Tag: anti-aging

DIY Facials with Greek Yogurt Face Masks

I love finding natural beauty treatments and remedies that work just as well (if not better!) than store bought cosmetics. Earlier this year I experimented with the effects of Raw Honey Face Masks and was blown away by the results! It made me think about other simple, natural products and I remembered my experience with Greek Yogurt.

I learned about the skin healing and beauty benefits of yogurt years ago in Greece. Back then, a local brand called Korres was being sold in pharmacies and specializing in natural and holistic remedies, creams and cosmetics.

The first Korres product I tried was their Yogurt Face Cream. It was supposed to soothe the skin, help minimize breakouts, and have anti-aging effects. Lucky for me, the cream delivered on everything it promised.

(More than a decade later, Korres is now available all over the world and they are still using unique ingredients and plants in their lines. Check them out on Amazon.)

Korres was definitely on to something, but you do not need to visit a cosmetics counter to benefit from the effects of yogurt – instead, shop your refrigerator for some plain Greek yogurt.

Yogurt is full of proteins and enzymes that help soothe, heal and treat your skin.

Gently apply a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt to clean skin for 10 to 30 minutes 2 to 3 times per week. On its own, it will moisturize, exfoliate, minimize acne, soothe sunburns and brighten your skin. For more intense all natural masks, try the following:

  1. Intense Moisture
  2. Exfoliator and Acne Healer
    • 2 tsp Greek Yogurt + 1 tsp Organic Raw Honey + 1/2 tsp Organic Coconut Oil
      • Yogurt is Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal which helps destroy acne-causing bacteria.
      • The Alpha-Hydroxy Acid gently exfoliates by dissolving dead skin cells to give you a youthful, glowing appearance.
  3. Sunburn Soother
    • 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt + 1 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
      • The Zinc in Yogurt helps heal the skin and removes the sting.
  4. Skin Brightener
    • 1 tbsp Greek Yogurt + 1/2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Which is your favourite Greek Yogurt Mask? Do you have any special concoctions of your own for other skin concerns?

New Season, New Skin Care

As we move into a new season, it is always good to make changes to your skin care routine (Note: changing seasons are also a good reminder to swap your shampoo and conditioner).

As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors blasting the heat, you may find that you need a richer, more intense moisturizer than what you use during the warmer months. Hydration and exfoliating masks also become your best friend when combatting dryness.

I recently went through all the beauty samples that I had accumulated in the last year and was pleasantly surprised by some of my finds. Even though I never want summer to end, these masks, moisturizers and cleansers will hopefully make the transition into fall more bearable.

Budget Balancing Mask: Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Anti Stress Mask  (freemanbeauty.com)

The Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Mask by Freeman is one of the best masks I have used, budget or otherwise. It has a pleasant sweet/salty/lavender smell, the smooth texture of clay, and leaves your skin soft, radiant, and refreshed. I have fairly sensitive skin and have never had any problems with any Freeman masks. I also highly recommend their Cucumber Peel-Off Mask. If not for the cool, refreshing feeling, than just to pretend that you are Patrick Bateman for ten minutes.

Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Mask

Freeman Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Break the Bank Mask: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask (sephora.com)

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

 

More than anything, this mask is fun. It looks like pure tar and peels off in one sheet if applied correctly (be sure to keep it away from your eyebrows and hairline as it is quite sticky and will rip out the hair). It is great on sensitive skin and always leaves my skin feeling clean and looking bright. Apply a face oil after using this, and your skin will feel like pure silk.

 

Oil-Based Cleanser: Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil (sephora.com)

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

I tend to stick to Murad for use with my Clarisonic and the Aveeno Moisturizing Bar to remove eye makeup. Recently, however, I have been using the ultra-rich Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil. It removes makeup well (I still prefer removing eye makeup with my Aveeno bar) and leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

To use, shake cleanser and apply to dry skin with dry hands. Gently massage face to remove dirt and oil. Wash with warm water – notice how the previously oily/sticky cleanser becomes almost milky.

 

Sensitive Skin Cleanser: First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (sephora.com)

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser

For those with sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty’s Face Cleanser is a great transitional product. Formulated for sensitive skin, this product will not irritate and even moisturizes as it gently cleans.

To use, dampen face with warm water and massage a small amount of cleanser onto face. The formula will foam and become milky as you work with the product. Gently rinse off with warm water.

 

Face Oil 2.0: Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil (sephora.com)

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil

During the warmer months, I swear by Josie Maran’s 100% pure Argan Oil or Light Argan Oil. When your skin starts feeling tight and chapped with the cold weather, however, I find the Seaberry Face Oil is a little more intensive. This oil is still fast absorbing and light enough that you can wear it underneath another cream or SPF.

 

 

 

My First “Anti-Aging” Cream: Lancome Reenergize Lift Multi-Action SPF 15 (sephora.com)

Lancome Renergie Lift Multi-Action SPF 15

I am now at the age where preventative beauty treatments are necessary. My first dip into the “anti-aging” pool is with Lancome’s Renergie Lift Multi-Action SPF 15. Not knowing what to expect, I quickly fell in love with this cream. It is a thicker moisturizer that absorbs quickly and leaves your face feeling quenched.  Your skin also has a refreshed appearance and refined texture immediately.

 

 

I am pleasantly surprised by some of the beauty finds in my “sample” drawer. Let me know if you have tried any of these products and how they have worked for you!