Tag: skin

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?

Four Essential Honey Masks

I love using natural products in lieu of store bought beauty products, and I love honey! Honey is known for its health benefits but is often underrated for its cosmetic uses.

Honey has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and healing properties that give you healthy skin and hair. It is also rich in enzymes that calm your skin, and draws moisture into the skin. I recommend using raw honey for beauty treatments since it has not been heat-treated and contains the most enzymes.

Tip: If you do not have time for a full mask, use a dab of raw honey as a spot treatment to heal blemishes.

The next time you are treating yourself to a spa day, try one of these all natural masks. Which one is your favourite?

 

Hydration Therapy

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f0d70aaf41828df7e7334375dad51cdc3d1578163c6cc961c490f9adc0cb5d71January can be one of the most depressing (and drying!) months. The once beautiful sunny sky takes on a permanent grey hue, the wind chill manages to cut through even the warmest winter layers, and you have to look at your scaly lizard hands day after day. If the lack of Vitamin D has not changed your mood, suffering from dry, itchy skin will quickly put you down.

It is important to take preventative action to help avoid winter dryness altogether! Here are my three steps to keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy all season long!

  1. TREAT DRYNESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT: NUTRITION!
    • Incorporate lots of healthy fats into your diet and you will see the difference in your hair and skin. Olive oil and avocado oil are rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants (substances that prevent or delay cell damage – read: keep you looking and feeling young!), while coconut oil is rich in saturated fats (specifically Medium Chain Triglycerides) and is quickly metabolized by the liver where it is used for energy.

    • Coconut Oil is a healthy, all natural product that can be used to nourish your body from the inside out.

      Coconut Oil is a healthy, all natural product that can be used to nourish your body from the inside out.

    • On the inside, the presence of healthy oils in your diet helps with energy expenditure, and burning fat by making you feel fuller for longer.
    • On the outside, healthy oils increase the moisture and lipid content of skin and hair to protect against damage. Over time, you will notice your skin texture become more smooth and hydrated, hair will become stronger and shinier, and nails may become stronger and healthier looking.
    • Other healthy oils to try – flax seed oil, omega three or fish oil (available as a supplement), hemp oil, hazelnut oil, grape seed oil, almond oil… Take a walk through your local health food store to discover more healthy and delicious oils to incorporate into your diet! Different oils have different flavours and uses in the kitchen, so go ahead and experiment!

    • Vitamin E is an excellent supplement that promotes skin healing.

      Vitamin E is an excellent supplement that promotes skin healing.

    • Pro tip: Vitamin E is a great supplement to add to your daily regimen. It promotes skin healing and can be applied to scars topically, ingested orally, or both. I have used it for years to help heal scars for acne, stitches, and cuts. Vitamin E is a light oil that absorbs quickly into the skin so it can be applied heavily as an evening reparative “mask,” or lightly for day time on problem areas. Note: it does not cure acne, but it helps heal scars that blemishes leave behind.
    • Pro tip: Vitamin D is another great supplement during long, dark, and cold winter months. A synthetic version of the vitamin synthesized in our skin by sunlight, Vitamin D helps restore wakefulness, eliminate the “winter blues,” promote bone health, and fight infection.

2. EXFOLIATE!

  • Exfoliating your skin should be done all year round – in the summer time it helps remove dry skin and increases the longevity of summer tans, and in the winter it slowly sloughs off dead skin that can feel itchy, uncomfortable, and tight.
  • Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator buffs away dry skin for all skin types.

    Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator buffs away dry skin for all skin types (Sephora.com).

    Exfoliating can be done with mildly abrasive compounds – some products contain items like ground fruit kernels or sugar – or liquid astringents like apple cider vinegar. When trying a new exfoliating product, natural or otherwise, test the product on a small patch of skin to make sure you do not have a reaction.

