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How to Build a Skin Care Routine

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How to Build a Skin Care Routine

Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — your daily habits, in fact, have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. But depending on which product reviews you read or doctors you consult, there is a dizzying number of opinions on everything from how to moisturize to how to protect yourself from UV rays. Ultimately, caring for your skin is simply personal. Here’s what you should keep in mind to sort through all the noise..

Skin Care Routine Tips Before You Start

Three Main Steps

Think of your skin-care routine as consisting of three main steps:

  • Cleansing — Washing your face. 
  • Toning — Balancing the skin.
  • Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.

The goal of any skin-care routine is to tune up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on. “Beauty routines are an opportunity to notice changes within yourself,” says the San Francisco skin-care specialist Kristina Holey. As your skin needs shifts with age, so will your products. Still, she adds, “it’s not about creating perfection.”   Allow these three steps to become your daily ritual that fortifies your skin and grounds your day.

Give it Time

The science behind skin-care products has come a long way but there’s still no such thing as an instant fix — you need time to reap the benefits, says Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a Manhattan dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Results are only seen through consistent use,” she explains. Generally, aim to use a product over at least six weeks, once or twice daily, to notice a difference.  

Tip: With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For example, cleanser, toner (if you use it), serum, and then moisturizer.

Cleansing

Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine, says the New York City dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles. “Our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.” Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.

Find Your Facial Cleanser

The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients.

For everyday cleansing, here’s what to look for:

Read More

 

Also Read: Best DIY Liquid Exfoliator for your Skin Type

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8 Things to Know Before Dyeing Your Hair From Blonde to Brown, According to Hair Pros

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8 Things to Know Before Dyeing Your Hair From Blonde to Brown, According to Hair Pros

While most people are amping up their highlights this time of year, you’re considering toning things down by ditching your blonde strands for brown. Switching up your hair color is no doubt exciting, so long as you turn to the pros to help you achieve your desired shade. But selecting a capable and credentialed colorist isn’t the only consideration you should make before diving into a deeper hue. Just like going from brown to blonde, the opposite transition requires a great deal of upkeep. You also want to be choosy when it comes to your at-home care since certain ingredients and brands might react differently on your brown hair than it did on your blonde.

To help ease the transition, we talked to master colorists who cover the grounds on what you need to know before booking your appointment.

1. Try on a wig first to be sure

A drastic hair color change can dramatically change the way you look. So if you’re really committed to going dark, NYC-based master hair colorist Stephanie Brown recommends trying on a wig first to make sure that you like how you look as a brunette. “Wear it around all day without makeup so you really get a feel for how you will look on a regular basis,” she says. Remember: Going back to blonde won’t happen with a snap of your finger, so you have to make sure you’re fully invested in the color change.

2. For best results, transition slowly

While you might think that you’re ready to make such a bold transition, you might find that you prefer somewhere in between blonde and brown. In fact, Brown sees a lot of clients who don’t like being brunette after they’ve been blonde for so long. For this reason, she suggests going darker slowly to avoid making the mistake of going too dark. “I usually will highlight a little and do a lot of lowlights to add some depth and darkness into the hair—that’s usually good enough because 90 percent of the time client wants to go back to being more blonde the next time I see them,” she says.

Read more 

Also read  7 Quick and Easy Makeovers to Give Yourself at Home

 

 

Best DIY Liquid Exfoliator for your Skin Type

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Best DIY Liquid Exfoliator for your Skin Type

Exfoliation is one of the best things you can do for your skin! Today we will teach you why it’s so important to exfoliate along with some of the best DIY liquid exfoliator recipes for your exact skin type!

The skin is the biggest organ in our body and one of the most important too because it’s the first thing people see. When you exfoliate you are removing dry/dead skin cells off the surface of your skin, which in turn prevents skin ailments and also helps skin glow.

It’s recommended to exfoliate 2 to 3 days a week since overdoing it can tear up your skin. Balance is everything!! Let’s take a look at why it’s so important to exfoliate and some of the benefits that come with it.

