Simple & Quick Remedy for Under Eye Puffiness

Taking care of the appearance of your eyes is essential in looking fresh and awake.  Under eye puffiness, can make you look tired, exhausted, and older than you years.  Although this homemade remedy isn't a permanent fix, it is a quick and simple temporary fix.

Coconut Oil & Avocado Face Mask

Virgin Coconut Oil at 76 degrees and below is solid and white in color

Coconut oil is an oil with many healing properties.  It is rich in Vitamins A and K.  It is a great moisturizer as well because it helps your skin retain moisture.  As with any mask make sure that you are not allergic to coconut oil if you haven't used it on your face before.  Warm some up so it's in liquid form and test a little on a small portion of your face to make sure you aren't allergic.

Healing Beer Bath

Beer is not just for drinking!  This tasty liquid is also great for your skin and hair.  The miracle ingredient in beer is hops.  Use this healing beer bath to draw out your impurities, clean out your pores, and help you relax.

Hops helps to exfoliate the skin by getting rid of the dead cells in the upper layer.   The yeast in the beer contains B vitamins which help purify and renew your skin while keeping moisture in.  Also, beer yeast helps aid in getting rid of acne causing bacteria while helping with the elasticity of your skin.  The warm water of this healing bath motivates your pores to open and stimulates your circulatory system.

Ingredients:

2 cups of beer (any kind will do)
1 warm bath

Directions:

Draw a warm bath and add the 2 cups of beer.  Relax in your bath. :)

Beer spas have become a trend in Europe.  Hopefully it catches on soon here in the US!

Enjoy!
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Strawberries & Cream Face Mask

Not only are strawberries delicious, they are really good for your skin!  These bright red, berries are full of juicy goodness.  Strawberries are especially rich in Vitamin C and ellagic acid.  Ellagic acid is an antioxidant that when used topically can help protect your skin from damaging UV rays from the sun.  UV rays are one of the main causes of aging!  They cause premature wrinkles which makes your skin age before it should.

Moisturizing Avocado Face Mask

Avocados are a great food and source of Vitamins C, E, and D.  They are also a good source of potassium as well as the minerals, copper and iron.  These properties make avocado masks great for people with dry, sun-exposed skin.  It's also a great mask for those of you that have developed red skin due to dryness!

Tip of the Day! Cucumber for Wrinkles

Cucumber is a fresh and naturally cleansing astringent, especially on hot days and in the summer.  You can use cucumbers daily to freshen up your face and remove the appearance of fine wrinkles.  If you have a problem with shine, then this homemade remedy is perfect for you!

Tip of the Day! Use Manuka Honey in Your Skincare Routine

If you have been doing research on homemade skin care then you may already be familiar with manuka honey.  Manuka honey is produced in Australia and New Zealand.  For honey to be considered manuka honey, it has to have a manuka pollen count of at least 70%.  It is also important to know how the honey was processed and packaged as some processes may cause honey to lose it's beneficial properties.

Face Mask for Blemished Skin

There are many products out there that claim to cure and treat blemish skin--and some do--while others fail to deliver their claimed results.


So, what exactly is blemished skin? 

Skin blemishes are commonly known as spots or discolorations on your skin.  They are commonly formed by whiteheads/blackheads and acne on your face and are usually a result of improper care such as picking and scratching.  Acne is caused by your pores getting clogged by your natural oils and then infected with bacteria which gets worse with these habits.  Other causes are external such as pollution, which is why it is so important to wash your face at least twice a day: once when you get up in the morning and once before going to bed at night.

Tip of the Day! Lemon Juice as a Toner

Lemon juice is a great, inexpensive alternative to expensive facial toners.  Use this lemon juice toner before you apply your moisturizer or makeup.  The lemon juice acts as an astringent which motivates your pores to close and your face to tighten resulting in smoother skin.  Toners are extremely important to use because they balance your pH level, clear away any last bits of bacteria, and close your pores (which prevents your moisturizer, dirt, etc. from clogging your pores right after you wash).  Cold water also works as a great astringent.

Best Way To Get Rid Of Acne

You could possibly inquire how often the best way to get rid of acne scars; in fact you must know that there are several, many ways to help remedy acne scars. Normally, to remove acne scar removal forces you to much more annoying to accomplish than quit zits. Since need lots of energy for do it, particularly when scarring may be significant. Span of pimples breakout has a small amount of time. However, if you aren't performing a thing in these kind of scarring might it would certainly serve you for a life time. It takes time for you to know the best way to reduce acne scarring, consequently you are able to take away the surgical mark that frequently allows you to feel embarrassed inside your dating life.