  • Choose the strength of the product based on the skin you are exfoliating. For instance: use the mildest exfoliator on your face (for very sensitive skin, try a gentle cleanser on a soft wash cloth and gently buff skin in circular motions). A more substantial exfoliator can be used for your body, and the strongest can be used on elbows, knees, palms and feet. It is important not to exfoliate too frequently – either once a day or once every two days is more than enough. Excessive exfoliation may cause redness, further dryness, and excessive oil production that may bring acne.

3. NOURISH YOUR SKIN

  • Once you have removed all your dry skin, lock in moisture with a thick application of moisturizer or body oil.
  • If you are looking for an extra thick moisturizer, try slathering on some coconut oil. It smells great, absorbs quickly, and is 100% all natural. What could be better? Depending on your skin type, coconut oil may even work as an evening facial moisturizer (it has the same pH as our skin and typically does not cause breakouts).

With these three simple steps – adding healthy, rich oils to your diet, exfoliating dry skin, and nourishing your body – you will never have to deal with dry winter skin again!

Do you have any tried and true remedies to winter dryness or products that you cannot live without? Tell us about them!

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!

My New Favourite Beauty Mecca

When travelling outside of North America, I rarely purchase beauty products. It seems like every thing from Cover Girl mascara to MAC lipstick costs at least twice as much as back home. Fortunately, I discovered the Australian beauty chain, Mecca, in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall.

The store has a great selection of trusted cosmetics, skincare, and hair care brands like Bobbi Brown, GlamGlow, and Bumble and Bumble, as well as Australian brands. I was especially excited to see a wide assortment of Korres products – one of my favourite beauty brands from Greece.

The best part about Mecca: they have converted US pricing on their exclusive lines, into $AUD. That means brands like Josie Maran, NARS, Mario Badescu, and Korres are as close to US pricing as possible (only you are paying $AUD instead of $USD)

I had a great time shopping in Maxima Wintergarden thanks to the helpful staff, beautiful store, extensive selection. and my new Korres Water Lily body butter.

If you find yourself in Australia, I highly recommend checking it out.  http://mecca.com.au

The Australian cosmetics superstore, Mecca Maxima.

The Australian cosmetics superstore, Mecca.

The Best Travel Accessory: My Clarisonic

The stress of travelling always takes a toll on my skin. Between all the sunscreen, sweat, and environmental pollution, even if I feel completely relaxed, my skin would look tired and rough. I have been using the Clarisonic Aria for more than one year, and my skin has showed  huge improvements as a result (especially when travelling!) Since using the device, moisturizer and sunscreen glides on with ease, and foundation application is especially smooth. The Clarisonic is definitely an investment, but it has improved my skins’ texture and help minimize noticeable breakouts.

What is a Clarisonic?

The Clarisonic device will give you the most effective and gentle one minute face wash. It combines sonic pulses with unique brush heads to cleanse pores and remove impurities without damaging your skin. Their standard brushes are designed for all types of skin including delicate, sensitive, normal, deep pore, acne prone, and radiance. The company also makes specialty brushes for the face, body, and feet. Play around with the brushes and device speeds to find the perfect combination for your skin.

How I use it:

All Clarisonic models feature a one minute timer with three mini beeps to help time cleaning your face. It is important not to use your Clarisonic more than one time per day so you do not strip the natural oils from your skin. I use mine every evening to remove makeup build up, but use it less often if your skin is too sensitive.

I start by washing off any eye make up since you should not use the Clarisonic too close to your eye area. Try using an Aveeno moisturizing bar – it is gentle and removes all traces of eye makeup.

Dampen your face and the brush head with warm water, and then spread a quarter-sized amount of cleanser on your face. Find a cleanser that works for your skin, and that the texture works with your device. I use Murad Acne Cleanser with 1.5% salicylic acid and the deep pore brush head.

With a thin layer of cleanser on your face, start the Clarisonic and make small, slow circles on the different segments of your face. I divide my face up into 4 different segments to work on between beeps: left cheek, right cheek, nose and chin, and forehead.

When your minute timer is finished, you Clarisonic will automatically shut off. Rinse it well and store standing up to allow the brush to completely dry. The device is completely waterproof and can be fully submerged in water, so you can even use it in the shower.