Why It’s Important to Exfoliate

Helps with Dry Skin:

During winter months, our skin tends to dry more than the usual amount, and exfoliating will help lots since it will remove the flakey dead skin and promote new, healthy skin cells.

Unclogs Pores:

When we remove those dead skin cells, we also keep the pores clean, prevent clogging, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Promotes Faster Renew:

By removing dead skin cell,s exfoliation helps the skin renew faster. Many factors like damage and hormonal changes can slow down the body shedding process and exfoliating makes this process faster.

Blemish Control:

For blemished skin, usng an exfoliator twice a week is crucial. One of the best ways to stop breakouts is to kill the bacteria by removing the dead skin cells. Exfoliate while keeping your skin hydrated and clean to avoid irritation. A rich moisturizer is always recommended after exfoliating.

Anti-aging:

Every person over 25 should definitely start an anti-aging regimen!! Exfoliating regularly can help prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, keeping your skin young and fresh. You’re welcome!

Helps Keep Your Skin Healthy:

Last but certainly not least, exfoliating increases blood circulation, helping encourage new skin cells, breaks down and drains toxins from the skin, and also breaks down fatty acid tissues. It helps your skin retain and absorb moisture leaving you with super soft, glowing and smooth skin!

What are Liquid Exfoliators?

Knowing what to use to exfoliate your skin is as important as exfoliating. Some people have sensitive skin and most ingredients can irritate and tear their skin faster, that’s why a liquid exfoliator is the way to go. Liquid exfoliators mostly contains ingredients with acids that help you remove dead skin without the abrasive particles that can tear your skin. Also, people with oily or dry skin can benefit from these types of exfoliators. Using a liquid exfoliator will ensure that your skin will be healthy and soft without the worry of tearing it up. Check the recipes below and choose the best DIY liquid exfoliator that works for skin type!

DIY Liquid Exfoliator for your Skin Type

1. DIY Liquid Exfoliator for Dry Skin

You’ll need:

  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1 egg

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl whisk the egg, add the milk and whisk again until they mix well.
  2. Pour a small amount into your hands and gently massage against your skin for a few minutes.
  3. Wash off, Pat dry and follow with a homemade moisturizer!
  4. For more benefits prepare yourself a milk bath by adding 3-4 cups of milk to your bath and relax your body for 10 minutes under the milk.

Why this Works:

Milk contains lactic acid that gently removes dead skin cells, acts as a cleanser, toner and skim softener. The fat in the milk moisturizes which is what dry skin needs the most!

Eggs are high in fatty acids that moisturize the skin deeply. They also contain a protein called albumin that helps tighten pores.

2. Homemade Liquid Exfoliator for Acne Prone Skin

You’ll need:

Directions:

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Gently apply to your face or desired area and leave on for 10 minutes. Be careful not to expose your skin to the sun while having the exfoliator on.
  3. After 10 minutes massage gently and then wash off.
  4. Pat dry and follow up with a DIY moisturizer.

Why This Works:

With its antiseptic qualities, lemon juice exfoliates dead skin cells while stimulating and hydrating your skin. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in lemon juice soothe skin and kill bacteria that provoke breakout!

Honey is extremely soothing and moisturizing, helping your skin keep that beautiful glow. Honey is also a natural antibacterial which makes it the perfect ingredient to fight acne and prevent it. Full of antioxidants and clarifying particles that open pores and slow down the aging process. Read more

Also, read: DIY Man-Friendly Face Masks: Face Masks For Men!

7 Quick and Easy Makeovers to Give Yourself at Home

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7 Quick and Easy Makeovers to Give Yourself at Home

7 Quick and Easy Makeovers to Give Yourself at Home

You are smack in the middle of the most wonderful time of the year, which means your calendar situation is starting to get out of hand (if it hasn’t already). We’re talking back-to-back office parties, family get-togethers and all-day shopping dates with the girls. But between checking off each item on your gift list and whipping up your signature casserole for holiday potlucks, you’re often left with no time to get that much-deserved primping and pampering before joining the rest of the world in spreading holiday cheer. And if by some miracle you do manage to squeeze in some me-time, finding a salon to accommodate your last-minute appointment is another story.

