Give Your Lips a Pash-worthy Makeover with this DIY Lip Plumping Gloss

Everyone wants kissable, lickable, pash-worthy lips, but not many of us were blessed with them. If I’m being honest, I like my lips. They’re not thin, but they’re not full like Angelina Jolie’s either.

I’ve tried store-bought lip plumpers before. Most of them burned a little and made me want to scratch my lips off. Many of them didn’t work at all though. As a self-proclaimed DIY diva, I took it upon myself to make my own homemade lip plumping gloss instead.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger 
• 2 tablespoons 
• 100% Virgin Coconut Oil 
• 1-2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

The process for making this plumping gloss is simple. Grab two pots. One must be big enough to fit the other inside it. Fill up the larger pot with water and turn on your stovetop to bring the water to a simmer. Once it has simmered, place the smaller pot inside. You don’t want to burn your oils and using indirect heat this way is the perfect solution.

In your small pot add the cayenne pepper, ground ginger and coconut oil. Stir until they are blended together evenly. Add your peppermint essential oil last and give it a stir for 15-20 more seconds.

Using a small, clean container, pour your concoction into it and place it in the fridge to cool down. Once cool, you can apply your plumper using a clean finger or with a q-tip.

Why This Works

Store bought product ingredient lists can look scary. Most items listed seem like they came straight out of a chemistry textbook and the worst part is, there’s no explanation for why or how they work. That’s why I think it’s important to give you the quick rundown on why I chose these active ingredients.

Cayenne pepper will help inflame your lips to give them a plump, swollen appearance. Don’t worry, it won’t give you duck lip! Ginger has similar effects, as it too irritates your lip vessels to help them grow.
Many lip plumpers dry out your lips and that’s never a good feeling. Enter Coconut Oil! Coconut oil will help maintain hydration while also providing your lips with a glossy shine.

Finally, peppermint essential oil is added to help calm the burn of your lips from the ginger and cayenne, add a great scent to the gloss and freshen your breath simultaneously!

Helpful Hints

If you want to make the most of this lip plumping recipe, start by exfoliating your lips. Yep, you heard me right; exfoliate your lips! Just like your face needs weekly exfoliation, so does your lips. Sloughing away the dead skin cells stimulates blood flow to your lip region which will only enhance them and make them more susceptible to your plumping gloss.

Before you actually go ahead and smother your pout with plumper, do a little spot test.You’ll want to make sure none of the ingredients will have an adverse reaction to your sensitive lips. Once you know you’re good to go, gloss it up!

If clear gloss isn’t for you, add in a teaspoon of your favourite mineral blush powder. The translucent coloured flecks from your powder will give a subtle glow to your gloss.

Don’t waste your money on commercial products that don’t work, or painful lip injections. Give this DIY Lip Plumping Gloss a try and let me know what you think!

About the Author:
Sabrina is a beauty blogging babe for http://TopBeautyBrands.com where she loves sharing quick and dirty DIY tricks like How To Conceal Acne Properly, give product reviews and share other helpful skincare tips to help her readers look and feel their very best!
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How To Look Good Without Makeup

So you went ahead and hit snooze one too many times this morning. That doesn’t mean you should sacrifice how you look for the rest of the day. After all, what was the point of that extra beauty sleep if you wind up walking out the door looking like a hot mess?

Though you may not have enough time to put on your daily dose of makeup, there are a few swift and simple on-the-go tricks you can use to make it through the day looking like a makeup-less model.

Slather On Some SPF

Do you use daily protection? If not, you should be. Even when the weather man projects variable cloudiness with a chance of rain, you should always be slathering on some SPF before you leave the house.

Eighty percent of our sun exposure is accidental so why not be prepared? Regardless of the weather your skin is susceptible to harmful UV rays. When left unprotected you are increasing your odds at developing unsightly sun spots, burnt and damaged skin and potentially skin cancer.

