Sagging Skin, Facial Lines, Undereye Bags and Hemorrhoid Cream
A quick, temporary fix for a big night out if you have forehead frown lines, loose upper arm skin, etc., areas you want to tighten up, apply Preparation H hemorrhoid cream which makes skin look taut and smooth, including areas with cellulite. Supermodels use this quick fix for all kinds of areas they want to depuff or tighten up. The one everyone’s heard of is applying it to undereye bags to eliminate puffiness. This is not a recent vogue technique, it's been around for decades. See other articles here under the catagory 'Preparation H Hemorrhoid Cream'. And for those wanting to know if Preparation H will reduce their belly fat or flatten their stomach... sorry, it won't do that much! The ingredient in hemorrhoid cream draws excess fluid out and tightens up top layers of skin but it won't affect the fat under your skin. Your only options for reducing your belly is diet and exercise-or liposuction which is expensive, painful and invasive.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Wrinkles, Aging, Acne a Result of Stress?
Stress and Skin Problems, Acne and Aging
Skin is your body’s largest organ and it has immune system functions to protect your health just like other organs. Stress alerts the hypothalamus which sends a message to the pituitary gland and on to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands react within minutes to the stress by producing cortisol stress hormone. This production of cortisol in your system causes inflammation in organs which in turn produces ‘oxidants’ that damage cells. Short term, this inflammation can ward off disease but if the inflammation becomes chronic it can harm the body in many ways with a large variety of illnesses. This is also true for the skin as well. If a pore is inflamed due to production of cortisol, it is thick with swelling and more likely to become clogged and result in a blemish. And when the collagen in your skin becomes inflamed, its structure breaks down and causes wrinkles and sagging. The more stress you’re exposed to and the longer, the more skin problems may worsen such as premature aging, wrinkles and acne. Even the facial expression responses to stress (frowning, pursing lips, etc) can really speed up the wrinkling process. Acne in teens is shown to flare up and become 23% worse around exam time when stress is greater. When you combine the fact that teens normally produce more sebum oil in their skin at their age, with inflammation from cortisol, you’re sure to have zits. And the teen years can be filled with stressful life changes. Most often when anyone is under stress, the first thing they do is throw healthy habits out the window-they skip exercising, eat junk food or smoke, omit skin care routines, etc. To reduce the effects of stress on your skin (and the rest of your organs), prepare for stress and give yourself breaks so you can handle the situations better. Don’t cut out exercising during stressful times, in fact that’s when it’s most beneficial. In as little as 15 minutes of brisk walking a day, your endorphin levels will be raised which boost mood uplifting chemicals in your brain. Things that improve endorphin levels and also relax your body/mind are yoga, meditation or massage. And absolutely don’t forget to give yourself plenty of sleep since that’s a time of healing and sleep is a natural anti-inflammatory which brings down cortisol levels. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C and E and zinc can also help ward off the cell damage caused by chronic inflammation. The best form of getting these vitamins are always from your natural food sources of course, but there are plenty of supplements on the store shelves along with lots of skin products containing antioxidants and vitamins for external use as well. Green tea is well known for its internal and external benefits of being a strong antioxidant so make use of these natural healers internally and externally as well.
Skin Creams and Vitamins
Vitamins A, C and E often are antioxidant ingredients added in expensive skin care products to rejuvenate and repair skin cells. You can add these skin healthy vitamins to your less expensive creams by puncturing the vitamin gel capsule with a straight pin and mix a few drops into your dollop of cream, or apply a thin film directly to skin before massaging in your cream. Keep in mind that the vitamin strength and integrity will diminish quickly once it is exposed to air so only use one small capsule at a time. Use the straight pin to plug the hole in the capsule if you need to use it over a few days. The best time to use creams with vitamins or rejuvenating nutrients is before bed since sleep helps your skin to repair itself.
When looking for a base cream or lotion, hyaluronic acid and peptides based creams help plump up skin with moisture which makes wrinkles look less noticeable. Glycerin can absorb moisture from the air making your skin look more dewy and moist. For oily skin, serums can hydrate skin without clogging pores or making skin look oilier. Serums are also good to use for damaged and aging skin as well. They are lightweight, don’t look greasy and they tend to have more potent levels of skin repairing nutrients that absorb quicker which can make them more effective rather than heavy creams that tend to lie on top of your skin.
Skin is your body’s largest organ and it has immune system functions to protect your health just like other organs. Stress alerts the hypothalamus which sends a message to the pituitary gland and on to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands react within minutes to the stress by producing cortisol stress hormone. This production of cortisol in your system causes inflammation in organs which in turn produces ‘oxidants’ that damage cells. Short term, this inflammation can ward off disease but if the inflammation becomes chronic it can harm the body in many ways with a large variety of illnesses. This is also true for the skin as well. If a pore is inflamed due to production of cortisol, it is thick with swelling and more likely to become clogged and result in a blemish. And when the collagen in your skin becomes inflamed, its structure breaks down and causes wrinkles and sagging. The more stress you’re exposed to and the longer, the more skin problems may worsen such as premature aging, wrinkles and acne. Even the facial expression responses to stress (frowning, pursing lips, etc) can really speed up the wrinkling process. Acne in teens is shown to flare up and become 23% worse around exam time when stress is greater. When you combine the fact that teens normally produce more sebum oil in their skin at their age, with inflammation from cortisol, you’re sure to have zits. And the teen years can be filled with stressful life changes. Most often when anyone is under stress, the first thing they do is throw healthy habits out the window-they skip exercising, eat junk food or smoke, omit skin care routines, etc. To reduce the effects of stress on your skin (and the rest of your organs), prepare for stress and give yourself breaks so you can handle the situations better. Don’t cut out exercising during stressful times, in fact that’s when it’s most beneficial. In as little as 15 minutes of brisk walking a day, your endorphin levels will be raised which boost mood uplifting chemicals in your brain. Things that improve endorphin levels and also relax your body/mind are yoga, meditation or massage. And absolutely don’t forget to give yourself plenty of sleep since that’s a time of healing and sleep is a natural anti-inflammatory which brings down cortisol levels. Antioxidant vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C and E and zinc can also help ward off the cell damage caused by chronic inflammation. The best form of getting these vitamins are always from your natural food sources of course, but there are plenty of supplements on the store shelves along with lots of skin products containing antioxidants and vitamins for external use as well. Green tea is well known for its internal and external benefits of being a strong antioxidant so make use of these natural healers internally and externally as well.
Skin Creams and Vitamins
Vitamins A, C and E often are antioxidant ingredients added in expensive skin care products to rejuvenate and repair skin cells. You can add these skin healthy vitamins to your less expensive creams by puncturing the vitamin gel capsule with a straight pin and mix a few drops into your dollop of cream, or apply a thin film directly to skin before massaging in your cream. Keep in mind that the vitamin strength and integrity will diminish quickly once it is exposed to air so only use one small capsule at a time. Use the straight pin to plug the hole in the capsule if you need to use it over a few days. The best time to use creams with vitamins or rejuvenating nutrients is before bed since sleep helps your skin to repair itself.
When looking for a base cream or lotion, hyaluronic acid and peptides based creams help plump up skin with moisture which makes wrinkles look less noticeable. Glycerin can absorb moisture from the air making your skin look more dewy and moist. For oily skin, serums can hydrate skin without clogging pores or making skin look oilier. Serums are also good to use for damaged and aging skin as well. They are lightweight, don’t look greasy and they tend to have more potent levels of skin repairing nutrients that absorb quicker which can make them more effective rather than heavy creams that tend to lie on top of your skin.
Pumpkin Facial
Fight Off Aging Skin with Vitamins from Pumpkin
Pumpkin is very rich in vitamins A, C, antioxidants and zinc, which are all great for your skin to nourish it and fight off signs of aging. Microwave some pumpkin pulp until it softens and let cool. Keep in the frig for up to a few days to keep fresh. To use, you can blend it with some yogurt or raw egg or just use the pumpkin on its own, apply to clean face and neck and leave on 30 minutes while you relax then rinse. If your mask is too thin and runny, add rice flour or ground oatmeal to thicken it, or if it’s too thick, add a little water or other nutrient rich liquid such as aloe vera gel, milk, pineapple juice, etc.
For thousands of additional tips and recipes: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Pumpkin is very rich in vitamins A, C, antioxidants and zinc, which are all great for your skin to nourish it and fight off signs of aging. Microwave some pumpkin pulp until it softens and let cool. Keep in the frig for up to a few days to keep fresh. To use, you can blend it with some yogurt or raw egg or just use the pumpkin on its own, apply to clean face and neck and leave on 30 minutes while you relax then rinse. If your mask is too thin and runny, add rice flour or ground oatmeal to thicken it, or if it’s too thick, add a little water or other nutrient rich liquid such as aloe vera gel, milk, pineapple juice, etc.
For thousands of additional tips and recipes: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Green Tea Spa
Green Tea Oil:
Green tea is well known for its healing, anti-aging and rejuvenating properties both when drunk as a tea and applied to skin. First prepare some infused green tea oil in advance. Take a small, clean, dry, sterile glass jar. Fill with green tea leaves then fill the jar with a good quality carrier oil such as Jojoba oil (a good oil for healing skin and is a liquid wax which keeps a lot better than most oils without going rancid) or avocado oil (with it’s smaller molecules that penetrate skin better). Cover the jar and set aside in a warm place to infuse for 4 to 6 weeks. When infusing is complete, strain the oil into a clean, sterile, dry glass bottle, ready for use.
For your night time Green Tea Spa:
Make a pot of green tea using green tea leaves or green tea bags (1 teaspoon of green tea leaves or 1 green tea bag for every cup of hot water). Sip a cup of green tea while waiting for some of the tea to cool. Mix equal parts green tea with almond flour to use as a green tea scrub and massage into cleansed skin. Mix 1 cup rice flour with enough green tea to make a paste and apply to face avoiding eye area for a green tea mask. Leave on 20 minutes before rinsing. Mix 1 teaspoon of green tea with 1 teaspoon of milk, saturate a cotton pad and wipe face as a green tea toner. Finish up by applying your green tea oil moisturizer before hitting the sack.
Green tea is well known for its healing, anti-aging and rejuvenating properties both when drunk as a tea and applied to skin. First prepare some infused green tea oil in advance. Take a small, clean, dry, sterile glass jar. Fill with green tea leaves then fill the jar with a good quality carrier oil such as Jojoba oil (a good oil for healing skin and is a liquid wax which keeps a lot better than most oils without going rancid) or avocado oil (with it’s smaller molecules that penetrate skin better). Cover the jar and set aside in a warm place to infuse for 4 to 6 weeks. When infusing is complete, strain the oil into a clean, sterile, dry glass bottle, ready for use.
For your night time Green Tea Spa:
Make a pot of green tea using green tea leaves or green tea bags (1 teaspoon of green tea leaves or 1 green tea bag for every cup of hot water). Sip a cup of green tea while waiting for some of the tea to cool. Mix equal parts green tea with almond flour to use as a green tea scrub and massage into cleansed skin. Mix 1 cup rice flour with enough green tea to make a paste and apply to face avoiding eye area for a green tea mask. Leave on 20 minutes before rinsing. Mix 1 teaspoon of green tea with 1 teaspoon of milk, saturate a cotton pad and wipe face as a green tea toner. Finish up by applying your green tea oil moisturizer before hitting the sack.
Nourish Your Skin
Softer, Glowing Skin
Mix honey, glycerin and lemon juice in equal quantities and store in a jar. Apply mixture on the face and neck. Massage well and leave it on 20 minutes before rinsing.
Replenish, Brighten and Clean
To equal parts flour and yogurt, add a dash of lemon juice. Mix well until it becomes a paste. Apply to face avoiding eyes. Leave on until mask hardens, then rinse with warm water.
Avocado Peel Moisturizer
Never throw away the peel of an avocado which makes a wonderful facial moisturizer and mask. The oil contains a humectant, a substance that holds moisture. Using gentle upward strokes, lightly massage your face with the inside of the peel and allow the oil residue to remain on skin about 20 minutes. You can either leave the oil on your skin and go to bed or, if you intend to put on make-up, just rinse your face gently with three or four rinses of tepid water and pat dry. The oil creates an invisible layer of protection, ready to hold your foundation or powder in place.