But don’t press the panic button just yet—that festive glow can be achieved right from the comfort of your own home. How? With these quick and easy tips from beauty pros that are sure to save you from a makeover meltdown and leave you looking your best this holiday season!

1. Light up any room with a brighter smile

Your smile is your best accessory, and Jacqueline Parks, esthetician at Bella Santé Spa, says, “With all of the festive lattes and specialty beverages during the holidays, it’s important to keep your smile from getting stained.” Her DIY teeth-whitening trick? Brushing with baking soda and water. Stocking up on whitening strips is also a good idea since they tend to be more effective than whitening toothpastes, says dentist anesthesiologist Louis Siegelman, DDS. To keep your pearly whites pristine and stain-free, Dr. Siegelman suggests going easy on holiday libations, particularly whiskey and red wine, which are notorious for leaving their mark on your teeth. You will also want to avoid “abrasive products that may remove stain better but cause excessive wear on the tooth surface,” adds Siegelman.

2. Hydrate your hair and skin 

The combination of icy cold weather, alcohol-fueled parties, irregular sleeping habits and greasy holiday food can lead to skin that’s either too dry or too oily. To make sure your skin stays in fighting form, opt for a rich cream to boost hydration and lock in moisture. “The best rehydrating products contain hyaluronic acid and vitamins E and K. They act as emollient moisturizers, trapping the body’s natural moisture in place rather than causing greasy, oily skin,” says plastic and reconstructive surgeon Lara Devgan, M.D.

Hydration is also key in maintaining your crowning glory’s luster and shine, especially when you consider the beating it takes all through winter and the constant exposure to heat and styling tools. A weekly deep-conditioning mask will keep your mane from looking dull and lifeless, says Nashville Supercuts stylist Ashley Valadez. “Look for a deep conditioner that contains fatty acids and humectants like soy protein and panthenol. These ingredients help attract and retain moisture,” adds Valadez.

Try: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

3. Up your hair game 

Updating your hairstyle often requires you to sit for hours in the salon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch up your ’do at home. Want to channel effortless glam with beachy waves? “Curl your hair in large segments while leaving the bottom part straight. Make sure to alternate the direction of your curls to get even more texture,” shares Valadez. If you’d rather skip the heat, Valadez suggests, “French braid wet hair at night before you go to bed and undo with your fingers upon waking up to get tousled tresses,” suggests Valadez.

If sleek and straight is more up your alley, prepping your hair starts in the shower, says Valadez. “Wash your hair with cool water to keep the cuticles closed, helping prevent frizz. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent drying out your hair. Instead of using a styling serum, use a cream to give your hair some added moisture. After straightening your hair with a flat iron, use a silkening shine spray,” she shares.

Read more 

Also read  5 Best Natural Oils for Your Top Hair Needs

5 Best Natural Oils for Your Top Hair Needs

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5 Best Natural Oils for Your Top Hair Needs

With the warmer months approaching, it’s important to use products and ingredients that restore your hair and scalp. From coconut to rose flower oil, Briogeo founder, Nancy Twine breaks down the five best natural oils for your hair care needs. 

Natural oils are just about the best thing you can use on your hair. They’re packed with nutrients that strengthen, repair and condition both the hair and the scalp. They’re natural too, so you can apply them without worrying about harsh chemicals or toxic additives. Plus, they’re completely customizable, each targeting a different hair concern. Whether you have thin and brittle hair, frizzy hair, or dry and itchy scalp, see which oils you should be adding into your hair care routine.

1. Avocado Oil

Best for Thin, Weak or Brittle Hair

Avocado oil is a miracle worker for thin hair because it’s lightweight and rich, with reparative and hair-strengthening properties. Like avocados themselves, avocado oil is made up of fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E and proteins—all essential nutrients for healthy hair. Thin hair tends to break easily, especially when exposed to heat styling tools like blow-dryers and curling irons, so adding an oil that helps repair breakage and strengthen the hair shaft is ideal.