If you want to remain youthful and radiant for years to come, slather on your SPF. To prepare yourself for days when you’re in a rush, buy a tinted moisturizer that has an SPF in it. The tint will help even out your skin tone, helping your skin to look radiant when you just don’t have enough time to sweep on that foundation.

Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin C

You keep hearing how great hot water and lemon is for you but you never have it. Well, START! Not only does it soothe the throat and wake you up, but it also flushes all those nasty toxins from your body that can be messing with your clear complexion.

Getting your daily dose of Vitamin C helps prevent damage causing free radicals so skip the java and fill up on this instead.

It's Time to Tone

Toners are great for balancing your skins pH levels and leaves you looking fresh as a daisy. It will also help prep your skin for additional facial products you might be using. This will help give you smooth, even skin tone and further reduce your need to slather on layers of makeup. And it only takes seconds!

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub

You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again; weekly exfoliation is a must. When you use a gentle exfoliator weekly, you remove all the dead skin cells that clog your pores and make your skin look dull and lifeless.

My favourite exfoliator is a quick and easy DIY that only takes a few minutes and costs you pennies per application!

All you have to do is mix together 1 tablespoon of baking soda and enough water to turn it into a paste-like consistency. Gently massage your entire face and neck then rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry and moisturize. Instantly you’ll look more awake and fresh-faced.

Hands Off, Baby

Sounds easy to do, but believe me it’s not. I catch myself touching my face all the time, but it’s time to stop.

Getting handsy with your face spreads acne-causing dirt and bacteria. Not only will this promote acne, but also dermal tearing and scarring which can prematurely age you. Not a good look for us ladies!

So with that being said, keep your hands off your face ladies! Your skin will thank you for it.

All these tips are long term solutions to looking great and feeling confident without having to wear any makeup, and maintaining a clear complexion will ease the burden of having to cake on layers of makeup each morning. Which means you have more time to sleep in the morning! Bonus!

Do you have any other fresh-faced tips or tricks? Be sure to share in the comment section below this post.

AUTHOR BIO:

Vanessa is a skincare blogging babe for BesSkincare.com who blogs and vlogs about all things skincare. From reviews on products, such as the best microdermabrasion machine, to handy DIY tips and tricks she aims to help her readers look and feel their very best...for less!

DIY Facial Serum - All Natural Skincare for Any Skin Type

I always used to be afraid of putting oil on my skin. As someone who's suffered from acne for around a decade, I've tried a lot of stuff to get rid of it. And I learned that oil-based serums are actually wonderful for all types of skin ailments, including acne.

Oils protect our skin. It's important to keep it clean, of course, but don't feel like you need to scrub your face till it's tight and keep it as dry as possible to avoid breakouts. In fact, that really does much more harm than good. Face oils & serums are a wonderful way to cleanse, heal, moisturize and protect your skin.

Best of all, making facial serum is really easy! All you need is a carrier oil (or oils!) and essential oils (or oil!) of your choice. I've written about the properties of different carrier oils before as well as a few essential oils, but I'll summarize a bit!

First, choose your carrier oil. The oil you use will depend on your skin type and what you're going for. You can also blend as many carrier oils as you want as the base for your serum! There are so many to choose from, but here are my favorites:

Properties of Carrier Oils

Grapeseed Oil: A very light, nongreasy oil that absorbs easily. It's odorless, making it great for blending with essential oils. It's slightly astringent, meaning that it helps tighten and tone skin. Suitable for all skin types.

Sweet Almond Oil: Helps relieve itching, soreness and dryness. Because it is very lubricating but doesn't absorb easily, it's excellent in massage blends. Good for all skin types. Don't use it if you have nut allergies!

Aloe Vera Oil: Penetrates the skin deeply and promotes cell repair. It's also a natural anesthetic and can reduce swelling, so it's good for treating small wounds.

Jojoba Oil: Penetrates deeply. Excellent for nourishing skin and healing inflammations and eczema.

 
Rose Hip Oil: Very moisturizing. Also contains healing compounds which make it valuable in treating scars, minor wounds, burns and eczema.

