Bye Bye Dry Hair

Did you know that with just 2 simple ingredients from your kitchen you could make a homemade hair mask for a soft and nourished hair?
That's right, if you have dry and frizzy hair, this is a great one for you.
You just need mayonnaise and honey!
Here's how you do it:

1/2 cup of Mayonnaise
2 tbsp of Honey

Mix it all together, very well, until it's consistent. Then apply all over your hair and cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes.
Then wash it as you would normally do, and let it dry (or blow-dry).
Finish it with a spray of Younique's Rose Water, for a botanical boost.

Rose Water For Gorgeous Skin

Rose Water is one of the oldest beauty products in the world, used by every woman, no matter the skin tone, type, or place where she lives.
Just a cotton pad saturated in Rose Water, mixed with a bit of water, used as a toner, the effects are overwhelming: it soothes the skin, making it more even. It also helps fight acne and calm it.
Extra tip: if you have zits, or severe acne, try cracking an uncoated aspirin and toss it into a mix of Rose Water and water.

Quick trick: How to Intensify Your Smokey Eye (without eyeliner)

You want to rock a smokey eye, but your out of black eyeliner? Or maybe you aren't a fan of a dramatic smokey eye with the eyeliner, but still want to make it intense?
Here's a quick trick!

After having your smokey eye all done (whether you have used black and grey colors, or brown, burgundy or purple), dip a thin or a liner brush, like the Younique Liner brush into Rose Water, and after picking a black pigment, like the Moodstruck Minerals Pigment Powder in Corrupted, Risque or Devious and line the lash line and under the waterline. And that's it, pretty simple!

Easy "smokey eye"

There isn't any makeup look that is more versatile than a smokey eye. It's classy, contemporary and not that hard to achieve if you follow the catwalk tricks:

• Start by applying the black liner both in the upper lash line as well as in the lower lash line.
• With a liner brush by Younique, wet it in Rose Water and then take a lighter Mineral Pigment to open the look, try the shade Feisty and apply in the inner corner.
• with the same brush, still wet from the Rose Water, take a darker pigment, like Corrupted from Younique and apply through the whole lid, with the "shader" part of the brush. The wet brush will create a more diffuse look and will ease the smudge.
• Finish the look with a nice layer of the 3D Fiber Lashes mascara.

How to look good hangover

There's nothing worse than having to wake up early for another day at work, or classes, after a party night. Sure those shots were fun, but the headache and the puffy not-glowing face the next day pretty much speaks for itself: you feel bad and you look bad.
How to face the office, the colleagues and the boss? Here's a quick guide:

• Wash your face with warm water, clean all the makeup left on your face with a cotton pad damped in Rose Water. Use the Awake Facial Cleanser from Younique, as it will unclog your pores and make your skin look brighter.
• Apply moisturizer, as alcohol dehydrates the skin.
• Use a BB cream to unify your skin tone. Younique has a broad range of tones, make sure you don't choose a tone that is too light for you, or else you will look pale.
• Apply concealer on your dark circles. 
• Don't overdo your makeup: just some mascara to pop your eyes, and a little blush for a healthy glow to your cheeks and you're ready to go, looking healthy and fresh.

Additional tip: drink lots of water and eat a salad, the hangover will pass ;)

Eyebrows: Threading vs. Tweezing

The choice is always personal, as there are those who defend the Threading method, and others that defend Tweezers. The difference is in the result of the final brow shape. By using tweezers the results will be more defined brows as it will remove the hairs individually giving them a clean, precise look. By threading even the very fine hair strands come off. It is highly recommended for those who prefer a more natural look.
But there are some who defend that Threading is what was done years ago before tweezers were invented and that tweezing is far more precise and hygienic?

As for waxing, it is too harsh on the delicate skin around the eye area, as well as lack of precision, which can ruin the eyebrow shape and burn the delicate skin.

In using both methods, it is highly recommendable that you clean the eyebrow area very well, both before the tweezing or threading process, as well as after. Younique's Rose Water is a great option, as it revitalizes the skin and acts as a tonic.

