Thursday, January 27, 2011

10 Tips to Shaving Effortlessly!

Shaving: redness, razor burn, razor bumps, itchy skin..... sound familiar? I (like many other women) have experienced those things listed above almost every single time I shave. However, I have found a few ways to either minimize or eliminate those problems completely! Interested? Then keep reading loves! 


For as long as I can remember I had the issues of razor burn, razor bumps, redness, itchy skin and irritation due to common shaving day to day. The following are a list of solutions that will help you to shave effortlessly!

Tip #1: 
Use a gentle or unfragranced shaving cream/ gel/ baby oil 
The reason? Using shaving cream/ gels/ baby oil will soothe and protect skin from the effects of shaving. The lather will provide a perfect base that your razor can glide across smoothly, accurately and safely without the irritation. However, you're probably thinking, "well which shaving cream or baby oil should I try?" Yes, there are many different products out there that are for the purpose of shaving. However, you should try to find one that is lightly fragranced or unfragranced. Any fragranced products can irritate skin especially sensitive skin and particularly when shaving. Any baby oil will work just fine. WARNING! Baby oils provide a perfect, smooth, moisturized based for shaving, but they also cause hazards when used in the shower. If the oil gets into the tub, you could slip easily and hurt yourself. So my suggestion would be to shave before showering! 
Eileen's Favourites? Aveeno Positively Smooth Shaving Cream (grocery store - about $7.00) & Aveeda Baby Oil (local boutique - about $2.00) 


Tip #2: 
Use a good razor 
The reason? Dull razors will create havoc on your skin (especially on dry skin). Always use a razor with sharp blades (preferably one with at least 3 blades so that you get a closer shave). NEVER shave with a lot of pressure. This only encourages razor burn and cuts. Instead, lightly and gently glide the razor along the surface of the skin. Your skin with definitely thank you!! 
Eileen's Favourites? Gillette Soleil Triple Blade Disposable Razors (any drugstore - about $6.00) PS - there's a new razor coming out soon from Venus it's for Sensitive skin types! I'm definitely going to try it!


Tip #3: 
Take it slow! 
If you are in a rush in the morning getting ready to go out to work or school or a special event, then opt for a longer routine at nighttime when it's less hectic! Taking your time to shave will prevent any damage to your skin and it's also extremely relaxing. Besides, who wants to spend 20 minutes in the morning just in the shower shaving and bathing? Not me! So stick to beautifying your body at night.. it's a nice pick me up after a long day at work anyway! Also, if it's your first time shaving anywhere on your body, you don't want to cause any harm or be discouraged if you don't do it right. Taking it slow allows you to get a feel for how your body curves and bends. That way, once you get the hang of shaving, you'll be flying through it (but even then take it fairly slow so you do not harm your body!!) 


Tip #4: 
Exfoliate! 
Exfoliating your legs or armpits is just like exfoliating your face. It makes your skin smooth, sloths off any dead unwanted skin cells and rejuvenates your skin! HOWEVER, do not exfoliate more then twice per week.. this will only add even more aggravation to your skin. 


Tip #5: 
Choose an unscented deodorant/ antiperspirant
By doing this, you will save your armpits from the effects of razor "after-burn." Have you ever shaved your underarms in the morning or night and then put your deodorant on immediately afterward? If the product is scented it will more then likely irritate your skin (especially if you have sensitive skin). Using an unscented product eliminates any odour and keeps perspiring levels down without the awful burning sensation! Also, if you've just shaved your underarms, go without the deodorant for a little while (say, a half an hour) to let your skin relax and settle before putting it through more intense things! 
Eileen's Favourites? Secret Unscented PH Balanced Deodorant/Antiperspirant (any drugstore about $4.00) 


Tip #6: 
Shave every other day
Just like washing your hair, shaving should only be done every other day. If you shave too often your skin will be highly irritated and will be prone to razor bumps, burns and nicks. Shaving every other day allows skin to breathe, cells to re-form, any cuts to heal and hair to actually grow back a little. (If you shave over little stubs of hair it is more likely that you will produce cuts/ nicks in the skin due to the pulling of the small hair follicles..) 


Tip #7: 
Use a mirror! 
When shaving, use a mirror to see where you are placing the razor.. especially if you are shaving down below ladies or gents.. take extra care and precaution when shaving "down there" because if you were to get any cuts, that would not be fun at all! 