Avocado Oil: Perfect for dry and aging skin. It's super hydrating and contains all kinds of yummy fatty acids and minerals to repair damaged skin. Sun damaged skin seems to react well to avocado oil too.

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba is actually a liquid wax. It forms a super protective barrier on the skin so icky environmental crap like smoke and toxins have a harder time getting to your sweet skin. Inner-city chicks, take note! It's really amazing for ALL skin types and issues, so if you're not sure where to start, go with jojoba oil for your carrier.

Sesame Oil: It has oil-pulling properties so I love it for broken out skin. It's also wonderful for soothing irritated, inflamed skin. If you're struggling with acne, sesame oil is where it's at.
There are so many others, but these are the ones I love best. You can experiment with blending more than one oil if you think your skin would like it - mine, for instance, gets pretty glowy when I use a combo of sesame and jojoba.

JUST SO YOU KNOW, carrier oils can be really helpful just on their own. Don't be afraid to skip the essential oils if you want to keep it simple!

But I like to play around and mix em up, so here are my favorite skin-saving essential oils. It's important to remember that you don't need to use much of these at all.

Properties of Essential Oils for Skin Care

Tea Tree: Use it for acne. It can be kind of harsh, so go easy - I suggest 5 drops max per 1 ounce of your carrier oil(s). I'm always amazed at how WICKED FAST it clears up my skin.

Eucalyptus is good for acne, too and it's quite a bit gentler than tea tree oil.

Ylang Ylang: Ylang ylang is soooo soothing. If you have irritated skin from breakouts or sun damage, try ylang ylang. I have yet to overdo it with ylang ylang, but 5 drops in 1 oz is a good place to start.

Rosemary: Rosemary is a really good all-purpose essential oil for skin, so it's another good one to start with if you're not sure, or if you're making the face oil for someone else and aren't quite sure what their needs are. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so it's good for fighting acne. It's also beneficial for healing blemishes, improving skin tone and antiaging.

Lavender: Lavender is good for fighting acne and also for healing scars.

Carrot Seed: Amazing for people with eczema and aging skin.

This is not a comprehensive list by any means but Aroma Web has what looks like a list of every essential oil made if you want to scope some more out. I can help, too! Leave a comment below & I will be happy to answer any questions. This list is simply of a few of my favorites that cover a range of skin types.

Put your oils in a bottle and shake it gently for 30 seconds or so - you're good to go! It's really that easy.

Any bottle that seals tightly is good. Store your serum out of light to prolong nutrient content. Amber or blue glass bottles are especially good for keeping light out and keeping your serum fresh longer.

That's all there is to it! Apply a small amount to damp skin each time you wash your face.

You can get any of the oils I mention in this post from Mountain Rose Herbs, which is a wonderful company run by lovely people with amazing values. Check them out! They even have the dropper bottles that are perfect for storing face oil, too! They are great to shop at whether you are going to use this tutorial to make serums just for your own personal level, but also if you are looking to make them on a larger scale for gifts or to sell!

3 Free Bottles of Zoya Nail Polish - My Favorite Healthy Nail Polish!

I was able to try out the Zoya natural nail polishes last time they ran a special like this & I'm so glad I did! They are really high quality nail polishes and pretty much every color imaginable is available.

From now until 1/13/2013 at midnight, you can choose 3 colors for free! You only have to pay $10 for shipping. These nail polishes are normally $8 each, so this is a great deal.

To claim the deal, go to Zoya.com, select your 3 colors and use the coupon code "ZOYA2013" at checkout. Enjoy!

Why Choose A Natural Nail Polish?

Among the most prominent chemicals in most brands of nail polish are formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl-phthalate (DBP).

DBP is what makes nail polish shiny and flexible. It is also added to the nail polish during manufacturing so that it will dissolve other ingredients in the polish. DBP has been linked to hormonal problems in newborn males, including long-term fertility problems. This is probably the most controversial of the three toxic ingredients in nail polish.

