My Thoughts Corner

Frustrated about your makeup absorbed into your skin or slipping off mid-day?? Well you’re not alone… For years, my only quick fix is to touch up multiple times per day and especially during summertime.  I’ve heard that the best option, in addition to using a primer, it’s having a setting spray on hand. I myself never invested in one. Trying one would just make me buy it over and over as it is something that I have heard nothing but good things about.

Hence I decided to make my own at home.  For that you’ll need:

Distilled water or bottled water (Not the tap water)

Glycerin

Green Tea sachet – This is to add caffeine for the refreshed look.

Fresh medium size cucumber – This is to calm the redness and to take care of the darkness in the eye area.

Travel size spray bottle

Two or all of below essential oils:

Tea Tree Oil – Anti bacterial, anti septic & anti fungal.

Rose Oil – Anti bacterial, anti septic & would make the mixture last longer.

Lemon Oil – This will extend the life of cucumber extract.

Boil 1 cup of water (distilled or bottled), once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and throw the green tea bag and 1 full cup of chopped cucumber & let it blend for couple of minutes. After the mixture has cool down, drain it and add the important essential oils. You will need 4 drops of tea tree oil, 2 drops of rose oil and 1 drop of lemon oil. I didn’t have the tea tree oil back then so I basically used 5 drops of rose oil and 2 drops of lemon oil. Stir completely and set aside.

In another container, grab 2 tbsp of glycerin, 4 tbsp of above mixture and add 6 tbsp of water (distilled or bottled) and blend them thoroughly. Pour the mixture in the travel size spray et Voila!!!!

This is not the only recipe existing, however this is the one I tried. I’m neither a dermatologist nor a makeup professional; this is just what’s working for me. And yes it could not work for you… I should be sharing new recipes in this regard very soon.

I hope you enjoyed, I personally love my DIY setting spray and not only that; it works perfectly for much cheaper than those fancy high end products. 

There has always been a beauty battle over whether powder or cream blush is best. That’s like asking whether using a pencil or a pen. Well the answer is that each blush is important and all is depending on the look you want to achieve.

The available shades are countless however the difference in the texture of the 2 formulas can alter the appearance it gives to the cheeks. The application technique may also vary between the two blush types.

Whether powder or cream, both include a carrier to deliver the color. The main ingredient of the carriers for powder blush is talc and water or humectants for cream. Since adding color to your skin is its main function, most of formulas include colorants and preservatives. Additionally, powder and cream blushes contain feel enhancers, oil absorbents, binding agents (to hold the product together) and spreading agents.

| Powder Blush | 

The powder blush creates a matte, polished finish look. However the problem with highly pigmented products is picking up too much powder accidentally. It’s always better to tap the brush to remove any excess before pressing the brush on the skin. Unfortunately it doesn’t last as long as liquids and the color can change as the product absorbs the oil from the skin. Many women find this formula easier to blend especially when using a proper blush brush. Powder blush works with all skin types, but it best suites those with oily skin.

| Powder & Blush Brushes |

Cream blush on the other hand is great for dry skin. It is hydrating and creates a dewy, youthful and fresh look due to its smooth texture and creamy consistency. This formula is easily applied with fingers or using a stippling brush and the great thing is it can also multitask as a lip color.

| Cream Blush |

| Different stippling Brushes |

Regardless the type of formula chosen, blush should provide a natural, fresh and healthy glow to the skin. I personally prefer cream blushes; I love the dewy finish it provides.  However I still opt from time to time for the powder formula.

At the end, it honestly is just a matter of preference when it comes to choose between the powder and cream blush. Best to find out is to make sure to give each one a try.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned to the next post.

Hello,

It had been a crazy time lately for me. Adding to this the heat and humidity during summer that just made me super stressed out and exhausted. And guess what??? My face started to show it!!!  The dark circles, the dark spots, discoloration, dullness … Oh God.

I was always impressed by makeup and its ability to transform the person from an ordinary individual to a super star looking one. However, my pleasure in taking caring of my skin is much bigger and enormous. My main concern is having a flawless skin without makeup. In other words, I mainly care about the base, the skin.

For quite some time I was questioning the use of chemicals on my body and face. Two years back I took notice of a wide range of alternative products granted by nature. Therefore, I said why not trying few homemade skin care recipes after a recommendation from one of my friends. These treatments are simply great for the skin, the environment and it saves me those huge money bills to spend on those fancy beauty products/spas.

Below is only the first part of the variety of skin care that you can make at home with few simple ingredients. I practice this routine twice to 3 times weekly to indulge every single element of my face.

My first recipe is made of one of the most amazing spices when it comes to the overall health and skin beauty. Due to its multitude beauty benefits, it has been called “The golden spice of life”. Yes it is Turmeric. This mask is made of only three ingredients, but each one is a skincare workhorse.

| Turmeric Powder |

Turmeric Mask:

No need to emphasize about measurements here; I just mix all the elements together until getting a creamy texture. Apply the mask all over your face and make sure to wear an old t-shirt. Leave for at least 20 min or until it’s dry, then wash with water. I always scrub the mask off with my hands while washing to ensure removing all residues of yellowish color. My goodness how I love the feeling of the glowing and brightening skin after washing my face!! It is really fantastic.

The second step is a fully moisturizing and softening egg yolk and honey eye mask. The egg yolk is made up of mostly water and fats, which makes it a great water-binding agent that locks moisture into your skin cells, leaving your face soft, supple & hydrated. From the other side honey acts as a great anti-aging agent and moisturizer. It also helps protect the skin from harmful UV and facilitate the skin’s ability to rejuvenate. Honey also has the ability to absorb and retain moisture and this maintains the skin well hydrated, fresh and supple.

Egg Yolk & Honey Mask (For Eyes):

Mix the 2 elements and keep in a plastic container in the freezer. If the honey used is a pure it will not freeze. But if it’s not, I can’t guarantee….

Now it’s time to exfoliate the lips using a very simple recipe made of honey, lemon juice & brown sugar. About 3 months ago, I tried the elf lip exfoliatorand since then I’ve been using it especially that it contains “sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils”.

| ELF Lip Exfoliator |

Lastly I opt for yoghurt and parsley mask, a creamy facial mask that leaves the skin soft and refreshed. I like to call it “Youth Mask” considering the parsley a great source of Vitamin C and also known for its skin lightening properties that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and discolored skin on the face.  The soft, fresh and moist feelings after rinsing off are just awesome.

Yoghurt and Parsley Mask:

Puree all the ingredients and I choose to place in the ice cube tray in the freezer and I take out 20 to 30min before use to defreeze.

| Parsley & Yoghurt Mask |

The experience of making my own skin care products, made me learn about many ingredients and may desire to widen my knowledge grows day by day.

A Moroccan wisdom states; if you can’t benefit from natural recitpes, it won’t harm you. Try them for yourself or even give them as gifts by reusing glass jars or bottles. Your friends and relatives will love the personal touch, and you’ll be recycling and saving money too!

Thanks for stopping by.

P.S: I haven’t stopped using my skincare products. This routine is used, as mentioned, 2 to 3 times weekly only. More details on my skin care routine will be provided on a future post.