TUMMY TIME (cheap beauty tricks)

As some of you may know, oftentime I post "cheap beauty tricks or beauty on a budget" blogs recommending or making reviews about products I've researched or tried. So, here's my latest CHEAP BEAUTY TRICK recommending the use of a few of my favorite oils:

1. Coconut oil
2. Olive oil
3. Vitamin E oil

I'm 7 months pregnant and have been experiencing some SERIOUS itching sessions lately! (You all with kids know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.) I'd seen commercials advertising BIO OIL to relieve itchy skin and prevent or treat stretch marks and I was about to purchase this oil for appx $12 per 4oz bottle! (Expensive!) However, before I gave into the hype, I decided to research the above listed products which I'd been using on my hair for a few months to see if they'd also work on my skin to relieve this problem and keep my sanity. Guess what? THEY WORK ON SKIN ALSO!

You can mix these 3 items together to create your own lotion/oil which leaves your skin soft, suptle, and healed. Not sure if they'll actually "prevent" stretch marks or make them disappear but at this point, just NOT feeling like I'm going to tear a whole in my skin from scratching suits me just fine! Besides, that....it's cheap, it has multiple uses (skin and hair), and leave you with moisturized skin and hair-ALL NATURALLY!

I highly recommend you try Coconut Oil, as it has many beneficial uses AND you can even cook with it! Research it for yourself and tell me what you think.

Happy, healthy living....God bless!

Castor Oil? Who knew! Beauty on a budget. click to post comment

I have about 15 min to post a quick review on my new found favorite friend, castor oil! I'm always trying to find new remedies and new ways to save more mula (money) on things I have spent mini-fortunes on in the past. So, here's my new found fav product that can be used in a plethora of ways.

ON THE SKIN:

30% Castor oil, 70% Grapeseed or Olive Oil, juice from one lemon. I use this as a wash, especially after doing a scrub w/the baking soda. For a toner I use Vitamin E oil, Green Tea (3 teabags), juice from one lemon. All of this lessens breakouts, even skin tones, and help fade the dark spots.

ON THE EYELASHES:

Ok, so I know you've seen those commercials for Latice (not sure how you spell it)...which will grow your lashes but could leave you BLIND. The side affects from that product could change your eye color, give you dark circles or leave you complete visionless. Well, I researched the benefits of using Castor Oil on your lashes and I've heard nothing but great reviews. I apply it to my brows and lashes before going to bed. Apply like you would your mascara and you'll have luscious lashes in 2-3 weeks!

IN THE HAIR:

This product can grow your hair...on your head, eyelashes, and eyebrows! WOW!!! I've mixed up a concoction (Vitamin E oil, Castor Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Grapeseed Oil) which I've been using to moisturize my hair. I apply this to my hair every 2 days, especially after I co-wash (new word for conditioner wash) my hair. It leaves my hair feeling very nourished! BUT, if I want to wear my hair down and straight (i.e. dominican blow out), I do not apply this mixture because it can leave it feeling a bit "weighted." But, for my everyday up-do (bun) for the military it is a good way to keep my hair nourished (and growing).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMZJfJd2WEI&feature=related

FOR INTERNAL BENEFITS:

DON'T drink it! I remember my grandma making me drink a teaspoon of this NASTY stuff to help my digestive malfunctions but it's not advised to do this nowaday. You CAN; however, make a castor oil PACK and apply it to your abdomen region to help detoxify and stimulate your digestive (flushing) tract.

So, in closing, I will be experimenting with this product as I continue my all natural, health conscious, budget inspired journey to a better ME!

HaPPy living! God bless!

Useful Youtube links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMZJfJd2WEI&feature=related

Recession Obsession: Product #2, Beauty on a Budget

VITAMIN E

Here's a quick "beauty blog" for those on a budget!

Did you know you can use these pills TOPICALLY on the face?

Tired of spending big bucks on expensive moisturizers and fade cream?

How about on wrinkle creams? Well, just use a needle and prick open the goodness within these little gel caps that can be found in any local dollar store or Walmart.

HIDDEN FACTS

These little pills pack the power to fade dark spots, acne scars, deminish wrinkle, age spots, moisturize, and replinish. All week I've used them alongside my new, all natural, skincare routine (Baking Soday, lemon juice, and even vinegar). So far I'm liking the results!

