Home remedies for Oily Skin

Oily Skin:


It has open pores.
It will shine an hour or so after washing.
It may look oily on waking.
It has a tendency to spots and blackheads.
It is less susceptible to wrinkles than other skin types.










The dreaded oily skin... Here are some affordable and easy ways to TREAT oily skin. I suffer from oily skin and I am trying out stuff at home to see what works best for me. By the way did you know if you have oily skin you will have less wrinkles when you are older than some one with dry skin? So its not so bad after all.


Before you try out any one of these, do not forget to do a twenty four hour patch test to make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.


1. Exposing your face to steam is a good way of preventing it from becoming oily. Taking steam will help the pores of the skin to open and clean it. After you have taken the steam, massage your face with a mild cleanser and an oil free moisturizer.
You can buy a facial steamer (conair makes a good one) or just use a bowl of hot water. An extra tip is to add some lemon juice or tea tree oil to the water to give your skin that extra boost to fight against over production of oil in your glands.


2. Get rid of oily face by applying honey on the face for ten minutes. Other than this, rubbing the face with tea tree oil at night before going to sleep is also an effective way of treating oily face.


3.If you want to avoid the face from becoming patchy after applying makeup, use cucumber juice on the face just before putting on the makeup. Substituting cucumber juice with a mixture made of witch hazel and lime juice will also give desirable effects.


Applying a mask made of honey and oatmeal will aid in treating oily skin. Mix honey and lemon juice with oatmeal (uncooked) to make a paste out of it. Apply it on the face and wait for ten minutes before you wash it off with slightly hot water. This will make your face smooth, soft and free of oil.


4. Try aloe vera. Apply aloe vera to your face to absorb oil and clear out pores. Dab the gel onto your face two to three times a day (especially after washing), then let it dry.


5. Chill out with cold water rinses. If you don't want to apply chemicals to your skin, simply splashing your face with cold water and blotting it dry a couple of times a day can help remove some excess oil.


6.Lemon juice, flour, turmeric powder- Make a paste. (Use all purpose flour) Plain yogurt can be used in place of lemon juice. Apply all over the face except the eye area. Let dry. Rinse. The acids in the lemon juice treat dark spots on the face clearing the complexion. Turmeric brightens the look. (Lemon juice might cause a tingling sensation). Feel the fresh and oil-free skin afterwards.


7.Milk- It is particularly necessary for individuals with oily skin to keep their skin clear otherwise it has a tendency to form acne lesions making the skin patchy, discolored and rough. Presence of oil makes the skin sticky thus attracting dirt from the environment clogging the pores. Clogged pores mean increased oil secretion.


Milk is an excellent oil free cleanser and it doesn’t dry out the skin. Oily skin has open and enlarged pores. Wash your face several times throughout the day with milk so that the pores are not clogged with sebum/oil. It is very important to wash your face before you go to bed at night. Make-up residues can be the worst enemies of the skin.
NEVER GO TO SLEEP WITH MAKE UP ON!


8.Make a puree of fresh tomatoes, apply to the skin.


9.For oily skin, apply a thin layer of toothpaste and leave until dry. Once dry gently wash face with warm water. This temporarily dries out oily skin.


10. For an oily nose -1 tsp of tomato pulp, 1 tsp of cucumber pulp, 1 tsp of strawberry pulp or 1 tsp of egg white, 2 drops of lemon juice: Apply this paste repeatedly.


Here are some extra tips:


Use water-based cosmetics. Better yet, learn to live without makeup -- or at least without foundation -- since it will simply add to and trap the oil against your skin and set the stage for blemishes. If you feel you must use makeup, choose water-based products over oil-based types, and opt for spot concealers rather than coating your entire face. In general, stick with powder or gel blush, and avoid cream foundations.
I try to cut back on my liquid foundation which is water-based but it's hard. I just use my concealer on spots also. Try neutrogena healthy skin liquid makeup.


Pull your hair back. It's best to keep hair away from the face if you are having issues with your skin. Often oily hair and oily skin go together.


Don't touch. Keep your hands off your face during the day. Hands deliver excess oil and dirt. If I have to touch my face, I put on hand sanitizer or use a tissue.


