Beauty Tips you can do at home:
For face:
Oily Skin: Mix 2 ounces of Witch Hazel with 10 drops of lemon juice, for a lemony skin toner for problem skin. This will control oily skin and cleanse surface oil and dirt that contributes to acne. You can mix this up in a bottle and keep it in the refrigerator for a cooling treatment for the face.
Dry skin: This mask is for normal to dry skin... 2 Tablespoons honey, 1/2 cup plain yogurt (not low-fat) 1 tsp. grapefruit juice, 1 cup iced black tea. Mix the first 3 items and apply it to your face and neck which has been cleaned with your regular skin cleanser. Leave it on for 15 minutes. The honey will draw the impurities out of your face, which will brighten the skin. The yogurt will hydrate. Rinse the mask off with the black tea and moisturize with your favorite light cream.
Dry Skin: Get yourself 3 ripe oranges, Squeeze the juice in a tub of warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes. The orange juice will rejuvenate dry skin.
Milk: Milk is rich in lactic acid which sloughs off dry skin to show off a more radient skin. Soak a cosmetic pad in whole milk and gently dab it over your skin. Gently splash water to rinse.
Facial scrub is great for normal to sensitive skin:2 tablespoons oatmeal, 2 tablespoons cornmeal, 2 tablespoons wheat germ. Mix all the ingredients and store in an airtight container. When you are ready to scrub your face, take one tablespoon of the mixture and add a little water to the mixture in your palm to make a paste. Apply it to your face and gently scrub in a circular motion. Rinse in lukewarm water and apply a moisturizer afterwards. Use this once or twice a week.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C has been shown to improve collagen repair in skin and can slough off dry patches and renew the skin to a glow. An easy way to do this if you don't have any products with vitamin C is to take an orange, cut it in half, and use each half as a "Loofah" for your hands, elbows, and knees. Rub the orange over these areas, leave on a second or two, rinse and apply your favorite moisturizer...And yes, you can use the orange on any areas. A word of caution, if you have any small cuts, don't do this until the cuts are healed or it will sting.
Fine Wrinkles: This lemon mixture smooths away fine wrinkles and will make you feel like you are getting a spa treatment... Mix 1 cup of milk, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of brandy (which is known for its antiseptic properties) in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Take it off the stove and cool down to a comfortably warm temperature. Apply to face, neck and chest area with a pastry brush. Allow it to dry completely on the skin, then rinse with warm water.
Preparation H for wrinkles: Preparation H...That's right folks, the infamous product used to shrink hemmoroids... This tip involves the Preparation H clear gel and not the cream. Apply a light film of the gel all over your face and under the eye area. Let it soak in and dry. Apply your makeup over it. The skin will be smoother and less lined making the makeup go on smoother, giving you a more youthful look.
Masks:
Deep Cleaning Mask: This lemony facial has different ingredients for different types of skin. No matter which ingredient you need to use, the main benefit is a deep-cleaning for your skin and pores. Fill a sink with hot water; add the juice of half of a lemon; add rosewater, which softens skin. (available at any drugstore) Add mint leaves if your skin is oily, rosemary to keep skin naturally balanced, or chamomile to soothe sensitive skin. Place your face over the basin of steaming water, tent a towel over your head to absorb as much steam on the face as possible and leave your face over the sink for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Clay Masks... These deeply cleanse the face and tighten pores. This type is great for oily skin as it reduces oil in the skin. If your skin is dry, this type of mask isn't for you.
Peel-Off masks... This type of mask will soothe minor skin irritations. They tighten the pores and firm the skin. Elasticity in the skin is restored when peel-off masks are used.
Toning and repair masks... These masks deeply cleanse the skin. They also brighten dull looking skin. They moisturize dry skin also.
Botanical Masks... These masks use botanical extracts to restore skin in a natural way. These relax facial tension and refresh the skin... When shopping for a mask, keep in mind, some of the benefits the masks can give the skin from this guide.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids... These exfoliate dead skin cells, boost cell growth, improve skin tone, help clear acne that isn't too bad, and aids skin that is on mature people. (I'm trying to say that nice, in other words..old skin).
Beta Hydroxy Acids... These are also known as salicylic acids. These slough off dead skin cells, clear clogged pores and brighten skin.
Antioxidants... Creams and lotions with vitamin A, C, E, and green-tea extracts protect the skin from damage caused by environment, smoking, and UV rays which all contribute to pre-mature aging.
Hydroquinone... This is a skin lighteing ingredient that reduced pigmentation caused by sun damage and hormonal imbalances...These take time to work, but do work.
