....But What About Aloe Vera?....

We have all heard about Coconut Oil and the magical things it does for our skin, hair, nails and food. It has become the trend thing over the past couple years and is staying at the top of the line when it comes to beauty DIYs. But, what about Aloe Vera? We use it after a long day at the pool or beach when you look like a lobster and you need soothing on your skin. So, what if you used it as an everyday moisturizer? Not only on your skin, but your hair too. For the past week I have been experimenting with Aloe Vera. I used it every day on my hair, and twice a day for my skin. 

Now, I didn't just use Aloe Vera that is for sunburns specifically. I did some digging and thanks to my bestie Amazon, I found one called SEVEN Minerals Aloe Vera Gel for roughly $15. Awesome deal. What made my experiment a bit better on the bottle it said it could be used as, "aftershave, mixed with shampoo/conditioner for your hair, and as a daily moisturizer". So I put this company's statement to the test. 

Hair

Every day for five days I used Aloe Vera with both my shampoo and conditioner. I mixed a quarter amount with each and with the conditioner I left it in while I shaved, washed etc. When I did wash my hair out I noticed it to be stiffer than usual. However once I put in some leave in conditioner, it brushed perfectly and was fine. I went on to blow dry and style. I honestly was amazed, it was so sleek and my cuticle looked smooth and I barely had to run my flat iron through my hair. Usually, my hair isn't that smooth when I just blow dry. It felt so healthy, and it shined! Over the course of the five days, I tested some things out. I would add a nickel size more before I dried it, and then a pea size after I flat ironed it. The results just increased. My hair looked amazing and felt amazing. I can tell such a difference with my hair and the health of it. No doubt about it-this has been added to my daily regime. 

Skin/After-Shave

I did the same thing for my skin-I used it for five days and let my skin tell me exactly what it thought. I first used it in the shower, directly after I shaved. I honestly was nervous about it making my tub slippery since I applied it without mixing anything with it but it didn't at all. My legs felt so supple and soft, which I loved. I decided I would use it as a replace for lotion also, not just in the shower. One thing I hate about lotion, it makes you feel greasy and sticky. I feel like I can't wear anything until it is completely dry. The Aloe Vera dried miraculously fast and my skin was smooth and it even glowed. Pulling on jeans was a wonderful feeling, they slid right on. Once night came around my skin was still smooth, but I still applied more to see more results. As the days went on I could tell such a difference in the way my skin felt and looked. 

One area of skin that worried me about applying this was my face, I have always been super sensitive on my face and have battled with oily skin/acne. I didn't want a breakout scene. I first just started with a pea size at night, just to see what would happen to test it out. When I woke up, my face looked so much better. Redness was disappearing and it was glowing. Once I saw this result, I decided to apply it before I put on my makeup. It worked perfectly as a facial moisturizer, and I had no oily skin when I took my makeup off at night. Just like with my hair, this has been added to my daily regime. 

In conclusion, Aloe Vera should be given more props than it usually is. It really has helped both my hair and skin, in many different ways. So, yes Seven Minerals. You were completely right. (: 

My Favorite...Makeup

In my cosmetic bag I have lots of choices regarding makeup, some of which are some of my absolute favorites....(cue Sound of Music song). However, there are a few select favorites that I will always repurchase and cry if they are ever taken off the shelves.

Starting with the basics....

Primer:
"That Gal" Brightening Face Primer by Benefit

I bought this product specifically  to use for makeup applications at work, and man did I fall in love. This product is not only a primer but honestly can be worn alone on a lazy-er day. Sometimes it brightens my face up just enough I feel like I don't need half the foundation! Another plus-have a foundation that's a tad to dark? Add some of this primer to the foundation before applying on your face!

Foundation:
"Maybelline Fit Me! Matte & Poreless"

I've used a lot of liquid foundations, and this is one of my favorites. With other foundations by the end of the day my foundation was either all the way gone or it just became oily. With this product since it's Matte it really holds all day. It also blends very well and I've found it to match my skin-tone really easily. I use 112-Natural Ivory, to really seal it in I follow with its powder partner.

Powder:
"Maybelline Fit Me! Powder"

I always used a loose powder for foundation, but I found it really ends up getting everywhere and makes me look too caked. With this pressed powder it's easier to apply and doesn't make me look like a Barbie with a lot of powder. It's also super light, which is perfect for summer! Again, for this one I use 110-Porcelain.

 Bronzer:
"Rimmel London, Natural Bronzer"

I love this one. I've used it for many years now and it has yet to let me down. Starters, it's waterproof meaning my contour will stay all day. Hallelujah. It's a very light texture, however if you want to get stronger with the effect you have the ability to. Blending with this is pretty easy and doesn't take too long like other bronzers.

Blush:
"NYX Blush"

I've gotten a couple colors of NYX blush, and Rose Garden is my favorite. It's the nicest touch of pink and red blended together. You also have control over how powerful you want your blush effect to be-from a light dusting to a glam red. It doesn't get that oily\cakey feeling throughout the day either!