Mix honey, glycerin and lemon juice in equal quantities and store in a jar. Apply mixture on the face and neck. Massage well and leave it on 20 minutes before rinsing.
Replenish, Brighten and Clean
To equal parts flour and yogurt, add a dash of lemon juice. Mix well until it becomes a paste. Apply to face avoiding eyes. Leave on until mask hardens, then rinse with warm water.
Avocado Peel Moisturizer
Never throw away the peel of an avocado which makes a wonderful facial moisturizer and mask. The oil contains a humectant, a substance that holds moisture. Using gentle upward strokes, lightly massage your face with the inside of the peel and allow the oil residue to remain on skin about 20 minutes. You can either leave the oil on your skin and go to bed or, if you intend to put on make-up, just rinse your face gently with three or four rinses of tepid water and pat dry. The oil creates an invisible layer of protection, ready to hold your foundation or powder in place.
Brighter, Glowing Complexions
Honey Cleansing Scrub
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently into face and rinse with warm water. Brightens skin while cleansing.
Purifying Barley Cleansing Scrub
Add ground up barley to your liquid cleanser to purify and exfoliate gently. Drinking barley water was used centuries ago by women for pure, glowing complexions. You can boil barley in water like a tea or add barley to your soups.
Asian Face Brightener
This is an ancient well known recipe used by woman in India and Asia to brighten the complexion as well as lighten dark spots due to acne. It rejuvenates and gives a glowing complexion:
1 teaspoon Lemon juice
2 tablespoons Gram flour* (ground chick pea) can be found at Indian/Asian markets
Milk-enough to make a thick paste (whole milk, not low fat)
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder also found at Indian/Arabic markets (this may cause a slight yellow tint on light skin and can be omitted if the tint is undesired)
Combine all ingredients to form a thick paste, apply to face and let it sit for 5-6 mins. or until semi-dry. Slightly massage and Rinse off with lukewarm water and finish off with a cold splash. The flour particles act as a fine exfoliater, lemon as a brightener, milk as a softener, and the turmeric is used for it's antiseptic properties and for toning medium to dark skin.
*A substitute for Gram flour can be regular flour, but end results may vary.
An alternate recipe that was used for the same purpose by Asians:
To some flour, mix enough milk (whole milk, not lowfat) to make a paste, add a little turmeric powder, some lemon juice and honey. Apply to face and let dry, then rinse off.
For lots more tips and recipes: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently into face and rinse with warm water. Brightens skin while cleansing.
Purifying Barley Cleansing Scrub
Add ground up barley to your liquid cleanser to purify and exfoliate gently. Drinking barley water was used centuries ago by women for pure, glowing complexions. You can boil barley in water like a tea or add barley to your soups.
Asian Face Brightener
This is an ancient well known recipe used by woman in India and Asia to brighten the complexion as well as lighten dark spots due to acne. It rejuvenates and gives a glowing complexion:
1 teaspoon Lemon juice
2 tablespoons Gram flour* (ground chick pea) can be found at Indian/Asian markets
Milk-enough to make a thick paste (whole milk, not low fat)
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder also found at Indian/Arabic markets (this may cause a slight yellow tint on light skin and can be omitted if the tint is undesired)
Combine all ingredients to form a thick paste, apply to face and let it sit for 5-6 mins. or until semi-dry. Slightly massage and Rinse off with lukewarm water and finish off with a cold splash. The flour particles act as a fine exfoliater, lemon as a brightener, milk as a softener, and the turmeric is used for it's antiseptic properties and for toning medium to dark skin.
*A substitute for Gram flour can be regular flour, but end results may vary.
An alternate recipe that was used for the same purpose by Asians:
To some flour, mix enough milk (whole milk, not lowfat) to make a paste, add a little turmeric powder, some lemon juice and honey. Apply to face and let dry, then rinse off.
For lots more tips and recipes: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Manicure Tips
Whiten Nails
During your manicure, soak nails in warm soapy water with a cup of hydrogen peroxide added. This will whiten your nails and get rid of yellow stains and at the same time kill off bacteria. You can also rub lemon slices over nails to help whiten. If discoloration is due to fungus, you must first eliminate the fungus. Use tea tree oil on your nails regularly and soak nails in warm water with half apple cider vinegar added to help remedy the fungus.
Natural Nails
Instead of polish, leave nails natural and keep them shiny and smooth with a buffer nail sponge, brushing it across nails in quick back and forth motions. You can also make them shiny in an instant by rubbing vitamin E over them and it will look like a glossy top coat. It also keeps nails healthy.
Helping Polish Stick
Use face toner on a cotton ball and swipe nails with it to remove natural oils or hand cream residue. Polish will not adhere well to nails with any oiliness and if you use a skin toner that's good for your facial skin-it's also good for your cuticles!
Nail Polish Fast Dry
In a pinch, Pam cooking spray will dry nail polish quickly when sprayed over nail surface. I like to clean out an old nail polish container really well with nail polish remover, refill it with baby oil (mineral oil) and brush it on after my manicure to help speed drying. This is also great for brushing the oil over your cuticles daily to keep them soft and moisturized and bare nails shiney.
For lots more manicure tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
During your manicure, soak nails in warm soapy water with a cup of hydrogen peroxide added. This will whiten your nails and get rid of yellow stains and at the same time kill off bacteria. You can also rub lemon slices over nails to help whiten. If discoloration is due to fungus, you must first eliminate the fungus. Use tea tree oil on your nails regularly and soak nails in warm water with half apple cider vinegar added to help remedy the fungus.
Natural Nails
Instead of polish, leave nails natural and keep them shiny and smooth with a buffer nail sponge, brushing it across nails in quick back and forth motions. You can also make them shiny in an instant by rubbing vitamin E over them and it will look like a glossy top coat. It also keeps nails healthy.
Helping Polish Stick
Use face toner on a cotton ball and swipe nails with it to remove natural oils or hand cream residue. Polish will not adhere well to nails with any oiliness and if you use a skin toner that's good for your facial skin-it's also good for your cuticles!
Nail Polish Fast Dry
In a pinch, Pam cooking spray will dry nail polish quickly when sprayed over nail surface. I like to clean out an old nail polish container really well with nail polish remover, refill it with baby oil (mineral oil) and brush it on after my manicure to help speed drying. This is also great for brushing the oil over your cuticles daily to keep them soft and moisturized and bare nails shiney.
For lots more manicure tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Damage from the Sun CAUTION!
It’s not just your face and body that suffers the ravages from the damaging rays of the sun. Lips are very sensitive and easily damaged. Wearing lipstick helps protect lip skin from damage and possible future skin cancer. The more opaque a lipstick is, the better protection it provides from ultraviolet rays. Women typically develop lip cancer less than men simply because they wear lipstick regularly. For sheer lipsticks and balms, make sure they contain a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF.
The sun damages eyes too. Eyes can’t shed layers and repair tissue the way skin does, so the damage accumulates, causing permanent vision problems. Be sure to wear sunglasses with lenses rated for 100% UVA and UVB protection that covers the entire eye area. The larger the glass frames the better, and wrap around styles give the best protection. Good sunglass coverage around your eyes also helps protect the most delicate skin you have-around your eyes. Celebrities don’t wear oversized sunglasses just for the style! You can purchase contact lenses that provide UV protection as well.
UVA rays can pass through glass so even sitting behind glass in your office or car will not protect you against damage from the sun. The rays that can get through glass may not burn you but in time will cause wrinkling. Take for example some curtains hanging in your window for years and how the fabric after a period of time begins to shred, but if that same fabric was not exposed to sunlight (even behind glass)it would retain its color with no damage to the fibers-the same is true for your skin. Tinted glass provides some protection but still doesn’t block out the rays completely and the percentage blocked depends on the type of tinting used. Even indoor fluorescent lighting can emit some UV rays. These UV rays also cause damage to hair, making it drier on the upper layers and fading color so don’t forget to protect your hair from rays as well. Even fingernails can suffer from the effects of the burning rays, with damage resulting in dry and brittle nails.
The sun damages eyes too. Eyes can’t shed layers and repair tissue the way skin does, so the damage accumulates, causing permanent vision problems. Be sure to wear sunglasses with lenses rated for 100% UVA and UVB protection that covers the entire eye area. The larger the glass frames the better, and wrap around styles give the best protection. Good sunglass coverage around your eyes also helps protect the most delicate skin you have-around your eyes. Celebrities don’t wear oversized sunglasses just for the style! You can purchase contact lenses that provide UV protection as well.
UVA rays can pass through glass so even sitting behind glass in your office or car will not protect you against damage from the sun. The rays that can get through glass may not burn you but in time will cause wrinkling. Take for example some curtains hanging in your window for years and how the fabric after a period of time begins to shred, but if that same fabric was not exposed to sunlight (even behind glass)it would retain its color with no damage to the fibers-the same is true for your skin. Tinted glass provides some protection but still doesn’t block out the rays completely and the percentage blocked depends on the type of tinting used. Even indoor fluorescent lighting can emit some UV rays. These UV rays also cause damage to hair, making it drier on the upper layers and fading color so don’t forget to protect your hair from rays as well. Even fingernails can suffer from the effects of the burning rays, with damage resulting in dry and brittle nails.
Self Tanners
Tanning Skin Color from Natural Products
Spread moist coffee grounds on your face for a natural looking tan, leave on for about 20 min. then rinse, tan should last for about 3 days.
Another solution for a natural looking color is to use pure cocoa. To some of your favorite white lotion add pure cocoa powder until you get the desired shade (color will appear much darker in the lotion than it does on your skin). This is good to use on your body as well since the cocoa has a tightening effect which is good for cellulite and your skin in general. Substituting loose bronzing makeup powder for the cocoa will also work. Be sure the lotion doesn't clump in any areas like knees and ankles.
A trick women in the 1940s and 50s used was Tincture of Iodine (a brownish orange antiseptic liquid found in the first aid section of stores). They added the desired amount of the Iodine to a bottle of baby oil and massaged it into their skin to get a suntan color. Do not use on the face if you have oily or acne prone skin as the baby oil (which is just mineral oil) can clog pores. You could also try adding the Iodine to an oil free lotion for your face instead of baby oil.
Camoflage Tan Lines from your Swimsuit Straps
Use some bronzing powder on a small eyeshadow brush and dust lightly along lines. For longer lasting coverage, paint the lines carefully with self tanning cream.
Spread moist coffee grounds on your face for a natural looking tan, leave on for about 20 min. then rinse, tan should last for about 3 days.
Another solution for a natural looking color is to use pure cocoa. To some of your favorite white lotion add pure cocoa powder until you get the desired shade (color will appear much darker in the lotion than it does on your skin). This is good to use on your body as well since the cocoa has a tightening effect which is good for cellulite and your skin in general. Substituting loose bronzing makeup powder for the cocoa will also work. Be sure the lotion doesn't clump in any areas like knees and ankles.
A trick women in the 1940s and 50s used was Tincture of Iodine (a brownish orange antiseptic liquid found in the first aid section of stores). They added the desired amount of the Iodine to a bottle of baby oil and massaged it into their skin to get a suntan color. Do not use on the face if you have oily or acne prone skin as the baby oil (which is just mineral oil) can clog pores. You could also try adding the Iodine to an oil free lotion for your face instead of baby oil.
Camoflage Tan Lines from your Swimsuit Straps
Use some bronzing powder on a small eyeshadow brush and dust lightly along lines. For longer lasting coverage, paint the lines carefully with self tanning cream.
