UNDERSTANDING 'OILY SKIN' AND HOW TO TREAT IT NATURALLY...

I know it's an oil, but I have suffered from acne and the acne scars for over 11 years, and it's the only thing that has worked, along with evening out my skin tone, and it's not just because it's my skin and everyone is different Trust me.

Jojoba oil, unless you are allergic to it, which is VERY RARE by the way, is wonderful! It literally fools your skin into thinking it is producing sebum, so your skin will slow down the natural production of it.

Sebum is the oil that clogs your pores. Sebum is the oil that goes crazy and into overdrive when you wash your face with harsh chemicals or scrub too much. Sebum is what keeps your skin hydrated, but it can be a pain if it's constantly being stripped away by this and that chemical. (read your labels - does any of it grow out of the earth?!)

I use jojoba oil along with some tea tree oil, and sometimes some lavender for its relaxing aromatherapy properties. I just mix it together in a seperate container, or you can just add the drops of the tea tree and/or lavender to the entire jojoba oil bottle.

And, in all honesty, I have never really measured it out, I just add enough drops to where it smells good - maybe 20 drops per ounce of jojoba, I honestly have no idea, but you can always look it up.

You will break out for about a week, but it's not really breaking out. The jojoba oil 'draws out' what is clogging your pores, and it's really nothing more than little white heads that you can literally wipe away with a facecloth, as they are very soft from being so hydrated, and the antiseptic of the tea tree keeps it from becoming infected.

This will also work on easing the pain and discomfort of cystic acne, too. Not to mention, it works wonders on your acne scars! I can go without foundation! Something I have literally not been able to do for some yrs. I even get compliments on my skin!

Please, please, please try it! Olive oil and grapeseed oil are good, too, but those are better for body and hair, as they do not match the skin's natural ph balance as well. Jojoba does! yay!

You can even make it do double duty by running your fingers through the dry parts of your hair, or elbows, after you have just rubbed it all over your face.

Now, I'm not going to lie, some people do not like the smell of the oils, or the jojoba, but it's not like covergirl makeup, but so does the other stuff that's full of chemicals. And, if it smells good, then you are putting fragrance on your skin, which is even worse! Nature smells, baby, suck it up!

For younger fairer skin, combine lemon, lime & cucumber juice. 

Sprinkle turmeric powder...

Apply mixture to clean face...

Leave for 1/2 hr before washing off...

Skin Care Tips for Men - Just because you're a dude, doesn't mean you shouldn't look after your skin.
Check out the below link and find out how too! ;)

http://video.about.com/skincare/Skin-Care-Tips-for-Men.htm …

Light Up Your Life: Highlighter 101

By Sarah Campbell

Ever wonder how celebrities get such glowing, ethereal skin? It’s not all fancy facials and expensive aesthetician visits. With the right highlighter and proper know-how, you can fake it!
Sometimes called “luminizer,” highlighter comes in many forms, from cream to liquid to powder. While you use darker colors for contouring, highlighting brings your features forward and makes skin look younger and more dewy. Because you can find it in so many different shades and finishes, deciding which highlighter is right for you can be daunting. We consulted celebrity makeup artist Julianne Kaye, the official Maybelline Beauty Expert on the NBC series Fashion Star, to learn all about highlighting techniques and how to find the perfect product for you.

Choosing a shade: gold- or silver-based?

When it comes to highlighter, one size doesn’t fit all. To select the right shade for yourself, keep your undertones in mind. “When I’m working with a darker skin tone, like my client Tia Mowry, or someone of Latin descent, I tend to go with more of a gold-based shimmer that’s on the warmer side,” says Julianne. One of our favorites is NARS Illuminator in Laguna. For lighter skin, Julianne recommends a silvery or champagne colored tone, like RMS Beauty Living Luminizer. MAC Strobe Cream works for a wide range of skin tones, because it’s a mica pearl pigment that’s multi-colored.
“Sometimes in a pinch I’ll use a shimmering shadow if I can’t find something in my kit,” says Julianne. Eyeshadows from a line with a wide range of colors, such as Inglot Freedom System, work great for those seeking a custom shade to use as a highlighter.