Tip #8: 
Do not use any shaving creams/ gels "down there"! 
Skin is most sensitive down below and therefore using products such as shaving creams can highly irritate your skin. Instead, use an unscented body lotion or baby oil (I prefer the lotion, but both still work!) These are much more gentle and do not include any irritants in them. Eileen's Favourites? Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion (green banded and beige bottle with pump about $10.00 - local grocery store) OR Aveeda Baby Oil ($2.00 - local boutique)


Tip #9: 
Use Aloe Vera for burns! 
Aloe Vera has soothing properties and is most commonly used on sunburns to heal and soothe the burned skin. Just like on these burns, the aloe vera will heal and soothe any razor burns and tone down any redness associated with these burns. 
Eileen's Favourites? Life Brand Aloe Vera (drugstores - about $6.00) 


Tip #10: 
Use Polysporin on Cuts! 
If you do end up getting any cuts or nicks in your skin, immediately apply some Polysporin or any antibacterial adhesive to the wounded area to prevent scarring and over-bleeding. These antibacterial creams/ gels clean the wound, soothe the cut and seal it shut. If the cut is large enough, also apply a bandaid to the affected area. 
Eileen's Favourites? Polysporin Triple Action Gel  (any drugstore - about $10.00 & up)



I hope that you all had learned something new from my tips above! 

Take care & happy shaving! 


- E 



Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Review: Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion

Covergirl Last Blast Fusion Mascara 

Purpose: To lengthen and volumize lashes 
My Opinion?: It definitely adds some length to natural lashes (without primer) and slight volume. However, I didn't see that much of a difference in my lashes when it came to taking pictures. It were as though I wasn't even wearing mascara! 

Other Notes? 
I have extremely sensitive eyes when it comes to mascara and makeup in general so I have to test the waters of different products before I know if they will be okay or not. Covergirl has normally been okay for me as far as mascaras go. I had seen many reviews on Youtube over this mascara and had decided to try it out since I needed a new mascara anyhow. The last Covergirl mascara I'd used was their Eyelights one for hazel eyes. It burned my eyes horribly and I will never repurchase that product. The last mascara I'd tried (before this one) was the Revlon Beyond Natural mascara in black-brown. It was one of the best mascaras I'd ever tried. You'd think having the great experience with a mascara I would have just stuck to it, but I'm the type of girl who loves to test out new products. The mascara was around 8 dollars. A bit pricey for mascara but I was too excited to try it to back down. 
When I used it for the first time I was in love. The style of the bottle and the wide brush were two traits I adored. The application was fairly easy leaving minimal clumps - again, I loved that fact. 
However, after only wearing this mascara for a few hours I noticed a stinging and burning sensation that irritated my eyes. It was a confusing fact to comprehend considering that I was fine for the first few hours. Sadly enough, I still use this mascara whenever I need a bit of a more awoken look. 

Question? 

Would you recommend this to anyone? 
Answer: 
No. I wouldn't recommend this product to just "anyone." I would only recommend it to those who do not have sensitive eyes. Otherwise, you will more then likely experience irritation like myself. For some, this product might be in their top ten list, but for me it's on my "products I regret buying" list! 

I will not be repurchasing this product and I think that I will be sticking to Revlon or more organic brand mascaras from now on!! 


 - E

Monday, January 24, 2011

How To Get Rid of Blackheads!!

Blackheads: black, dark, tiny circles on one's face. They are clogged pores - aka pores that are full of trapped dirt and oils that cannot escape the skin's surface. 
What are they caused by? Either hormones that contribute in an over-production of oil or through the use of makeup and skincare products that tend to clog pores. 
TIP: Find makeup and skincare products that are non-comodeginic (won't clog pores). These are lightweight products that don't mask your face tightly, but rather they allow air to enter through your pores and your skin can breathe. 
What are some of the best skincare products from? ST. IVES! These products are not tested on animals, dermetologically tested, won't clog pores and are mainly natural. 
How about makeup? MINERAL MAKEUP! Mineral makeup is lightweight and breathable as far as for your skin. The minerals are gentle to skin and won't clog pores like most liquid products do. 

So what are some natural ways to prevent or eliminate these pesky black dots? 
1) Do not use cleansers that are creamy, greasy or thick. These only clog pores or produce more oil then you would ever want. 
2) Use a gentle acne cleanser that states it will not clog your pores. 
3) NEVER use bar soaps! These hold drying ingredients and irritants that will make your skin break out even worse or make your skin drier. 
4) Exfoliate your skin once or twice per week (depending on how oily your skin gets and how strong your skin is - aka if it can tolerate so much scrubbing!) 
5) Reduce unnecessary oils. Everyone needs a certain amount of oil (or moisture) for their skin or hair to be healthy. Therefore, you do not want to dry out your skin. Try an unscented or gentle mask for once per week usage. These can be found to draw out the toxins (or dirt) from porous skin and prevent or eliminate blackheads. Eileen's favourite - Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask  
6) Visit your doctor or dermatologist - they can help you if none of the above suggestions have not. You may need to be prescribed a medication like a retinol to eliminate them easier. 

