Cucumber & Tea DIY (for Puffy Eyes)

Did you wake up with puffy eyes? It's such a drag when it happens. Here's a quick DIY tip on how to reduce the puffiness around the eyes:

• Make a chamomile tea and set aside until cooled down:
• Blend together one tbsp of aloe vera gel (that can easily be bought in any drugstore), half of a fresh cucumber and 1/2 tsp of honey. You can also use a food processor for this.
• And 2 tsp of chamomile tea and blend until smooth.
• Apply this mix in your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse with cold water.

Apply your Brilliant Daily Moisturizing Gel for a fresh and hydrated skin, the perfect canvas for your makeup routine.

Make Your Razor Last Longer!

Razors are expensive. Cut down on your costs by extending their shower-shelf life!

Alcohol: Just fill a cup about halfway with rubbing alcohol and place your razor inside, but just make sure that the rubbing alcohol that you are using is 70 percent or higher. The water content in 70 percent rubbing alcohol could make the blades rust faster rather than preventing it.

Baby Oil: When you are done using your razor, shake off any remaining water and apply a little bit of baby oil to the blades. This will keep the blades moisturized while also preventing the blades from rusting. When you go to use your razor the next time, it will be silky smooth.

Jean Trick: Running the blades over a pair of old blue jeans a few times keeps the blades sharp and will prevent nicks and cuts next time you use the razor. Just gently swipe the razor over a pair of old jeans one way and then a few times the opposite direction. The first time I tried this trick, I was amazed at how much longer my razor did last.

Quick Beauty Tip: Detox Bath

DIY: Homemade Vanilla Honey Bubble Bath

This is SUCH a luxurious DIY bubble bath! Honey is a natural humectant that promotes moisture retention.Almond oil is PACKED with vitamins that promotes revitalization. (It also reduces redness & inflammation so it's good for skin issues like acne, psoriasis and eczema.) Egg whites draw oil from your pores & tighten your skin, leaving it healthy and glowing.

Ingredients:

½ cup almond oil
1 egg white
1 tablespoons vanilla extract
½ cup unscented hand/body soap
¼ cup honey

Directions:

Just mix the ingredients and you will have a wonderful bath experience :)

DIY: Make Your Own Hairspray

Ingredients:
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons sugar
2 Tablespoons rubbing alcohol

Spray bottle
6-8 drops essential oils (optional)

Directions:
Heat water to a boil and turn off heat source. Add 2 tsps of sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Then add 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol and 6-8 drops of your favorite essential oil scent (optional).[I actually skip the oil & use rose water  since it smells great AND is great for your hair.]

DIY: Whiten Your Teeth

I'll admit it. I'm ADDICTED to coffee. I always try and make sure to brush my teeth after drinking my morning cups... yes, CUPS, but still need an extra boost to keep my smile bright white. I tried every whitening strip on the market but my teeth are WAY too sensitive and leave me in mega pain. 

This simple and safe solution has been my life saver!

Peroxide + Baking Soda: Using a small mouthwash cup, mix some Hydrogen Peroxide (3% for Oral Use) and baking soda into a fine paste and apply a little of this paste on top of your toothpaste while brushing. That's it!

DIY: Dry Shampoo

Ingredients: 
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
2 Tablespoons Cornmeal
2 Tablespoons Ground Oatmeal
A salt shaker type container to store dry shampoo

Directions: 

• Grind up oatmeal in a blender. You want it to be fine enough to be able to go through a salt shaker, so give it some time in the blender.
• Measure out 2 tablespoons each of: cornstarch, cornmeal, baking soda and the ground up oatmeal. Mix it all together in a bowl and you’ve got yourself some dry shampoo. Store in your favorite container.
• To use: sprinkle on, massage into your scalp & use a bristle brush to remove any excess!

Get Rid of Cold Sores Fast!

I get it. No one really likes to discuss it but the occasional cold sore can happen, and when it does it can completely ruin a day... or week. This natural tried & true method produces immediate results for relief & can also prevent those pesky jerks from even showing up.

Lysine: Lysine is a natural amino acid sold for $5 alongside vitamins and supplements. (It suppresses an opposing amino acid that increases viral growth.) You can take it at first symptom to GREATLY reduce the severity of the cold sore or even prevent it entirely. Some people even take lysine daily to inhibit them completely.