For an everyday, natural application

According to Julianne, some tend to overdo highlighting, and it can end up looking silly. “The whole point of highlighter is to look like you’re naturally glowing and have a perfect complexion,” she says. So how does she wear it herself? Lately, simply by mixing it into her tinted moisturizer: “For a consumer in everyday life—like for me, I’m pushing 40 and my skin’s not looking so radiant—all I do is wear a tinted moisturizer and a little bit of the luminizer in it to get the glow and it looks beautiful in person.” The technique is great for everyday, especially if you want people to think you have beautiful skin and look gorgeous and dewy.

Red-carpet-ready technique

When Julianne is doing a client for the red carpet, she avoids highlighting all over, because that tends to look really shiny in photographs. If you're going to be photographed, Julianne suggests placing luminizer anywhere that protrudes: the high planes of the cheeks, down the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow to give the illusion of a fuller lip. Another great trick is to apply a stick highlighter (like Nars The Multiple) over foundation, and then go over it with a powder highlighter. “You’ll have that lit-from-within beautiful glow!” she says.

If Julianne could choose only one highlighting product...

… she’d pick Ambient Lighting Powders from Hourglass. “There are seven options for mood lighting, candlelight, dim light, and they’re so, so, so gorgeous—different ranges of golds, silvers, and bronzes. Hourglass is just an amazing brand, and the powder is super finely milled, and not full of chunky mica as some highlighting powders can be,” she says.

Eight Easy Steps to Break Out of a Makeup Rut

By Selena Fragassi
 

You’ve been applying the same makeup since last Christmas. You’re feeling less than inspired, and bored stiff is not the look you’re going for. You are in a makeup rut. But don’t worry, it’s easy to break out if you’re willing to embrace change, according to Christian McCulloch, Dolce & Gabbana’s national makeup artist.
“Change is good!” he says. “It's fun to switch things up, experiment, and step out of the comfort zone,” noting that it’s important to try new shades, textures, and looks in order to “discover beauty in the unexpected.”
McCulloch has become renowned both for his strong, smokey eye and a deep roster of celebrity clients (including Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts and Jessica Biel) who entrust their red carpet looks to him. He definitely knows how to make someone stand out. Here are McCulloch’s eight simple steps to breaking free from a tired makeup routine.

Step 1: Know Yourself

“Everyone wants to look good and feel good. Knowing yourself is the most important way to start expressing a look that’s best for you. Take a good gaze at yourself in the mirror and ask what you’re happy with and what you’d like to improve or change.”
Face charts are a great starting point. Print out some blank templates (search google images) and get your colored pencils and make like it’s your kindergarten art project. Try mixing and matching different colors for your eyes and lips and play around with shading for your cheeks. It’s a simple way to try adventurous color before you apply to your face. When you find the one (or two or three) that you like, tape it to your mirror and experiment on yourself!

Step 2: Find Inspiration (and Copy It!)

“Runway and editorial layouts are great places to find a new look you like. Inspiration is really everywhere—in books, art, movies, magazines, music, social media channels. Find an outlet you love and you’ll see the inspiration start to flow. If you find something you like, absolutely copy it. Through practice, you’ll learn how to make the look your own.”
You know this by know, but Pinterest is a must for keeping all your inspiration ideas stored in one handy place. Love the boudoir look of Myrtle in The Great Gatsby or digging Beyonce at the Chime for Change concert? Pin every image that excites you, so you can come back to ’em later, when you’re ready to test out new looks.

Step 3: Hit the Makeup Counter

“Head to your favorite beauty store. It might not change your whole routine, but even talking to someone who views beauty differently will inspire you to change it up, even if it’s just a new lip color.”
Hit up your local counter, and you’ll likely pick up some technique know-how, too. A brand’s artists will often give you complimentary makeup applications, allowing you to try that coral pink lipstick before you buy it.

Step 4: Have at Least 3-4 Different Looks

“I like diversity in makeup and propose changing your look from day into night, from weekday to weekend. I would say everyone needs a professional day look, an evening look, a fresh weekend look, and then perhaps a more dramatic party look. That's three to four looks you should have in your repertoire.”

Don’t get overwhelmed. Many of the beauty products you own—or will buy—can be mixed and matched for multiple looks. For example, liquid black eyeliner can be applied with a thin line for a day look, while at night, you add a second thicker line and wing it out for your dramatic look. Likewise, a peachy gloss can be used alone for your fresh weekend look, and also added over red lipstick for a high voltage sheen at night.