DO NOT USE PORE STRIPS - there are many reasons why you shouldn't go for pore strips and many warnings on them pore strips that should change your mind anyway! 
Pore strips are used to temporarily eliminate blackheads. If you use them excessively you are only making your skin more prone to breakouts. The adhesive on each pore strip has enough force to actually tear healthy, good skin rather then only removing the bad toxins from your skin. 

AT HOME BLACKHEAD REMOVAL (Completely organic) 

If you want to try an all - organic way of removing your blackheads, this is the one to try! 

ALL YOU NEED: 
- Milk (soy or regular) 
- unflavoured gelatin 
- microwave safe bowl 
- microwave 
- tablespoon 
- makeup brush 

HOW TO: 
- combine 1tbsp gelatin and 1 tbsp milk in the bowl 
- mix well (it should have a thicker consistency) 
- microwave for 10 seconds on high setting 
- let mixture cool a little (to be sure it's cool enough to put on your face, gather a little on the makeup brush then smooth over the back of your wrist) 
- Paint the mixture all over your blackheads (these are normally found in your t-zone or nose area) 
- let dry on your face 
- peel away your blackheads! 

Another great peal to try: 
ALL YOU NEED: 
- egg whites 
- egg yolks 
- toilet paper 


HOW TO: 
- coming egg whites/ yolks to your face (particularly in the places you have blackheads the worst) 
- place toilet paper over the mixture on your skin (1 ply will stick easier then 2 ply) 
- let sit on skin until the mask feels dry and solid (your skin should feel tight) 
- peel away those blackheads!! 


Enjoy healthy skin loves! 
- E 
 

 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Review: Nexxus Botanical - Shampoo&Conditioner

As long as I could ever remember I have loved trying out new products when it comes to the beauty section of my local drugstores. I tire easily of the same old routines (especially if they are not effective as far as what the product states it's supposed to do). Recently I had stumbled upon Nexxus almost-totally organic shampoo and conditioner. I was watching Youtube videos on reviews of organic hair products because I was bored of my older over-used ones I had & still have/use. The review was wonderful. The girl had nothing but great things to say about the duo and she had me hooked on wanting to purchase the two products. 

I was mainly in need of a new shampoo - especially since I had learned that even my BABY shampoo was full of sulphates (which I will talk about in another blog). I picked up the conditioner first however from Walmart, just to test the waters I presume, since the shampoo was more expensive. I fell in love with the scent and could not wait to indulge myself in the new product later on. As well, I couldn't get over how adorable the bottles were! They resemble genie bottles (or at least, that's my opinion)! Nonetheless they are cute!

The conditioner worked wonderfully. It had a slightly thicker consistency (which I loved a lot because thicker conditioners seem to moisturize hair moreso then a thinner conditioner would). The only downfall I had about the product was that it took forever to rinse out completely - but I blame that on my own behalf since I used more then I really needed. As you all know, I have pixie-short hair so on average I only need about a nickel-size amount. 

The shampoo was a must-have after trying out the conditioner. I picked it up later that same week at a local drugstore. Again, the price was more expensive - at about $12.00 - which is double the cost of my Organix conditioner as well as my LiveClean shampoo. The conditioner was still pricey at about $10.00. 

The first time I shampooed with the new set I was amazed. Normally (since I am blessed with drier hair and frizz) I find that shampoos only make those problems worse. While using the product and rinsing it out I realized just how smooth my hair actually felt! I couldn't wait to see what it would look like dry. Once dried, my once excited emotion turned to slight disappointment. Unfortunately, (since the product does have a sulfate ingredient) the shampoo made my hair a bit dry in texture. The great part was that it wasn't as dry as say, using a Herbal Essences or Pantene shampoo by no means. It was a bit dry but nothing drastic. I don't think that I would suggest it to any person who dyes their hair due to its sulfate content. Sulfates can and may strip the colour out of your hair quicker then you'd like it to so perhaps the Organix line would be more in your favour.

Overall, I was happy with my experience with the two products. I have continued to use them both almost every time I shower. 

My only suggestion to Nexxus? ___ PLEASE make another set of more organic products.. but this time, leave out the sulfates. They're unneeded ingredients anyway and there are much safer, natural alternatives!


- E 
1

Thursday, January 13, 2011

..Acne Home Remedies..

Suffering with acne? ......
Is is ruining your confidence? .....
Painful? Annoying? Hard to handle? .....
No worries.. there are organic, chemical-free ways to banish your acne dilemma. 