Revigorating Homemask

After having your skin scrubbed and clean, mix a packet of mint leaves with 1 cup f water and 2 tablespoons of Younique's Rose Water and apply this lotion with a cotton pad all over the face, neck and chest.

3. In the blender add 1 cup of water and 1/2 beetroot and strain. Reserve half of the mixture and heat the other half until warm. Dissolve 1 gelatin sheet and mix everything.

4. Apply the mask all over your face with upward movements (upwards). Remove after 15 minutes and apply Younique's Brilliant Daily moisturizer.

Makeup Tips For The Ladies in Braces

Wearing braces might seem something that only teenagers do. But the number of adult women who have to wear braces have been increasing a lot since some years and, what was considered a taboo, is now the more and more acceptable and even fashion.
But it doesn't mean that all women feel comfortable and confident wearing them, and even if they do, it doesn't mean they shouldn't be careful: just because you got some eyes on you, doesn't always mean it's for the best reasons... And just because you are wearing braces, doesn't mean that you're not gorgeous or should ignore your beauty routine. The main trick is: enhance your other features other than the mouth area:

Skin: Make sure your skin is flawless, choose a good BB Cream or a good foundation if you really need a foundation. Younique has a broad range of skin tones for BB Creams which are actually very lightweight on the skin. Use a concealer on your scars and dark circles but only if you really need it, don't follow a makeup routine just because it's what they say you should do, learn your own features. It's preferable to look more natural than to have the cakey effect on your skin, especially if you're wearing braces, since it will make 2 things drawing attention (and not for the best reasons). Choose a peach or light rose pigment as a blush, for that healthy glow on your face.

Eyes: They are the main star, where all the attention should be focused on. The classic smokey eye works all the time, a simple cat eye with a dark eyeliner never fails as well. Try the Younique's Liner Brush dipped in Rose Water and the Moodstruck Mineral Pigment in the shade Corrupted to achieve a smoother and last longing effect.
The cherry on the cake should the the lashes: make them big and voluminous with the 3D Fiber Lashes mascara.

Lips: Avoid the lip glosses and shimmer, choose nude, soft, peach and opaque shades.

And don't worry: braces aren't forever !

Eyeliner tips

It's a known fact that eyeliner is as beautiful as intimidating: it requires a certain mastery on applying it. If you're a beginner, it will require that you learn how to steady your hands and do some touch ups. If you're already a pro, these are some tips that will most certainly help to keep the black line in its place:

• Let it dry: if you want to avoid the liner on your crease, allow it to dry for about 30 seconds with your lids closed. This will prevent the liner to be pressed against the lid.

• Use a primer: I must confess, eyelid primers are one of the best inventions in makeup, as it will allow your eyeliner (and even your eye shadow) to stay in place through the whole day. But if you don't have a primer, use a concealer before applying the liquid liner, it will help it hold in place and will avoid the rest of the eyelid to become greasy.

• Try mixing the Younique Mineral Pigment with the Rose Water, to create a liner: they have a wide range of colors, but if you still prefer the darker shades, Corrupted and Devious are the perfect ones to go with. Apply it with the Liner brush for more definition. Or check out their brand new Precision eyeliner pencils. They glide like a gel liner and, like the pigments, stay all day. 

• Seal it with powder: after having the liner shaped, use an angled brush to seal it with a powder eye shadow over the liner.

• Apply the mascara after the eyeliner: it's one of the most repeated mistakes by beginners, to apply the mascara before the eyeliner, thinking that the mascara will work as a support. The problem is if you apply the liner after the mascara, it tends to displace the lashes, causing clumps.

• Choose a waterproof formula: it's simple, it lasts longer, especially if you suffer in the upcoming allergy season (watery eyes will thank you by choosing a waterproof formula).

20 AWESOME Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil

Why use coconut oil? It'ss very good at hydrating skin. It sinks in deep, conditions, moisturizes, and softens skin. It isn’t pumped full of water or petroleum byproducts. Skin is kept clean by an oily substance called sebum. When sebum mixes with too much dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells it can clog pores and lead to acne and other blemishes. Coconut oil naturally clears away dirt, grime, and dead skin cells. It even has some antibacterial properties, killing off harmful bacteria. 

