DIY Mini Series - Banana Mask

Valentine's Day is over so we can all stop obsessing over looking flawless....Wrong! We got the guy or gal, now we need to keep 'em. I'm back with another quick and economical facial mask that can be done right at home. This mask is ideal for oily skin but since ingredients are all natural it can be used on all skin types as well.

1 Ripe Banana
1 Tbsp of Honey
Juice from a Lemon
Mash up banana (the skin and all), add the honey and a few drops of the lemon juice. Apply to cleansed skin, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse off thoroughly.

Banana

Bananas are one of the most nourishing fruits available because they contain large quantities of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamins A, B (folic acid), E and F. The fat molecules in our skin create a waterproof layer to help protect it from foreign elements and substances like the weather and pollution. However over time that layer becomes damage due to the elements and bananas help repair that layer helping or skin do its job. So basically all that jibber-jabber means that bananas help moisturize and smooth the skin, making it a great addition to any facial mask.

Honey

Honey is an all natural humectant. A humectant draws in moisture to the skin keeping it moisturized. Honey also works as a natural antiseptic and can be used to treat minor cuts and burns. In addition to its antiseptic properties, honey is rich in antioxidants which help protect the skin against free radicals. Free radicals are one of main culprits in the premature aging of the skin. So again honey too is great for all skin types.

Lemon

Lemons are packed with vitamin c, one of the best vitamins for skin and hair. They also stimulate blood circulation, can be used to lightening the skin and fight acne. The citric acid in lemons exfoliates the skin which is an essential component in treated acne. It also works as an astringent helping to dry out pimples. Make sure to always dilute lemon juice in water or mix it with other ingredients to prevent any irritations to the skin. Also avoid sun exposure after use and apply sunscreen.

I am not a dermatologist or an esthetician but I am obsessed with my skin. I do not have the prefect skin so I use foundation, concealer and good skin care. All of that makes me feel better about myself and do what it takes to make yourself feel better too.

DIY Facials Mini Series

In this economy do-it-yourself projects are more than just saving a buck. Those bucks add up, those bucks pay bills and those bucks puts groceries on the table. So I don't mind DIY projects because I need to eat and look pretty while I eat. What better way to get pretty than getting a facial? I love getting facials but who can afford it. Some spas charge upwards to $300 a treatment or more. That's ridiculous! So why pay when you can raid your refrigerators and give yourself a facial for a lot less. I figure once a week I would educate you girls and guys on a variety of skin care items you can find right at home. First in the installment is a mask thats great for all skin types.

Oatmeal Yogurt Mask
1 Tablespoon of Oatmeal (finely grounded)
1 Tablespoon of Plain Yogurt
A few drops of honey
Mix together, apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes then rinse off thoroughly. Make sure the yogurt contains no fruit and ideally try to use organic.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has been used for years for the treatment of dry skin. Oatmeal contains (big word alert) polysaccharides, a complex carbohydrate when mixed with water becomes a gel. This gel softens and nourishes the skin protecting it from drying out. Oatmeal also contains fat which acts like a moisturizer for the skin. Lastly oatmeal provides gentle exfoliation while absorbing dirt and impurities leaving your skin with a glow. All in all oatmeal is great for all skin types.

Yogurt

We all know that eating yogurt is great for your insides, but did you know the active good bacteria in yogurt is also good for your skin? The anti-bacterial properties in yogurt make it ideal for acne prone skin. The enzymes in yogurt kills the bad bacteria. Yogurt also contains lactic acid, which is a very mild but super effective exfloliator. Lactic acids aid in softening the skin, tightening pores and giving skin that over all natural glow, all while leaving the skin feeling moisturized. Yogurt too is great for all skin types.

Honey

Honey is an all natural humectant. A humectant draws in moisture to the skin keeping it moisturized. Honey also works as a natural antiseptic and can be used to treat minor cuts and burns. In addition to its antiseptic properties, honey is rich in antioxidants which help protect the skin against free radicals. Free radicals are one of main culprits in the premature aging of the skin. So again honey too is great for all skin types.

So try it out and let me know how you like ;-)



MAC Pink Friday

For those who aren't makeup enthusiasts like myself, you may not have known that Nicki Minaj did a collaboration with MAC to promote her new album Pink Friday. The lipstick was only available online for a short period of time last month and I was fortunate to gets my hands on one. Pink Friday is a bright, cool tone, opaque Barbie doll pink. If you are darker skin tone like myself  Pink Friday can not be wore alone but with lip liner and gloss, it's the perfect pink. It has become of one my new favorite lipstick to wear. But why write a blog about a color that's not longer available? Well there are plenty colors on the market that MAC and other brands have that are very similar to Pink Friday. MAC has Snob, Chatterbox and Viva Glam Lady Gaga that are similar. MAKE UP FOR EVER and Illamasqua both have bright Barbie doll like pinks in their collections. We are coming into Spring Summer 2011 where brights were huge on the runways. So ladies if you are tired of wearing those hoilday reds, try a pink.

Birchbox

Birchbox is a website were you pay ten bucks a month to receive 4 to 5 deluxe samples of makeup, skincare, haircare and some miscellaneous products. They carry mostly high-end labels like Nars, Laura Mercier and Phyto that are beautifully packaged and delivered to your home. I know what you're thinking, "why pay money for samples"? Well being able to try the latest products, that are hand delivered to you home is worth it for me. Plus they're high-end deluxe sample. Sephora has a customer loyalty program where each dollar you spend equals a point and points are redeemed for samples. Its takes 100 points to receive one deluxe sample. That's a hundred dollars people. Don't get me wrong I love Sephora and free stuff is free stuff but Birchbox is just a different avenue and in a world of many avenues, streets, roads and boulevards what's one more? So check it out....Birchbox.com.

An Ode to Princess!!!

Photographer, photoshop wizard, computer extraordinaire, my secretary *winks*, dog lover, baker, honorary gay, spokes woman for Stinkyness, a wife, a daughter, a sister blah blah blah and not to mention one of my best friends!!! Love you Princess!!! She let me play on her face a few weeks back, here are the pictures. I airbrushed her and used Beauty From The Earth Cosmetics on the eyes.

Wedding Trial with Jennifer

I had a wedding consultations a couple days ago here are the pictures...tell me what you think. I did a very natural neutral look because that's what she wanted. Looking at the pictures now I would change a few things. I would definitely add lashes (I forgot to bring them that day), lighten up on the blush and darken the outer crease a bit more. But its not the wedding day, only the trial and I can always go back and perfect the look on her.

Practice Makes Better

Today I just was at home chilling with the family and a bit bored so I decided to try out some different looks on my sis and niece. Looking back at the pictures I see all the imperfections and the little details I need to work on, but practice makes better (not perfect) and that's what I'm working towards. A Better Me! So tell me what you think...