Everyone's skin is different. We all are unique and therefore what product(s) may work for one may not work for another. I am by no means saying that these at-home remedies will cure your acne, but heck, they're definitely worth a shot! (and cost a heck of a lot less then most drugstore cleansers/ acne treatments do..... and besides, they're all natural and you won't have the worry of sulphates, parabens or other toxins destroying your body!) 

I, as an avid organic researcher will more then likely try one (or several!) of the listed ideas and will be getting back to you on my experience(s) with them! 

The Easiest? 
Mix salt with warm water and rinse over face. It removes all excess oils from the skin's surface. These oils that this solution removes are the oils that are over-produced, clogging your pores and creating your acne problems. 

Freshly Squeezed Anyone? 
Mix equal portions of lemon juice and rose water together. Apply lotion to face, let sit until dried on the skin, then rinse face with clear water. 

Vampires Shouldn't Try This! 
Take garlic capsules every day. These help to boost the immune system and kill bacteria. 

Cooling Cucumbers 
Blend cucumbers to make a paste. Apply to skin and let sit for about a half an hour. Rinse well with warm then cool water to freshen up skin and soothe redness. 

Aloe! It's Vera! 
Aloe Vera juice is a fast-acting acne solution. It also reduces the appearance of acne scarring. 

Eggs for breakfast, or eggs for face? 
Dab egg whites all over your acne to get rid of the bacteria. 

*TIP!!! 
Using toothpaste for an overnight acne banisher may be helpful to some, but for those with sensitive skin it isn't so great. The toothpaste will aggrivate sensitive skin making it more red and rashy. 




Take care of your skin & happy acne-fighting! 
 - E 





1

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Product Rave: Banish Dry Skin!

Have you been suffering from the "winter blues" because you're in a lurch about your dry skin problems? 
suffer no more! 

I have finally found a product that is almost completely natural, easy to apply and rub into your skin, smells decent and does the trick all in one small tube/ bottle. 
Pictured to the left is a tube of Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion as well as a bottle of Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion. (Yes, they are both the same. No, I do not use them on the same body parts). 

I decided to try the smaller tube lotion first since it was slightly cheaper (at around $7.99). Yes, this was a pricey product, however it was a purchase that I didn't regret. 

For as long as I can remember I have had dry, chapped hands every single winter. As a child, the pain was unbearable and most lotions would only make the burning feeling worse rather then soothing the blazing red skin. To my approval, I had finally found a product that seemed to work well late last year. It was called, "Lubriderm" (the burgundy capped bottle). The consistency of the product was thick and it didn't take too long to absorb into the skin. The only downfall I had about this product after learning about the dangers of sulphates and parabens, was that this product had sulfates in the ingredients. As you all know, sulphates are in fact dangerous to our health (see my article on Sulphates and Parabens here - http://stylistaeileena.blogspot.com/p/organic-beauty.html ). I had stopped using the product the moment I had realized this fact. 

So then, I was left lotion-less and in need of an organic body lotion that would also cure my dry skin problem. Then, I found these products. I picked up the smaller tube in a grocery store the other week. I've been using it every day because the product is so amazing. I couldn't rave about it enough! The smell at first was odd (sort of a rusty smell I suppose) but then I could lightly smell oatmeal with every other use. I decided to pick up the larger pump bottle (about $10.00) for bodily use after a shower or whenever my skin needs moisture, and I kept the smaller tube for hand moisturizing. 

If you are suffering from dry skin then from my heart to yours I say try these products out! They are fragrance free so they shouldn't irritate your skin like most lotions seem to do and the tube one is small enough to fit into a purse (ladies) or backpack (guys). 




 

Enjoy and happy moisturizing!! 
- E 

Monday, January 10, 2011

What Is YOUR Face Shape?

What is YOUR Face Shape?? 

Take a look at the above picture. 
Oblong - is your face longer then that of an oval shaped face? Is it oval looking but the length horizontally (up and down) is longer in proportion then an average sized face? Your face is longer then it is wide if you measure it. If you fall under these categories, you have an oblong face shape! 

Oval -  is your face oval in appearance? When you measure it is the length horizontally one and a half times longer then the width (side to side - cheekbone to cheekbone?) If so, you're an oval face! 
**Ideal face shape, can suit all or most haircuts and lengths/ styles. HOWEVER, avoid too much height in hairstyles or you will add to the length of your face making it appear oblong. 

Round - your face is the same length both length-wise and width-wise. It appears in the shape of a circle. 
** Try fullness at your crown to add height/ length to your face making it appear more oval then round. AVOID wide haircuts or haircuts that are cut to chin length. 