Eyes:

Primer:
"NYX Eye Shadow Base"

All together I really love this product, my eye shadow stays all day, the colors are more vibrant and it blends better. The one downside is, I have to wash my eye shadow brush more. Mainly the first initial brush I use for my lid color. The brush picks up excess from the primer so your brush gets dirtier faster. Honestly, I've bought this products multiple times because the pros out way the cons.

Eye-Shadow:
"NYX Eye Shadow Palette"

Out of the four palettes they have I have used the Natural and Adorable and I'm in love. The colors blend really well and you can always mix them up to create a different look daily! Plus-I love being able to go from a daytime look to an evening look so easily. These are also super affordable and run around $9!

Eyeliner:
"Elf Waterproof Eyeliner Pen"

Elf may be super cheap, but their eyeliner works magic. I love having the pen. It glides so perfectly across my eyelid, making it easier to have control. I was afraid it wasn't going to last long, but it has held up for almost 3 months now and still going strong.

Mascara:
"Benefit Roller Lash"

I have fallen head over heels with this mascara. Goodbye eyelash curler, hello mascara. That's right, I don't use that painful thing anymore, the mascara does it for me. I get asked a lot, "Are those yours?!", why yes they are! Yes, it is $28 but I've had mine for the amount of its shelf life (6 months), and I would go through a CoverGirl Mascara in a month. Pretty much spending the same at the end of 6 months. Trust me the lashes you'll get out of this, will make it all so worth the $28.

Wash Your Face!

We have all been there, you lay down in bed from a long day of work or school and you're tired. You don't want to get back up and wash off your makeup, so you don't. While that one night won't kill you, here's why you should not let your fierce face stay with you through the night. 

Clogs your pores.
While wearing makeup during the day is fine to pull your look together, at night is when you need to prepare your skin for a new day. While one night won't cause your face to break out in a million zits, if the habit continues you'll see it when you wake up!

Builds up on your sheets
Overtime all your eye-shadows, powders, mascaras will build up on your sheets. Soon enough this will lead to greasy skin, greasy hair and gross sheets!! Even if you wash your face nightly, be sure to either wash your pillows once a week or place a different towel over them nightly! This will dramatically change your skin!

Eye Irritation
Sleeping with mascara, and eyeliner can cause it to get into your eyes during beauty rest which can cause irritation. Some studies even show that mites can grow on your eyelashes from your mascara if not taken off daily! Gross!

Premature aging
We go through stress in our daily lives, and our face takes a toll with that. At night, you should allow your skin to breathe and rest up for the next day. When not allowed to breathe it can create more fine lines and wrinkles. You want to keep your skin looking young and beautiful, so wash nightly!!

If you are super tired, or you do the "oh, crap!!" in the middle of the night keep makeup remover wipes on your nightstand. My favorite is Neutrogena Naturals it's easy on my sensitive skin and my face feels refreshed!


P.S. If you have super stubborn mascara like I do, try Coconut Oil! I take smaller than a pea size and rub it on my lashes. Gets it right off! Plus, it makes my lashes feel super soft again. Double win! (: 

Beauty Foods

When it comes to our hair, skin & nails it usually  shows directly how well our diet is affecting our outside body. When I have fresh fruit, and vegetables my hair feels strong and my skin is glowing. I can also tell when I've been overindulging in too much processed foods, based on my complexion and hair strands. 

I wanted to give to you some of the top ten "beauty foods". These foods are full of nutrients needed for clearer skin, healthier hair, brighter eyes and much more!

1) Lemon

Lemon has many health benefits, not just for your skin and hair! It's a natural detox which removes awful toxins from your body! Lemons are also known to help promote weight loss, and rid of bloating. Which is prefect if you are feeling puffy in your face. Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water and revitalize yourself. 

2) Edamame

Edamame is high in isoflavones, which help preserve skin-firming collagen. You can find Edamame at a sushi bar, so be sure to grab some to achieve young-looking, wrinkle free skin! Not a sushi fan? Grab some fresh ones at the store and dash a little bit of salt onto them for a tasty snack!


3) Cucumbers 

The flesh of cucumbers contains water along with ascorbic acid, (Vitamin C), and caffeine acid. Which all helps you heal irritated skin and reduce swelling. You commonly see it being put on eyes during a facial service, which is to help reduce the look of dark eye circles. Cucumbers can be enjoyed by itself for a snack or even in water! 

4) Wild Salmon

Wild Salmon is full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which keeps your skin supple and your hair shiny. Salmon also actually has UV protection in it from the mineral selenium. Vitamin D also keeps bones and teeth healthy too! Salmon can be cooked in the oven or even on the grill. Add some lemon zest for a tasty dinner!

5) Beets

Beets naturally flush out your lymphatic system, which removes toxins from the body and brightens your eyes. Raw or roasted or even in a smoothie, these are a delicious super-food. (Sorry Dwight is hilarious)

6) Cilantro

Cilantro has the ability to remove heavy metals that remove enlarged fat cells from your body. Enlarged fat cells increase the appearance of cellulite. Cilantro is good to add to a salad if you want some zest, or can be added to a pasta dish.

