Home Remedies For Skin


Today I want to bring to you some simple at home things you can do to make your skin healthier and treat every day skin problems. I came across this article at Women’s Magazine and I will share this with you today.  “Many of these over the counter treatments contain harsh chemicals that could be doing you and your skin more harm than good,” says New York-based dermatologist David Bank, M.D. “Studies have shown that you can take care of your skin with natural ingredients found at home.” Solve all of your skincare needs with these DIY fixes. Hope you start the year with beautiful glowing skin. Happy reading.

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  1. For oily skin we have Banana and Honey mask. Excess oil in our face can lead to blemishes and pimples. Bananas are among the most widely consumed fruits on the planet and, according to the US. Department of Agriculture, Americans’ favorite fresh fruit. It is high in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and B6. It is also high in anti-oxidants, which can protect us from free radicals that are roaming around every day.   Moreover, according to Dr. Banks, “Banana contains zinc and vitamin C, which help fight and treat acne and control your skin’s natural oils.” The mask serves as the perfect acne prevention. Hence, in order to make this mask, mash one fully ripe banana, two tablespoons honey, and a few drops lemon juice together in a bowl. Apply to the face, and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove with a warm washcloth, and pat dry.
  2. pumpkinPumpkin Cream and Raw Honey Mask: “This mask is an amazing way to gently exfoliate your skin,” says Kimberly Smith, an aesthetician at Rejuvena Health and Aesthetics in Scottsdale, Arizona. The honey is anti-inflammatory and a great moisturizer as well. Because raw honey has anti-inflammatory benefits, it calms inflamed blemishes. In order to make this mask, mix one tablespoon organic canned pumpkin (not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling), a half-teaspoon organic full-fat cream or buttermilk, and one teaspoon raw honey. I use organic raw honey. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
  3. DIY-HONEY-ASPRIN-FACE MASKThe next mask is Aspirin Face Mask. I myself have used this mask for blemished. According to Dr. Banks, this mask is great for treating specially meant for treating pimples or for soothing irritation caused by them. In order to make this mask crush one to three aspirin pills (or more if you need more coverage; I use uncoated aspirin) in a small dish, and mix in just enough water to turn the powder into a paste. Add a few drops of warmed honey (again I use raw organic honey). Apply the mixture to your face, and let it sit until it dries (about 10 minutes), then wash of
  4. plumRevitalizing Plum Mask: According to Smith, this mask is not only great mask for acne prone skin but also great for revitalizing all type of skin. On top of being a great source of vitamins A, C, E, K and B complex, it is also rich is beta carotene, iron, potassium, and magnesium as per Smith. When applied topically, plums “protect our cells from inflammation caused by free radicals and decrease the loss of elasticity that makes skin sag. People who suffer from acne also benefit because it helps to normalize oil production and revitalize dull, uneven-looking skin” says Smith. Hence, in order to make this make, puree three to four ripe plums, and mix with a half-teaspoon turmeric, one tablespoon raw honey, and one tablespoon organic Greek yogurt. Massage onto the skin, and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm
  5. avocadoAloe Vera and Avocado Face Mask: According to Banks, avocadoes are filled with fatty acids and vitamins, which hydrates skin’s cells, locks its moisture, and heal dry and flaky skin, while aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence in order to make this mask, mash half an avocado in a bowl. Mix in two tablespoons aloe vera gel, one tablespoon dry oatmeal, and one tablespoon warmed honey. Apply the mixture to clean, dry skin, and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and a warm washcloth.
  6. lotionHoney Spiked Lotion: This is a simple process, just a little raw organic honey to moisturizer. According to Smith “It will make it hydrate better because honey is a natural humectant.” Humectants are key ingredients in many creams and cleansers because they hold onto moisture. Just make that you do not add too much honey because it can make the moisture too sticky. Hence, just mix couple of drop of raw organic honey to your regular moisturizer before applying.
  7. 11-cucumber-oatCucumber and Oatmeal Face Mask: According to Dr. Banks, these two ingredients can significantly reduce inflammation in your face. Hence, in order to make this mask, just mix together one cup oatmeal with a finely chopped cucumber. Apply the mixture to you face for 20 minutes, and then rinse with a warm washcloth.

I would love to hear if any of these home remedies worked for you. If you have any home remedies of you own I would love to hear that as well.