Once your skin is fresh and clean, it is time to apply your moisturizer. Since you removed most of the impurities from your skin, it will absorb your products better and give you a fresh, youthful glow. Try using Josie Maran 100% Argan Oil – it will leave your skin feeling like silk.

Brush Care:

Like your toothbrush, your Clarisonic brush will eventually wear down and start to gather bacteria. The company recommends changing them every three months, but I have found, with good care, brush life can be extended to about four months. After that, the bristles lose their tension and there is too much bacteria gathering.

Happy Earth Day! Pass the Olive Oil…

As you know, I am always looking for natural cosmetics and moisturizers. In the spirit of Earth Day, I am shining a light on the cosmetic applications of olive oil.

Many people use olive oil for cooking because it is rich in vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants and can even help lower cholesterol. It is also found in many cosmetics and hair products because its ability to hydrate, cleanse, condition, and protect hair and skin.

Here are some of my favourite cosmetic applications for olive oil.

  • Olive Oil as Makeup Remover
    • Add a few drops of olive oil to a cotton ball. Gently remove make up and rinse face with warm water.
  • Olive Oil and Honey Hair Mask and Scalp Treatment
    • A healthy scalp is important to healthy hair. In addition to promoting hair growth, having a moisturized scalp will help reduce oil buildup on your hair. A weekly hair and scalp treatment will help your scalp and hair feel and look better.
    • Mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, and the oil from 3 Vitamin E capsules together. If mixture is too sticky, add some more olive oil.
    • Use a paint brush or basting brush to distribute the mixture over damp hair.
    • Wrap hair in a plastic bag. Leave for 90 mins before rinsing with warm water. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
    • Hair will feel smooth and supple.
    • Depending on your hair texture, too much olive oil on your scalp may weigh your hair down. Try adding a few drops on the crown of your head and spreading it with your fingers. Leave on for 90 minutes, and shampoo as needed.
  • Olive Oil “Cuticle Cream”
    • Gently massage nails and cuticles with a  few drops of olive oil.
  • Olive Oil Bath
    • The fastest way to smooth, supple skin is with an olive oil bath.
    • Add 5 tablespoons of olive oil to a warm bath, and soak.
    • The warm water will open your pores and allow you to absorb the moisturizing oil.
    • Indulge your skin  post-bath by using a light application of olive oil as a full body moisturizer.
  • Olive Oil on Salad
    • To get all the benefits of olive oil, make sure you take it internally, as well. Use it in raw applications such as on salads or finishing a pasta dish. Having olive oil raw ensures you are getting all the good nutrients that can otherwise be destroyed when oil is heated during cooking.

I hope this inspires you to incorporate olive oil into your beauty routine. Your skin will love you for it.

Switch up your regular moisturizer with olive oil! Your skin is drinking up the products you use - what better than something you eat?

Switch up your regular moisturizer with olive oil! Your skin is drinking up the products you use – what better than something you eat?

 

The Only Scrub You Will Ever Need

I am always looking for multi-use products that simplify my beauty routine, declutter my make up vanity, and provide a healthier alternative. My latest recipe discovery is the perfect body scrub that takes seconds to whip up.

  1. Mix equal parts brown sugar, coconut oil and honey in a microwavable dish.
  2. Microwave 15 – 20 seconds until coconut oil has melted.
  3. Mix and store in a covered dish or use immediately. Smooth onto hands, lips and dry patches to gently exfoliate and nourish.

* TIP – create a moisturizing body bar to smooth your skin in the bath. Mix 2 : 1 coconut oil to brown sugar. Line a small dish with plastic wrap and pour in the mixture. Let the mould set in the refrigerator and within half an hour you will have a coconut sugar moisture bar.

 

The only scrub you will ever need: brown sugar, coconut oil and honey gently exfoliate while nourishing and moisturizing the skin.

The only scrub you will ever need: brown sugar, coconut oil and honey gently exfoliate while nourishing and moisturizing the skin.