Under Eye Circles and Makeup
Treating and Camoflaging Blue-Purple or Brown Under Eye Circles
Treat brown colored circles with a cream containing hydroquinone to fade the brown spots over time and treat blue or purple color circles with creams containing vitamin K (vitamin K helps eliminate bruising discolorations elsewhere also). Key to avoiding undereye circles is to keep the skin moisturized-when undereye skin is dry, circles will be darker. As you age, circles become darker since the skin dries out and gets thinner which shows a lot more of the blood vessel color from underneath your skin. To brighten dark circles that are greenish or purplish, use a pink (for purplish) or peach (for greenish) toned corrector base or concealer stick, then layer over that a yellow tone concealer if they are still noticeable. To keep focus on upper part of eye instead of the circles under eyes, don’t line lower lashes and apply brighter pink or peach on apples of your cheeks to draw focus away from undereyes. If eyelid skin is dark or reddened, lighten lids up with a pale shadow. Applying foundation under your eye makeup will also do wonders for lightening and brightening your whole eye area making you look younger, fresh and wide eyed. Avoid using concealers that are more than about 1 shade lighter than your skin or you’ll look like a white eyed raccoon. For aging or dry skin around eyes, go easy on the concealer since too heavy an application can look pasty and age eyes more or create crepiness around eyes.
Treat brown colored circles with a cream containing hydroquinone to fade the brown spots over time and treat blue or purple color circles with creams containing vitamin K (vitamin K helps eliminate bruising discolorations elsewhere also). Key to avoiding undereye circles is to keep the skin moisturized-when undereye skin is dry, circles will be darker. As you age, circles become darker since the skin dries out and gets thinner which shows a lot more of the blood vessel color from underneath your skin. To brighten dark circles that are greenish or purplish, use a pink (for purplish) or peach (for greenish) toned corrector base or concealer stick, then layer over that a yellow tone concealer if they are still noticeable. To keep focus on upper part of eye instead of the circles under eyes, don’t line lower lashes and apply brighter pink or peach on apples of your cheeks to draw focus away from undereyes. If eyelid skin is dark or reddened, lighten lids up with a pale shadow. Applying foundation under your eye makeup will also do wonders for lightening and brightening your whole eye area making you look younger, fresh and wide eyed. Avoid using concealers that are more than about 1 shade lighter than your skin or you’ll look like a white eyed raccoon. For aging or dry skin around eyes, go easy on the concealer since too heavy an application can look pasty and age eyes more or create crepiness around eyes.
Makeup Tips for Aging skin
Eyes and Lips and Cheeks
For aging eyes, use natural looking shades and keep eyes subtle but apply brighter colors on your lips to draw attention away from lines around eyes. Choose a brighter lip color that compliments skin color and helps brighten up your whole face since skin begins to look dull and paler as we age. Avoid very dark colors with makes lips look thinner and can age your face. Also be sure the lipstick is loaded with moisturizers to keep lips moist. Dry lips look older and thinner so stay away from matte lipsticks which dry the lips. Don't forget to add a little color to your brows as well since they fade and thin as well with age. Eyes should be framed well with your brows for a youthful look. Blush should be subtle and a creamy base for dryer, older skin, applied to just the apples of the cheeks and fading up and out along cheekbones.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
For aging eyes, use natural looking shades and keep eyes subtle but apply brighter colors on your lips to draw attention away from lines around eyes. Choose a brighter lip color that compliments skin color and helps brighten up your whole face since skin begins to look dull and paler as we age. Avoid very dark colors with makes lips look thinner and can age your face. Also be sure the lipstick is loaded with moisturizers to keep lips moist. Dry lips look older and thinner so stay away from matte lipsticks which dry the lips. Don't forget to add a little color to your brows as well since they fade and thin as well with age. Eyes should be framed well with your brows for a youthful look. Blush should be subtle and a creamy base for dryer, older skin, applied to just the apples of the cheeks and fading up and out along cheekbones.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Makeup Removers and On-the-go Cleansing
Fast and Cheap Makeup Removers
For a quick and cheap way to clean your face, buy cheap baby wipes. Instead of buying the expensive brands like Ponds facial wipes, go to Target, WalMart or other discount store for fragrance free baby wipes in a generic brand. They are perfect for traveling, hiking or camping trips too for washing up without water. You can also keep a couple 'Wet Naps' packets in your purse for quick clean ups (the type you get when you order BBQ ribs for dinner).
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
For a quick and cheap way to clean your face, buy cheap baby wipes. Instead of buying the expensive brands like Ponds facial wipes, go to Target, WalMart or other discount store for fragrance free baby wipes in a generic brand. They are perfect for traveling, hiking or camping trips too for washing up without water. You can also keep a couple 'Wet Naps' packets in your purse for quick clean ups (the type you get when you order BBQ ribs for dinner).
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
All Natural Recipes for Dry or Aging Skin
Easy Green Tea Toner
1 teaspoon powdered green tea 1/2 cup purified hot or boiling water Mix green tea with hot water until thoroughly mixed. Cool to room temperature. Using a green tea bag to make the tea will be even more beneficial. Then apply toner mixture with cotton pad to face. Do not rinse. Unused portion may be refrigerated for 2 days.
Easy Cheap Rejuvenating Mud Mask Dry Skin
Mix two teaspoons of dirt into a dollop of peanut butter.
Add a small amount of olive oil and a few pinches of baking soda and a pinch of salt.
Mix thoroughly until creamy and lump free. (Optional: place the mixture in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it for better penetration and soothing) Massage into face, avoiding the eye area. Place a damp, warm towel over your face and leave on 15 minutes, then rinse well.
Revitalizing Mask for Normal to Dry or Aging Skin
Mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt.
Spread mask over face and leave on 20-30 minutes while lying down.
Mask for Wrinkles
Shred about 5 baby carrots and add 5 drops of extra virgin olive or avocado oil, then put that mixture around your eyes and on face for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Good especially for around the eyes. It will give a natural warm skin color from the orange carotene in the carrots.
Dry Skin Mask
Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy, then add the mashed pulp of a half avocado, blending it well (you may use a blender at this point). Cleanse your face thoroughly before using this masque (or any masque). Spread the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly; relax on a slant board or bed for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion. The result should be a marked improvement in skin texture, and all-around revitalizing.
Healing Dry Skin
Boil about 1 cup of raspberries in 1/2 cup of water, and grind into a really thick liquid. Let it cool, mix it up again and add a few tablespoons of milk (2-3) and rub on area that’s dry every day. Store in frig for a few days.
Dry Skin Makeup Remover and Exfoliant Scrub
Mix together equal parts of vegetable shortening (Crisco) and cornmeal and use as a makeup remover and exfoliant in one and makes your skin look velvet smooth.
Toning Aging Skin Mask
1/4 cup of natural apple juice
1 small cucumber pureed
Mix together well and apply to face, leave on 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Toning Mask, Nourish and Tighten
1/2 tsp. of sea salt
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup of yogurt
Let dry on skin, then rinse well.
Toning Mask, Nourish and Refresh
1 tbsp honey
1 egg
1 tsp crumbled dried chamomile flowers
1 tsp finely chopped fresh mint
Let dry on skin, then rinse well.
Moisturizing Mask
1 tablespoon instant nonfat dry milk
1/2 peeled cucumber shredded or pureed
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
Combine all and pat on skin, leaving on 20 minutes before rinsing.
Purifying Mask for Aging Skin
12 tablespoons plain oatmeal ground
2/3 cup hot water
1/2 apple (cored and unpeeled, pureed)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Mix all together well, apply to face leaving on 20 minutes before rinsing.
Simple Dry Skin Toner
After cleansing dry skin, use ‘Rosewater and Glycerin’ on a cotton ball as a toner before moisturizing. It removes all the residue grime as well as other toners but the rosewater conditions dry skin and glycerin draws moisture into skin. You can find a bottle of Rosewater and Glycerin in most any drug store very inexpensively although the rosewater is generally artificial rosewater. See my recipe on how to make your own genuine rosewater under categories on "Facial Skin Care-All Skin Types"
Wrinkle Prevention and Softer Skin
To prevent wrinkles and soften skin, pure castor oil is said to slow down the aging process of the skin. Also halibut fish oil is loaded with vitamin A and helps prevent skin from aging. Taking Flaxseed Oil and Omega Oils orally also help keep skin young from the inside out as well as having lots of other health benefits.
To see lots more tips and recipes: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
1 teaspoon powdered green tea 1/2 cup purified hot or boiling water Mix green tea with hot water until thoroughly mixed. Cool to room temperature. Using a green tea bag to make the tea will be even more beneficial. Then apply toner mixture with cotton pad to face. Do not rinse. Unused portion may be refrigerated for 2 days.
Easy Cheap Rejuvenating Mud Mask Dry Skin
Mix two teaspoons of dirt into a dollop of peanut butter.
Add a small amount of olive oil and a few pinches of baking soda and a pinch of salt.
Mix thoroughly until creamy and lump free. (Optional: place the mixture in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it for better penetration and soothing) Massage into face, avoiding the eye area. Place a damp, warm towel over your face and leave on 15 minutes, then rinse well.
Revitalizing Mask for Normal to Dry or Aging Skin
Mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt.
Spread mask over face and leave on 20-30 minutes while lying down.
Mask for Wrinkles
Shred about 5 baby carrots and add 5 drops of extra virgin olive or avocado oil, then put that mixture around your eyes and on face for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Good especially for around the eyes. It will give a natural warm skin color from the orange carotene in the carrots.
Dry Skin Mask
Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy, then add the mashed pulp of a half avocado, blending it well (you may use a blender at this point). Cleanse your face thoroughly before using this masque (or any masque). Spread the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly; relax on a slant board or bed for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion. The result should be a marked improvement in skin texture, and all-around revitalizing.
Healing Dry Skin
Boil about 1 cup of raspberries in 1/2 cup of water, and grind into a really thick liquid. Let it cool, mix it up again and add a few tablespoons of milk (2-3) and rub on area that’s dry every day. Store in frig for a few days.
Dry Skin Makeup Remover and Exfoliant Scrub
Mix together equal parts of vegetable shortening (Crisco) and cornmeal and use as a makeup remover and exfoliant in one and makes your skin look velvet smooth.
Toning Aging Skin Mask
1/4 cup of natural apple juice
1 small cucumber pureed
Mix together well and apply to face, leave on 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Toning Mask, Nourish and Tighten
1/2 tsp. of sea salt
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup of yogurt
Let dry on skin, then rinse well.
Toning Mask, Nourish and Refresh
1 tbsp honey
1 egg
1 tsp crumbled dried chamomile flowers
1 tsp finely chopped fresh mint
Let dry on skin, then rinse well.
Moisturizing Mask
1 tablespoon instant nonfat dry milk
1/2 peeled cucumber shredded or pureed
1 teaspoon plain yogurt
Combine all and pat on skin, leaving on 20 minutes before rinsing.
Purifying Mask for Aging Skin
12 tablespoons plain oatmeal ground
2/3 cup hot water
1/2 apple (cored and unpeeled, pureed)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Mix all together well, apply to face leaving on 20 minutes before rinsing.
Simple Dry Skin Toner
After cleansing dry skin, use ‘Rosewater and Glycerin’ on a cotton ball as a toner before moisturizing. It removes all the residue grime as well as other toners but the rosewater conditions dry skin and glycerin draws moisture into skin. You can find a bottle of Rosewater and Glycerin in most any drug store very inexpensively although the rosewater is generally artificial rosewater. See my recipe on how to make your own genuine rosewater under categories on "Facial Skin Care-All Skin Types"
Wrinkle Prevention and Softer Skin
To prevent wrinkles and soften skin, pure castor oil is said to slow down the aging process of the skin. Also halibut fish oil is loaded with vitamin A and helps prevent skin from aging. Taking Flaxseed Oil and Omega Oils orally also help keep skin young from the inside out as well as having lots of other health benefits.
To see lots more tips and recipes: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
All Natural Recipes for Oily and Acne Prone Skin
Large Pores
To help tighten up pores, add about a teaspoon of vodka to your skin lotion or toner. To quickly shrink pores (although temporary), rub an ice cube over areas with large pores.
Easy Cheap Mud Mask Skin Astringent
About 1/2 cup of dirt (any kind but clay based works best) mixed with enough water to form a thick paste
1 tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk
Add the sour cream or buttermilk and mix well till smooth. Apply to face. Leave on till dry and wash off with warm water.