Change your make up sponge regularly. Sponges absorb excess oil from your skin and also are petri dishes for bacteria which can cause break outs. If you use brushes clean them regularly with soap and water or brush shampoo or cleanser.


Change your pillow cases regularly. Your hair touches the pillow and then your face touches the pillow.


Clean your phone screen. Ever wondered why you were breaking out on your cheek? Guess where you put your phone.


Hope these tips are helpful. Until I post again stay beautiful- on the inside and out!


Here's a video on skincare for oily skin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7nEdy9b0Fg&feature=player_embedded

SURVEY TIME

Please answer this survey. Basically I am doing market research on make up needs of women in St. Kitts and Nevis. Thanks Beauties.

Click here to take survey

Cat Woman- Meow

Here's when boredom strikes part 1. My idea of a halloween look as a cat. Meowww

Look achieved using black kajal eyeliner from bodyshop in 01- black and black eyeshadow to set it, NYX jumbo pencil in Milk, LA Colours black lipstick with some Mac lipglass ( can't remember the name). Some pink blush and no foundation as it was just a spur or purrrrr of the moment thing. lol

To get the cat eye just place tape on the corner of ur eyes and draw along the sides with the eye pencil going in the direction of the eyebrow.

This was just practice. For the real deal I am planning to go all out :). Look out for the look.
PS. While fooling around- The song from way back came into my head. "Pussy cat a bodda me.. moo lemme lick it dung".. haha

Ciao beauties!

Things I love... and I think are necessary!

FAV PRODUCTS OF THE MOMENT!








Origins eye cream



Benefit Porefessional Primer








Murad Oil Control Mattifier


Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup

NARS Orgasm

Sonia Kashuk Brush.

















Ladies and gent....

I am always researching new beauty and skin products. Here are a few our my favs that I am dying to try.

1.Oil absorbing primer (Benefit the Porefessional, $28; at sephora.com) over your T-zone to cut shine and help your makeup last.

2. Neutrogena® healthy skin® liquid makeup takes over where your skin care leaves off. Silky-light coverage glides on for a perfectly natural look, while the exclusive blend plus SPF 20 work together to visibly improve skin's luminosity, tone, and texture. ($10.49 at http://www.neutrogena.com/). Clinique also has a healthy skin foundation but I couldn't find my shade at the clinique counter.

3.Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15
Why you need it:
Protects skin while providing all day oil control

Primary Benefits:
* Controls oil for up to 8 hours
* Eliminates shine on contact (at amazon.com or sephora.com $31-39)

4. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream To Brighten and Depuff ($29.50 at macys.com)
Like a shot of expresso for tired eyes! Late night? Long flight? Look tired all the time? Prepare to become one of the perky people! Nature's clinically-proven morning-after eye cream instantly reduces dark circles. Unsightly bags and puffiness virtually disappear.

5.NARS Orgasm . ($26 at sephora.com ) It makes cheeks blush a perfect pinky-peach flush and subtly highlights with accents of golden shimmer. The perennially pleasing, universally flattering shade is again and again a makeup artist and beauty editor favorite. This is one of the most popular blushes out there. For those of you who are scared of blush this one is worth a try, it won't make you look like a clown.

And 6. Just because its Breast Cancer Awareness month, Sonia Kashuk

Seeing Pink Purse Brush Set, $13 for set of four at target.com. Another popular brand that is quite affordable. Proceeds from sale of this item help to fund cancer research. We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer so lets do our part.

Until then ladies, beauty is necessary inside and out.

Review of MAC Pro Longwear Collection

MAC PRO LONGWEAR SPF10 FOUNDATION($29.50)
Available in NC15, NC20, NC25, NC30, NC35, NC40, NC42, NC45, NC50, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50.

























MAC PRO LONGWEAR LIPCREME ($16)

















Available in NC15, NC20, NC30, NC35, NC42, NC45, NC50, NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50.





