bookmark_borderHow to Get the “No Makeup” Look

A trend we’ve been seeing all over the runways and magazines has been the “no makeup” makeup look. If the whole concept confuses you, let’s break it down. The “no makeup” makeup look uses just a few products to give your face a healthy glow and natural flush. It doesn’t include anything bright or glittery or bold. Here are a few steps and tips to achieving the look.

  • Perfect your skin. When your skin is healthy, moisturized and (mostly) free of blemishes, you don’t need to use as much makeup. You can skip the primer, foundation, concealer and powder and opt instead for a tinted moisturizer. To get your skin in tip-top shape, be sure to use an exfoliator and moisturizer hand-in-hand on a daily basis. If you do have flaws, use a concealer in the same shade as your skin to cover them up.
  • Enhance your best features. If you have naturally thick eyebrows, just tidy them up a bit with tweezers and a tinted brow gel for a natural look. If you love your lips, apply a lightly tinted lip balm for a “my lips but better” shade that gives them a touch of sheen. By working with your best features and highlighting them, you’ll end up using less products all together.
  • Give your cheeks a natural flush. Pinch your cheeks and notice the color they turn. This is the shade of blush you should look for when shopping for makeup. It mimics the natural flush when you are flattered- and it will leave you looking healthy, pretty and natural.

bookmark_borderThe Importance of Vitamin C for Your Skin

Everyone knows how important vitamins are for your health- they help improve your health, skin, hair and more. One of the best vitamins for you is vitamin C. Vitamin C can be found in bell peppers, dark leafy greens, kiwis, broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peas, papayas and more. It also can be found in various skincare products. Below are just a few reasons why vitamin C is so important for your skin.

  • Vitamin C works to maintain healthy and young-looking skin. Young skin is full of vitamin C, but as you get older, you lose the nutrient. People who smoke cigarettes, are exposed to lots of UV light or live in a highly-polluted area may also be lacking vitamin C. Vitamin C works to reverse the aging process in your skin, especially on your face.
  • Vitamin C fights wrinkles and reduces their appearance. Vitamin C works to produce collagen, the protein that gives skin elasticity. Collagen breaks down as you age, which results in wrinkles. To keep your skin from forming wrinkles, take or use products with vitamin C in them to counteract the loss in collagen.
  • Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of age spots and skin discoloration. Many women deal with uneven skin tone or dark spots. Sometimes these can be from the sun or from general aging. Whatever the reason, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works to reduce the number of damaged skin cells and reverse the damage to your skin. Using a skincare product with vitamin C in addition to daily sunscreen is your best bet to healthy, ageless skin.

bookmark_borderBeauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

Cococonut oilconut oil has been around for centuries, yet it seems that it has just gained mainstream popularity in the past year or two. Coconut oil can be used in cooking, cleaning and even on your hair and skin. It’s a great alternative to over-the-counter products since it’s all-natural and safe. Here are a few of the beauty and skincare uses and benefits of coconut oil.

The main use for coconut oil is as a moisturizer. Apply it to your dry, cracked hands if winter has ruined them (or if you work with your hands a lot and they become rough).

If you run out of shaving cream, coconut oil is an awesome alternative. It’s naturally anti-microbial, so it holds up well in the shower and bathroom areas.  The oil’s skin-soothing properties will also leave your legs looking hydrated.

Coconut oil can be used as a natural highlighter. Dotting the oil on the tops of your cheekbones adds a natural shine and sheen without being too greasy. Skip the expensive highlighters and try coconut oil out.

Not only does coconut oil work as makeup, but it also removes makeup just as well. Smear a spoonful of coconut oil around your eyes to remove mascara and eyeliner. It helps if the oil is a bit warm, so you can always rub a bit in your hands before applying. Then wipe away with a clean washcloth and you’re done.

Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal and moisturizing. Many women use it as a nighttime moisurizer on their face and neck.

bookmark_borderBeauty Benefits of Kale

Kale, the much talked-about superfood, isn’t just good for you to eat- it’s also popping up on the ingredient list of many of your favorite beauty and skincare products. It’s a great low-calorie, high-fiber food that has become even more popular in the past few years. Whether you plan on enjoying it in a salad, sauteed as a snack, or as an ingredient in your new moisturizer, here are the various beauty benefits of kale.

Kale is packed with essential vitamins, including a ton of Vitamin A. It has over 100% of the average person’s daily Vitamin A and C requirements. Vitamin A also helps to prevent skin diseases, improve eye sight and repairing dry or flaky skin. Vitamin A plays a pivotal role in repairing the tissues underneath your skin and prevents damage caused by free radicals. Kale also contains Vitamin K, which helps prevent blood clotting, bone health and antioxidant activity. Vitamin K serves as a powerful ingredient in many skin care products as it helps to get rid of tiresome dark circles under your eyes.

Kale also is known for its Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These acids help to improving the blood circulation in your scalp and help stimulate hair growth.

The free radical neutralizing effects of the antioxidants in kale can help keep your skin looking great by preventing loss of skin elasticity triggered by excessive ultraviolet radiation. When skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun, it forms enzymes that help repair sun-injured connective tissue. Free radicals work to support the production of these collagen-damaging enzymes, helping your skin look and feel great.

bookmark_borderWhat Vitamins Are the Best for Your Skin?

Vitamins are important to your overall health, from your body to your skin. Whether you choose to ingest them orally or apply them topically, vitamins can help treat various skin problems and conditions. Find out which vitamin helps fight which skin issues below.

  • Vitamin A– This vitamin works wonders for wrinkles, and is best for those who want to get younger-looking skin. It works to reduce wrinkles, fade brown spots, and smooth roughness. “
  • Vitamin B3–  This vitamin works to increase the production of ceramides and fatty acids, which work to protect your skin’s outer protective barrier. B3 is a great ingredient if your complexion is dry or sensitive- even for those with rosacea.
  • Vitamin C- Vitamin C has a variety of benefits and uses, but the most popular is for brightening skin and reducing uneven skin tone. It works to reduce the free radicals that trigger wrinkling, sagging, and other aging changes. It also helps smooth and firm skin in addition to fading brown spots. Taking vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens applied to your skin for protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It does this by decreasing cell damage and helping the healing process of bodily wounds.
  • Vitamin E– If you have chronic or just occasion dry skin, Vitamin E can work wonders. It helps skin retain its natural moisturizers and can be used to help reduce the damage from UV exposure. Vitamin E also helps in the treatment of skin inflammation.
  • Vitamin K– Dark circles stand no chance when you use products with Vitamin K in them. This vitamin works to control blood clotting. It penetrates the skin and knocks out darkness in the skin. Vitamin K is essential in aiding the body’s process of blood clotting, which helps the body heal the areas bruised during surgery. Topical creams with vitamin K can also help treat unsightly skin irritations, such as spider veins, stretch marks and scars.
  • Vitamin D– If you suffer from psoriasis, Vitamin D can help treat it by reducing the inflammation and irritation naturally.