Revitalizing Mask for Normal to Oily Skin
Mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of nonfat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt. Spread mask over face and leave on 20-30 minutes while lying down.
Astringent, Oil Reducing, Tightening Mask
1 egg white
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons sour cream
1-2 tablets of l-lysine amino acid supplement crushed
Mix well till smooth, apply to face and leave on 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.
Ancient Arab Ghassoul Clay Mask
Mix together clay (you can buy clay powders from health food stores or pharmacies or red clay used for crafts will also work), wheat germ, and a very strong infusion of chamomile tea to make a paste. Add a spoonful of olive oil, and let it dry in the sun. Reduce it to dust by pulverizing it in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Whenever you need a mask for face or body, mix it with water for the desired consistency, apply to skin. Let it dry, and have a warm shower to rinse off. This mask cleans while drawing out excess oil and nourishes skin while making it very smooth.
Oily Skin Mask
1/4 tomato mashed and deseeded
3 teaspoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon mashed cucumber
1 teaspoon aloe gel
3 teaspoons oatmeal
2 mint leaves (crushed)
Mix all well, apply to face and leave on 20 minutes then rinse with cold water.
Kitty Litter Oily Acne Mask
Kitty litter is nothing more than clay. Take just the cheap, plain kitty litter (make sure it's 100% clay litter and not with other ingredients or deoderants) and add enough to a beaten egg to make a paste, blend well till smooth and apply to face, avoiding eye area. Let dry and rinse well with warm water and soft cloth. Most any clay will help draw out impurities and excess oil from skin. Don't forget kitty litter is also a great absorbant material for soaking up and drawing out oil and grease from concrete and other hard porous surfaces.
Acne Hummus Mask
To hummus, plain or extra garlic (garlic is a good natural antibiotic that will help clear acne), add enough thickener (flour, ground oatmeal, wheat germ, etc) to make a thick paste and cover face avoiding eyes. Leave on 20 minutes then rinse with cold water. Hummus is made with chick peas and Asian women for centuries have used chick pea flour to brighten and lighten the dark spots caused by acne scarring.
Oily Skin Mask
Put the white of an egg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and pulp of half an avocado into a blender. Blend a few seconds into a very nice green mixture. Apply evenly to washed face and neck. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin toner.
Exfoliating Acne Mask
Add baking soda, to half hydrogen peroxide and half water until paste consistency. Massage into skin avoiding eye area. Let dry then rinse
Acne Mask
For redness, oil and blackheads:
1/2 cup oatmeal, ground fine
half an apple, peeled and chopped or pureed
2 inches off a cucumber, peeled and chopped or pureed
2 tablespoons milk
Blend all together and apply to face. Relax 20 minutes then rinse.
Calming Acne Mask
Exfoliate skin lightly first by adding a spoonful or less of very fine sugar and a few drops of lemon juice into your acne type face wash. Take half of a bittermelon (green, lumpy looking squash), remove seeds, and put in juicer or blender to make pulpy. Setting the juice aside, apply the pulp to face, (if the pulp is too watery and runny you can use a thickener of your choice such as ground oatmeal, whole yogurt, wheat germ, etc), rest for 20 minutes. Remove the pulp splashing with cold water, pour the juice into hand and massage into skin, and rinse with more cold water. The detoxing properties of the bittermelon will cool, tone, smooth and soothe acne and oily skin.
Acne Delux Facial Mask
3 tablespoons oatmeal ground
1 packet of bakers yeast
½ banana mashed
½ cucumber mashed
½ avocado mashed
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon antiseptic mouth wash
1 teaspoon milk
Dab of white toothpaste
Mix all ingredients in a bowl (add more lemon juice or milk if it is too thick or add more oatmeal, sugar or flour if it is to liquid). Leave on your face about 20 minutes, then wash it off.
For thousands more tips and recipes on acne, skin and hair care, natural products and more: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
To help tighten up pores, add about a teaspoon of vodka to your skin lotion or toner. To quickly shrink pores (although temporary), rub an ice cube over areas with large pores.
Easy Cheap Mud Mask Skin Astringent
About 1/2 cup of dirt (any kind but clay based works best) mixed with enough water to form a thick paste
1 tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk
Add the sour cream or buttermilk and mix well till smooth. Apply to face. Leave on till dry and wash off with warm water.
Revitalizing Mask for Normal to Oily Skin
Mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of nonfat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt. Spread mask over face and leave on 20-30 minutes while lying down.
Astringent, Oil Reducing, Tightening Mask
1 egg white
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons sour cream
1-2 tablets of l-lysine amino acid supplement crushed
Mix well till smooth, apply to face and leave on 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.
Ancient Arab Ghassoul Clay Mask
Mix together clay (you can buy clay powders from health food stores or pharmacies or red clay used for crafts will also work), wheat germ, and a very strong infusion of chamomile tea to make a paste. Add a spoonful of olive oil, and let it dry in the sun. Reduce it to dust by pulverizing it in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Whenever you need a mask for face or body, mix it with water for the desired consistency, apply to skin. Let it dry, and have a warm shower to rinse off. This mask cleans while drawing out excess oil and nourishes skin while making it very smooth.
Oily Skin Mask
1/4 tomato mashed and deseeded
3 teaspoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon mashed cucumber
1 teaspoon aloe gel
3 teaspoons oatmeal
2 mint leaves (crushed)
Mix all well, apply to face and leave on 20 minutes then rinse with cold water.
Kitty Litter Oily Acne Mask
Kitty litter is nothing more than clay. Take just the cheap, plain kitty litter (make sure it's 100% clay litter and not with other ingredients or deoderants) and add enough to a beaten egg to make a paste, blend well till smooth and apply to face, avoiding eye area. Let dry and rinse well with warm water and soft cloth. Most any clay will help draw out impurities and excess oil from skin. Don't forget kitty litter is also a great absorbant material for soaking up and drawing out oil and grease from concrete and other hard porous surfaces.
Acne Hummus Mask
To hummus, plain or extra garlic (garlic is a good natural antibiotic that will help clear acne), add enough thickener (flour, ground oatmeal, wheat germ, etc) to make a thick paste and cover face avoiding eyes. Leave on 20 minutes then rinse with cold water. Hummus is made with chick peas and Asian women for centuries have used chick pea flour to brighten and lighten the dark spots caused by acne scarring.
Oily Skin Mask
Put the white of an egg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and pulp of half an avocado into a blender. Blend a few seconds into a very nice green mixture. Apply evenly to washed face and neck. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin toner.
Exfoliating Acne Mask
Add baking soda, to half hydrogen peroxide and half water until paste consistency. Massage into skin avoiding eye area. Let dry then rinse
Acne Mask
For redness, oil and blackheads:
1/2 cup oatmeal, ground fine
half an apple, peeled and chopped or pureed
2 inches off a cucumber, peeled and chopped or pureed
2 tablespoons milk
Blend all together and apply to face. Relax 20 minutes then rinse.
Calming Acne Mask
Exfoliate skin lightly first by adding a spoonful or less of very fine sugar and a few drops of lemon juice into your acne type face wash. Take half of a bittermelon (green, lumpy looking squash), remove seeds, and put in juicer or blender to make pulpy. Setting the juice aside, apply the pulp to face, (if the pulp is too watery and runny you can use a thickener of your choice such as ground oatmeal, whole yogurt, wheat germ, etc), rest for 20 minutes. Remove the pulp splashing with cold water, pour the juice into hand and massage into skin, and rinse with more cold water. The detoxing properties of the bittermelon will cool, tone, smooth and soothe acne and oily skin.
Acne Delux Facial Mask
3 tablespoons oatmeal ground
1 packet of bakers yeast
½ banana mashed
½ cucumber mashed
½ avocado mashed
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon antiseptic mouth wash
1 teaspoon milk
Dab of white toothpaste
Mix all ingredients in a bowl (add more lemon juice or milk if it is too thick or add more oatmeal, sugar or flour if it is to liquid). Leave on your face about 20 minutes, then wash it off.
For thousands more tips and recipes on acne, skin and hair care, natural products and more: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
All Natural Recipes for All Skin Types
MidEast Glowing Skin Cleanser
Mix 2 tablespoons of milk to 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice and use it to wipe skin with a cotton ball like a toner. It cleanses skin and makes it glow while lightening up darkened areas.
Ancient Eye Mask
For under-eye puffiness and dryness: peel an avocado, remove the pit, and slice off some quarter-inch crescents. Lie down, secure a few slices under each eye, and rest about 20 minutes.
Easy Purifying Mask
Make a paste with a handful of Epsom salts and a little water. Apply to your skin and leave on until it dries. Rinse off with warm water. It brightens skin while drawing out impurities and helps clear up acne.
Easiest Natural Mask
1 tablespoon honey blended with 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off. If skin is oily, you can substitute sour cream or buttermilk for the milk which are more astringent. The cheapest, easiest way to get a good moisturizing, nourishing, clarifying mask for all skin types.
Glowing Skin Mask
Half a banana
2 tablespoons powder milk
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons rose water
Mix till well blended. Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes.
Nourishing Egg & Honey Facial for All Skin Types
To cleanse, clarify, soften, moisturize and nourish skin.
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. vitamin E oil
1 tsp. almond oil
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Apply to face and leave on 20 minutes, then rinse well.
Honey Egg Tightening Mask
1½ tbsp. honey
1 egg white
2 tsp. glycerin
1/3 cup flour
Whisk honey, egg white and glycerin together, and then add the flour until it becomes a thick paste. Apply to face and rinse after 20 minutes. This mask moisturizes as it tightens skin, leaving it smooth and soft.
Skin Tightening Mask
Mix half powdered egg whites with half cornstarch (you can premix these and keep them in a tight closing jar until ready to use). Mix a couple tablespoons of the powder to any liquid desired until it is a paste consistency (milk, cucumber juice, green tea, aloe vera gel, water, etc). Apply to face being careful not to apply near eyes and leave on till it dries. The paste will pull, tighten, and harden (if your skin is very sensitive, test this first because it really pulls skin taut). Remove by softening with warm wash cloths, or stand directly under the spray of the shower head. It gives skin a tighter, more refined appearance. Removal of the hardened mask can be a slow process, but the result is worth it.
For lots more recipes and tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Mix 2 tablespoons of milk to 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice and use it to wipe skin with a cotton ball like a toner. It cleanses skin and makes it glow while lightening up darkened areas.
Ancient Eye Mask
For under-eye puffiness and dryness: peel an avocado, remove the pit, and slice off some quarter-inch crescents. Lie down, secure a few slices under each eye, and rest about 20 minutes.
Easy Purifying Mask
Make a paste with a handful of Epsom salts and a little water. Apply to your skin and leave on until it dries. Rinse off with warm water. It brightens skin while drawing out impurities and helps clear up acne.
Easiest Natural Mask
1 tablespoon honey blended with 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off. If skin is oily, you can substitute sour cream or buttermilk for the milk which are more astringent. The cheapest, easiest way to get a good moisturizing, nourishing, clarifying mask for all skin types.
Glowing Skin Mask
Half a banana
2 tablespoons powder milk
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons rose water
Mix till well blended. Apply to face and leave on for 20 minutes.
Nourishing Egg & Honey Facial for All Skin Types
To cleanse, clarify, soften, moisturize and nourish skin.
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. honey
1 tsp. vitamin E oil
1 tsp. almond oil
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Apply to face and leave on 20 minutes, then rinse well.
Honey Egg Tightening Mask
1½ tbsp. honey
1 egg white
2 tsp. glycerin
1/3 cup flour
Whisk honey, egg white and glycerin together, and then add the flour until it becomes a thick paste. Apply to face and rinse after 20 minutes. This mask moisturizes as it tightens skin, leaving it smooth and soft.
Skin Tightening Mask
Mix half powdered egg whites with half cornstarch (you can premix these and keep them in a tight closing jar until ready to use). Mix a couple tablespoons of the powder to any liquid desired until it is a paste consistency (milk, cucumber juice, green tea, aloe vera gel, water, etc). Apply to face being careful not to apply near eyes and leave on till it dries. The paste will pull, tighten, and harden (if your skin is very sensitive, test this first because it really pulls skin taut). Remove by softening with warm wash cloths, or stand directly under the spray of the shower head. It gives skin a tighter, more refined appearance. Removal of the hardened mask can be a slow process, but the result is worth it.