Step 5: Take Good Care of Your Skin

“A solid makeup look starts with proper skin care, followed by a foundation that best suits your tone and texture. I like a velvety or creamy complexion. The new Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation from Dolce & Gabbana is a brilliant way to even out problem skin or problem areas. It lasts all day and has a great finish with a radiant glow.”
Every season, evaluate your skincare routine. In winter you want extra moisture in your day cream—which you may not want in the summer months, when you are focused on oil control. If you aren’t already using one, consider adding a serum or eye cream that, over time, can help even out skin tone and reduce inflammation around the eyes.

Step 6: Perfect Your Complexion

“A good complexion remains more consistent and less changeable from day to day. But you should play with subtle variation and enhancements such as blusher and bronzer.”
Eyeshadows and lipsticks aren’t the only way to tinker with color and texture. Have fun with your base, too! If you normally wear a matte finish, try a naturally tinted foundation instead. Play around with primers to find one that locks in your makeup or provides a dewy base, and experiment with your cheeks. Powder blushes, cream tints, and cheek stains all give different results.

Step 7: Mind the Eyes and Lips

“The eyes and lips are the two most dramatic changes you can make and the best areas of your face to consistently try new colors. Switching the color of your eyeliner or choosing a richer pigmented lipstick is a simple but effective way to change up your entire look.”

Pick a quick switch, and do it for a week. Go buy seven new lip colors and dare to try a different color every day. Or, if you’re feeling less adventurous, pick two new lip products, one gloss and one matte, and alternate. Another simple change with a big impact? Bright-colored eyeliner, especially if you’re accustomed to brown or black. Commit to wearing purple, blue, or green—or get a metallic liner to really make your eyes pop—for a full week, and see how it goes.

Step 8: Make Palettes Your Friend

“If you're simply bored, or feeling drab, break out a palette, and you’ll suddenly find there's a lot to try.”
If you always use the same colors on your eyes and lips, it may be out of convenience; you have that single shade on hand, and it's right there in front of you. A pre-made palette is like a Crayola box of mini options, allowing you test out a variety of different colors in a single purchase. And, if you discover a new color, texture, or product type you love, you can then invest in a full-size product.

 
Did you know: Putting a dry tea bags in smelly shoes or gym bags will absorb the unpleasant odor.

CLEAN YOUR KIDNEYS

Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments and how are we going to overcome this?

It is very easy, first take a bunch of parsley or Cilantro ( Coriander Leaves ) and wash it clean
Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water( enough to cover it) and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool.

Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.

Parsley (Cilantro) is known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and it is natural!

 

Natural Beauties: Four Skin Care Must-Haves You Can Buy At Your Farmer’s Market

By Selena Fragassi
 
Fruit stands may stick around only for the summer, but beauty is always in season! The next time you head to the farmer’s market, keep in mind that some of your finds not only have nutritional value, but also reap amazing benefits for your hair, skin, and nails. We recommend picking up these four superfoods first—Mom would be so proud you’re getting your 3–5 daily servings of veggies and fruit, and then some!

Avocados

As everyone from the Beach Boys to Katy Perry have pointed out, California girls are hot. Perhaps it’s because they have easy access to nature’s beauty fruit, avocados. Rich in vitamins A, B6, E, C and K, these green machines are ripe for softening skin and hair and protecting against sunburn. Use for...
Dry or burned skin: The fruit’s amino acids helps protect cells from environmental damage, plus the fruit’s easily absorbed oils are able to penetrate layers of skin and encourage cell growth. Oils from avocados can act as natural sunscreen and soothe sunburn. To make a facial mask, mash 1–2 ripe avocados and add a tablespoon of honey. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse.
Lackluster hair: Avocados are full of good fats, which make for a great deep conditioner. Plus, vitamin E restores shine. For a hair treatment, mash 1–2 ripe avocados with a tablespoon of honey, and then add 1 egg or 2 tablespoons olive oil. Leave on for 20–30 minutes and rinse.