Lemon balm: Find a lip product containing lemon balm! Many people swear by Herpecin L -- also $5, and it also contains Lysine & SPF 30! Studies show lemon balm reduces swelling and redness. Again, use it at first sign and then about once every hour. 

With this winning combination you can forever say goodbye to awkward cover up attempts and hiding that gorgeous face of yours!

DIY: Cinnamon Face Mask for Acne!

The honey in the mask is a natural humectant, giving skin the moisture it needs. Cinnamon gently exfoliates your skin, and nutmeg acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce redness and swelling. The mask soothes the skin and helps prevent infection.

You'll need:
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. honey

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. (The mask will be a thick paste.) Apply the mask to your face with your fingertips and let sit for 15 minutes. Wash the mask off with warm water, gently rubbing in a circular motion to exfoliate.

DIY: Matte Nail Polish!

What You Need:

Cornstarch

Wax paper

Your nail polish of choice

A toothpick or plastic spoon

Step 1: Pour a bit of nail polish onto the wax paper. (I usually do about a hand's-worth at a time.)

Step 2: Using a toothpick or plastic spoon, mix in the cornstarch until well blended. You don’t need a lot of cornstarch – a pinch or two should do the trick!

Step 3: Quickly paint the nail polish/cornstarch mixture onto your nails before it dries. Simply apply it the same way you would regular nail polish and let dry. Remember not to use a top coat or you’ll lose the matte effect.

DIY: Egg Mask to Combat Frizzy Hair

Ingredients:
2 Whole Eggs
4 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

Plastic Wrap (optional)

Towel

Combine both of the ingredients in a bowl. Mix it up well and work through your strands.

Wrap your hair in the plastic wrap and then wrap the towel around your head last. The heat from the wrap will aid in moisture penetration. Let it sit in your hair for half an hour and then wash your hair normally.

DIY Home Spa: Detoxifying Foot Soak

Ingredients:

Bowl of warm water

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup Epsom salt

Why Vinegar & Epsom Salt?

Vinegar has long been a standard solution for many aches, pains and problems. When it comes to your feet, vinegar has been known to help end problems with fungus, foot odor, athlete’s foot and more. The acidic properties of vinegar can even help with softening your feet and soothing dry skin or cracked heels.

Epsom salt eases aches & inflammation, flushes toxins and even helps neutralize odors.

Directions:

Fill a large bowl with warm water and add 1 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 cup Epsom salt. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes, rinse and lightly scrub with pumice stone. 

Say hello to gorgeous, refreshed feet!

DIY: Lip Plumper

Let's face it. We all want the perfect pout. BUT before you head to your nearest plastic surgeon, peruse the ingredients in your kitchen first!

Ingredients:  
1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon of ground Ginger
2 tablespoons of Coconut Oil
1-2 drops of Peppermint Oil

Honesty time: Simply put, the overall purpose of this treatment is to irritate your lips just enough so they swell. The Cayenne Pepper is a natural source that, when combined with the ground Ginger, helps to irritate and slightly burn your lips so they plump up. It's really more of a tingle though, promise! The Coconut and Peppermint work together to both soothe and hydrate your pouter.

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• How To Make Your Lip Plumper:

• Fill a small pot halfway with water and leave it on medium heat until it starts to simmer but not boil.
• Once your water is simmering, take a big container and place it in your water, but make sure no water gets into the container you essentially just want the heat of the water
• Mix together your Cayenne, Ginger, and Coconut oil and stir until evenly combined
• Add in your Peppermint Oil and stir again until even
• Take your pot off the heat, pour your mixture into a glass jar with a tight lid (or lipgloss container), and place into your fridge to cool for 20 minutes
• Once your plumper is cool to the touch, dip a (clean) finger in and apply evenly to your lips
• Snag a Naturally based lip gloss like Youniques Lucrative Lip Gloss in your favorite color to show off your new pout. 

Last but not least -- SMILE! :)

DIY: Coffee Face Mask

The coffee face mask is THE go to for reviving dull, lifeless skin and - best of all - is ideal for any skin type. Brighten your complexion and tighten your skin all at once!