Forever NijLeave a comment

My Makeup Secret


With just two days left for the holidays, I know the ladies you have worked hard to get ready preparing for the holidays and the party. Now it’s time to take care of yourselves, the dress, the makeups. Today, this blog is dedicated just for you because you deserve it. I am by no means experts in beauty or make-ups. I will bring today what I have come across through process of elimination through my own personal experience. Since, I have started using my new make-up regiment since last August, I have been getting non-stop complements on my make-ups because I keep my make-up simple, and today I want to share that step by step secret with you. Again, I am not promoting any particular product. I am just reporting what has worked for me. Perhaps something else will work for you. If you have a great alternative please share in your comments and we would love to hear it. I will also share some great holiday fashion that came across in Vogue magazine. Happy reading.

The first step before any make-up regiment, I always wash my face with my usual regiments and use my Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner.  I then use my usual moisturizing regiment.

For the fist step of make-up, I use the Sephora Photo Finish More Than Primer – Blemish Control.  It can be layered under foundation without the worry of breakouts. It’s parabens, sulphate, and phthalates free. I follow the primer with a very light layer of Body Shop Tea Tree BB Cream. After my trip to the very windy and cold city of Chicago my face broke out in enormous blisters and acne with resulted in bad scars as a result I have to take extra precaution on myvery sensitive skin when comes to skincare. You probably don’t have to use this. However, I love this product it because it give my skin extra layer of protection and during weekends when I don’t feel like wearing foundation, I just wear this and I am good to go.

I next wear the NARS Radiant Cream Concealer underneath my eyes to cover my dark circles. Ladies, here I have to share a secret with you. In order to get rid of the crease with the concealer underneath your eyes, the trick is to mix the concealer with your eye cream. It works for me all the time. I put dabs of eyes creams and dabs of the concealer under by eyes and mix and walla perfect under eyes.  I then hide rest of my blemishes and scars with NARS concealer. The best thing about both of these concealers is that they come in make shades so there is a shade for every skin tones.

Once I cover all the flaws, I use Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder . I like this powder make-up because they are faster to use and less time consuming. More0ver, this is parabens free baked foundation which I prefer for my skin. However, when I am taking my time and what to use liquid make-up I use Sephora 10 HR Wear Perfection Foundation. This is a parabens free, oil free foundation which comes in my exact skin tone and provides great coverage.

Once foundation is done is now, time to contour and highlight the face. This is where we get to bring out the best features of our face. I use products here. I came up with these products after few experimentation and recommendations from family and friends. I first use the Anastasia Beverly Hills  Contour Kit to contour and highlight my face. What I like about buying directly from the Beverly Hills Anastasia site is that I was able to custom make my own contour kit based on my own skin tone. After contouring, I use the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush. The best thing about this blush is that is that it’s a baked nude blush that has buildable coverage. I use one last highlighter on my face that I absolutely love is the Benefit High Beam highlighter. I tap a little around my eyes and cheekbones and the result is fabulous giving me a luminous but never frosty or greasy look, it enhances coverage by bouncing light off the face. I use it high on cheeks after blush, I use it in in dark area by eyes, high part of nose and I use a tiny dot on bottom and top middle of lip for added fullness effect. A little goes a long way. I heard some people mixing it with their liquid foundation and got even better result.

Once done with my face I then handle my eyes. To be honest, I don’t have the best eye brows hence I have to take extra care of it. However, one thing that I do have it that I do have a good shape, according eye brow person I used to go to,  and I try to take advantage of that. I don’t draw my eyebrow with pencil because that lead to more eye brows falling. I use the Make Up Forever Aqua Brow cream to draw my eyebrow along my natural eyebrow shape to enhance my eyebrow. I will share another trick with you here. I use mascara wand to brush my brows before and after applying the cream. It makes my brows looks naturally full and when I apply the cream it looks more natural. You can by the wand at your local beauty supply store or at Amazon. Also, I never buy the black color. Always get the same color as the color of natural hair color. Since, my hair is dark brown that’s the color I get. Since I started doing that and filling my eyebrows, everyone I met told that I have the most beautiful I brows, which is a great complement for me. I add Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Waterproofing Gel on top of the brow cream even though the cream is waterproof for extra protection.

