Amazing All-Natural Beauty Tips

Recently I've tried my best to stay away from products that contain too many chemicals and honestly it  has been the best thing that I've decided to do.  My skin is clearer, I have fewer breakouts, and I'm saving a lot of money.  So if you want to know the all natural beauty secrets that I swear by keep reading.

1.  Coconut Oil+Banana+Honey Hair Mask

This combination is the ultimate deep conditioner.  It's great for decreasing hair loss and soothing dry itchy scalp.  The honey acts as a humectant and helps retain moisture in the hair.  This hair mask consistently delivers.  Also, if you don't feel comfortable mixing your own conditioner try adding a little coconut oil to your normal conditioner, it makes a difference. 

2.  Tomato+Avocado Face Mask

I use this mask to treat acne (and the scars), brighten my skin, and remove the impurities. I place the ingredients in a blender and then blend until it's as smooth as it can possibly get.  I then was my face with my usual cleanser and warm water (always warm water to open my pores) and I apply the mask.  I leave it on for about 30-45 mins then rinse with cool water. I always finish up by moisturizing with coconut oil. 

3.  Rose Petals+Filtered Water+Witch Hazel+Glycerine Toner

I can not praise this mixture enough because not only does it act as a toner but it is effective as a setting spray as well.  Just boil the rose petals in the filtered water add about 8-10 drops of glycerin and then 8-10 drops of witch hazel.  Let it cool then place in a dark bottle.  This toner fights acne, wrinkles, and soothes irritated skin.  It is a real treat especially during the colder months.

4.  Apple Cider Vinegar+Water Drink

Sounds disgusting I know but if you can stomach the thought I promise it's not that bad. Apple Cider Vinegar has many antibiotic properties.  It can clear a stuffy nose, prevent indigestion, whiten teeth, soothe tummy ailments, and help with soar throats.  It even helps soothes menstrual cramping and did I mention studies have shown that it aids in weight loss.  So add a cap full into your next bottle of water, it can't hurt.

5.  Aloe Vera Water+Olive Oil Makeup Remover

Aloe Vera has been used for years for it's soothing qualities.  Aloe Vera water (found in most drug stores) is made up of 95% water so it's soothing and hydrating.  Adding oil to your face may seem daunting but no worries especially with olive oil because it resembles the skin natural oils production.  It won't clog your pores or cause any breakouts.  Just add about 1/2 a cup of olive oil to your aloe vera water then shake and voila you have a gentle but strong makeup remover.  This is a great remover for those with sensitive skin. 

There you have it folks my favorite all natural beauty tips.  Keep in mind that every single one of these ingredients can be used in a multitude of ways.  That's what makes them so cost efficient.  If I named every way that I use these ingredients I'd have to write a book.  By the way what are some of your favorite all natural beauty tips?

Falling For Fall

We are in the last days of Summer and I am finally accepting that fact.  Summer is my favorite season and I hate to see it go but with the fall season comes....fall fashion and beauty.  I love switching my fashion and beauty routine, now that is one thing that I can appreciate.  So without further ado here are the fall beauty trends that I am dying to try.

1.  Va-Va Volume

Yep, you heard right.  The same hairstyles that I dreaded when I was younger are now trending.  Middle parts, huge curls, and big waves are back in.  The bigger the hair the better (even the ponytails are big).  

2.  Bold Nails

This fall season says goodbye to neutrals and hello to bold.  No matter if it's dark, bright, metallic or glittery just make sure it's eye-catching.  

3.  Cat-Eye Makeup

To be honest some runway makeup looks are much too theatrical and whimisical for everyday wear.  However, this is on look that can be worn without odd looks from onlookers.  

4.  Matte Skin

During the warmer seasons we all want that dewy glow.  Well, kiss that goodbye because matte is now in. Take out the powder ladies velvety smooth isn't just for pin ups anymore.

5.  Textured Lips

This season isn't so much about colors as it is about texture.  From flat matte to extreme gloss it seems that just about any color will do just as long as the textures are extreme.  I personally prefer deeper colors but don't be surprised if you catch me with a pink or a red lip.  