2. Rose Flower Oil

Best for Dry, Damaged Hair

Rose Flower oil is a known natural antioxidant, rich in vitamins and minerals. It absorbs quickly and helps repair damage by restoring hair with essential lipids, like ceramides and fatty acid–rich ingredients. Rose flower oil aids in preventing future damage that can be caused by free radicals. It also locks in moisture without weighing the hair down or causing it to look greasy.

3. Sweet Almond Oil

Best for Dull Hair

Sweet almond oil contains a high concentration of proteins and vitamins A, B, D and E, all of which help add shine to otherwise lackluster hair. It’s also lightweight, making it a great resource for leave-in protection and extended shine. Also, because it has emollient properties, it enhances the softness and manageability of the hair, giving it an overall healthy, more lustrous appearance.

Read more 

Also read  Why Honey Is a Must in Your Beauty Routine

HOW TO: GEL MANICURE AT HOME

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HOW TO: GEL MANICURE AT HOME

Do You Make These Beauty Mistakes?

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Do You Make These Beauty Mistakes?

You Brush After Coffee

It’s true that the acid or sugar in coffee, sodas, and fruit juice eat away at your teeth’s outer shell, called enamel. But don’t try to scrub them off right away. When you brush your teeth right after you down an acidic food or drink, you will remove that weak enamel. Instead, swish well with water and wait at least 1 hour before you brush. Even better, brush before you sip.

You Skip Water at Cocktail Hour

Red wine is an obvious teeth-stainer, but white wine has acid and tannins, too. They can damage your enamel and make teeth easier to stain. Alcohol also dries out your mouth, which means you have less saliva to wash away acid and bacteria. To protect your teeth and prevent staining, rinse your mouth with water after every drink.

You Swim With Dry Hair

Pool water has chemicals that damage hair and turn blonde locks green. Think of your hair like a dried-out sponge: If you wet it with tap water before you swim, it can’t soak up as much in the pool. When you get out, wash your hair right away, preferably with an after-swim shampoo.

You Shampoo Too Much … or Too Little

Shampoo strips hair of your scalp’s natural oils. Do it too much and your locks will get dull and dry. But how often you suds up depends on your hair type. For fine, straight hair, you can shampoo every day if oil and dirt build up, but many experts say you should do it every 2 to 3 days. Thicker or curly hair can go a few days to a week between cleansings. People with very textured hair can wash it once or twice a month. Ask your stylist what routine and products are right for your hair.

You Skip Conditioner

Maybe you worry it will weigh your hair down. Or you just don’t have time for it. But without it, hair will get dry and dull. To keep your strands looking smooth and healthy, apply a lightweight conditioner each time you wash your hair. Put it on the ends of your strands (not the roots). Use your fingers to work it in. Read more

Read also: Best Hairstyles for Your Hair Type

 

 

Best Hairstyles for Your Hair Type

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Best Hairstyles for Your Hair Type

Very Curly Tresses

Surprise: The best styling secret for super-curly hair is to keep styling to a minimum. Don’t pile on product. All you need is a leave-in conditioner to style your strands. A dime-size amount should do. Spread it evenly throughout your locks, from roots to ends, when the hair is still dripping wet. Use a wide-toothed comb to spread the conditioner through your hair. Blow-dry hair or, better yet, let it air dry. Then hands off! The more you touch naturally curly hair, the frizzier it gets.

Wavy Locks

Keeping the natural waves of your hair is easier than you may think. To better define waves, start by smoothing a generous amount of curl cream on still-damp strands. Then attach a diffuser to your blow dryer, using it until your hair is 50% dry. If you want to maximize the wavy texture even more, finish your style with a few twists and turns of a large-barrel curling iron.

Flat Tresses

Many people believe that more layers and angles make hair look fuller. Not true. Adding too much movement to already-flat hair can make it fall limp. The key is to keep the thickness of your hair in long pieces. Don’t chop it up and thin it out with a lot of layers. Get a cut that is one length to add fullness and body to strands. For example, try a collarbone-length bob.