Formaldehyde helps harden the nails. It is, however, a human carcinogen. In addition, it can cause upper respiratory irritation and a rash on the skin.

Toluene is an ingredient that helps diffuse the pigment through the nail polish. It helps the polish have a smooth, uniform look. Unfortunately, it also can affect the central nervous system. Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are common symptoms of toluene exposure. Toluene may also affect the reproductive system

Avoid these chemicals by choosing a natural brand of nail polish!

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Common Chemicals Found in Perfumes

I love perfume - it seems I'm on a never-ending search for that "signature scent." Sadly, though, a lot of the popular scents have many chemicals in them, some of which can affect your health. Those who have chemical sensitivities and/or allergies often find that perfume will bring on symptoms. Following is a list of some of the common chemicals found in perfumes and the health concerns linked to them.

Benzaldehyde is used in many cleaning products and cosmetics such as deodorant, lotion, shaving cream, and shampoo.  It is said to depress the central nervous system and cause irritation in the respiratory and digestive tracts. It might even cause kidney damage.

Acetone, the chemical found in nail polish remover, is also in perfumes. The US Environmental Agency (EPA) lists acetone as a hazardous waste. Breathing acetone can have a profound effect on the nervous system, causing dizziness, sleepiness, slurred speech, and possibly coma.

Benzyl alcohol is found in perfume, air freshener, deodorant, and fabric softener (to name a few). It can affect the respiratory tract and the central nervous system, causing headache, nausea, and respiratory irritation and even failure.

Methylene chloride is a perfume ingredient that was banned by the FDA in the late 80s, but some claim the law is impossible to enforce. The problem with this chemical is that it is stored in body fat (many chemicals are fat soluble) where it is metabolized by the body into carbon monoxide. This can lead to symptoms of oxygen deprivation, such as headache, fatigue, and tingling in the extremities.

Limonene is found in a lot of cleaning products as well as perfumes. It is considered carcinogenic, and is a skin and eye irritant. Inhaling the vapor of limonene is considered dangerous.

Ethanol is also found in perfumes, as well as a host of other products. Ethanol is in so many products that it's hard to believe it's on the EPA's hazardous waste list. Whether ingested or inhaled, ethanol can cause blurred vision, drowsiness, and disorders of the central nervous system.

These are only a few of the toxic chemicals found in perfumes. If you are concerned about the possible health effects of perfume but still want to apply some sort of scent, consider making your own scented spritzer or oil, or buy a commercially-prepared, non-toxic scent.

For a more natural perfume, you can mix a few drops of the essential oil (or oils!) of your choice with an ounce of rubbing alcohol and 2 ounces of water. Put in a small spray bottle and use as a spray-on scent. You can also blend essential oils in a neutral carrier oil that can be rubbed on the skin.

My favorite essential oils for perfume are:

• Ylang ylang
• Lavender
• Cedarwood
• Sweet orange
• Vanilla

Don't be afraid to experiment to find a natural scent you love!

100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer - Get A Healthy Sun Kissed Glow in the Dead of Winter

 

Bronzer is used to achieve a sun-kissed glow and are popularly used as an alternative to sun-tanning. They are applied on the face, cheekbones and décolleté and are often used along with other make-up.

Note: this is my review of 100% Pure's bronzer.. if you are looking for where to buy it, click here.

100% Pure comes up with its own natural product in the form of the Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer. It comes in two colors, honey and cocoa glow. The honey variant is light golden brown, providing a lightly sun kissed look. Cocoa glow, on the other hand, comes in dark golden brown for that lavishly sun-kissed look.

The cocoa pigmented bronzer combines natural ingredients such as cocoa, coffee, berries and tomatoes to give the skin an instant glow.

Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer: Benefits

The 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer does more than just make the skin look pretty. It has a wide range of benefits, making it a better option than other bronzers in the market.

-       100% Natural and Non- Toxic. The bronzer is 100% natural and non-toxic. Unlike synthetic cosmetics that contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrances and the like, the Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer does not contain any of these ingredients – making it non-toxic. It is very mild and can be used even on sensitive skins.

