Beach Hair

If you like the look of care-free surfer beach hair, but you don't have time for the beach, try this trick:

• Bend over and dry hair brushing it toward the floor until it is almost dry.
• Straighten back up and toss hair back, but do not comb it out;
  Gently apply hair gel or mousse to all of hair.
• Taking a small section of hair at a time, lift, scrunch and release hair until the entire head of hair has been scrunched.
• Use a blow dryer with an attached diffuser to finish drying hair without distrubing the curls.
• Before turning off blow dryer, turn the setting to cool and move cool air over hair to help hair set.

For more beauty tips, visit http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Makeup solutions for mom and daughter

You are the mom of a 13 year old daughter and she's begging to wear makeup. In your eyes she's as beautiful today as what she was at two years old, but to her it's the first step in being an accepted teenager.

One solution is to purchase her sheer finishing mineral powder for her face to use as foundation, mascara, and lip gloss. Sheer powder aka translucent powder won't hide her beautiful complexion if applied correctly. As the name applies, it is see through.

Another tip is that you won't need to worry about her applying her "foundation" too thick by gifting her with a good makeup brush for application and motherly guidance for application.

Unless she has naturally black eye lashes, stay away from black mascara and go for brown. Toss in an eyelash curling lesson and she'll feel as if she is the bell of the ball.

There should be no need for blush with translucent powder if the powder is applied lightly, which it should be. Your little girl is growing up and it's ok, we all do... the best is yet to come.

Beyond the Beauty LWS

Occasionally I post Beyond the Beauty and this is such a post. Beyond the Beauty is more of the personal side of me.

It's been a short amount of time, but seems like forever, since I've actively written for this beauty blog. I've made a temporary move to Texas for a few months and until today I've been without a PC. There is a laptop in this house, but laptops and me don't get along... or I should say LWS and I don't get along.

You may be wondering who is LWS. LWS is a ghost with a sick sense of humor who resides in all laptops that I touch. LWS is short for laptop word snatcher.

I can always tell when LWS is around. As I merrily type along on a laptop, minding my own business, the fruit of my labor (my words) are zapped away in the blink of an eye - without warning - never to be seen again. So needless to say, I don't work much on laptops.

Today I fixed the problem and installed a desk top computer. Sure, they are larger than a laptop and don't travel well through airport security slung over the shoulder, but LWS doesn't reside in them neither so it's worth the humiliation.

So, I am back in business again and happy as a Washington clam...or a Texas mosquito...Dang, these mosquitoes seem big to this west coast girl! I suspect I'll be writing more beauty tips to do with warmer weather in the hotter part of these great United States, but that's for another post.

Wishing all of you with laptops a great day and freedom from LWS.

DJ

Acne and hair conditioner

If you are prone to acne/occasional breakouts, especially on the forehead, using hair conditioner may worsen or ignite the condition. When using hair conditioner, try avoiding getting it on your face by leaning your head back when conditioning and rinsing. Ingredients in conditioners, such as emollients, may irritate the skin causing breakouts.

For more beauty tips, visit our website, Makeup and Beyond

Wet Rinse-Free Shower Cap with Shampoo and Conditioner

Wet, rinse free shower cap with shampoo and conditioner built into the cap are available for those who are unable to wash their hair the traditional way. They create an easy way to clean the hair for people who are bedridden, in the hospital, have difficulty moving about, campers, boaters... Just put the cap on the head, rub the cap around the head, remove the cap and then allow the hair to dry. They can even be heated for warmth. Simple, no clean-up, and convenient.

My daughter who recently had surgery was given these caps while in the hospital and I was surprised how well they worked. Her hair was clean and soft. Too bad it didn't include a blow dryer, but that's left for our grandchildren to invent. Guess we can have everything!

For more beauty tips, visit our website Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com

Scented Hair

A student once confided in me that she enjoyed sitting behind a girl on the school bus in the morning because she loved the scent of lavendar drifting through the air coming from the girl's hair.

If you'd like to be the girl on the bus with lavendar (or your favor fragrance) in your hair, simply spray the bristles of your brush with your favorite perfume and then comb the fragrance through your dry hair.

You too could have someone secretly admiring the smell of your hair.

For more beauty tips, visit our website at

http://www.makeupandbeyond.com

Best eyebrow liner color for women with grey or white hair is...