For lots more recipes and tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Home Made Beauty Products and Containers
Containers for Your Natural Products
Buy honey in the plastic “bear” shape squeeze bottles. When empty, they make perfect dispensers for your home made toners, lotions and conditioners. You don’t even have to rinse the honey out since it’s a great ingredient for both skin and hair care products. Empty salad dressing or condiment bottles also work well since they often have flip tops with squeeze openings. Dress them up with a little paint and print up your own custom labels and give them as gifts.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Buy honey in the plastic “bear” shape squeeze bottles. When empty, they make perfect dispensers for your home made toners, lotions and conditioners. You don’t even have to rinse the honey out since it’s a great ingredient for both skin and hair care products. Empty salad dressing or condiment bottles also work well since they often have flip tops with squeeze openings. Dress them up with a little paint and print up your own custom labels and give them as gifts.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Bruises
Treating & Disguising Bruises
Place a banana peel skin over your bruise and hold it or tape it in place for about a half an hour. There is a chemical in the skin of the peel that helps draw out the bruise. Also rub some cream containing vitamin K into the bruise to help it disappear faster. Vitamin K also helps treat the blue or purple under eye circles that are caused by leaking blood under the thin skin around eyes or the color of your capillaries showing through. Using a yellow color makeup concealer under foundation will also neutralize the blue or purple color. If the color tends to be more red, use green concealer to neutralize the color. Use a small amount over the bruise blended well, then cover with foundation or concealer. If you can't get rid of the bruise fast enough for a big event, try covering it with a special body makeup, the most popular among models is DermaBlend. You can find it usually in pharmacies, larger department stores and they have a web site as well. Dermablend is good for covering up any skin discolorations such as birthmarks, rosacea, scars, bruises, etc since it is very opaque but doesn't look artificial-you name it, it will cover it and it's waterproof so you can even wear it to the pool. DermaBlend has been a staple for the professional modeling and acting world for a very long time and continues to be a leader in coverage for any type of skin problem. Keep a jar on hand in your skin tone so you have it when the need arises. To see a whole line of what DermaBlend has to offer and also view comments from buyers for each product: DermaBlend
Place a banana peel skin over your bruise and hold it or tape it in place for about a half an hour. There is a chemical in the skin of the peel that helps draw out the bruise. Also rub some cream containing vitamin K into the bruise to help it disappear faster. Vitamin K also helps treat the blue or purple under eye circles that are caused by leaking blood under the thin skin around eyes or the color of your capillaries showing through. Using a yellow color makeup concealer under foundation will also neutralize the blue or purple color. If the color tends to be more red, use green concealer to neutralize the color. Use a small amount over the bruise blended well, then cover with foundation or concealer. If you can't get rid of the bruise fast enough for a big event, try covering it with a special body makeup, the most popular among models is DermaBlend. You can find it usually in pharmacies, larger department stores and they have a web site as well. Dermablend is good for covering up any skin discolorations such as birthmarks, rosacea, scars, bruises, etc since it is very opaque but doesn't look artificial-you name it, it will cover it and it's waterproof so you can even wear it to the pool. DermaBlend has been a staple for the professional modeling and acting world for a very long time and continues to be a leader in coverage for any type of skin problem. Keep a jar on hand in your skin tone so you have it when the need arises. To see a whole line of what DermaBlend has to offer and also view comments from buyers for each product: DermaBlend
Allergies or Sensitivities to Perfumes
Wearing Fragrance when you have Sensitive Skin and Allergies
If your skin is ultra sensitive to your favorite fragrance, you can still wear your signature scent by applying it to your hair being careful not to get it near your scalp. It’s best to use a fragrance that contains no alcohol since the alcohol can be drying to your hair. You can apply the fragrance to a hair brush or comb first to distribute it evenly over hair so you don’t get any oily spots. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, patchouli and rose smell great and are natural conditioners as well. Musk and amber oil are also excellent used this way. Or you can spritz the fragrance on an item like a scarf or bag.
If your skin is ultra sensitive to your favorite fragrance, you can still wear your signature scent by applying it to your hair being careful not to get it near your scalp. It’s best to use a fragrance that contains no alcohol since the alcohol can be drying to your hair. You can apply the fragrance to a hair brush or comb first to distribute it evenly over hair so you don’t get any oily spots. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, patchouli and rose smell great and are natural conditioners as well. Musk and amber oil are also excellent used this way. Or you can spritz the fragrance on an item like a scarf or bag.
How to Handle Problem Hair-Curly, Frizzy, Dry, Damaged or Oily
Curly, Frizzy or Dry, Damaged Hair
Avoid shampoos that are clear in color which contain little or no moisturizer. Choose a gentle, pearlized one instead and deep condition once or twice a week. Do a final rinse with cool water after shampooing to smooth and seal the hair cuticle. For styling frizzy, naturally curly hair try pure 100% aloe vera gel. It will help moisturize dry hair and works as a styling gel while making hair healthier. Products that coat the hair, help keep humidity from permeating and causing hair cuticle to swell. Avoid products with alcohol which dry and frizz hair. Gel products containing guar gum help give more control with styling and ridding frizzies. Keep blow drying to a minimum and when blow-drying, force the air in the direction of hair growth so you don't rough up the cuticle anymore then you have to. Always use a styling product that specifically protects hair during heat processes. To separate curls, after washing and towel drying hair, apply mousse and then spray hair with a non-aerosol hairspray all over, combing through then dry with a diffuser.
For hundreds more tips on handling problem hair types: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Oily Hair
Use plain or clarifying shampoos that are clear in color which contain mostly detergents and little moisturizer. Avoid shampoos that look creamy or pearlized in appearance, which contain oily ingredients and make the oil worse. The idea is to slow the production of oil being produced in your scalp. Don't over wash your hair which temporarily dries out oil glands causing them to produce even more oil in response. Avoid over brushing which stimulates the scalp into producing more oil, or over touching your hair since your fingers will leave more oil residue. If you do need to use conditioner, apply it only to the bottom half of hair or the ends.
Avoid shampoos that are clear in color which contain little or no moisturizer. Choose a gentle, pearlized one instead and deep condition once or twice a week. Do a final rinse with cool water after shampooing to smooth and seal the hair cuticle. For styling frizzy, naturally curly hair try pure 100% aloe vera gel. It will help moisturize dry hair and works as a styling gel while making hair healthier. Products that coat the hair, help keep humidity from permeating and causing hair cuticle to swell. Avoid products with alcohol which dry and frizz hair. Gel products containing guar gum help give more control with styling and ridding frizzies. Keep blow drying to a minimum and when blow-drying, force the air in the direction of hair growth so you don't rough up the cuticle anymore then you have to. Always use a styling product that specifically protects hair during heat processes. To separate curls, after washing and towel drying hair, apply mousse and then spray hair with a non-aerosol hairspray all over, combing through then dry with a diffuser.
For hundreds more tips on handling problem hair types: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Oily Hair
Use plain or clarifying shampoos that are clear in color which contain mostly detergents and little moisturizer. Avoid shampoos that look creamy or pearlized in appearance, which contain oily ingredients and make the oil worse. The idea is to slow the production of oil being produced in your scalp. Don't over wash your hair which temporarily dries out oil glands causing them to produce even more oil in response. Avoid over brushing which stimulates the scalp into producing more oil, or over touching your hair since your fingers will leave more oil residue. If you do need to use conditioner, apply it only to the bottom half of hair or the ends.
Hair Volume Plus Color
Volume Hair Conditioner with Color Added
Henna natural hair coloring, has been used for thousands of years. It makes hair shiney, conditioned and helps plump up the hair shaft making it appear fuller. You can do a version of henna coloring that will not last as long but adds some pizazz, shine and conditioning to hair. Choose a henna color closest to your own shade in powder form, or use colorless henna for volume without adding color. Mix henna using half the water as directed on the package. Add your favorite deep conditioner to the mixture in place of the other half of water. Apply to hair, working through hair well. Leave on hair following directions as indicated on henna package before shampooing.
For thousands of additional tips and information on Henna and other natural hair colorants: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Henna natural hair coloring, has been used for thousands of years. It makes hair shiney, conditioned and helps plump up the hair shaft making it appear fuller. You can do a version of henna coloring that will not last as long but adds some pizazz, shine and conditioning to hair. Choose a henna color closest to your own shade in powder form, or use colorless henna for volume without adding color. Mix henna using half the water as directed on the package. Add your favorite deep conditioner to the mixture in place of the other half of water. Apply to hair, working through hair well. Leave on hair following directions as indicated on henna package before shampooing.
For thousands of additional tips and information on Henna and other natural hair colorants: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Simple Hair Conditioning Recipes
Natural Hair Conditioning
For hair conditioning mask recipes, all you need are some simple ingredients from the pantry for very effective treatments. Mix ingredients well and work through hair concentrating on ends. Cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes before shampooing. For better penetration, apply heat or a steaming towel while conditioning.
For lots more tips, recipes and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Very Simple Hair Conditioner
1 part olive oil to 2 parts honey
Deep Hair Conditioner
1/2 a banana
1/2 avocado
1/4 cantaloupe
1 tablespoon each wheat germ oil and yogurt
Protein Hair Conditioner
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
Avocado-Coconut Hair Conditioner
1 mashed avocado
1 cup coconut milk
For better penetration, heat blended ingredients in microwave for about 40 seconds. Test temperature before massaging mixture into hair.
For hair conditioning mask recipes, all you need are some simple ingredients from the pantry for very effective treatments. Mix ingredients well and work through hair concentrating on ends. Cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes before shampooing. For better penetration, apply heat or a steaming towel while conditioning.
For lots more tips, recipes and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Very Simple Hair Conditioner
1 part olive oil to 2 parts honey
Deep Hair Conditioner
1/2 a banana
1/2 avocado
1/4 cantaloupe
1 tablespoon each wheat germ oil and yogurt
Protein Hair Conditioner
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
Avocado-Coconut Hair Conditioner
1 mashed avocado
1 cup coconut milk
For better penetration, heat blended ingredients in microwave for about 40 seconds. Test temperature before massaging mixture into hair.
HAIR LOSS AND THINNING IN WOMEN
What to do for your thinning hair:
For many women, hair loss and thinning is not from inheritance, but related to temporary or reversible conditions such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, excessive stress, major surgery, chemotherapy or infections. Even dieting, vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, and some drugs will cause hair loss. Over processing hair with chemicals or pulling hair back too tight can also cause it to fall out. Find out what the underlying problem that is causing the loss in order to correct it. In the meantime, don’t sleep with your hair pulled back tight, treat it with tender care and try using any of the following to help with regrowth: Make a strong tea of any of the following herbs and pour over just washed hair as a final rinse leaving it in hair to dry: Chamomile, catnip or burdock root. For thin hair, avoid long hair, cutting hair in a shorter style. A blunt cut will make your hair appear thicker at the ends and bangs can help mask the look of thinning hair around the forehead. Rogaine for women is also very useful for getting hair to grow back. Exercise will speed up your metabolism, circulation and blood flow, having an effect on hair growth as well. Oil of Rosemary is also good for massaging into the scalp to increase circulation and help hair growth.
For many women, hair loss and thinning is not from inheritance, but related to temporary or reversible conditions such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, excessive stress, major surgery, chemotherapy or infections. Even dieting, vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, and some drugs will cause hair loss. Over processing hair with chemicals or pulling hair back too tight can also cause it to fall out. Find out what the underlying problem that is causing the loss in order to correct it. In the meantime, don’t sleep with your hair pulled back tight, treat it with tender care and try using any of the following to help with regrowth: Make a strong tea of any of the following herbs and pour over just washed hair as a final rinse leaving it in hair to dry: Chamomile, catnip or burdock root. For thin hair, avoid long hair, cutting hair in a shorter style. A blunt cut will make your hair appear thicker at the ends and bangs can help mask the look of thinning hair around the forehead. Rogaine for women is also very useful for getting hair to grow back. Exercise will speed up your metabolism, circulation and blood flow, having an effect on hair growth as well. Oil of Rosemary is also good for massaging into the scalp to increase circulation and help hair growth.