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Then depending on the occasion I wear my eye make-up and lipstick. Just remember to use light eye shadow underneath the arches of the brows to define the brows. However, I always end my make-up the same way. I always set my make up by using the Make For Ever HD Pressed Powder. It’s a clear powder that softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. I then finish the look by using Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Make Up Setting Spray. It keeps makeup looking just-applied for up to 16 hours. I cover my eyes with my hand and just am completely dependent on this product.

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With Make Up done, I now want to share the holiday style features in this years Vogue magazine. Here, I found a similar H&M Sequin Jacket for $59.95. I found this wonderful dress that goes well with the jacket too that just cost $69.95 at H&M for you guys, or you can wear the dress by itself.

This beautiful dress from Ann Taylor Jeweled Shift Dress is also featured in this month’s Vogue’s issue is on sale for $149.99. You can additional 50% off with code WINTER50.

As for me I like to wear something simple but but elegant at the same time. That’s I love wearing my long green long with velvet circle’s it. It look’s absolutely amazing. It’s one of a kind because it’s handmade and I get complements from everyone. I accessorize the dress with my Amrita Singh Reversible Bib Necklace and I am good to go. Ladies, I hope you are all ready to pamper yourselves this holiday after all the hard works. I look forward to hearing you version of holiday make-up and fashion tips. Enjoy.

Forever NijLeave a comment

Is Your Skin Ready For Winter?


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The past couple of days have been very cold reminding us winter is upon us. While we are getting to the cold, is our skin ready for the bitter cold of the winter season. If the winter is anything like last year, then we are in for a brutal cold season. In the cold winter season, our skin becomes dry, dull, flaky, and sometimes even more reactive. Who wants to look like this especially during the holiday season?

I for one fall, am in huge predicament each winter. My skin is so sensitive to the cold that my face becomes red and flaky and sometimes, I get hives from the cold. When I come home to warm indoor my skin becomes dry from the heating systems. If you go through the same experience as I do each winter there is a solution for your predicament.

We don’t need to hide ourselves during the harsh winter season. We too can winterize our skin and embrace the warmth of the holiday season with open arms. First of all, just remember not all skin types are the same. Hence, the best option of course would be to go to an esthetician or dermatologist who can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skincare regiment and advice on the best product for you.  However, since I already knew my skin type, I went to my local Body Shop, and talk to a store person there and ask them what to do. Since my skin is extra sensitive, they recommended their Aloe Vera moisturizer along with their Vitamin C regimen. I have to say, I did see a difference in my skin.

For the winter, the key to winterizing your skin is moisturizing. Make sure that you choose an oil-based moisturizer, not a water-based one. Just as an example, lotions labeled as “Night Creams” are oil-based.  I use natural organic essential oils on my skin, but I am very careful as to how much I use on my skin since my skin can breakout quite easily. According to WebMD, olive oil, avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil will not clog your pores.  You can apply small amount to your skin. I always wipe away extra with a soft wet cloth.  According to New York Dermatologist, Dr. Doris Day, a little bit of almond and coconut oils massaged gently around the eyes can help hydrate wrinkly skin under the eyes, but take care not to get it in your eyes, she said.

Every other night, I wash my face with a homemade scrub of with mixture of organic raw honey, organic extra virgin olive oil, and sugar. The honey is anti-inflammatory and a great moisturizer as well, and the scrub leaves my face soft and smooth.  It is also great for acne treatment, eye de-puffing and exfoliating scrubs. It’s excellent for treating eczema as well.  On the alternate days, I use mask made with organic raw honey, pure almond oil, avocado oil, and little yogurt. Yogurt is full of lactic acid that has wrinkle banishing properties.

In addition to moisturizing, I use the Body Shop Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz that always gives me a boost of vitamin C and the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster and Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Free Nigh Lotion. Every morning, I apply the Vitamin C Spritz along with Aloe Soothing Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 under my Smashbox Blemish Control Primer and makeup. Those who want higher SPF, Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30 is also a great option. Using sun screen is another key to winterizing your skin. Just because it’s winter it does not mean that your skin does not need protection from harmful UV ray. Follow these steps and you and your skin are ready to face the harsh winter. Nevertheless, not all skin types are the same, talk to you esthetician or dermatologist, or product store specialist. I know I am and my skin for sure are finally in the looking forward to this winter so far. Happy reading!

Forever NijLeave a comment