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup ground organic coffee beans
1/2 Cup organic, unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Cup of unsweetened whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
1 Tbsp of lemon juice
1 Tbsp of honey
Bowl

Benefits:
Coffee Beans – Reduces inflammation and redness, and the appearance of under eye circles.
Cocoa Powder – A good source of antioxidants; repairs damage due to environmental pollutants and free radicals. Contains high levels of sulfur (great for fighting acne).
Milk – It is said that Cleopatra bathed in milk to give her skin a healthy glow. Lactic acid helps to smooth skin. Amino acids keep skin hydrated.
Lemon Juice – Acts as an exfoliant. Contains natural vitamin C to ligten, tighten and brighten.
Honey – Locks in moisture.

Directions:
In your bowl, mix the finely ground coffee beans with the cocoa powder. Add in the milk, stir until it creates a paste. For a thicker paste, use less milk. Fold in lemon juice and honey. Apply to skin and let dry (up to 20 minutes). Wash off and store any extras in the fridge for up to 3 days.

DIY: Face Toners

Toner?

Toner's used to absorb excess oils from the face, even out the complexion and even helps combat acne. Use in the morning before you start your normal moisturizing/makeup routine. 

These toner recipes will save your skin from all the HARSH chemicals that are loaded in commercial toners and you can do it on the cheap! You can purchase small bottles with flip caps at dollar stores or drug stores for storage.

 Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the pH level, malic and lactic acids reduces acne

2 Tbs. of Apple Cider Vinegar
4 Tbs. of Distilled Water

Simply shake well in a bottle & apply using a cottonball. 

Witch Hazel & Lemon Juice: Especially good for reducing acne & scars

¾ Cup Witch Hazel

1/4 Cup Lemon Juice

Simply shake well in a bottle & apply using a cottonball. 

Rose Water:  Great for ANY skin type & also eliminates dark eye circles

3 oz Rose Water

1 drop of chamomile oil

1 drop of geranium oil

Simply shake well in a bottle & apply using a cottonball. 

DIY Home Remedies: Winter Beauty Tips!

Harsh winds, steamy showers, dipping temps & drying indoor heat--can suck the life right out of your skin and hair. Here are a few tips to ward off the winter blues!

[Lackluster Hair]

Is your winter head dull, depressed & apathetic? Try this quick and easy home remedy for an instant hydration boost! [1-2x/week]

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey

1. Heat oil for 20 seconds
2. Mix with honey
3. Apply to hair, starting at ends and working up
4. Cover with a shower cap & wait 20 minutes
5. Wash & style as usual.

[Dry, Flaky Scalp]

This Scalp Treatment does away with the dry flakes of winter AND removes product build up & stimulates scalp to help speed up hair growth!

If you have a scalp treatment or color applicator brush - that's recommended! If not, use any soft bristle brush you have.

Mix 4 tablespoons coconut oil with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon grapefruit juice.

You’ll start on dry hair. Starting on top, place the brush (no mixture) on the scalp, rotate it across the scalp while pressing down and pull off in the end. Repeat across the scalp, parting hair where necessary. This will stimulate the blood circulation and loosen any dry skin scales. This should feel good, don’t press so hard that it hurts.

Next part the hair down the center and apply the oil mixture to the scalp with the application brush or cotton ball. Work in one inch sections down the sides of the head, then the back making sure the mixture covers the entire scalp.

Now give your scalp a good massage. Rub with your fingertips in a circular motion all over the scalp. Leave the treatment on for about 20 minutes.

Finish it off with a good shampoo and conditioner.

[Dry Skin]

[Face] Rose water! A simple spritz instantly and lightly nourishes. The idea behind this is that sugars found in rose petals add to rose water's soothing effect, and its natural oils trap moisture in the skin, helping it feel and look smoother. [Recommended: Younique's Rose Water -- vegan & revitalizing!]

[Body] Shorter showers are a must. Hot showers lasting more than 15 minutes compromise your lipid layer, which retains moisture. Another must is exfoliating 2x/week! Try this delicious DIY scrub:

2 tbsp honey
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sweet almond oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. 

[Chapped Lips]

1. Using a disposable mascara wand or toothbrush, apply a generous amount of lip balm directly on your lips.
2. Scrub back and forth, up and down and in small circular motions in the same fashion you would brush your teeth. Really work on the flaky areas until the loose skin gently breaks off.
3. Wrap a tissue around your finger and remove any flaky residue.
4. SMILE!

[Prevent Peeling, Dry Cuticles]

Simply: Take a very small amount of extra virgin olive oil and rub into your nails and cuticles. Do this each night!