Cellulite Treatment
Cellulite Toning with Coffee and Other Tricks
Caffeine is the main ingredient of expensive cellulite toning products. Make a skin scrub from instant regular coffee granules or coffee grounds mixed with olive oil, or just throw a handful of instant coffee granules in your bath water (not decaf). Preparation H cream can also help tighten up skin making cellulite less noticable. These are temporary fixes. For long term fixes, you need to watch your weight gain, get plenty of exercise that helps tone muscles and reduce fat and avoid foods and beverages that make you hold excess water. Drink plenty of water which acts as a natural diuretic but keeps your body properly hydrated (diurectics are pills your doctor gives you to rid your body of excess fluid being held in the tissues). The more water you drink, the more it flushes out your system and rids your tissues of the excess water making you puffy, including under your eyes. A good goal is to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily (real water, not soda or flavored drinks which makes the problem worse because they contain sugars or other additives and chemicals...). When you are dehydrated, your cellulite will appear much worse. The trick here is to plump up your skin layers and help disguise the lumps, and not to have fluids in the tissues below the skin that emphasizes the lumps showing under the skin. It's like the difference of draping a piece of thin fabric over a lumpy object and draping a thick comforter over it-you notice less lumps with the thicker covering. Keep the skin well moisturized which plumps up skin and makes the surface look smoother. Deep massage to the problem areas can also help since it breaks up and evens out some of the fat deposits making it less lumpy but that must be done regularly and long term to see any results. There are no magic creams that cure cellulite so don't believe the ads that say so! You can apply self tanners to help camoflage. Lighter skin shows the lumps worse than tan skin.
For even more tips and tricks: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Caffeine is the main ingredient of expensive cellulite toning products. Make a skin scrub from instant regular coffee granules or coffee grounds mixed with olive oil, or just throw a handful of instant coffee granules in your bath water (not decaf). Preparation H cream can also help tighten up skin making cellulite less noticable. These are temporary fixes. For long term fixes, you need to watch your weight gain, get plenty of exercise that helps tone muscles and reduce fat and avoid foods and beverages that make you hold excess water. Drink plenty of water which acts as a natural diuretic but keeps your body properly hydrated (diurectics are pills your doctor gives you to rid your body of excess fluid being held in the tissues). The more water you drink, the more it flushes out your system and rids your tissues of the excess water making you puffy, including under your eyes. A good goal is to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily (real water, not soda or flavored drinks which makes the problem worse because they contain sugars or other additives and chemicals...). When you are dehydrated, your cellulite will appear much worse. The trick here is to plump up your skin layers and help disguise the lumps, and not to have fluids in the tissues below the skin that emphasizes the lumps showing under the skin. It's like the difference of draping a piece of thin fabric over a lumpy object and draping a thick comforter over it-you notice less lumps with the thicker covering. Keep the skin well moisturized which plumps up skin and makes the surface look smoother. Deep massage to the problem areas can also help since it breaks up and evens out some of the fat deposits making it less lumpy but that must be done regularly and long term to see any results. There are no magic creams that cure cellulite so don't believe the ads that say so! You can apply self tanners to help camoflage. Lighter skin shows the lumps worse than tan skin.
For even more tips and tricks: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Waxing Hair Removal
Sugar Hair Removal Recipe
My good friend in France, Ulla, describes the women in her area making a sugar paste hair remover: add sugar to water and heat it slowly until it becomes similar to taffy consistency adjusting the amount of sugar then roll a ball of it over hairs to remove them while the paste is still warm. This may take a bit of practice to master but it’s a technique used for who knows how long by Mediterranean woman. You can experiment adding a little lemon juice after boiling to help it stick better. Some recipes call for 1 part honey to 3 parts of the sugar in the mixture.
Waxing Hair Removal Substitutes:
If you run out of cotton strips to cover your wax, try using masking tape or scotch tape for brows and other small areas. You can also try cutting strips out of coffee filters to use.
Bikini Line Razor Bumps:
Use a clear drying deodorant on your bikini area when skin is clean and dry after shaving to help prevent razor burn and red bumps. Be sure to keep area exfoliated well to prevent ingrown hairs and unslightly bumps.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
My good friend in France, Ulla, describes the women in her area making a sugar paste hair remover: add sugar to water and heat it slowly until it becomes similar to taffy consistency adjusting the amount of sugar then roll a ball of it over hairs to remove them while the paste is still warm. This may take a bit of practice to master but it’s a technique used for who knows how long by Mediterranean woman. You can experiment adding a little lemon juice after boiling to help it stick better. Some recipes call for 1 part honey to 3 parts of the sugar in the mixture.
Waxing Hair Removal Substitutes:
If you run out of cotton strips to cover your wax, try using masking tape or scotch tape for brows and other small areas. You can also try cutting strips out of coffee filters to use.
Bikini Line Razor Bumps:
Use a clear drying deodorant on your bikini area when skin is clean and dry after shaving to help prevent razor burn and red bumps. Be sure to keep area exfoliated well to prevent ingrown hairs and unslightly bumps.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Treating Stretch Marks
The key for stretch marks is prevention, prevention, prevention… If you are pregnant the best treatment is to start early prevention by applying cream twice daily. When I was manager of a maternity store years ago the only thing proven to prevent stretch marks that we always sold to the mothers-to-be was a cocoa butter cream. Even women not expecting can benefit from cocoa butter creams to help prevent stretch marks on their thighs and hips. But once you get them, they are pretty impossible to get rid of unless you can afford extensive plastic surgery. So here is a wonderful recipe to make your own high quality stretch mark cream:
Stretch Mark Cream
1/4 cup cocoa butter
1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
1 teaspoon light sesame seed oil
1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil
1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
2 teaspoon grated beeswax
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for fragrance or add a few drops essential oils of your liking)
Mix together all ingredients except vanilla extract. Heat the mixture gently just until the cocoa butter and beeswax have melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, if desired. Allow to cool completely. Store in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid. Massage into your skin 1-2 times daily.
For more information and tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Stretch Mark Cream
1/4 cup cocoa butter
1 tablespoon wheat germ oil
1 teaspoon light sesame seed oil
1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil
1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
2 teaspoon grated beeswax
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for fragrance or add a few drops essential oils of your liking)
Mix together all ingredients except vanilla extract. Heat the mixture gently just until the cocoa butter and beeswax have melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, if desired. Allow to cool completely. Store in a clean jar with a tight fitting lid. Massage into your skin 1-2 times daily.
For more information and tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Acne, Blackhead and Scar Treatment
Blackhead Treatment:
Boil 1/4 cup water and add 2 teaspoons "Epsom" salt (make sure it's Epsom not table salt!) and 3 drops of iodine, mix well and let cool. Saturate a cotton ball with the mixture and rub over blackheads to help remove them. Make up enough to fill a bottle and keep on hand whenever you need it.
Blackhead Removing Biore’ Substitute:
Instead of buying expensive Biore’ patches for removing blackheads, try one of these budget methods: Paint the area of blackheads with Elmer’s Glue, let it dry and carefully peel off. The blackheads should come out stuck to the glue. Or mix 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin with 2 tablespoons of milk and microwave for 10 seconds. Paint or pat on infected area and leave on for 30 minutes until dry and stuck to skin then gently peel it off. You can also place a warm face cloth over blackheads on your nose for half a minute to soften them, then use the face cloth to gently but firmly push your nose upward which will squeeze blackheads out without causing damage.
Reduce Redness from Blemishes:
Slice off a sliver of raw potato and hold it on blemish for about 10-15 minutes to help rid the redness of the zit.
Dry Blemish Patch:
After you crack open an egg, instead of throwing the shell away, peel off part of the inner lining of the egg and place it directly on the blemish like a patch and it should do wonders to dry up a blemish.
Flatten a Raised Inflamed Pimple:
Rub hemorrhoid cream into the blemish to help take out the swelling or press an ice cube wrapped in a cloth over the raised area.
Acne Treatment Tea:
3 tablespoons of dried basil leaves to 1 cup of water
Boil the basil leaves in the water for 10 minutes and let it cool. Wash face and apply the basil tea to skin using a cotton pad 1-3 times a day for best results. Keep refrigerated for up to about 1 week. Results should show within a week for acne flare-ups.
Acne Treatment on the Go:
Blistex cold sore ointment in the tube can be used for inflamed pimples to help draw out the infection. Apply just a tiny dot over the blemish throughout the day to speed healing.
Fade Dark Acne Scars:
To lighten up darkened acne scars, use a mixture of turmeric powder spice in coconut oil on the affected parts every day and you should start to see some results within a couple weeks.
For hundreds more tips and tricks: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Boil 1/4 cup water and add 2 teaspoons "Epsom" salt (make sure it's Epsom not table salt!) and 3 drops of iodine, mix well and let cool. Saturate a cotton ball with the mixture and rub over blackheads to help remove them. Make up enough to fill a bottle and keep on hand whenever you need it.
Blackhead Removing Biore’ Substitute:
Instead of buying expensive Biore’ patches for removing blackheads, try one of these budget methods: Paint the area of blackheads with Elmer’s Glue, let it dry and carefully peel off. The blackheads should come out stuck to the glue. Or mix 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin with 2 tablespoons of milk and microwave for 10 seconds. Paint or pat on infected area and leave on for 30 minutes until dry and stuck to skin then gently peel it off. You can also place a warm face cloth over blackheads on your nose for half a minute to soften them, then use the face cloth to gently but firmly push your nose upward which will squeeze blackheads out without causing damage.
Reduce Redness from Blemishes:
Slice off a sliver of raw potato and hold it on blemish for about 10-15 minutes to help rid the redness of the zit.
Dry Blemish Patch:
After you crack open an egg, instead of throwing the shell away, peel off part of the inner lining of the egg and place it directly on the blemish like a patch and it should do wonders to dry up a blemish.
Flatten a Raised Inflamed Pimple:
Rub hemorrhoid cream into the blemish to help take out the swelling or press an ice cube wrapped in a cloth over the raised area.
Acne Treatment Tea:
3 tablespoons of dried basil leaves to 1 cup of water
Boil the basil leaves in the water for 10 minutes and let it cool. Wash face and apply the basil tea to skin using a cotton pad 1-3 times a day for best results. Keep refrigerated for up to about 1 week. Results should show within a week for acne flare-ups.
Acne Treatment on the Go:
Blistex cold sore ointment in the tube can be used for inflamed pimples to help draw out the infection. Apply just a tiny dot over the blemish throughout the day to speed healing.
Fade Dark Acne Scars:
To lighten up darkened acne scars, use a mixture of turmeric powder spice in coconut oil on the affected parts every day and you should start to see some results within a couple weeks.
For hundreds more tips and tricks: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
ACNE-How to Treat it
Some Basics on Acne:
There are different types and grades of acne, but most of them have a hormonal cause. Often acne responds well to birth control pills, which reduce the presence of androgen (male hormone) in the body. Excess androgen causes increased oil production in women, which leads to breakouts for those susceptible to the condition. Given the side effects of birth control pills (even the low-dose versions approved for managing acne), it may not be the best decision to keep taking them solely to keep your skin clear, but that is something to discuss with your physician. If you decide not to take birth control pills, your breakouts may be manageable if you follow a routine of gentle cleansing, disinfecting, exfoliating and moisturizing but that takes experimentation and dedication. You might also speak to your physician about prescription products for acne, including tretinoin (Retin-A), Differin (Adapalene), or topical products that combine 2.5% benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic or .5% salicylic acid. Higher percentages in the benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can cause other problems, and it’s best to begin using lower strengths and increase slowly. These products help exfoliate skin or eliminate bacteria. One or all of these methods might keep your skin clear without the need for birth control pills or expensive treatments and many of these ingredients are available in over-the-counter products. The chemical action of these exfoliating creams helps rid skin of the dead skin cells that clog the pores along with the excess oil and bacteria which leads to breakouts and infections. Don’t over dry your skin since your skin will react to it by working harder and producing even more oil and you’ll probably end up with irritated, flakey skin along with the acne. Use a mild, oil free lotion to keep skin hydrated along with a sunscreen to keep skin from drying out from the sun.