You should know, that there are a number of approaches you can look at regarding do in getting reduce undesirable scar tissue. There's a very best opportinity for find the method that is certainly fine-tuned towards the seriousness of your scar problems you might have. By way of example, if a large keloid, it's better to consult with your doctor with regards to healthcare authorities that should be regarded. Nonetheless, if a little scar that you just feel can usually be treated on your own then your best method is always to choose all-natural techniques to that.

Peach Face Tightening Mask

I feel peaches generally get ignored as an "everyday" fruit--unlike bananas, apples, and oranges--which is unfortunate because they have been around for centuries and have plenty of beneficial properties!

In lieu of this, I'm going to give you a short summary on peaches--don't worry, it's not long (or boring):

Peach aka "Persian Apple" was first introduced to Europe after Alexander the Great conquered Persia, but was originally cultivated in China.  And, apparently, it was one of the most favored fruits of kings and emperors. That's it! :)

You're probably wondering what makes peaches good for your skin?

Peaches are equipped with Vitamin C and Vitamin E which are essential in the creation of collagen in your skin.  They are excellent for your skin whether they are consumed orally or placed on top of your skin directly.

Tip of the Day! Makeup Remover

Recently, I ran out of my makeup remover.  I would probably not be considered a survivalist by any means because I only buy things when I absolutely run out of them!

So, what's a girl supposed to do?

Well, I committed the number 1 make up no-no.  I went to bed with my makeup on.  Most of it smudged off by the time I woke up, leaving me looking like a raccoon.  My skin felt like it had a layer of dirt on it and like it didn't get a chance to "breathe" at all during the night.  It felt horrible! (and, to be honest, didn't look so great either!)

If you find yourself like me and out of makeup remover, you don't have to commit the makeup sin!  Just go to your kitchen pantry and look for grapeseed oil.  Yes. I said oil.

Moisturizing Banana & Honey Face Mask

Bananas have been used for centuries in a variety of ways.  Banana leaves and pulp are commonly used in cooking and for eating.  Plantains are a type of banana that are starchier and harder and cooked.  The more common yellow banana's pulp is consumed raw and the skin is then thrown away, although the skin is edible.

Some alternate uses of bananas include the use of bananas in skin care.  They are a great source of potassium, Vitamin C, fiber which are great for your skin because they nourish your skin.

Try this quick and simple moisturizing banana and honey face mask to provide your skin with essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

1 banana (ripe) (you don't have to use the whole thing.)
about 1 tsp of honey


Mash the banana and the honey together in a bowl.  Apply the mask onto your face and make sure you avoid your eye area.

Tip of the Day! Teabags for Dark Under Eye Circles

Dark under eye circles and puffiness are a common problem these days.  The causes may be age and hereditary.  However, lifestyle factors can have a huge affect on the circles and puffiness under our eyes.  Constantly cheating yourself of sleep, not working out, and eating unhealthy salty snacks are some of the many causes of puffiness and under eye circles.

Remember to drink lots of water: about 8-10 glasses a day.  Keeping your body hydrated is one of the easiest ways to avoid water retention and puffiness.

You can use any type of tea bag (black, green etc.) but chamomile are best for puffiness.

Funny Photoshop Parody

Here's some humor to brighten up your day :)

I saw this funny Photoshop parody video on a friend's facebook site and couldn't help sharing this.  I agree with the thoughts behind the video shoot:

The person behind this shoot was watching infomercials one night and a commercial came on for some sort of a miracle cream came on where they compare two photographs side by side to show consumers the before and after affects of this miracle cream.

How to Treat a Cut / Wound with Turmeric Powder

We've all been there.  That moment we cut our finger on some sharp object or another in our homes and then wonder where all the band aids have gone.  The last thing you want to do is run out of your house clinging your finger to your chest as your drive to the closest Ralphs pharmacy to buy a first aid kit.  The best case scenario, of course, would be to have some band aids in your home in case of an emergency like this.  However, if you don't have those available, you might just have what you need in your spice cabinet!  

Quick Oatmeal Face Mask for Acne

Spring is here, and it is time to start clearing up your the skin you've been hiding under all that makeup!

A lot of people have been turning to homemade acne treatments lately.  It may be because the price of other cures are steep and the economy isn't doing so great right now, or it could be because of the recent shift towards adapting to a more "green" lifestyle.

Whatever the reason may be, it is a problem that has an easy quick to make, homemade solution.  Oatmeal masks are an easy, inexpensive way acne treatment/homemade solution.