MAC PRO LONGWEAR CONCEALER($16.50)













Review of MAC Pro Longwear Collection

I recently went into the MAC store to check out their new line of Pro longwear products. I was super excited because I have been searching for products that last through the day and don't wear off. The foundation and concealer in this line promises up to 15 hrs of wear which is amazing since most of us are out for 8 hrs at work. The lipcremes promise to last for at least 12 hrs. I like the lipcreme colour selection. One's I would try are "Faithfully Yours – Blackened dirty purple (Cream)" (cuz I am in love with purple lipstick at the moment) and "Prolong – True red (Cream)" which looks like its a really bright red lip colour. (two quintessential colours needed in every woman of colour's collection).


The concealers and foundation


I am an NW43 which means that my skin has a red undertone compared to some one who is an NC who has more yellow in their skin tone. However I found the concealer and foundation shades very limited. I was so disappointed. The closest shade was the NW45 which looked way to ashy on my skin. I didn't find my shade in the foundation or concealer collection or one even close to it so if you are an NW like me, be prepared to be disappointed. I also found that the collection catered to the lighter shades mostly, there were about 4 darker shades and about 15 lighter shades in this line.


Another thing is application. The foundation was very thick and took a very long time to blend in. I guess since its long wear it has to be somewhat thicker than normal liquid foundation. Another drawback is it only has an SPF 10 compared to Studiofix liquid foundation which has SPF15. However on the plus side it does come in a pump bottle so you have more control over how much product you use from the bottle. Both the concealer and foundation have a pump/spray attachment.


On a whole , this line has been getting good reviews, it does what it promises which is to last longer throughout the day. Unfortunately, I have to wait to see if they decide to make my shade and find out if it works in this hot weather. That's one of the main reasons I wanted to try it out. To see if it would melt off my face in this hot SK weather or last longer than my usual studio fix liquid foundation. So...


My next step is to now write an email to MAC telling them how I am disappointed in the shade selection in this new line. Believe it or not I was advised to do so by one of the artists in the MAC store.


Girls go try it out, you might be lucky to find your shade if you are an NC but give the lipsticks a try also esp if you are like me who ends up licking off all her lipstick before lunch time. lol


Until next time my beauties, keep experimented with different products. Beauty inside and out!

Get Rihanna's look for less

Get this look for less...

I have always loved the simplicity yet edgyness of this look by Rihanna at the 2008 Kids Choice Awards. I thought why not try to replicate this look for less using affordable makeup products.

Rihanna is wearing her signature blue eyeliner look (she wears it alot) which emphasizes her hazel eyes and a bright fuchsia lip which is the same colour in her corset top. Her foundation is very matte and gives her that fresh face look.

This look is very versatile. You can always just do a winged-eyeliner look with any colour of your choice to bring out your eye colour for example purple brings out brown eyes and if the lip colour is a little to bright for you you can always use a different kind of pink. If you do choose to do the blue eyeliner though, pink lips is the best contrasting colour to work with. I Think blue and pink compliment each other perfectly, probably because they are at opposite ends of the colour wheel. ( We will discuss the colour wheel in another post). So here goes...

Foundation: Check out my post on my foundation routine on how to apply foundation. Extra step add a highlighter to your cheeks instead of blush. If you have a pale shimmering eyeshadow you can use it as a highlighter or I use Clinique's up-lighting liquid Illuminator in bronze. ($22.50)

Eyes:
Prime you eyes using your eyeshadow base or primer. Also primer the bottom lash line because you'll be applying eye shadow there too. I use Botanical's eyeshadow base (about $3 us). Then apply any neutral shade to the entire eye lid. Apply a neutral shade two shades darker than the one on your lid into your crease to add definition.

Apply black gel eyeliner with an eyeliner brush or angle brush across the top and bottom lash line and extend with a wing on both top and bottom. Extend the line when u get to the inner corner. This is to create a cat-eyed look. (coastal scents gel liner in true black or Maybelline's eye studio gel liner in black ($6.98 on walmart.com. Eye studio is my fav and it comes with a brush to apply it also) . You could also use liquid eyeliner (NYC makes a good one) or an eye pencil. I recommend Rimmel's Soft Kohl Kajal eye pencil in jet black($4 us). On the higher end, MAC's smoulder eye pencil is an all time favourite of mine. ($16 us)

Take an angle brush or an eyeliner brush, spray it with MAC's fix spray or you can use a mixing medium (2 parts water to 1 part glycerin) and apply Mac's deepest blue shade in Sea and Sky mineralized eyeshadow on top of the black eyeliner from the inner corner to the outer corner in a thin line. You can make the line and thick or thin as you like. Repeat this step on the bottom lash line.