Mild and occasional outbreaks of acne can respond well to: natural products such as clay masks to draw out excess oil; mild exfoliating scrubs (be sure skin scrubs contain perfectly sphere shaped beads, not jagged ones like apricot kernel seeds which tear skin and irritate) or use natural fruit acids such as papaya and apple to rid skin of dead, pore-clogging skin cells; and natural disinfectants to keep acne causing bacteria at bay such as honey and apple cider vinegar.
Try alternating weekly face masks: one week with a clay mask for drawing out excess oil, and one week with a medicated mask with benzoyl peroxide in it. And don’t forget to keep your pillow case and towels absolutely clean and bacteria free too. Avoid touching your face since your fingers have oils and bacteria on them that can affect acne. Since stress is a major trigger of acne, try to rid your life of any unnecessary stress or learn yoga and/or meditation for stress release, or just some brisk exercise regularly can purge your body of stress. That’s why when you have a big event coming up (like your wedding day!) you tend to get a pesky pore blowup!
To hide a bad pimple, press an ice cube in a washcloth over it to shrink swelling or apply Preparation H hemorrhoid cream, dot on some Visine to reduce redness and camouflage with makeup (see also other categories on “Makeup Tips” and “Acne”).
Here’s a good outline to follow on skin care for acne:
Daily:
Each Morning
Wash with Cetaphyl gentle liquid cleanser, apply plenty of medicated cream containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and .5% salicylic acid, then a light, oil/fragrance free moisturizer with SPF15 sunscreen. If applying makeup, use mineral foundation makeup.
Each Afternoon
Wash again if needed to remove oiliness and reapply all creams. Avoid caking up makeup.
Each Night
Wash with Cetaphyl liquid cleanser, wipe face with pH balanced toner on a cotton pad to remove all traces of dirt (such as 1 part apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 parts water) and apply a heavy coat of the medicated cream again and light moisturizer if needed. Treat inflamed blemishes with a topical antibiotic.
Weekly:
Apply a facial mask for 15-30 minutes and rinse. Alternate a clay mask one week then medicated mask the other. Exfoliate once per week with a mild exfoliant such as baking soda mixed with your cleanser or water.
Always Avoid:
Stress, sun, junk food and sodas, touching your face, dirty linens, alcohol based products which irritate, and abrasive exfoliant scrubs. Never, ever go to bed with a dirty face.
Always Have:
Plenty of exercise (breaking a sweat preferably), relaxation, 8 hours of sleep every night, good wholesome foods and lots of water, clean linens and hair, along with religious daily skin care treatments as above.
For much more info on acne and natural treatments: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
There are different types and grades of acne, but most of them have a hormonal cause. Often acne responds well to birth control pills, which reduce the presence of androgen (male hormone) in the body. Excess androgen causes increased oil production in women, which leads to breakouts for those susceptible to the condition. Given the side effects of birth control pills (even the low-dose versions approved for managing acne), it may not be the best decision to keep taking them solely to keep your skin clear, but that is something to discuss with your physician. If you decide not to take birth control pills, your breakouts may be manageable if you follow a routine of gentle cleansing, disinfecting, exfoliating and moisturizing but that takes experimentation and dedication. You might also speak to your physician about prescription products for acne, including tretinoin (Retin-A), Differin (Adapalene), or topical products that combine 2.5% benzoyl peroxide with an antibiotic or .5% salicylic acid. Higher percentages in the benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can cause other problems, and it’s best to begin using lower strengths and increase slowly. These products help exfoliate skin or eliminate bacteria. One or all of these methods might keep your skin clear without the need for birth control pills or expensive treatments and many of these ingredients are available in over-the-counter products. The chemical action of these exfoliating creams helps rid skin of the dead skin cells that clog the pores along with the excess oil and bacteria which leads to breakouts and infections. Don’t over dry your skin since your skin will react to it by working harder and producing even more oil and you’ll probably end up with irritated, flakey skin along with the acne. Use a mild, oil free lotion to keep skin hydrated along with a sunscreen to keep skin from drying out from the sun.
Mild and occasional outbreaks of acne can respond well to: natural products such as clay masks to draw out excess oil; mild exfoliating scrubs (be sure skin scrubs contain perfectly sphere shaped beads, not jagged ones like apricot kernel seeds which tear skin and irritate) or use natural fruit acids such as papaya and apple to rid skin of dead, pore-clogging skin cells; and natural disinfectants to keep acne causing bacteria at bay such as honey and apple cider vinegar.
Try alternating weekly face masks: one week with a clay mask for drawing out excess oil, and one week with a medicated mask with benzoyl peroxide in it. And don’t forget to keep your pillow case and towels absolutely clean and bacteria free too. Avoid touching your face since your fingers have oils and bacteria on them that can affect acne. Since stress is a major trigger of acne, try to rid your life of any unnecessary stress or learn yoga and/or meditation for stress release, or just some brisk exercise regularly can purge your body of stress. That’s why when you have a big event coming up (like your wedding day!) you tend to get a pesky pore blowup!
To hide a bad pimple, press an ice cube in a washcloth over it to shrink swelling or apply Preparation H hemorrhoid cream, dot on some Visine to reduce redness and camouflage with makeup (see also other categories on “Makeup Tips” and “Acne”).
Here’s a good outline to follow on skin care for acne:
Daily:
Each Morning
Wash with Cetaphyl gentle liquid cleanser, apply plenty of medicated cream containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and .5% salicylic acid, then a light, oil/fragrance free moisturizer with SPF15 sunscreen. If applying makeup, use mineral foundation makeup.
Each Afternoon
Wash again if needed to remove oiliness and reapply all creams. Avoid caking up makeup.
Each Night
Wash with Cetaphyl liquid cleanser, wipe face with pH balanced toner on a cotton pad to remove all traces of dirt (such as 1 part apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 parts water) and apply a heavy coat of the medicated cream again and light moisturizer if needed. Treat inflamed blemishes with a topical antibiotic.
Weekly:
Apply a facial mask for 15-30 minutes and rinse. Alternate a clay mask one week then medicated mask the other. Exfoliate once per week with a mild exfoliant such as baking soda mixed with your cleanser or water.
Always Avoid:
Stress, sun, junk food and sodas, touching your face, dirty linens, alcohol based products which irritate, and abrasive exfoliant scrubs. Never, ever go to bed with a dirty face.
Always Have:
Plenty of exercise (breaking a sweat preferably), relaxation, 8 hours of sleep every night, good wholesome foods and lots of water, clean linens and hair, along with religious daily skin care treatments as above.
For much more info on acne and natural treatments: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
"Swimmer's Hair" and "Green Hair"
Avoid "Swimmer's Hair" and “Green Hair”
Many head for swimming pools for recreation and relaxation, while others use pools all year for physical fitness, and thus the problem of pool chemicals turning hair (specifically, blonde and color-treated blonde or highlighted hair) an undesirable shade of green. What causes this discoloration in most cases is copper, a metal that may be present in pool water (even in your tap water if your local municipal water supply has a detectable level of copper), and also from copper in anti-algae pool treatments or other pool treatment chemicals, even from copper pipes that supply the pool's water. If you color-treat or perm your hair, residual amounts of the chemical ammonium chloride react with copper in pool water, forming copper ions that attach to the hair shaft and causeDiscoloration (the green color shade on hair is copper oxidizing on your hair-just like a copper roof turning green over time). A long time myth has been that the chlorine in water is the cause of green hair. The chlorine has nothing to do with creating the tint but it will definitely dry and damage your hair and skin. Chlorine can change hair color with it’s bleaching properties to lighten hair (particularly hair that is already light) or dull the color of dyed hair. To prevent the green, you want to reduce the build-up of metals on your hair by using shampoos that contain the chelating agent EDTA (ethylenediamene tetracetic acid), a common additive to shampoos and fairly easy to find. Most every shampoo labeled "clarifying" or "anti-residue" contains EDTA and removes build-up. A special "swimmer's shampoo" isn't necessary, though these generally contain chelating agents anyway, so they do work.
The best but not too attractive option is to always wear a bathing cap while swimming. Tucking your hair into a rubber cap will reduce contact with pool water, so no damage occurs. Applying a leave-in conditioner before the bathing cap makes applying it easier (less hair pulling) and also serves as a conditioning treatment; as your scalp releases body heat, it will be trapped under the bathing cap, allowing the conditioner to penetrate hair better. An alternative to wearing a bathing cap, and help minimize damage from chlorine and avoid green cast to hair from copper in pool water:
*Soak hair with clean water before entering pool water so hair does not soak up as much chlorine and chemicals, and rinse again after exiting the pool, never allow pool water-soaked hair to dry.
*If you own a swimming pool, talk to your pool supply store about chemical treatments that can be added to the water to make it less acidic, (acid encourages copper release from metal pieces due to corrosion). Your local pool supply store can also test your pool water to determine the presence of metals and make suggestions on how to get them down to an acceptable level.
*If you swim regularly, use as little heat-styling on your hair as possible and avoid brushing too often, which causes further damage. Be sure to use an emollient, or leave-in conditioner, for at least the ends of hair, and be sure to keep hair protected while outdoors by wearing a hat or scarf whenever possible. Do regular deep conditioning treatments. When you combine the damage pool water can do to hair, with the drying damage from the sun, you can quickly put your hair into a state of severe distress that will resemble straw.
For much more information on hair care and removing ‘swimmers green tint’: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Many head for swimming pools for recreation and relaxation, while others use pools all year for physical fitness, and thus the problem of pool chemicals turning hair (specifically, blonde and color-treated blonde or highlighted hair) an undesirable shade of green. What causes this discoloration in most cases is copper, a metal that may be present in pool water (even in your tap water if your local municipal water supply has a detectable level of copper), and also from copper in anti-algae pool treatments or other pool treatment chemicals, even from copper pipes that supply the pool's water. If you color-treat or perm your hair, residual amounts of the chemical ammonium chloride react with copper in pool water, forming copper ions that attach to the hair shaft and causeDiscoloration (the green color shade on hair is copper oxidizing on your hair-just like a copper roof turning green over time). A long time myth has been that the chlorine in water is the cause of green hair. The chlorine has nothing to do with creating the tint but it will definitely dry and damage your hair and skin. Chlorine can change hair color with it’s bleaching properties to lighten hair (particularly hair that is already light) or dull the color of dyed hair. To prevent the green, you want to reduce the build-up of metals on your hair by using shampoos that contain the chelating agent EDTA (ethylenediamene tetracetic acid), a common additive to shampoos and fairly easy to find. Most every shampoo labeled "clarifying" or "anti-residue" contains EDTA and removes build-up. A special "swimmer's shampoo" isn't necessary, though these generally contain chelating agents anyway, so they do work.
The best but not too attractive option is to always wear a bathing cap while swimming. Tucking your hair into a rubber cap will reduce contact with pool water, so no damage occurs. Applying a leave-in conditioner before the bathing cap makes applying it easier (less hair pulling) and also serves as a conditioning treatment; as your scalp releases body heat, it will be trapped under the bathing cap, allowing the conditioner to penetrate hair better. An alternative to wearing a bathing cap, and help minimize damage from chlorine and avoid green cast to hair from copper in pool water:
*Soak hair with clean water before entering pool water so hair does not soak up as much chlorine and chemicals, and rinse again after exiting the pool, never allow pool water-soaked hair to dry.
*If you own a swimming pool, talk to your pool supply store about chemical treatments that can be added to the water to make it less acidic, (acid encourages copper release from metal pieces due to corrosion). Your local pool supply store can also test your pool water to determine the presence of metals and make suggestions on how to get them down to an acceptable level.