If your hair color is soft grey or silver white, try a soft taupe or blonde colored eyebrow pencil if your skin tone is ivory or beige.

Experiment with light golden brown colored eyebrow pencil if your skin tone is bronze/ebony. Silver or grey eyebrow pencil may be aging to women with bronze/ebony skin tones.

Visit our website Makeup and Beyond for more beauty secrets at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Add drama to the eyes with this simple step

To add more drama to the eyes, line above the lashline with your favorite eyeliner pencil, and then line the upper rim under the lashline with pencil eyeliner. This technique works exceptionally well on women with dark colored eyes.

For more beauty tips, visit our website http://www.makeupandbeyond.com

Avoiding an unnatural lip line

When lining your lips, don't open your mouth too wide or your lips will be distorted and your lip line will be unnatural. Barely open your lips only enough to tighten them slightly, and then apply your liner.

For more beauty tips, visit our website at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com

Exfoliate lips for a smoother look

If your lipstick is not going on smoothly because your lips are chapped or peeling, use a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate the dead skin cells, then apply your lipstick.

Supermodel's mayonnaise, yogurt and apple cider skin care

Tonight I read on Way Bandy's myspace that a well known supermodel uses mayonnaise to remove her makeup, yogurt to wash her face, and apple cider as an astringent (astringents remove traces of cleansing products on the face that can clog pores.) I can't wait to try this combination.

It always amazes me how simple and inexpensive food products around the kitchen are used. One of my favorites still remains the Sugar Scrub I posted in March that is made from sugar, olive oil and lemon.

For those who are unfamiliar with Way Bandy: Before his untimely death, he was a free-lance designer for fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan. He also designed for cosmetic advertising, television commercials, films, and theater. He was a pioneer and another great talent in the cosmetic world that lost his life from AIDS.

For more beauty tips, visit Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com

Making eyes look bigger with light makeup colors

Bigger looking eyes start with light makeup colors...

1. Over the lid to the crease of the eye, apply a light cream color eyeshadow;


2. Along the crease of the eye, sweep just a hint of brown, plum, or grey;


3. Line the lower rim of the eye with white eyeliner;


4. From the outer edge of the lower lashline, moving inward to the iris of the eye, line the eye with light brown eyeliner;


5. Curl your lashes starting as close to the root line as possible;


6. Finish your look with dark brown or black mascara. Don't over apply mascara. If you use too much, it may clump and mess up your look.

For more makeup and beauty tips, visit our website at Makeup and Beyond

http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Makeup Colors for Red Hair and Fair Skin

Makeup colors for red hair and fair skin women can seem a bit tricky. Don't be afraid to experiment with color. Afterall, the beauty of makeup is that is comes off easier than it is put on.

Foundation: Match it to your skin tone. Don't choose a darker shade for more color. Fair skin is in, so flaunt it!

Eyeshadow: Experiment with warm natural shades of brown for the lid and crease of the eye or choose from the pallet of greens. Choose a light shade of cream for below the brow along the brow bone.

Eyeliner: Choose a gold toned eyeliner to bring out the gold in your hair.

Lips: If wearing brown eyeshadow, choose a soft tan for the lips, or go with red with brown undertones.

Mascara: Choose a soft brown to match the color of your natural lashes.

Cheek Color: Choose a soft apricot or light brown blush with yellow undertones.

Hint: Cheek color should always be the last makeup applied to the face. Don't forget to dab just a little on your chin and forehead with your blush brush to balance the face.

For more color suggestions, visit our website, Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Blonde Hair, Fair Skin - Makeup Colors

For women with light blonde hair and fair to medium skin, soft and pretty shows your feminine side.

Play up the eyes with a combination of eyeshadow colors from the pallete of soft pinks, delicate plums and light browns.

To brighten your face, add pretty light shades of pink for the lips coordinated with blush for your cheeks.

For more beauty secrets, visit our website Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

My favorite relaxation method (unfortunately I forget it too often)

The best way that I have found to relax my entire body, including my brain that should be diagnosed as hyperactive, is this:

After taking a warm bath (not required, but it helps get me into the "zone"), slip into my cozy PJ's, climb into bed with a lavender scented candle burning, and then lay flat on my back with my arms slightly away from my body.