Rectangular - Your face shows oblong characteristics as far as length, but your jawline and forehead appear more squared off then rounded. 
** Try short to medium haircuts. AVOID long hairstyles/ cuts because it will only elongate your already long face shape. 

Square - Your face acquires oval face shape properties as far as length and width go, however your jawline and forehead are squared off in shape instead of rounded. 
** Try short to medium haircuts with body and waves. Use lots of wispy layers to soften your squared face shape. AVOID center parts, long straight hairstyles and straight across bangs. 


Triangular - Your face comes wide at the bottom but very narrow at the top (your forehead). This gives off a triangular appearance. 
** Try shorter hair that will balance your prominent jawline. Create fullness around your crown and taper it down into a thin point near your jawline. This will soften up the wide jawline. AVOID long, full hairstyles that will draw attention to your jawline or hairstyles with too much height. 

Diamond - Your face is widest at the cheekbones, with a narrow forehead and jawline at the exact same widths. 
** Try a variety of hairstyles. Your face is second to oval shaped faces as far as diversity of haircuts goes. Your face shape is balanced like the oval shape but also dramatic. If you are a really dramatic diamond, then go for more fullness at the jawline/ nape and less at the crown/ temples. This will even out your proportions. AVOID wearing too much hair on your face.


Inverted Triangle - Your face is the opposite of a Triangular face shape. It comes narrow at the bottom but wide at the forehead (top). 
**Try longer hair that will balance your slender jawline with lots of  volume at the bottom. Keep things thin and flat on top. AVOID hairstyles with lots of short layering or hairstyles with fullness at the crown/ temples.

Heart - Your face comes wide at the forehead/ cheekbones but narrow through the jawline. 
** Try chin-length or longer hairstyles. If you are a dramatic heart shape then keep more weight at the bottom of your hairstyles to even out your slender chin and wider forehead. 
AVOID short fuller hairstyles that will accentuate the upper face.  


Embrace your face! 
- E 


Thursday, January 6, 2011

Hair Trends: 2O11!

For 2011 we're going to be seeing a lot of 2010's most dominant styles and colours re-worked and updated! 

- LONG HAIRSTYLES - 
Double Hair Knot 
 -Part hair in two even sections 
- Criss cross hair then loop one section under then over the other section 
- Tie into a "knot" once more 
- Secure with a few bobby pins
This hairstyle can be worn in various ways. From the nape of your neck, centered on your head, half-updo style, piecey and messy (undone), etc. The choice is up to you!! 



Braided Top Knot 
- Braid around a high bun or braid hair loosely then tie into a bun
- You could also french braid or cornrow hair into small tight braids then drag them up high on your head and secure with a loose bun 








Bird's Nest Bun 
- This bun is rather messy and large! 
- Tone this look down by creating a large messy bun that doesn't lack the volume that the Birds Nest hairstyle has but isn't as big! 










-MEDIUM HAIRSTYLES - 

The Waved Bob 
- Soft waves are created with a waver (looks like a 3 barrel curling iron) 
- Can also be created by taking large 1 1/2 inch - 2 inch sections of hair and wrapping / twisting them around a regular curling iron. I will suggest the Conair Infiniti Curling Wand. 
- Tip: Use hairspray to keep everything in place or let hair go natural for a looser wavy look! 






- SHORT HAIRCUTS - 

Pixie Haircuts 
- Very short haircut for women 
- Lots of piecey layers paired with a wispy fringe 
- Can be made sleek and smooth for an elegant/ formal look or styled very textured for an edgier appeal with layers flowing in all directions 









 

- MEDIUM LENGTH HAIRCUTS - 

Bob with a Fringe 
- Take your everyday 2010 bob and turn it into a more fun look by adding a soft delicate side bang or edge it up with a shorter bang or full fringe 






- 2o11 HAIR COLOURS! - 

Platinum Blonde (BOLD) 
- Yes, we've seen it before but this year it's bound to be more popular throughout the spring and summer seasons (TIP: If you have a warm skintone, this look isn't for you, if you have a neutral or cool skintone then it's perfect!)
- This year is all about bold, daring statements and you're sure to make a statement with this out-there colour! 




Red Haired Tresses (RARE) 
- This hair colour may be rare when it comes to a natural set of locks, but that doesn't mean that you can't follow this trend! (TIP: If you have a cool skintone this look is not for you, if you have a neutral or warm skintone, it's perfect!)
- Deep, rich auburns and calm firey reds are in this year. 
- What seemed once rare, is now a fashion statement!! 











"Hair is a masterpiece if you make it one" - 
- E