7) Walnuts

The healthy fats in walnuts can keep your scalp and hair healthy. It can also make your skin supple and resilient to issues such as age spots. Walnuts can easily be added to yogurt for breakfast, or thrown into a salad. 

8) Tomatoes

Tomatoes have the best source of a powerful antioxidant, lycopene which fights against aging. Tomatoes are also rich in immune boosting Vitamin-C, which helps the body's natural healing of damaged or irritated skin. Chop some into your salad, or even add some onto your favorite pizza!

9) Blueberries

Blueberries are addicting. One of my favorite fruits(I find I can eat the whole container of them in a sitting). Luckily, it's full of wonderful antioxidants and vitamins such as A, C and E. Blueberries can help create a youthful, glowing skin, and can help diminish sun-damage. Not tot mention- they help control hormones. So goodbye to period induced breakouts and hello clear skin!

10) Water

H2O is everything when it comes to beauty. When you are dehydrated every inch of your body suffers- from your skin, hair, nails to your eyes. Water can get boring sometimes so I love mixing fruit with it (lemons, raspberries, blueberries etc.) Sometimes I'll even make a pitcher of water with fruits and let it sit in the fridge to really get a refreshing glass. The best part is you can be creative with it, and make your own favorite drinks and experiment! 

The Horrors of DrugStore Products

Many people go to their local CVS to pick up shampoo and conditioner. It's affordable, accessible and the commercials catch our attention. Underneath it all, Selena Gomez and Zooey Deschanel probably aren't using Pantene, and you probably shouldn't either. Why? Let me explain. 

Know Your Ingredients:

It's always good to know what's in your products and why you need it or don't. 

Remember the ingredient listed first is the strongest, last is the weakest. 

Here are some ingredients commonly listed among the first items in drugstore products. 

Water: When a product is made with a lot of water that is highly diluted making you use more of it to get the result you want. Meaning you buy more often. The industry gets your money. 

Alcohol: Talk about dry hair and more dry hair. Most drugstore products have high alcohol content. Yes, your hair may feel smooth at first, but the alcohol is removing the protein and moisture it needs. 

Sulfates: Lately, we have all been hearing about sulfates and to stay away from sulfates. The sulfates are used to make it sudsy and lather well, which strips your color. A big danger with sulfates is they can weaken your hair follicle, leading to weakened hair structure and diminished hair growth. Some studies have also found that it can cause cancer, immune system damage and damage to the skin. Scary!! 

Waxes & Silicones: If your hair tends to become greasy and easily weighed down, the cheaper products will only exacerbate these problems due to the waxes and silicones in them. Why are they in there? To make your hair look shiny and healthy in the short term. In the long term, waxes and silicones create build-up and prevent any nutrients to get into the hair shaft. Often consumers think they should use MORE of the cheaper shampoo to fight the grease. As a result, people can go through many bottles of cheap shampoo in the same amount of time you would use 1 bottle of salon product! Spending roughly the same amount! 

Parabens: These are used as preservatives for their strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Unfortunately, they have been found in low concentrations in tumors and believed to disrupt hormone functions. So not only are they messing up your hair but your whole body. 

Color: If you color your hair, you want to preserve that color since it can be an expensive service. If you come home and wash it with something cheap you are washing your color down the drain. The drying ingredients mentioned above also strip the color out the hair. Using cheaper products means you'll be back in the salon faster. I said this once and I'll say it again, use quality shampoos and conditioners as well as quaility heat protectant products. When you use the right products, you can have luscious, healthy colored hair. 

Where Can I Get These Products?

A storefront option I like is Ulta. Ulta carries many professional product lines. The salespeople are often knowledgeable if you have questions. Ulta does offer sales and specials throughout the year as a well as a reward card program. 

Buying online is convenient, but know your seller. Do your research to ensure you are buying a quality product, not a watered down or expired or recalled version. 

Most importantly ask your stylist! If you are on a budget, tell your stylist! Ask for some options. Ask about rotating products or addressing specific needs first. We are here to educate you and meet your needs so you can have gorgeous AND healthy hair. 

What Exactly is Balayage?

What is this color process we have all fell in love with? What makes it so special that it has become the new craving of hair color.

Balayage; To sweep or paint. (French definition)

It gives your hair a soft sun-kissed look. Similar to the natural highlights you had when you were a kid, that didn't go right to your roots. Which mean, less maintenance, and can go longer between appointments. All you have to worry about is caring for your color at home with color safe shampoo/conditioner and heat protection when using thermal supplies. 


But what if you don't want to look just natural?!
Balayage can be unique....if you want to have the low maintenance but have heavy density highlights, more the merrier! You get to choose if you want natural, strong or somewhere in between. It's all about application and a great consultation.


You also don't have to be a light brunette wanting blonde highlights. It works perfect on any shade of hair! You can be a dark brown wanting some caramel subtle highlights, and it would still look fabulous. 

 

Balayage gives your hair a timeless look-its a less maintenance, modern technique. It gives your hair a healthy finish that looks nature-enhanced and gorgeous.