Cheekbone Highlighter - Apply a small amount on cheekbones over makeup.

Shaving Lotion - Close shave and a moisturizer at the same time.

Facial Scrub - Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of raw brown sugar and apply to face. [2-3x/week]

Body Scrub - Combine coconut oil and sugar. Check out this DIY Sugar Scrub recipe.

Makeup Remover - Mix 3 tablespoons of rose water + 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a natural makeup remover that actually promotes healthy skin!

Homemade Deodorant - You only need a few ingredients in addition to coconut oil to make this simple deodorant recipe.

Homemade Lip Balm or Lip Gloss - Apply directly or create a flavored version with this simple lip balm recipe.

Diaper Rash Cream - Apply regularly to the baby's bottom to improve skin health.

Sexual Lubricant - Self-explanatory ;)

Stretch Mark Preventer During Pregnancy - This safe, healthy oil can be applied multiple times each day to help moisturize your stretching skin.

Nipple Cream During Breastfeeding - Coconut oil is a popular choice for nursing mothers because it is a natural safe product.

Massage Oil - Coconut oil is the perfect choice for a massage oil. Not too greasy and with a relaxing scent.

Body Moisturizer - Apply directly after showering.

Fade Age Spots - Rub on hands or other areas daily.

Sunburn Care - A great moisturizer to use after you've gotten a bit too much sun.

Facial Moisturizer - After you wash your face, massage a light layer on your skin.

Mix in Bath Water - Melt about 1/4 cup in the microwave and add it to your bath water and soak.

Tanning Oil - Put in a spray bottle and bring to beach. Spray on to keep skin moisturized. [Of course ALWAYS use an SPF product!]

Dry Feet Treatment - Mix with salt to form a foot scrub.

Elbow Rub - Helps manage the dry skin on your elbows.

Rose Water as a Setting Spray Over Make Up

I prefer using Younique Refreshed Rose Water. It's vegan (which I love) and it comes in a spray bottle -- perfect to use as a setting spray!

Cure Acne + Scars with Lemon Juice and Rosewater

• Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water. (I personally love Younique's Rose Water - it's vegan and super refreshing.)
• Apply directly to skin. You might feel an initial sting from the lemon juice.
• Rinse after 15-30 minutes.

Why It Works
Rose water is a natural astringent that doesn't dry out your skin since it contains no alcohol. It helps balance your skin's pH level & tightens pores. Lemon juice - also a natural astringent - removes blackheads, fades scars & age spots, brightens your skin tone and exfoliates dead skin. Think of lemon juice as a natural antibacterial cleanser that fights breakouts. 

DIY: Natural Makeup Remover

Rose water can bring benefits to all skin types, it can help sooth and cool sensitive and irritated skin, balance and cleanse oily skin, rejuvenate, soften and tone mature skin, revitalize and add beautiful glow to the normal skin. Rose water is filled with anti-oxidants and various vitamins, therefore, it can help prevent the signs of ageing and nourish the skin. It also makes a killer makeup remover!

What you'll need:

• 3 table spoons of rose water (I recommend Younique's Rose Water )
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• 1 cotton pad
• small bowl

Directions: 

Scoop out a teaspoon of coconut oil and drop it in your bowl. Pour 3 tablespoons of rose water. Mix it up as best as you can. You'll find it a bit difficult since the coconut oil is still solidified, so pop it in the microwave for 5 seconds and mix it once more. Take your cotton pad, soak it in the liquid and gently wipe off your makeup. It efficiently removes makeup not only from your face, but also, can be used on the gentle skin around the eyes. Never rub harshly nor stretch your skin while removing makeup! If there is any left over, I like to massage it on my hands, arms and legs! It leaves a healthy shine without being too greasy...not to mention the beautiful scent!

Makeup Tricks to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

There's nothing like having a big pair of beautiful sparkling eyes.  If you'd like to make your eyes look bigger, there are several ways to go about doing that, and not all of them involve makeup.

Prep: You always want to prep your eyes first! Even if you're going without eyeshadow, applying a primer will even out your skin tone and fill in any wrinkles, which detract from your gorgeous lookers. I use Younique's Glorious.  It's 100% natural, gluten-free, free of parabens, oils, synthetic fragrances, and cheap fillers so a little goes a long way. 