Take a smudger brush or a small eye shadow brush and apply Cover Girl's royal blue shade in the Tropical Fusion quad from the inner corner to about half way across the lash line on top of the MAC blue. Smudge the blue eyeliner to remove harsh lines and create a slight smokey effect just at the last line. Repeat this step on the bottom lash line. You want the black and blue to blend seamlessly together with out harsh lines. For an extra smokey effect. You can apply more blue eyeshadow in the outer corner of the eye (top and bottom) in a V and blend. (L'Oreal HIP Matte Eyeshadow duo in yellow and black $6.78 us on walmart.com) My look is alittle more blue than Rihanna's.

Apply mascara. Two coats of Rimmel's Maxx Volume Flash Mascara in extreme black ($5.47 us on walmart.com) You can also try Cover girl's Lash Blast in extreme black ($6.50 us) False eyelashes are optional if you want to amp up the look.

Lips: First thing is to prime your lips. Use a regular lip balm like chapstick or soft lips on your lips. Then line lips with fuchsia lip liner. Most brands make this colour lip liner. Apply NYC lipstick in fuschia- 405B. You can also try Wet & Wild 511b. Its like .99 cents at walmart and it's a super pink color. I added my victoria's secret lip gloss for some shine (the name rubbed off) its a fuchsia colour.

Remember you can make the look your own. Enjoy- beauty inside and out.

To Peel or not to Peel? ...that is the question

Hi Beauties,


This is my first Q&A post. Thanks to my girl Omo for asking the first question. She asked if she should consider a chemical peel to remove acne scars.


Oh and this is a long post because I am trying to give you all the info that you need.


I have done research on chemical peels numerous times. As you know I suffer from discolouration and acne scars so I decided to go to a spa a few years ago in Halifax to get a professional chemical peel done due to my uneven skin tone and some old acne scars. I went for a consultation with the esthetician, she informed me about the process and how it will be done and checked my skin type and decided if it was the right solution for me. She concluded that I would be suitable for two treatments of 20% glycolic acid (alphahodroxy acid) would be best. She also mentioned that due to the thickness of my skin ( skin with more melanin tends to be thicker) she would not be able to do a deep treatment like some one who is Caucasian .(trying to be politically correct)


She put the peeling agent on my face. It tingled a bit for about 10-15 mins then she rinsed it off then I got a cucumber face mask which helped to cool down my skin done then she applied moisturizer and sunscreen. She gave me aftercare instructions which were that there might be some flaking and dryness so use moisturizer and APPLYING SUNSCREEN IS A MUST!!! I applied an SPF 45 face suncreen by VICHY every day then I had my second treatment in 2 weeks. My skin did improve, I found that I broke out between treatments with new pimples but she said that might happen due to my skin producing excess oil and a new layer of skin being exposed. After about two to three months , I found that my uneven skin tone and my old scars were significantly improving. I exfoliated at least once a week also to get rid of old skin cells which helped give me the best results.
My skin is much better to this day even though I still have one of two dark spots from new pimples. So tha's my personal story on getting a peel done. I think the two treatments plus the consultation ran around $200. I am considering having a slight chemical peel done also just to even out my skin tone.


Here's some more info on chemical peels. NB I am not a certified esthetician. This is just from my personal experience and my own research.


A chemical peel is a chemical solution which is applied to your skin to remove damaged outer layers or peel away superficial layers of skin or the uppermost epidermis.(top layer of skin)


You can get a peel done professionally by a dermatologist or esthetician or at home with a home kit. Doing it at home is really convenient at cost effective but I still recommend speaking with a dermatologist before you try an at home peel. You don't know how your skin will react to the chemical.


At home peels can come in a variety of agents such as:
Glycolic Acid (alphahydroxy acid)
Lactic acid
Salicylic acid(betahydroxy acid)
Mandelic Acid
Enzyme peels
Jessners
TCAs (trichloroacetic acid)


Each of these can come in different percentages or concentrations and different ph levels to accommodate different skin types.