Bananas

We discovered more than 20 known beauty benefits for this fruit (Bananas, right!?). And it’s true: vitamins A, B6, and C plus zinc and iron can help quench skin, decrease eye puffiness, and even aid in clearing up acne. Use for...
Dry hands: Vitamin A helps replenish moisture and even out rough, dry skin. Simply mash 2 bananas and apply to clean, dry hands for 20 minutes and rinse, and you’ll notice the difference.
Puffy eyes: When you put mashed banana under your eyes, the high levels of potassium act as a sponge, removing excess fluid trapped under skin and reducing swelling. (For this same reason, eating the fruit will help fight bloating). As a bonus, your face will smell amazing after!
Acne: Banana peels carry a number of antioxidants. Cut a piece and rub over the interior of a peel on any areas of the face affected by acne or blemishes three times a day. You should see results in about a week.
Face: To make your own facial scrub, combine 1 mashed banana with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Rub the mix over skin in a circular motion to remove dead skin cells and moisturize, then rinse.
See even more homemade banana beauty recipes here!

Carrots

While many swear by carrot juice to reduce weight, drinking a natural cold-pressed or extracted concoction (read: no added sugar) may also help improve your vision and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Here are some more carrot beauty tricks. Use for...
Uneven skin tone: With ample Vitamin E and carotene, you can actually even out your skin tone by using a carrot-based mask once a week. Puree and strain 1 carrot to get the juice, add 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, and mix together. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse.
Brittle hair and split ends: vitamins A and E can help protect hair cuticles from damage, making them more durable so that you find fewer stray strands in your brush. Use carrot oil daily before styling to lock in these beneficial nutrients. To make your own carrot oil, clean 3-4 large carrots and peel off the outer layer of skin. Place carrots into a pot and pour oil (coconut or olive) over them until covered. Simmer on the lowest setting until the oil in the pot turns orange. Strain and store liquid in refrigerator until needed.
Try a carrot face mask, too!

Grapes

Ever notice in the movies how servants are always feeding grapes to their highnesses? It’s no coincidence—these pint-sized poppers are nothing short of miraculous. Not only do grapes magically produce wine and transform into raisins, but they also hold unparalleled beauty benefits thanks to their bounty of vitamins B1, B6, and C, as well as calcium. Use for:
Discolored teeth: Malic acids in grapes naturally and safely help break down stains and discolorations on teeth. And, all you have to do to reap the benefits is eat them. Remember that the next time you want to fill your mouth with peroxide.
Damaged cuticles: Start using grapes on your hands, and you’ll be able to hold off on those manis for longer. The rich antioxidants inside help remove hangnails and nourish cuticles. To enjoy a quick treatment for fingers or toes, combine 10 grapes with 2 tablespoons of sugar in a food processor. Rub the mix onto each nail bed, then rinse off.
Dull skin: Grapes act as a great toner that can brighten your complexion, too. To make a cleansing solution, cut a handful a grapes in half and squeeze the juice into a container. Use cotton balls to apply over the face and rinse.

Actor Patrick Stewart, a longtime outspoken advocate for victims of domestic violence, gave a touching speech about his own experience with domestic violence in response to a fan's question about what non-acting work he's most proud of. Stewart, who grew up in a home where his mother suffered frequent abuse from his father and has called violence against women the "single greatest human rights violation of our generation," talked about his work with organizations that support victims of domestic violence.

Stewart shared: "The work that I do in campaigns about violence towards women, particularly domestic violence, is something that grew out of my own childhood experience. I do what I do in my mother's name, because I couldn't help her then. Now I can." He also added that he recently learned that his father suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to WWII-related combat. After this discovery, he has begun to work with an organization that helps combat veterans deal with their experiences in a healthy, non-abusive manner.

The exchange with the fan was especially touching because she shared that she had also experienced abuse and his speeches on the issue had helped her through her own "personal turmoil." At the end of his response, Stewart came down from the stage to give her a hug and, as she later shared on her blog, told her "You never have to go through that again, you're safe now."