Bright smile:
Mash 2-3 fresh strawberries. Add 1 teaspoon baking soda. Dip your toothbrush in the mixture and brush your teeth with it. Use all of the mixture, dipping your toothbrush in it when needed. Rinse your mouth afterwards.
For lips:
thick lips: Cinnamon Oil...This oil will give temporary plumpness to the lips. Aply a very little to the lips, or add a drop or two to your favorite lip gloss..... Cinnamon oil, when over-applied, can cause a burning sensation to the skin. For those who may have an allergic reaction, I would suggest applying a drop to the inside of your wrist to test for a reaction. If your lips are cracked, chapped, or bleeding, it wouldn't be a good idea to apply this to your lips unless you like the look of a blowfish with bleeding lips.
For Lips: Mix 3 drops of lemon juice with 1.2 teaspoon baking soda. Work the mixture on and around the lips with a dry toothbrush. Your lips will be exfoliated and smooth. Follow up with a lip gloss, vaseline, or vitamin E to seal in moisture.
Lip Wrinkles: Lip wrinkles are usually hereditary, sun exposure can make the lip lines worse and a protective sunscreen should always be used in general and more so around the lips. An UV protective moisturizer of 15 or more should be used during the day. A retinol cream should be used at night. Check the ingredients to make sure it has retinol listed. Wearing darker lipstick colors that bleed will draw attention to the problem, so, consider lightening up the shade of lipstick you currently use. If you really want to go the extra route and expense of getting rid of the lines, talk to a dermatologist about a program of exfoliation which might include an alpha hydroxy treatment, Retin-A, or a stronger chemical or laser peel. These don't come cheap and you might find yourself wrinkling up your lips just at the cost of these procedures. Try an intensive moisturizing regiment to either help the problem you already have, or prevent the problem from becoming worse...How? Start YOUNG. All of you young whippersnappers with flawless peaches and cream faces, it's never too early to start using moisturizers and protectiion for your face and skin.
Lips that are too thin.... Outline your lips just outside the natural lip line. Use a pencil that is closest to the shade of the lipstick you will be wearing. Apply your lipstick with a lipbrush, covering your lip liner.
Lips that are too flat... To give your lips a plumper look, use a lighter, iridescent lipstick at the center of your lips, top and bottom. Use a lip gloss over the whole lip area.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is a natural product from the Aloe plant. it's the best plant to have around for your skins health and beauty. If it is at all possible, try to grow an Aloe Vera plant indoors. It is a low maintenance plant, takes very little water and regenerates even after clipping the tips off when needed for...
Burns: Applying the gel directly from the Aloe plant will heal and soothe the burn quickly
Cuts:Again, Aloe will heal and prevent scarring, or at least help heal with very little noticeable scarring.
Chapped lips: Aloe applied directly to chapped lips, left on for five minutes, then tissued off will remoisturize the lips.
Hydrating mask: Aloe applied on the face, left on for 10 minutes and rinsed with cool water will cut down on an inflamed face and moisturize.
Self Tanning Mistake:
Problem...You have a big date, you look like a ghost, you apply a self tanner and you now look like Casper with stripes... Solution...Massage baby oil into the areas that have the tanner, which will break down the product, exfoliate the skin with a washcloth or loofah and a gentle body scrub product.
Age Spots:
Fading age spots can be done with creams that are on the market. This recipe will also fade age and dark spots the skin can get. As with the creams, it does take time and patience to see results...Mix the juice of 1 lemon, 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 ounces of plain yogurt. Massage this mixture into the spots at least once a week, more often if the spots are extremely dark.
Pimples:
If you have pimples that keep popping up, try this... Dip a cotton swab in lemon juice and apply it directly to the pimple or pimples before you go to bed. Repeat this everynight until they are gone.
For acne: This tip is an easy one and a natural one that involves honey. Honey is a natural bacteria killing agent and can kill the bacteria on the skin that causes acne. It won't clog pores and hydrates the skin. For an easy as pie treatment, apply honey all over the face and lips, (Do I have to do a discalimer on not putting it in your eyes? Just askinggggggggg). Leave the honey on your face and lips for 10 minutes and rinse well......And yes, you can use honey anywhere your skin is dry.
Pimples: If you want to save money on a toner for pimple-prone skin, try this easy mix.... 1/4 cup distilled water 5 drops Tea Tree oil This is the best toner for skin that breaks out in pimples. Mix the ingredients together and store in a sealed bottle. Shake the mixture well before using. Soak a clean cotton ball with the solution to a freshly cleaned face or anywhere else pimples may be a problem.
Pimples: OK, you're going out on the town, have a big interview, or anything else important that pops up and you discover a big, red, pimple...Not to worry...Apply Visine eye drops to the inflamed pimple and the red will go away making it easier to conceal with make-up.