What are chemical peels used for?
Chemical peels are effective for
-anti aging purposes like getting rid of wrinkles or fine lines
-sun damage
-improving the appearance of stretch marks
-fade dark spots and age spots
-improving the texture and tone of your skin
-razor bumps
-enlarged pores
And scarring from acne.


Most chemical peels can be used safely on brown skin however a few have been proven to be more effective than others such as the lactic acid peels, glycolic acid ,salicylic acid and TCAs.
My research uncovered that many people and professionals find that TCAs are the most effective peels for home use. You do not require an anesthesia for a chemical peel but if you have a low pain tolerance you might want to take a sedative before applying it.


For women of colour, 15% to 20% TCA is usually effective, this concentration is very mild. To obtain the best results, usually a series of 4-6 peels are recommended.

TCA chemical peels are more effective than alphahydroxy acid (AHA) chemical peels (i.e. glycolic acid) in removing superficial skin, but does not penetrate deeply as carbolic acid skin peels (i.e. phenol). It is generally referred to as a "medium depth" chemical peel. The main targets of a TCA chemical peel procedure are those individuals with:

• Fine surface wrinkles
• Pigment discoloration (blemishes and blotches)
• Age (liver) spots
• Superficial acne scarring
• Dark circles under the eyes

If you go to a doctor:
Medium peels are generally performed as office procedures on an out-patient basis, and require approximately 15-60 minutes. TCA peels will cause a burning sensation that will last about two to ten minutes.When the desired depth has been achieved, your physician will neutralize the peel by applying iced saline. Once all areas have been neutralized, your skin will return to its normal color in 15 to 45 minutes. Your face will be covered with an oil-based ointment, steroid ointment, or vegetable shortening to keep your skin moist and promote healing. Within a few days, your superficial layers of skin will turn dark, become stiff, and leathery. The skin will then crack, flake, and peel with flaking usually complete in four to seven days. Once your old skin has sloughed, your new skin will be bright and flushed.

Typically, you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately, and most people can comfortably return to public within a week. Your flushed appearance will fade slowly over several weeks.

Unlike deep peels, medium peels may be performed safely on people with olive and light brown skin. However, people with dark brown skin are at a higher risk of discoloration. WEAR SUNSCREEN AFTER YOU HAVE HAD A PEEL PLEASE!!!!!!!!


For those of you who want to try it at home:


-Go to the Dry Chemical Peel website.


-Read all of the information on the page, and decide between AHA peel, TCA peel or a combination peel.


-Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the ¨Find the cheapest chemical peels to treat these problems >>¨ link to read more about where to purchase your chemical peel.


-Visit ebay.com or amazon.com to purchase your home chemical peel kit.


-Scroll down the product options. Check for strength(concentration) and ingredients before purchasing product.

-Follow manufacturers instructions carefully. Check for adverse reactions before doing the actual peel.
-Prepare your skin for chemical peel as instructed by manufacturer and perform chemical peel accordingly.
-Expect some flaking and dryness. Watch how your skin´s texture improves with regular use.

-Always wear sunscreen after a peel!!

Omo asked about the Brazilian Peel package ($23 for one application of $78 for 4 applications) that you can find on sephora.com. http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P261612

It claims to be the first professional-strength, self-neutralizing glycolic peel clinically proven safe for at-home use. It has a 30% concentration.You can also find it on amazon.com for $78 for 4 applications. It received great reviews 4 out of 5 on sephora.com. Here is a video on youtube of a review.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zmTlZ8yze0.
It seems to be a good choice if you have sensitive skin.


If you can't afford $78 on a chemical peel you can always try amazon.com or ebay.com for something more affordable. Prices range from $20 to $30 US. Here's one from amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Glycolic-Chemical-damage-lines-spots/dp/B0018RDE7A

Here's a video also on a woman of colour who had a chemical peel done. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wDYjnOEoGw (lol she used 50% concentration and it did burn)


So I hoped this helps those who are considering getting a chemical peel done whether professionally or at home. If you do decide to get it done do your research thoroughly please. If you google chemical peel images, you can see what could go wrong with a chemical peel. Remember when Samantha from Sex and the City got a chemical peel done? Yep not pretty!

























Until my next question...."Remember beauty is necessary on the inside and out."