So as much as it pains me to pack away my warm weather items I am truly excited about what the fall season has to bring.  What are some of the things that you're looking forward to this fall season?

Photos courtesy of:  Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Clutch Magazine, Sharada Baker Beauty

Review: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream

I'm generally very skeptical when it comes to trying new products.  I feel as though I've found a routine that works and I really dislike the idea of messing that up.  However, I decided to trust Ageless Derma and try out their Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream.  Let me just say that this stuff is amazing! I love this product and will integrate it into my skincare routine.  Granted I've only been using it for about 7 days but the difference in my skin is that remarkable.  My skin is softer and for some reason when I wake up in the morning those horrible bags are no longer making their daily appearance. I don't recall ever using a product that has blown me away that quickly.

The Ageless Derma skincare line-up came about after Dr. Mostamand and a small group of scientist gathered to find a solution for maintaining a youthful appearance.  After rigorous testing they concocted an ingenious formula that utilizes PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica.  PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica is better known as swiss apple stem cell extract and is the main ingredient in their formula.  Swiss apple stem cell extract, according to many studies, stimulates growth and supplies nutrients to initiate the rejuvenation process in human skin.
  
Being that I'm in my mid-twenties I do not believe that I'd be to best candidate to review a purely anti-wrinkle cream but this product is so much more than just a anti-wrinkle cream.  I can leave my house without make-up and know that I look just fine.  I haven't been able to do that in years everyone tells me how great my skin has been looking as of recent.  A coworker even asked if I was trying new makeup (I did not have any makeup on).  I apply the cream twice a day (morning and night) for maximum effectiveness.  It does retail at $65 for a 1 fl oz. jar but in my opinion it is well worth it.  Kudos to Dr. Mostamand and the wonderful people who put their time and effort into creating such a fantastic product. 


If you're still skeptical stay tuned because I plan to post progress pictures after 30 days of using this product.  


Disclaimer:  All reviews posted on this blog are results of my personal experience and all products have been tested by me.  This was a free product intended for review. 

Gorgeous Summer Skin in 4 Steps

If you can not tell I love warm weather.  Spring and Summer are my absolute favorite seasons.  After months of layering on clothes and braving harsh cold weather we finally get to take in the warmth of the sun.  It's awesome....until our skin begins to realize what season it is.  Now it's time to rev up our summer skin care routine so that we can have flawless beautiful skin as we head to the beach.  So lovelies this is my simple summertime skin care routine.  

1.  Cleanse.

This is a step that gets beat into our minds in every skincare routine but that should tell you that it's important.  So take the time to do it.  I keep a pack of makeup removing wipes by my bed so that I can just reach over and grab one even if I'm exhausted.  You would also need to clean your skin in the mornings when you wake up and for that I like to use a sudsy cleanser, it just feels luxurious.

Personal choices:  Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, $5; Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads, $6; 

2. Exfoliate

Now it's time to shed all of that dead old skin so that a younger more vibrant face can seen by the world, right?  Exfoliating keeps your pores from clogging and it also helps your moisturizer penetrate your skin.  Look it up if you don't believe me. Now, you probably should not do this everyday but every other day should be just fine. 

Personal Choice:  St. Ives Apricot Scrub, $4 (this stuff has been around for a while now)

3.  Moisturize

If you do it during the winter to avoid dry cracked skin why wouldn't you do it during the summer to avoid crusty ashy skin?  Please remember to moisturize on the outside as well as the inside.  Drink plenty of water it's good for your face and your skin.

Personal Choice:  Palmer's Daily Facial Lotion, $8; Water, ?

4.  Sunscreen

This is serious.  People of all skin tones are susceptible to skin cancer.  UVA and UVB rays do not discriminate.  Cancer is a very serious and unfortunate disease.  If that's not enough to make you wear sunscreen (which it seriously should be) then maybe you should wear it to avoid wrinkles and leathery skin.

Personal Choice:  Neutrogena Clear Face Sunblock, $12

There you have it...just four steps to gorgeous skin this summer.  Tested by yours truly all it takes is at most 15 minutes every morning.