Pimples: Problem...Even though you knew better, you picked at a pimple which made it swell and bleed... Solution...Get an ice cube, wrap it in either a washcloth or a paper towel. Apply it directly to the pimple and apply pressure to it for a minute or two, then leave your hands OFF of it.
Strecht Marks:
Tangerine oil can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. This can be purchased in health food stores. Mix the tangerine oil with a few drops of olive oil to dilute it. Rub the stretch marks and leave the oil on the skin. Keep in mind, any citrus oils shouldn't be used on skin that is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Cellulite:
Cellulite a problem? This might help take care of some of the "dimples" that look better on your face than on your rear... Mix one cup of corn oil with 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice and 2 teaspoons of dried thyme. Massage the mixture into the areas that are dimpled, such as your thighs and buns. Cover the areas with plastic wrap for 5 minutes and rinse off or wipe off with a damp washcloth.
For cellulite: Some of your expensive cellulite creams use caffeine to smooth away dimply skin. Here's a homemade tip that works like magic... Coffee drinkers...don't throw away your used coffee grounds... Tea drinkers, or people who don't drink coffee? Find a friend who does..... Take your used coffee grounds and warm them in the microwave 20-30 seconds. When a comfortable temperature, apply the grounds to the skin and rub into thighs for a few minutes. Rub off the excess, leaving a residue of coffee on the skin. Cover the areas in plastic wrap for 5 minutes and rinse.
Scars:
This is where a combination of products and massaging will work its magic. Using a good moisturizer, aloe vera, vitamin E oil, cocoa butter, or any other product that will keep the skin soft and moist will work. Massaging is the needed "extra" which will help fade and keep the scar less noticeable. Massage the area in a gentle, but firm circular motion. Do this every chance you get. The more you do it, the better... If the scar gets red or itchy while it is healing, your doctor might want to prescribe some stronger medications such as a strong cortisone cream to relieve the itching and redness.
Red face:
Problem...You used a facial depillatory and even though the directions gave you the time to leave it on, you knew better and decided longer would be better. Your face now resembles a tomato version of Mr. Potato head... Solution...Soak a washcloth in milk, gently, (I say gently because your skin is on fire too isn't it?) Cover your face with the milk-soaked washcloth and repeat one or two times more, soaking the cloth in milk again. Apply a light coat of an over the counter hydrocortisone cream... This also works if you get red from waxing.
For a small cut or burn:
keep the area cleansed with an anti-bacterial soap. Avoid alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Keep the healing wound moist with an over the counter antibiotic ointment. Once the wound has healed over, you have a few weeks to work on it before it will get its final appearance on the skin.
For Soft Skin:
For skin to be soft, you have to get rid of the dry, flaky skin and moisturize the skin underneath. This tip does the trick... Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/2 cup of baby oil to a warm tub. Soak for 10 minutes. While in the tub, use a washcloth and gently rub the skin from head to toe. The lemon juice will exfoliate, the baby oil moisturize.
Soft Knees & Elbows:
Knees and elbows that are like sandpaper will benefit by this lemony scrub... Cut a lemon in half, dip the half in brown sugar (regular white sugar works fine too) Use the lemon like a loofah and massage it over the rough areas for one minute, rinse, and apply a moisturizer. This will also help lighten dark patches over time.
Waxing:
Applying powder on the mustache area before waxing can help reduce the nice red look that can occur... Problem...After ripping the heck out of a wax strip, your skin is bleeding...The good news is you're hair free... The bad...You look like you're auditoning for a part in a teen slasher movie... Solution...Soak a washcloth in hydrogen peroxide and hold it over the area that is bleeding. Some bleeding is normal in areas with thinner skin... You can also use this tip for the bikini area to help prevent infection which can cause bumps.
Bumps after shave:
Problem...You've decided to go hair-free south of the border and have developed an area of bumps that could be used for mogul skiing at the olympics... Solution...First, make sure the razor you use is bacteria-free. To make sure, wipe the razor with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide before using. Exfoliating the area helps to prevent the bumps and you can either exfoliate with a washcloth or by using a solution made with aspirin. Crush aspirin tablets to a powder, mix in a little water to make a thin paste. Apply this to the area 3 times a week to continuously exfoliate the top layer of skin which will prevent the hair from becoming ingrown. Leave the mixture on the skin a few minutes and rinse. Using an anti-bacterial ointment on the freshly shaved area can also prevent bumps as well as stick deodorant, hydrogen peroxide, olive oil, antiseptic mouthwash, (don't EVEN make any cracks), Yes, some of these will sting a second or two, but they do help the "bumpy" situation for some, not all people. It's basically a trial and error thing for most people. Some people swear by "Bikini Zone", some say it didn't work.