*If you swim regularly, use as little heat-styling on your hair as possible and avoid brushing too often, which causes further damage. Be sure to use an emollient, or leave-in conditioner, for at least the ends of hair, and be sure to keep hair protected while outdoors by wearing a hat or scarf whenever possible. Do regular deep conditioning treatments. When you combine the damage pool water can do to hair, with the drying damage from the sun, you can quickly put your hair into a state of severe distress that will resemble straw.
For much more information on hair care and removing ‘swimmers green tint’: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Old Time Early 1800's Hair Tonic Recipes
Old Time Hair Tonic Recipes from the Early 1800’s:
OIL TONIC TO MAKE HAIR GROW AND CURL
½ Pint olive oil
1/8 oz. each oils of rosemary and origanum
Mix well and apply freely.
Note: Olive oil and rosemary oil are quite common to find. Origanum is easily obtained from any store that sells essential oils and is an oil with antifungal, stimulating tonic properties. Since this mixture would be very oily, the recommendation is for use as a deep conditioning treatment with steam before shampooing.
SHAMPOO TO MAKE HAIR CURL
2 lbs common soap
3 pints spirits of wine
3 oz. potash
Cut the soap in small pieces and melt all ingredients together, stirring it with a clean piece of wood; then add a quarter of an ounce each of essence of amber, vanilla and nervoli and mix well. Use as a shampoo.
Note: These are quite old recipes and difficult to find such ingredients as 'common' soap which could be no more than harsh detergent or lye soap. The name potash comes from the English wording Pot and Ash. Ashes from burned hardwood trees would be used to make lye, which could either be used to make soap or boiled down to produce valuable potash. So you can see this recipe was primarily just soap-and not necessarily good quality soap. Spirits of wine is merely rectified ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol - defined as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors; used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel...that doesn't sound good. I don't recommend doing what early Americans did to curl their hair with this recipe.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
OIL TONIC TO MAKE HAIR GROW AND CURL
½ Pint olive oil
1/8 oz. each oils of rosemary and origanum
Mix well and apply freely.
Note: Olive oil and rosemary oil are quite common to find. Origanum is easily obtained from any store that sells essential oils and is an oil with antifungal, stimulating tonic properties. Since this mixture would be very oily, the recommendation is for use as a deep conditioning treatment with steam before shampooing.
SHAMPOO TO MAKE HAIR CURL
2 lbs common soap
3 pints spirits of wine
3 oz. potash
Cut the soap in small pieces and melt all ingredients together, stirring it with a clean piece of wood; then add a quarter of an ounce each of essence of amber, vanilla and nervoli and mix well. Use as a shampoo.
Note: These are quite old recipes and difficult to find such ingredients as 'common' soap which could be no more than harsh detergent or lye soap. The name potash comes from the English wording Pot and Ash. Ashes from burned hardwood trees would be used to make lye, which could either be used to make soap or boiled down to produce valuable potash. So you can see this recipe was primarily just soap-and not necessarily good quality soap. Spirits of wine is merely rectified ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol - defined as the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors; used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel...that doesn't sound good. I don't recommend doing what early Americans did to curl their hair with this recipe.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Simple Rinses for Shiny Hair
Hair Shine Rinse
To get shiny hair, after rinsing out shampoo, pour a glass of natural brewed regular tea (preferably cold) over hair and towel dry or substitute a rinse of 1/3 apple cider vinegar to 2/3 water. Or just rinse hair (very thoroughly to remove all soap residue) in cold water which helps close down the hair’s cuticle, leaving a smoother, shinier surface to hair. Hot water rinsing opens up the hair cuticle making it look rougher and less shiney. Apple cider vinegar has the same pH balance as your skin and hair and is a natural clarifier, removing product buildup, detangler and gives hair shine. Be careful about using on very dry or damaged hair since it can tend to be a bit drying. Chamomile tea is a good rinse for blond hair giving it shine and highlights.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
To get shiny hair, after rinsing out shampoo, pour a glass of natural brewed regular tea (preferably cold) over hair and towel dry or substitute a rinse of 1/3 apple cider vinegar to 2/3 water. Or just rinse hair (very thoroughly to remove all soap residue) in cold water which helps close down the hair’s cuticle, leaving a smoother, shinier surface to hair. Hot water rinsing opens up the hair cuticle making it look rougher and less shiney. Apple cider vinegar has the same pH balance as your skin and hair and is a natural clarifier, removing product buildup, detangler and gives hair shine. Be careful about using on very dry or damaged hair since it can tend to be a bit drying. Chamomile tea is a good rinse for blond hair giving it shine and highlights.
For thousands of additional tips and information: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Natural Covering of Grey Hair and Care
Covering Grey Hair and Care:
-For brunettes, boil potato peels in water, strain, and cool. Use the strained water as an after-shampoo rinse to darken grey hair.
-Sage will return grey to normal color gradually when used regularly over a period of time. Simmer 1 part dried sage with a little rosemary in 4 parts water for a half hour, then let steep for 2-3 hours. Strain and pour over clean hair daily. Leave on until hair is dry, then rinse out. Once your hair returns to the shade you want, use it once or twice a week.
-Make a strong tea of hollyhock (blue-purple flowers) or betony to remove yellow cast from grey hair. Also try using a clarifying shampoo to remove the yellow which could be coming from mineral deposits in your water. Or the yellow could be from overheating your hair with heat appliances which can burn and discolor hair. Use lower heat settings when styling. When hair turns gray, it becomes coarse and is prone to yellowing from pollution, smoke, sunlight, etc. Switch to shampoo and conditioner that is made especially for graying or white hair. Shampoos with a violet base will brighten hair and help eliminate the yellowing. Avoid red shampoo which will turn grey and white hair pink. The more gray or white your hair becomes, the more difficult it is for hair color to cover it and the more noticeable the roots appear as they grow in. Stay away from trying to color gray hair too dark, instead go with a color a little lighter than your natural color and use lighter streaks or highlights so the gray roots growing in will appear less noticeable and require fewer touchups. You also loose the warmth of color around your face as you gray so use a little more color on your face to balance out the lack of color in your hair, especially if you have pale or fair skin. For lots more tricks, recipes and tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
-For brunettes, boil potato peels in water, strain, and cool. Use the strained water as an after-shampoo rinse to darken grey hair.
-Sage will return grey to normal color gradually when used regularly over a period of time. Simmer 1 part dried sage with a little rosemary in 4 parts water for a half hour, then let steep for 2-3 hours. Strain and pour over clean hair daily. Leave on until hair is dry, then rinse out. Once your hair returns to the shade you want, use it once or twice a week.
-Make a strong tea of hollyhock (blue-purple flowers) or betony to remove yellow cast from grey hair. Also try using a clarifying shampoo to remove the yellow which could be coming from mineral deposits in your water. Or the yellow could be from overheating your hair with heat appliances which can burn and discolor hair. Use lower heat settings when styling. When hair turns gray, it becomes coarse and is prone to yellowing from pollution, smoke, sunlight, etc. Switch to shampoo and conditioner that is made especially for graying or white hair. Shampoos with a violet base will brighten hair and help eliminate the yellowing. Avoid red shampoo which will turn grey and white hair pink. The more gray or white your hair becomes, the more difficult it is for hair color to cover it and the more noticeable the roots appear as they grow in. Stay away from trying to color gray hair too dark, instead go with a color a little lighter than your natural color and use lighter streaks or highlights so the gray roots growing in will appear less noticeable and require fewer touchups. You also loose the warmth of color around your face as you gray so use a little more color on your face to balance out the lack of color in your hair, especially if you have pale or fair skin. For lots more tricks, recipes and tips: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
All Natural Hair Color and Highlights
Natural Hair Coloring and Highlights
Natural hair rinses work over a period of time giving subtle color and highlights. To clean damp hair, pour any natural color rinse over hair a dozen or more times catching the excess liquid in a large bowl or bathroom sink as it runs off, and pouring it over hair repeatedly. Since these work gradually, they won’t give you immediate results so give them time to make changes in your coloring.
For Brunettes:
Natural hair rinses work over a period of time giving subtle color and highlights. To clean damp hair, pour any natural color rinse over hair a dozen or more times catching the excess liquid in a large bowl or bathroom sink as it runs off, and pouring it over hair repeatedly. Since these work gradually, they won’t give you immediate results so give them time to make changes in your coloring.
For Brunettes:
Cook an unpeeled potato in boiling water. While liquid is still warm, dip a paint brush or cotton ball in the cooking water and saturate hair, being careful not to get any on skin. Leave on hair for 20-30 minutes and rinse.
For Blondes:
Make a strong tea from saffron, turmeric, calendula, mullein, privet, yellow broom, or any yellow blossomed herb or flower will add color and highlights for blondes. Or try bringing to boil 4 tablespoons of chopped rhubarb in 3 cups hot water then simmer 15 minutes. Strain, cool, and pour over hair after shampooing. To restore hair that was once blonde, mix equal parts of licorice root and oat straw and add a little saffron. Cover with water, bring to boil, then simmer to make a strong tea. Strain and use as a rinse after shampooing, soaking hair, do not rinse out.
For Redheads:
Use a strong tea from rosehips, calendula, or red hibiscus.
For more recipes and ideas on natural hair coloring and care: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
For more recipes and ideas on natural hair coloring and care: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Dandruff Treatments
DANDRUFF
For dry scalp, do not use products like Head and Shoulders which dry your scalp and hair even more compounding the problem and it can strip hair color as well. Avoid products that contain alcohol which are drying such as hairsprays or hair gels, or shampoos that contain a lot of detergent. Shampoos that produce a lot of lather have a lot of detergent; less lather means less detergent. Some of the flaking may be product build up on your scalp so make sure you’re giving your scalp a good massage and use a clarifying shampoo, or massage in 1 part apple cider vinegar mixed with 2 parts water as a natural clarifier and style without rinsing. If you see oily gray or yellow tiny balls that clump together, or very powdery, fine flaking, you may want to consult with your doctor first. If you have white flakes, large or fine, it's usually dry scalp dandruff or product buildup and treatable yourself.To treat dandruff yourself, try one or more of the following remedies:
1. Make strong tea from fresh or dried rosemary or thyme and let steep 24 hours. Use daily as hair rinse, massaging into scalp without rinsing out then style as usual.
2. Mix one part each apple cider vinegar, vodka, and water with a drop of tea tree oil. Apply to hair after shampooing and don’t rinse.
3. Massage aloe vera gel directly into scalp 15-30 minutes before washing your hair on a regular basis.
4. Massage baking soda into scalp or rinse hair daily in a cup of water with a tablet of Alka-Seltzer dissolved in it. This makes the scalp more alkaline which helps control dandruff.
For more dandruff information and recipes: Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
Reviving Tired Eyes and The "Morning After" Beautifier
Morning After Beautifier Routine
To detox your system and skin in the morning after a bad night: Drink a cup of very hot water when you first wake with lemon added to cleanse, purify your system and help your intestines become active. Wash your face with a cleansing milk to remove oiliness without drying skin. Just whole plain milk or yogurt will work and provides natural moisture and nutrients, and if straight from the frig, the coolness helps wake up your face. Soak cotton pads in rosewater and apply to eyes for a few minutes to hydrate and soften delicate eye skin. Then follow with cotton pads soaked with cold witch hazel to reduce eye puffiness, or apply cold, wet tea bags directly to eyes (keep your used tea bags in a container in the frig instead of tossing them). For really bad mornings, utilize acupressure around the eyes or use the next tip following this one to revive eyes. To brighten up a tired face: after brushing on powder blush, use what's left on the brush over brow bones, brushing up and out toward hairline to perk up skin and eyes and give an uplifting appearance.Revive Tired Eyes
Rub your hands together briskly until you feel heat from the friction then immediately cup your warmed hands over your eye sockets with eyes closed for about 10 seconds. Breathe slow and deep at the same time. Hands give off lots of energy with this technique and having someone else try this on your eyes will give you a different energy feeling. Facial massage or acupressure also works wonders to revive tired eyes and headaches or sinus problems. My book has several different techniques listed that make your face and eyes look and feel rejuvenated:Beauty and the Budget at VirtualBookWorm
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