-       100% Vegan.  All its ingredients are plant based. In fact, its list of ingredients sound like something that you would use for a dessert recipe. The ingredients include cocoa powder, cocoa butter and pigments from apricot, blackberry, black tea, cacao, coffee, papaya, peach, pomegranate and tomato. It also contains Vitamins A, E and C as well as rosehip oil, avocado butter and mica.

-       Animal Friendly. Another good thing about 100% Pure products is that they do not contain animal-by products. Nor do they use animals during the testing phase.

-       Provides A Natural Shimmer. The bronzer contains natural pigments and light reflective ingredients to provide that subtle shimmer to the skin. The natural look enhances one’s features instead of washing them out.

-       Two Color Options. The bronzer comes in two colors, making them suitable for a wide range of skin tones and colors.

-       Skin Nourishing. Aside from all these benefits, it’s good to know that the Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer is nourishing for the skin. It contains vitamins and antioxidants that keep the skin healthy.

Where to Buy 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer

The 100% Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer is an excellent choice if you want a natural and beautiful glow. It’s 100% natural, 100% vegan and gluten free. Buy it today at alex + von to get that warm, beautiful and sun-kissed skin anytime of the year.

100% Pure Organic Body Scrub

 

Cleansing and moisturizing are important parts of any basic skin care regimen. However, your skin needs more than just these two. It also needs exfoliation each week, and this is where the body scrub comes into play. Body scrubs slough off dry and dead dermal cells to reveal smooth, soft, healthy and vibrant skin.

(Note: this is not the product site for the the body scrub, it's just my review! If you want to buy 100% Pure products, click here!)

When it comes to body scrubs, 100% Pure has its own extensive line of products with ingredients ranging from grapeseed oil, virgin coconut oil to pomegranate fruit extract.

All scrubs contain 100% natural ingredients without any harmful chemicals, alcohol or other toxins that can irritate the skin. Because of its 100% pure skin nourishing elements, you can be sure to get only the best for your skin.

One of my favorite ways to use this scrub is while shaving! The exfoliation helps me remove hair right up close to the skin, while the oils protect against razor burn. The scrub is so moisturizing that I never even use a separate lotion after my shower.

100% Pure Organic Body Scrub Benefits

Like other 100% Pure body products, the organic body scrubs remain true to their name. All the scrubs are:

• -       Chemical-free
• -       Paraben-free
• -       Sulfate-free
• -       Alcohol-free
• -       Fragrance and color-free
• -       Toxin-free
• -       GMO ingredient-free
• -       Contains pure ingredients without water, emulsifiers, thickeners and other fillers
• -       Not tested on animals
• -       Biodegradable

Unlike synthetic products, the scrubs are all natural and contain only nourishing fruit oils and extracts which prevent drying out or stripping of the skins moisture. Its fruit acids cause a gentle brightening action that produces a healthy glow with continuous use.

The 100% Pure Organic Body Scrub comes in distinct flavors. The range includes pomegranate, French lavender, blood orange, strawberry lemonade, dark chocolate mocha, cocoa kona coffee, mangosteen, green apple, raspberry, cabernet grape, coconut, white peach, Meyer lemon and eucalyptus.

Each variety contains different main ingredients, which are usually fruit oils or fruit extracts. The Pomegranate variety for example contains organic pomegranate seed oil. The Dark Chocolate Mocha scrub on the other hand contains pure Belgian chocolate. The Strawberry Lemonade scrub contains extracts of the strawberry fruit. 

Even with different main ingredients, all the scrubs contain uniform nourishing base ingredients for clearer and better skin. These ingredients include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Grapeseed oil and Acai berry oil which all are all known for their restorative and rejuvenating effects on the skin.

Where To Buy 100% Pure Organic Body Scrub

Treat your skin to 100% pure goodness with the 100% Pure Organic Body Scrub. Have fun choosing from among the different flavors available! 

Buy it now through alex + von!