Beginning at the tips of my toes, I focus on each part of my body, an inch at a time, reminding myself to relax. I work this relaxation technique from the tips of my toes, all the way up my body, not forgetting the tips of my fingers and muscles in my arms. When I reach the neck area, which seems to be a focal point of stress for me, I spend a little extra time in this area before moving on slowly to the top of my head. This relaxation technique usually takes 20 minutes and I am always amazed at how good I feel when I'm finished.

I hope you are able to try this sometime. It's almost as good as getting a massage at a spa.

We have more beauty secrets waiting for you at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

A Guide to Sunburning Times

Before going out into the sun, you have undoubtedly heard you should always wear sunscreen. But how long does it take before skin begins to actually burn?

Typically, if you have fair skin, your skin will begin to burn 10 minutes after sun exposure; normal skin will begin to burn within 20 minutes; and dark skin will begin to burn within 30 minutes. Of course these times are averages and only you can really determine the length of time before your skin begins to burn. The bottom line to all if this, is that you should wear sunscreen year round to help protect your skin from sun damage. You'll not necessarily notice the damage now, but you could in later years.

It is reported that sun damage to the skin can lead to several unfavorable conditions, including skin cancer, dark spots on the skin and wrinkles; so don't you agree that a little protection may turn out to be your best medicine?

For more beauty secrets, visit our website Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Help for razor bumps and ingrown hairs

I have had several inquiries lately about how to prevent or minimize razor bumps. So, being someone who if asked a question, can’t leave it alone, I went hunting for answers.

I found 40 product reviews for MiN New York Solution2 Razor Bump Rollerball Treatment. Out of 40 reviews, and with 5 stars being the most favorable rating; 1 star being the least favorable rating: 27 out of 40 gave this product 5 stars. 7 gave it 4 stars, 3 gave it 3 stars, and 3 gave it 1 star. For someone who reads reviews, this is a pretty good product review.

A common agreement about MiN New York Solution2 Razor Bump Rollerball Treatment is that it does work for stopping razor bumps and ingrown hairs, it stings when applied, and that application is easy since it is a roll-on product.

With liquid aspirin, and organic spearmint, MiN New York Solution2 Razor Bump Rollerball Treatment is used for razor bumps, ingrown hairs and after bikini waxing.

Whether you are a man or a woman who suffers the discomfort of razor bumps or ingrown hair, it could be worth a try. I’ve included a link for MiN New York Solution2 Razor Bump Rollerball Treatment so you can check it out for yourself.

Visit us at our website, Makeup and Beyond for more beauty secrets. http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Are you sugar scrubbing yet?

Are You Sugar Scrubbing Yet?
Scrubbing your face and body with sugar is a gentle way to exfoliate the skin. The basic ingredients for a sugar scrub includes: Sugar, liquid, a few drops of essential oils, and your favorite moisturizer or lotion.

But why use a sugar scrub?
But why would you want to use a sugar scrub in the first place? Sugar scrubbing is a great way to remove dead skin cells from your body helping to speed up your skins’ renewal process.

How does a sugar scrub help my skin?
As the skin is being massaged in a circular motion, excess oils and grime are removed, the skin is softened, stimulated, and the blood flow beneath the skin is increased – all resulting in a beautiful healthy glow.

Where to start
First begin by washing your face and body with a gentle soap or other cleanser and warm water. Grab a handful of pre-made sugar scrub and massage it into your skin in a circular motion. The sugar will dissolve naturally. Rinse the sugar scrub from your body, pat your skin dry with a clean towel, and then follow with moisturizer for your face and body lotion for your body.

When you are ready to give sugar scrubbing a try, here are some great recipes you can put together in less time than it takes to make a cup of hot tea.

Invigorating Lemon Sugar Scrub
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon juice from a fresh lemon
3 – 5 drops *peppermint essential oil

In a small plastic bowl, combine all of the above ingredients together to form a paste. Wet skin and then rub sugar scrub over your body in circular motions. Keep the paste away from the eye area. When the sugar dissolves, rinse your body with clean water and then pat your skin dry.

*For a calming sugar scrub, try lavender or rosemary oil instead of peppermint oil.


Almond Grapefruit Sugar Scrub
1 cup of sugar
¼ cup almond oil (depending on the consistency you prefer)
5-10 drops of grapefruit essential oil

In a small plastic bowl, combine all of the above ingredients together to form a paste. Wet skin and then rub sugar scrub over your body in circular motions. Keep the paste away from the eye area. When the sugar dissolves, rinse your body with clean water and then pat your skin dry.