Beer Hair Treatment

What better way to celebrate your hair on this day than with beer?  Yes, I said beer!  Beer lovers rejoice!  Beer has many beneficial properties that make it popular as an ingredient in many homemade remedies

Beer is basically composed of sugar, hops and malt.  Hops and malt are proteins which help damaged hair: Hair damaged by chlorine, sun, chemical processing, etc.  The sugar in the beer helps close your hair's cuticle which in turn helps reflect more light and helps give your hair the sough-after appearance of "shiny" hair.

Rolled Oats & Bananas Face Mask

Here's a quick and easy way to freshen up for the weekend!  Kick off those work shoes and get to relaxing!

This is a really simple, easy, and all natural banana and oatmeal scrub. You will need four easy to find kitchen items for this scrub and then you are ready to start mixing!

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse Treatment for Naturally Shiny Hair

Winter and in-door heaters and air conditioners can leave your hair dry and wrecked with dullness and frizz.  This leaves your hair looking and feeling stressed out.  And, let's admit it, if we don't feel like we look good, we don't feel as great as we could!

Bad Friends Are Bad For Your Health! (Toxic Friends)

DEFINITION: ONE WHO PRETENDS TO BE A FRIEND BUT IS ACTUALLY AN ENEMY

Webster's dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frenemy) 

I thought this was interesting and deserved its own post because of the adverse health affects toxic friendships can cause in an individual.

There was a new study released by UCLA earlier this month that states that toxic friends can actually be bad for your health: "with negative social experiences had a higher level of inflammatory proteins that can lead to heart disease, depression, and cancer when compared to than those who noted fewer negative experiences."

Turmeric's Healing Powers

Turmeric is a spice that has been around for centuries.  It is commonly used in Eastern cooking, especially on the Indian sub-continent.  Turmeric is actually a plant in its original form as it is a part of the ginger family.  You would be able to tell by just looking at it.

The more common powder spice form is made by boiling and then drying the plant, which is then ground into a mustard yellow powder.  The color has actually been used to help color mustards.

Tip of the Day! Coconut Oil for Bruises

COCONUT OIL FOR BRUISES

If you're an easy bruiser like I am, then you will be ECSTATIC about this! 

Coconut oil is great for helping reduce the appearance of bruises.  Not only the appearance, but it actually helps to regenerate the bruised tissue. (Just another one of coconut oil's great benefits!)  Remember to apply ice to your bruise right away to help reduce any discoloring from your bruise.

Just apply directly on bruises:
Massage the oil in an outward motion from the center of your bruise.  A bruise is basically what you can see when your blood vessels right under the skin burst. The various colors of the bruise is the blood from these vessels that has been displaced and is in various stages of recuperation. Coconut oil's healing properties help heal the bruised tissue and skin.  

Turmeric Healing Bath

Turmeric is more commonly known for its use in Indian and Pakistani curries.  The spice also has many healing properties as well which include anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.  This is where the healing bath comes in!  If you’ve had a long day and your muscles and joints are achy, you can indulge yourself in a quick home made bath that will help soothe your aching joints.  (Also, if you’re suffering from acne, turmeric helps to unclog pores and remove scars and pigmentation).

Grapeseed Hot Oil Treatment for Hair

I just tried this hair treatment on my hair overnight and it seems to have worked wonders!  I was watching TV and playing with the ends of my hair when I noticed how thin and frail my hair seemed! EEK~This could not be happening!  Winters can be harsh on your hair and skin.  Even if you live in a place like Southern California where the temperatures don't drop below 40 F on your coldest night.

Of course, to the pantry I went!  I was out of olive oil -- my go-to oil for anything dry in general-- so I reached for the grapeseed oil.  From previous research, I knew about some of the benefits of grapeseed oil on your skin, but I wasn't 100% convinced that this was going to help condition my desperate "hair"-of-affairs!

Benefits of Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed Oil has many health benefits especially for your skin. 

Grapeseed oil is made from cold pressing grape seeds and is essentially odorless and tasteless.  Due to this, grapeseed oil is used in many skin and hair products ranging from lip balm to body and facial creams.

Grapeseed oil contains antioxidants known as procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs) and are known to be more powerful than Vitamins C and E and polyphenols which helps slow our skin’s aging process.

Quick and Simple Sugar Body Scrub

Are you looking for a quick and nourishing scrub for your skin?  You've come to the right place!  If you have some white sugar in your pantry and some grapeseed oil (sunflower, olive, etc. also work–just make sure it’s cold pressed oil) you’re in luck!  This scrub takes no more than a couple of minutes to make and this recipe is enough for two full body uses.