Chemically Relaxed Hair

A surefire way to break or lose relaxed hair is to overuse styling tools. Beware of blow dryers and flat irons. Keep hair smooth and straight (without heat!) by wrapping it at night and covering with a snag-proof silk scarf. Simply comb all of your hair around the crown of your head until it is smooth. Secure with bobby pins as needed and cover with the scarf. Read more

Read also: Low-Carb Snacks

 

Low-Carb Snacks

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Low-Carb Snacks

More Options Than You Think

Sometimes, the whole world of snacking seems to be based on the one thing you’re supposed to limit: refined carbs. Even the “healthier” packaged items, like granola bars, smoothies, and crackers, are full of them. If you look past the vending machine, though, you’ll find plenty of other tasty options, like these smart snacks. The best part? They’re as easy to toss together as they are delicious.

Apples and Cheese

Sweet and salty flavors add up to a great snack. Pair a cup of apple slices with an ounce of mozzarella cheese for about  10 grams of carbs. The combination of protein, fat, and fiber makes it a filling and satisfying nosh.

Avocado on a Crisp

Avocados have a place in your diet outside the guacamole bowl. Mash 1/4 of a ripe avocado and spread it on 2 light rye crisps for a crunchy, creamy snack with 17.3 grams of carbs, plus plenty of fiber and heart-healthy fat. It’s like a mini open-faced sandwich.

Yogurt and Cucumbers

Take your yogurt in a savory direction. Use a cup of low-fat, plain Greek yogurt as a creamy dip for 1 cup of refreshing cucumber spears. It adds up to10 grams of carbs and a mega dose (21 grams) of appetite-satisfying protein. It’s like a version of the famous Greek dish, tzatziki.

Turkey Roll-Ups

Deli turkey has uses beyond a sandwich filling. Lose the bread and roll up 1 ounce of sliced turkey in lettuce leaves with mustard. This light, crisp snack has 3.7 grams of carbs and will get you through the afternoon.

Cheesecake doesn’t make for a healthy snack option, but you can mimic a little of the flavor in a healthier way. Pair a cup of low-fat cottage cheese with half a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and a little of your favorite no-calorie sweetener. The result? A dessert-like snack with 17 grams of carbs. Read more

Read also: 7 Body Exfoliants That Will Renew and Rejuvenate Your Skin

 

 

 

 

7 Body Exfoliants That Will Renew and Rejuvenate Your Skin

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7 Body Exfoliants That Will Renew and Rejuvenate Your Skin

If you’re a skin care enthusiast, you know how important exfoliation.

Is in making sure your skin stays in top form. Although your face may have kept its radiant glow, you may be guilty of neglecting the rest of your body. A shame—really—considering that we naturally shed millions of dead skin cells every day. And when left unaddressed, this can build up on the skin’s surface and lead to ingrown hairs and acne. But not to worry—that’s what exfoliation is for.

“Proper exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, uncovering fresh new skin and improving skin tone. It allows for products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively and also serves to unclog pores,” says board-certified dermatologist Rhonda Klein, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.D.

New York dermatologist Bobby Buka, M.D., contributing founder and chief science officer of First Aid Beauty, seconds this, adding, “The other thing about exfoliation is that it improves circulation, which, in addition to the overall health benefits, improves the skin’s elasticity and helps alleviate signs of scars and cuts.”

Types of Exfoliants for the Body

Exfoliators are classified as either chemical or physical, and depending on your skin type, both can be incorporated into your beauty regimen. “Chemical exfoliants are good for most skin types as they work to dissolve dead skin cells rather than using grains or particles. Non-abrasive exfoliators often tend to hydrate the skin as well,” explains spa industry professional Julie Pankey.

Physical exfoliators or scrubs, on the other hand, use grains—from sugar, clay, plants or nuts, to name a few—to rid the skin of surface impurities. They work best for those with dry and flaky skin as the fine granules can slough off dirt and debris to reveal fresher, brighter skin.

Read more 

Also read  Add These Dietician-Recommended Oils To Your Pantry For Healthy Cooking

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