Give sugar scrubbing a try. You’ll be amazed with the results of this simple home made beauty treatment. Not only will your skin feel soft, but also the scent from the essential oils will make you feel as if you have just come from a spa.

Because sugar scrubs are natural and gentle, use them to uplift your spirits and soften your skin a few times a week. Experiment with different oils, lotions, and fragrances as you wish, and be sure to keep the sugar scrub away from the eyes.

This article is from our website Makeup and Beyond. For more beauty secrets visit us at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Homemade Milk Bath to Soothe and Nourish

Milk baths have been used since Cleopatra's time because the natural ingredients soothe and nourish the skin.

To make your own milk bath, combine:

½ cup powdered milk
½ cup baking soda
½ cup Epsom salts
½ cup warmed honey
6 drops lavender essential oil, or other fragrance you enjoy

Toss this mixture under your bathtub faucet as your tub fills with water. Soak in warm tub 20 minutes. Rinse skin with clean water (the shower works well) before leaving the tub. Pat, do not rub, the skin dry. Follow with your favorite lotion.

To see more natural beauty secrets, visit Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Olive Oil and Goat Milk Soap

If you suffer from dry skin that just doesn't seem to go away no matter what you try, the problem could be your soap.

I know my skin is extra sensitive to whatever soap I use on it, therefore, I do splurge on myself in this area. My favorite soaps are made either with olive oil or goat milk (better yet - both). These two gentle, natural ingredients are great for softening and hydrating the skin.

There are many soap recipes on the internet that require only a few ingredients. Check into it - who knows, soap making could be in your future?

If you are not into making your own soap, we've put together a large collection of soaps for you to browse through or buy that are made mostly from natural or organic ingredients.

For more beauty secrets, visit our website - Makeup and Beyond

Back to Basics for Beautiful and Vibrant Hair

Sometimes, it is necessary to get back to the basics for our best beauty results. With all the products and advice for hair, let us take a step back and start with a good foundation.

1. Washing hair too frequently can be damaging. Instead of washing daily, skip a day or two between shampoos to allow the hair's natural oils to penetrate the individual strands.

2. Before washing your hair, be sure it is free of tangles. Wet, tangled hair breaks easily.

3. Use a natural bristled hair brush (dry hair only) for gentle brushing. Starting at the root end, work your brush down to the ends. This helps distribute the natural oils for silky soft and shiny hair. If you have heard "100 brushes before bed", this is where it comes from.

4. Choose a shampoo with a neutral PH balance. Work the shampoo from the scalp to the ends to clean. Rinse all traces of shampoo.

5. When shampooing, massage the scalp with your fingers instead of your fingernails. Fingernails can damage the scalp, causing sores and itchy skin.

6. Increase the scalps blood flow by massaging the scalp when washing your hair; increased blood flow results in healthier hair.

7. Use a good quality hair conditioner to prevent tangles which can lead to split ends and damaged hair. Conditioner also protects and nourishes hair.

8. After cleaning your hair, gently squeeze excess water from the hair – do not twist the hair; twisting wet hair can be damaging. When you have removed the excess water, gently blot your hair dry with a clean, dry towel.

9. When combing wet hair, use a wide tooth comb. Do not pull or tug on tangles. If you do encounter tangles, gently remove them with your fingers instead of the comb. Wet hair damages easily; roughly removing tangles is a leading cause of hair damage. Damaged hair frizzes and looks unhealthy.

10. Using the lowest heat setting on your hair dryer is the next best thing to allowing your hair to dry naturally. Keep the dryer moving to avoid burning your hair and skin.

11. When using heated styling tools, such as curling wands, first protect your hair with a light coat of silicone-based cream. Be careful and do not allow the heated tool to remain in one place long or you could burn or damage the hair.

12. Avoid over-using hair spray, gels and other styling products on the hair. Residue from these products can make the hair appear dull and unhealthy looking.

The bottom line is that abuse can lead to problem hair or even hair loss. Treat your hair with tender loving care and it will reward you with a vibrant, luxuriant look for many years to come.