MORE INFO

Here's a tutorial video:

(the best one) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQIAhyKg_Lk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me-fVHhFYyM

Here's a result video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZDf0Ibi68c

My next "beauty on a budget" adventure (vitamin E sugar scrub):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siAmXji51K4

Be blessed and be beautiful, both inside AND out!

Recession Obsession. Product 1 for Beauty on a Budget

A PRODUCT THAT DELIVERS!

Lipstick and Brains Blog is not only a blog devoted to the things of the spirit but also the natural; beautiful things. Today, in my quest for beautifulness (not really a word), I'd like to highlight a "Product that Delivers!" Baking Soda!"

Whether it was my chocolate indulgence over the last few days or last week's emotional/physical/spiritual rollercoaster, my skin was screaming for some help. Acne breakouts and dark spots seemed to have gotten worse overnight although I know it didn't (really). For some strange reason I've been plagued with adult acne and I'm not ashamed to admit it to the masses. We ALL have something plaguing us or that we'd like to improve whether it's physically, spiritually, or emotionally. So, I decided to take a stand. I wanted a product that delivered. Over the years I've probably spent an entire paycheck in search of a product that delivered results. My, oh my, who knew I'd discover this inexpensive little treasure hidden right under my nose, BAKING SODA!

I searched Youtube and found quite a few videos praising the results of this cheap kitchen product. So, I said, "Why not try it, what could I lose?" I tried it and to my surprise it worked after the FIRST USE! No waiting three weeks for ultimate results, although I'm sure I'll reach nirvana by that time and I'll have much clearer, healthier looking skin. But, today it delivered in as little as 20 minutes!

The Process

I mixed a paste in order to make an "emergency mask." A couple of teaspoons mixed with a LITTLE water until you have the consistency of a thick lotion. I prepped my skin by washing it with a normal facial wash, followed by applying a hot clothe to my skin for 30 seconds in order to open my pores, then I slothered the paste all over my face, applying a bit more in those "problem areas." I let it sit between 8-15 minutes or so (I lost track of time, lol). And, I rinsed my face with warm water and then applied VINEGAR to restore and balance the PH in my skin. The paste did sting just a bit, but this is how I knew it was working...can you believe it? Baking soda! I found all of these little tips to "acne free" skin over the internet. The worldwide web is no joke! A plethora of knowledge, but some of it is junk!

The Results

I noticed afterward, not only was my skin smooth and matte, but the breakout minimized tremendously! After about 5 - 10 minutes (when my skin had settled), the acne minimized even greater, as well as minimized pores. Can you believe these results only after ONE use?!? Amazing! I will definitely try this again and incorporate baking soda into my daily skin routine. Baking soda has alot of other benefits and can be used in MANY other ways, just google the uses and you won't be disappointed.

More Info

Website links for more info on Baking Soda for facial remedies:

http://www.acne.org/baking-soda-reviews/209/page1.html

http://www.acneerasingsecrets.com/

Video websites on Youtube.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf8KcMsofQw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svFi7tPywGM&feature=related

That's it for now, don't forget another cheap solutions from one of my earlier blogs where I discuss how LEMONS also serve as a good dark spot eraser. Until later, stay fabulous, stay beautiful, and most of all stay BLESSED!

FOR THE SEXY (Skincare). click here

HONEY CHILD.....Skin Clarifier
(for smooth skin, reduced look of pores, and reduced blemishes)

Use the "full treatment" to reduce the look of your pores and clear skin imperfections and darkspots!

(Personally tried it and love it! Put it on my daughter, too. She loved it but says it stinks)

Step 1: Mix 1/2 cup warm water with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a cotton ball
apply directly to blemish. Maintain pressure with cotton ball for several minutes, to soften blemish.

Step 2: Using a cotton ball ,dab honey on blemish; leave on 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.




HONEY MASK BEAUTY TREATMENT--FULL SPA LIKE TREATMENT

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon yogurt (optional)
• 1 egg white (whisked)

Mix all ingredients. Apply all over face. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until dry. Rinse (or mildly wash) warm to cold.