The Teas:
Chamomile...This tea can shrink your pores. Steep two Chamomile tea bags in hot water. Tent a towel over your head and let the vapor from the tea soak in and soothe for 10 minutes.
Regular tea...The tannic acid in regular tea stimulates circulation and will fade undereye circles. Run cool water over the tea bags. Place the wet tea bags over the eyes and relax for 5 minutes.
Green tea...Green tea is a natural anti-inflammatory and can calm skin erupting with blemishes. Soak a washcloth in a cup of cooled green tea and apply it to the skin for 5 minutes... Applying products to make the skin look better can also be used inside the body for benefits from the inside out.
These foods can help the skin and body internally:
Blueberries...1/2 cup a day will rebuild collagen and prevent wrinkles.
Products with soy will build the nails longer and stronger.
Salmon, sardines, or tuna will replensih the skin's natural lubrication.
Avocados...These are loaded with Vitamin E which help the skin and the heart.
Cantaloupe and tomatoes are rich in lycopene which prevent wrinkles and give the skin a glow.
Relax & sleep well:
Mix one cup of Epsom salts with 3 drops of lavender oil in a warm bath. The Epsom salts will relax muscles and the Lavender oil will induce sleep. This is great to use on babies that might be a little fussy and need an added incentive to go to sleep.
Hair cocktails:
Many different types of alcohol can benefit the hair and give lifeless strands pizazz. Mix one tablespoon of Vodka with one cup of seltzer. The bubbles and alcohol will cut through any buildup to give the hair an incredible shine. Use this as a final rinse after washing your hair.
Champagne....Mix one cup of champagne with your regular shampoo. The tartaric acid in champagne will bring out your natural highlights or brighten any highlights you put in by coloring. Use the mixture, lather it up well, rinse well, and follow with your conditioner.
Beer...The yeast in beer makes it an automatic volumizer and shine enhancer. Take one cup of beer with three cups of water. Pour it over freshly washed hair. Comb through with a big comb and leave it on 3 minutes. Rinse and follow with conditioner if you want... Disclaimer time y'all... All of today's tips are meant to be used in an intelligent and responsible way and are in no way being sent out to my readers to promote underage drinking, excessive drinking.
Add Body to hair:
Soak 1/4 rice in 1 cup of water in any clean spray bottle. Leave it overnight. Use it on damp hair and style as usual... The starch in the rice will give your hair full body.
Dandruff:
If you have dandruff that hasn't been helped by conventional methods, this might help your problem..... Once a week, crush 2 aspirin tablets and mix it with one ounce of shampoo. Lather it on your hair and gently scrub your scalp. Rinse well and condition as usual.
For damage hair:
This deep conditioning treatment is great for dry, distressed, or damaged hair... Mash a ripe avocado in a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and mix well. Apply it to dry hair and distribute it evenly to the ends. Cover with a plastic shower cap and then cover with a towel to keep the heat in. You can heat up the towel in the dryer to maximize benefits. Leave on 30 minutes and shampoo it thoroughly. Apply a light conditioner afterwards if you like.
Dry Hair: 2 Tbsp baking soda ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (no, it's not a leftover from "lemon week" 1 tsp mild shampoo Mix all of the ingredients together. Apply it to dry hair and cover with a plastic cap or plastic wrap. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.
Curly hair:
Many people, especially those with curly hair, like the way their hair feels at the beach. Curls are more defined and hair seems to have more body. You can duplicate that look by taking a clear, carbonated soda, such as Sprite or 7-Up and putting it in a spray bottle. Spritz it on damp curly, or wavy hair, tossle with your fingers.
Color at home:
For those of you who color your hair at home and use darker colors that stain the skin, try applying a light film of petroleum jelly around the hairline to prevent the color from staining the skin. Make sure you do NOT cover any of the hair at the hairline, or your color will not "take" over the petroleum jelly... If you happen to get color on your skin, dampen some cigarette ashes to make a paste and gently rub it on the stain, this will remove it.
Soy Milk for retard hair growth:
First...The tip...Apply soy milk to areas of the body, face, etc where you want to retard the growth with a soy soaked washcloth. Now...The answers to a few questions... 1) Apply the soy milk to the areas, leave it on a minute or so, and rinse. 2) The studies have shown it does work to retard hair growth and therefore it should be used often since hair growth varies as far as cycles. 3) Using this daily is probably the best to see the best results. It will take time to notice the difference like any of the other hair retardent products and creams on the market. 4) Results vary with the individual...
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