Natural Honey Firming Face Mask

Honey Firming Face Mask

• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1 Egg white
• 1 teaspoon glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores)
• 1/4 cup (or enough flour to form a paste)

Smooth mixture over face, leave on 10 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.

According to the National Honey Board: Honey has a "wide array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, as well as several compounds that function as antioxidents - compounds that delay damage to cells or tissues of the body."

Recipe and information source: National Honey Board

For more Makeup and Beauty Secrets, visit our website - Makeup and Beyond

Remove Skin Tags at Home

I've been reading about how to remove skin tags at home. One tip I read about that seems to be successful is to tie a piece of dental floss around the tag, ice it for 3-6 minutes - until it is numb, clip if off with either sharp, sterile eyebrow scissors, or toenail clippers. After removing the tag, (it may bleed a bit) press down on the area to stop the bleeding. Clean the area well with peroxide, dab on some healing ointment and your done.

Another tip I read about is to use Compound W on the tag. Ladies report it takes about 4 days for the tags to fall off.

If anyone reading this blog has comments about these these skin tag removal tips, please write - we'd like to know if you've tried it, have another tip, or your funny story of tag removal bravery!

For Makeup, Skin Care and Beauty Secrets, visit our website - Makeup and Beyond

Cheeks: Color, highlight, sculpt

Cheeks are the darlings of the face in my opinion, but without knowing how to color, highlight and sculpt them, they may go unnoticed, or be too noticeable! Here are our beauty secrets for those little darlings.

Cheek color inspiration - Use your lipstick color as inspiration for your cheek color. These two colors should belong to the same color tone (ie: Rosey lipstick, rosey cheeks). A blush color chart is located on our Makeup and Beyond website.

Highlighting Cheeks

• Use two colors of blush to color and highlight the cheeks. Use the lighter color as a highlighter on your cheek bone just below the eye, but only at the corner where the sun would hit.

Have you ever wondered where to highlight the cheek bone? One method is to use your index finger as a guide...

1. First, lay the uppermost top line of the pinky finger next to the end of the eye with your fingertip pointing inward.


2. Move the finger down to the upper part of your cheekbone just below the eye.


3. Where your finger rests is where you highlight. Use one short, light stroke to highlight the area.

To highlight the apples of the cheeks, dab a dot of highlighter on the center of the apples of your cheeks. Think of where the sun would hit and don't use much. Highlighter goes a long way!

Sculpting Cheeks
Many women wish they had high cheek bones. They are lovely. To create the illusion of higher cheek bones, sculpt them.

Tools:

• Two colors of blush two shades apart.


• One highlighter ,


• 2 cheek brushes ,


• 1 small brush or sponge applicator

1. Suck the cheeks in and sweep the hollows of the cheeks with the darkest color of blush. Move the brush towards the hairline, ending just below the temple.


2. Using the lighter shade of color for the apples of your cheeks, sweep upwards towards your hairline to just below the temple. Blend the edges of the two colors together.


3. Highlight the cheekbones and apples of the cheeks as described above.
   Hint: Use cheek color sparingly, and apply after all your other makeup has been applied.

Here's a few extra blush secrets:
Blush for Lips
Use blush on the lips before applying lip gloss for a longer lasting matte finish.

Recycle unused Blush
Use small pieces of leftover blush to make one custom blush color for yourself. To do this,
grind two or more colors of blush into one custom color you like. Be sure to blend them together completely.

Have you tried Gel Blush?
Gel blush is used for a more natural flush of color than what you find with most dry powder blush. They are sheer, lightweight, easy to remove, long lasting, and blend beautifully with the skin. One drawback to gel blush is that it may stain the fingers; use a applicator instead.

Mineral Powder Blush
Mineral powder blushes are beautiful and sheer, and give a warm glow to the cheeks. A natural bristle brush is a must for best results.

For more mineral makeup secrets, visit Mineral Powder Foundation.

For more comprehensive makeup, skin care and women's issues website, visit us at Makeup and Beyond, your free online beauty "book".

Money Saving Healthy Hair Tips

Every year millions of dollars are spent on hair products promising vibrant, healthy-looking hair, but is it really necessary to break the bank in order to achieve it?

Money Saving Healthy Hair Tips...

Washing Hair
The jury is still out on how often to wash your hair, but it's generally agreed that unless your hair is extremely oily, a daily washing is not necessary. In fact, washing your hair too frequently can be damaging. If you skip a day or two between shampoos, you allow your hair's natural oils to penetrate individual strands of hair.