To watch the Stewart's short speech and the moving exchange, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TqFaiVNuy1k

In our "Abuse/Violence" section under "Social Issues," we have a selection of selection of books, especially for teen readers, that address issues of violence. There are a number of excellent choices, perfect for sparking conversation around this important topic, including "Speak," "Hush," "I Am an Emotional Creature," "I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This," "A Step From Heaven," and others. To browse the selection, visit http://www.amightygirl.com/books/social-issues/abuse-violence

There is also an excellent guide, "A Smart Girl's Guide to Boys," for girls 9 to 13 that "addresses a girl's very first forays into the boy/girl world and gives her wise, warm advice." This is a great resource to provide foundational advice on approaching relationships in a healthy manner: http://www.amightygirl.com/a-smart-girl-s-guide-to-boys

Another guide for youth 11 and up that discusses relationship issues, as well as other teen challenges, is "I've Got This Friend Who..." at http://www.amightygirl.com/i-ve-got-this-friend-who. And, for LQBTQ youth seeking relationship guidance, we recommend "Queer" for ages 13 and up at http://www.amightygirl.com/queer

BLEND! BLEND! BLEND!
That is one of the things that can make or break your look and your brush application/technique is what's important!

I totally agree with Wayne Goss (gossmakeupartist) on this and its the way i have mastered my seamless blending applications!

Check out Wayne's video and you''ll see this quick do and don't tip!

It's summer! Time for camping, hiking and getting outside to play. Don't let those pesky annoying ticks stop you. Here's how with a simple homemade solution!

Repellent for your pets:

For pets, add 1 cup of water to a spray bottle, followed by 2 cups of distilled white vinegar. Ticks hate the smell and taste of vinegar, and will be easily be repelled by this ingredient alone. Then, add two spoonfuls of vegetable or almond oil, which both contain sulfur (another natural tick repellent).

To make a repellent that will also deter fleas, mix in a few spoonfuls of lemon juice, citrus oil, or peppermint oil, any of which will repel ticks and fleas while also creating a nicely scented repellent. Spray onto the pet's dry coat, staying away from sensitive areas including eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. When outdoors for an extended period, spray this solution on two to three times per day.

For you and your family:

In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water. To make a scented solution so you do not smell like bitter vinegar all day, add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Eucalyptus oil is a calm, soothing scent that also works as a tick repellent, while peppermint and citrus oils give off a strong crisp scent that also repel ticks.

After mixing the solution, spray onto clothing, skin, and hair before going outdoors. Reapply every four hours to keep ticks at bay, and examine your skin and hair when back inside to make sure no ticks are on the body.



 

I have been asked time and time again, why do i give and do so much for people... Why do i go out my way and then there is no payment or reward... Why do i care so much... Why do i even bother...

You see i always believe that we are all the same, just some made wrong turns, didn't have a choice, or was born that way (disabilities etc.). We all need someone one sometime, no matter who we are or where we are in life...

I believe the greatest reward comes when you give whole heartily, expecting nothing in return...

I know i can't change the world... But i can be the change in somebody's world...

The below video is soo touching and is a reminder that true love, kindness and good still exist...

http://www.beautylish.com/a/vxyrg/diy-makeup-remover-wipes

How Almond Milk Compares to Other Nut Milks

Almond milk contains ground almonds and water. It's a healthy alternative to cow's milk, and contains more vitamins and minerals than soy and rice milks.

Benefits of Almond Milk

Almond milk is great for those who are lactose intolerant, because it doesn't contain any lactose. Almond milk also contains no soy, so it's good for those who suffer from soy allergies. Because almond milk doesn't contain casein, a milk protein that's chemically similar to gluten, almond milk is appropriate for those who suffer from gluten allergies.

Nutritional Value of Almond Milk

Almond milk is one of the most nutritious milk substitutes available. It doesn't contain saturated fats or cholesterol, but it does contain omega-3 fatty acids, so it's very good for your heart. Almond milk is high in protein; the typical eight ounce serving of almond milk contains about one gram of protein. One serving of almond milk also contains about one gram of dietary fiber.Almond milk is very low in calories; it contains only about 40 calories per serving, and it's
low in carbs at only two grams per serving. Almond milk contains about three grams of fat per eight ounce serving, making its fat content equivalent to that of rice milk.Almonds are rich in vitamins and minerals, so almond milk doesn't need to be fortified. Almonds contain vitamin E, manganese, selenium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, fiber, phosphorous and calcium. The flavonoids in almond milk help prevent cancer and slow the signs of aging. The high levels of antioxidant vitamin E found in almond milk make it very effective in the prevention of cancer.Because almond milk is low in fat and calories, and high in many essential vitamins and minerals, it is a great milk substitute for those who would like to lose weight. To help keep track of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that you consume each day, try using the nutritional tools on FitDay.com.