Eyeliner basics: Don't apply eyeliner all the way around your eyes. When you apply eyeliner on your lower lashes, do it just below the lash line, not inside the rim. Don't let the line come all the way to the inner corner of your eye.

Extension: Extend the eyeliner beyond the outer corners of your eyes. This line should move upwards a little as well, mimicking a very long eyelash. This technique will make your eyes appear wider.

White: Add white eyeshadow or eyeliner to the inner corner of your eyes. This technique helps to bring more light into your eyes and produces the effect of larger-looking eyes. Use soft white though; a harsh white will look theatrical.

Eyebrows:  In much the same way a picture frame affects the way the picture looks, your eyebrows affect the way your eyes look. The simple act of removing stray hairs can make your eyes more noticeable.

Eyelashes: You want to make your eyelashes longer. A good way to go about this is a eyelash curler. I, personally, am still deathly afraid of them and prefer to use Fiber Lashes. It's a two bottle mascara system that uses the natural fibers from tea to extend your lashes & add  great volume, while still looking natural.

Bags: You definitely want to get rid of dark circles and bags as the puffiness makes your eyes seem smaller. The easiest way for me to do this is to splash a little rose water around my eyes in the morning. Other good ways are applying slices of raw potato or chilled tea bags for 20 minutes. 

Enjoy your big, beautiful eyes!

Travel Beauty Tips

It IS possible to step off the plane after a long flight looking like a million bucks! Here are a few refreshing tips:

Hydration: Plane cabin air (or blasting the AC/heat in the car) sucks the moisture out of your skin and hair. Before you leave spray some leave-in your conditioner in your hair & use a soft scarf to wrap your do. This will keep your style looking fresh when you take it off at the end of your journey AND lock the moisture in for a deep cleanse while traveling. Make sure to pack your favorite skin moisturizer and apply every hour.

Dry Shampoo: A necessity for any long trip to get rid of those oily roots. I recommend taking a homemade dry mixture as opposed to the aerosol cans you buy in stores -- making more room for your liquid necessities.

Minimal Makeup: You do NOT need to carry your entire makeup arsenal. A few touch ups will do just fine. The most important touch up = blush. Blush instantly gives your dull, tired face a splash of color and a more youthful appearance.

Rose water: Seriously -- the travel savior! Splash under your eyes to instantly remove bags & dark circles. It also hydrates your skin, tones it and smells great. Younique has a great travel-ready rose water.

Basics: Grab a brush, a little perfume, a mini-deodorant and you'll be ready to take on the town when you get to your destination!

Benefits of Rose Water

Beauty experts consider rose water a wonderfully gentle, natural ingredient with fabulous skin-enhancing benefits.Rose water is a byproduct of steam distillation, the process that's used to isolate the plant's essential oil. It can replace a lot of products in one fell swoop.

Daily face cleanser: Soak up a cotton ball in rose water and wipe clean your face with this. It will remove all traces of grime and oil from your face, leaving your face smelling fresh and captivating all day.

Toner:  You can mix a pinch of camphor in rose water to use as a facial toner. This drives away nagging acne and reduces the surface oiliness of the face.

Deep cleaning face mask: Make a herbal face pack at home mixing lemon juice, sandalwood powder and rose water. Apply this mask on the face and leave it on for 15 minutes. In the end, wash off with cold water. This homemade face mask will help cleanse your skin and cure pimples.

Sunburn Treatment: Mix two spoons of tomato juice with 2 spoons of rose water; apply on your face. This mix helps to treat sunburn/suntan effectively.

Hair softener: Mix rose water in your regular shampoo to get softer and fresher hair. Massaging your hair with rose water promotes hair-growth. You can also spritz it on your dry hair before heading out to soften.

Dark circle cure: Simply patting on a little rose water instantly reduces both dark circles and puffy eyes instantly.

Revitilization & moisturizer: A quick spritz on your face in the morning hydrates your skin & provides a refreshed glow all day long.

Younique's natural, vegan Rose Water is the perfect bottle to add to your daily routine.

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!