Before washing your hair, be sure it is free of tangles. Use a natural bristled hair brush and gently brush through starting from the scalp and working all the way to the ends. This helps to distribute the natural oils to the ends of your hair, preventing split ends.

When you shampoo your hair, choose a quality shampoo with a neutral PH balance. Work the shampoo into the scalp, massaging with your fingertips rather than your nails. Using your fingernails can cause damage to your scalp leading to things like dandruff and dry scalp. Massaging your scalp will increases blood flow, resulting in healthier hair.

Let the suds flow through your hair. Rinse thoroughly to get rid of all traces of shampoo. Then apply a quality conditioner.

Conditioning Hair
This is one thing not to skimp on. A good conditioner will not only prevent tangles, which lead to split ends and damaged hair, it will also protect and nourish your hair. Use cool water to rinse off the conditioner for less breakage and shinier, more manageable tresses.

Drying Hair
Next, gently towel-dry your hair to squeeze out the excess water. Avoid rubbing briskly with the towel. Wet hair is easily damaged, so use your towel carefully. Then, use a wide tooth comb and slowly comb your hair. If you find a tangle, work it out with your fingers. Trying to comb through a tangle while your hair is wet will only result in damage.

Although allowing hair to dry naturally is best, most of us just do not have the time to do this. Using the lowest heat setting on your hair dryer is the next best thing. As you blow dry your hair, keep the dryer moving to avoid burning your hair and scalp.

Using Hot Styling Tools
When using curling irons, or other hot styling tools, apply a silicone-based cream to your hair to shield it from the intensive heat before styling.

Hair Styling Products
Use hair spray, gel and other products sparingly. Build-up leaves a residue which makes hair appear dull and unhealthy-looking. The harsh chemicals used when dying or applying a perm can put added stress on your hair, so don't overdo either.

Bottom Line
The bottom line is that abuse can lead to problem hair or even hair loss. Treat your hair with tender loving care and it will reward you with a vibrant, luxuriant look for many years to come.

For more beauty secrets visit our website Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com/

Natural Skin Care for Winter

Natural Skin Care for Winter

The cold and blustery winter months are upon us and for many that means problems with their skin. Whether you suffer from dry skin all the time, or your skin becomes chapped from being outdoors in the wind or from forced indoor heating, or any other number of skin issues, I'm sure you wished there was a cure for what ails you.

Did you know there are actually many ways that you can care for your skin naturally without having to purchase anything from your local drug or department store? That's right, you have the ability to do your own skin care regimen at home for pennies, because most likely you already have everything that you need right in your own home.

Some ways that you can care for your winter skin naturally include:

Exfoliating: Especially if you have dry skin, exfoliating that old, dead skin can help allow moisture which you need to get into your pores once you have ridden them of those dead, flaky skin cells. To exfoliate you will need a physical agent like ground walnuts or apricot hulls, or an enzyme, which basically eats dead skin cells. There are even foods that are rich in enzymes which you can use to create your own at home mask to use in the process of exfoliation. These foods include pineapple and papaya. Milk also has fatty acids that mildly exfoliate. This is why the traditional milk bath has been so popular.

To create an easy inexpensive natural exfoliant, mix sugar with a drop of olive oil. Smoothe in on your skin in the tub and rub your skin gently. Rinse. I don't recommend eating this mixture, but it is awesome for your skin! Add a drop of your favorite essential oil to make it a spa treatment and relax.

Eating: Yes, something that you already do on a regular basis if done correctly can change your skin. For example to help dry skin, include foods in your diet that are rich in fatty acids. Some of these foods include salmon, olive and coconut oils, avocado, and nuts. Incorporate these into your daily diet to see what a difference they can make. What may look like dry skin may even be eczema or a rash caused by food allergies, so be alert to that possibility too.

Make Your Own Treatments: You can also make your own at home masks and treatments to treat other skin issues. Some common combinations are oatmeal, honey and water to create a mask, or avocado and honey. Smear these on your skin, allow to dry and then rinse them off.

A simple honey treatment to moisturize your skin and make it glow? Pat two drops of honey on your face after cleansing, while still damp. Your skin won't be sticky with such a small amount.

