacteria must be removed on a regular basis so here’s how to do it.

Have ready: brushes, brush cleanser, paper towel and a pencil.

Fold the paper towel in half, so that it is layered. This should prevent any bleed through from bristle transfer on to your counter and the extra cotton aids in moisture absorption. I use a pencil to rest the necks of my brushes on – this creates air circulation for even and quick drying times.

I recommend that you use a cleanser specifically for makeup brushes, they’re gentle, effective, quick and easy. You can use diluted baby shampoo however I would avoid using conditioner.

Put a small amount of cleanser in your hand, with a little water, and swirl the brush around gently. Repeat this step until no large amounts of make up are coming out into the water. Rinse with warm water.

After you follow the above step for each brush, squeeze excess water and lie on layered paper towel. Some of your brushes might bleed. Some of my favourite brushes with black bristles bleed a bluish-green runoff every time I wash them.

Re-fluff the brushes as much as possible while wet, try to elevate them. Not up and down, just with the brush head slightly lifted from the counter for air circulation. This is where the pencil comes in handy. Why a pencil? Because it is beveled and will not roll off of the counter.

When completely dry, re-fluff and your brushes are ready to use. This is the gentlest way to clean them and should give your brushes a long life.

Don’t forget your other tools. Soak your Clarisonic head for 2 minutes in 70% Alcohol to kill bacteria.

Remember:

Never set a wet brush upright on its handle!

Do not use heat on your brushes! Let them dry at their own pace.

If you are in a hurry, makeup remover wipes can be used as a quick way to clean brushes, but the wipes will not work as well as a good washing.

If it’s possible, brushes love to be hung up so bristles point to the floor.

If you don’t know what sort of brush you have, poke the brush into a small drop of water. Nylon brushes do not absorb very well, which is why they’re preferred for liquid makeup. A sable brush will pick the water right up.

Have any questions about your brushes?

Ping me -I would love to add your questions to the FAQ next week!

Nancy-Lee

xoxo