Skin care is important to the health of your skin as well as your appearance. It's best to care for your skin as naturally as possible, so why not try these options for caring for your dry winter skin.

For more beauty tips, visit our website, Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com

Getting Started with Natural Skin Care

If you like the idea of using organic and natural ingredients in your beauty routine, here are a few easy ways to get started:

1. Keep your skin healthy from the inside with a healthy diet. Also drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and impurities. Water is an internal shower for your body so make sure to drink your eight to ten glasses a day.

2. Use natural oils and natural moisturizers that won't clog pores like olive oil or coconut oil. You usually only need a small bit around the nose and under their eyes.

3. Use coconut oil as a moisturizer for your driest spots like lips, heels and elbows.

4. Skip washing your hair everyday as the soap can dry your skin. When you do wash your hair use a shampoo bar with natural ingredients and healthy oils.

5. To wash make-up off just rub some olive oil onto your face and wipe off with a soft, dry rag that will exfoliate your face as well. Microfiber cloths are particularly nice for cleansing the face.

6. Use a natural sea sponge to apply facial toner.

7. Try your hand at making your own skin care products with easy ingredients like salt, sugar, oatmeal, milk, honey, olive oil, or avocado oil. They are cost effective and you know exactly what you are putting on your skin. You don’t need a chemistry degree to create beauty products of your own.

8. Dry brush your body to exfoliate your skin and slough off dead skin cells. This is a centuries old practice that is still used by many today.

9. When purchasing products read the labels carefully and only buy products with recognizable ingredients, organic if possible, without parabens or fragrance.

10. Get some sun every day but not too much. Your skin needs sunlight for optimum health. Don't stay out in it long, however, without sunscreen. If you don't care for the idea of sunscreen, strike a balance and wear protective clothes, a big sun hat and keep direct skin exposure under 10 minutes.

For more makeup, skin care and beauty tips, visit our website Makeup and Beyond at http://www.makeupandbeyond.com

All Natural Honey Pedicure

All Natural Honey Pedicure

Did you know stress can actually show up in our feet? Our feet are in need of some major pampering on a regular basis. This natural regime is the perfect remedy for removing some of those toxins, and giving your feet the attention they so much deserve.

Honey is used as an ingredient in each of the following steps. Be sure to look for honey that is locally produced and organic. (If you are vegan, you can leave out the honey or go for some organic agave nectar.)

All-natural detox:

2 bags of black tea (look for fair-trade brands in stores)
Teaspoon of honey
Teaspoon of lemon
Bucket of warm/hot water

Soak your feet in the mixture for at least ten minutes. Be sure to use a pumice stone to remove dead skin. Proceed to the next step.

Foot scrub:

½ cup of Hawaiian sea salt (or any sea salt will do)
Teaspoon of honey
Three tablespoons of coconut oil (or any oil)

After combining these ingredients, massage onto your feet, paying extra attention to achy spots. While you’re at it, massage into your hands as well. Rinse off with warm water.

Moisturizing salve:
A tablespoon or two of honey (look at the farmers markets for the best deals)
A teaspoon or two of coconut oil (sweet almond oil would as well)

Stir together the above ingredients in a bowl. Place the bowl in a larger vat of warm water to heat the honey/oil mixture as you detox and scrub. Slather onto your feet and read a magazine for 10-15 minutes. You can wrap those puppies up in saran wrap or old socks for an extra touch. When the time is up, rinse off thoroughly with warm water and your favorite gentle organic soap.

Moisturize those deserving feet with shea butter and slip into some fuzzy slippers. Enjoy!

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Face Toners

Facial toners are used to remove remaining traces of cleansing products, further cleanse the pores, freshen, and tighten the skin.

One misunderstanding about toners is that they are all designed for all skin types. This is far from the truth. Toners are available for dry, oily, or combination/normal skin types. Choose one that is right for you.

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Natural Lip Exfoliator

If your lips are dry and flaking and you are out of your favorite lip mask, try a natural lip exfoliator made from sugar.

Pour a tablespoon of sugar in the palm of your hand, add a few drops of water to make a past, and then gently rub the sugar paste onto your lips to remove dead skin cells.

Wash away the sugar and moisturize your lips with a lip balm or petroleum jelly.

While a sugar mask will not work as well as a commercial lip mask, it is a natural way to exfoliate the delicate skin of the lips.