To start off this new sort of "beauty blog" I'm going to share my favorite natural products that I think are better than store bought products and are much cheaper. Recently I have found my number one favorite hair product of all time and it is, drumroll please:

1. Coconut oil. Coconut oil can be applied to wet or dried hair (I prefer dried) as a deep conditioning treatment r a de-frizzing treatment in the summertime. I also use it on my ends before I go to the beach. REFRAIN from putting it on your scalp because if you like in Virginia like me and it gets to be 100 degree and super sunny it can burn your scalp. I usually melt about 1/4 of a cup in a microwave safe bowl. Hot oil can sometimes melt cheap Gladware so try like a stoneware bowl in the microwave for 25 seconds. I then apply it to dry hair and wrap it in a shower cap and leave it on for 30min to 2 hours if your hair is super dry. It leaves everything super shiny and strong. I aso use a small pea-sized amount melted in my palms and evenly distrubuted through the length of my hair before I blow dry. It makes everything super soft.

2. My milk, sugar, lime and honey face scrub. I make my own scrubs all the time and they work very well. I use about 2 1/2 table spoons of milk, half a lime squeezed, 1/2 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 cup of sugar mixed well together. I scrub it on my face for about 1 minute and rinse it off to glowing and clear skin. The milk has natural anti inflamitory properties which combats redness, the lime acts as a mild astringent for oily spot, the honey (a natural Humectant) draws moisture from the air to keep your skin moisturized. Honey also contains antioxidants which help fight free radicals that damage you skin due to sun and pollution. The sugar makes a great exfoliant. If you feel the sugar is too harsh, blend it in a blender for a few seconds and it should make the grains finer. I use this maybe 2-3 times per week, less for sensitive skin. NOTE: if you have an ALLERGY to any of these foods DO NOT use them!!!

3. Pure Castile soap. I use castile soap mainly to clean my makeup brushes. It works on both synthetic and natural bristled brushes. I havent heard of any other makeup artist using castile sopa to deep clean but to me it sounds like the best product to use. It does not contain drying agents found in shampoos that are used to make a rich lather. The castile soap deep cleans with natural oils and dos not strip moisture from your brushes. Simply apply a drop to the wet brush and with your fingers work out the deposited cosmetics. Castile soap is the most gentle soap on the market and I prefer Trader Joes Peppermint Castile Soap and Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 magic soaps. (trader joes stores, www.drugstore.com)

4. coconut milk, coconut oil, and sugar body scrubs used in conjunction with dry brushing. Dry brushing is something you do before your shower. Dead skin is easier to take off when your skin is dry. When you skin is wet it plumps and can make dead skin harder to remove. Dry brushes are natural bristled brushes that can be purchased at Target, Walgreen etc. and to dry brush simply start from your feet and brush upwards in a circular motion. Avoid the chest area since the skin is thinner and can become irritated. The scrub I use is 2 tablespoons coconut milk, one table spoon coconut oil and enough sugar to make it into a paste. I scrub this awesome smelling scrub on in the shower after drybrushing and it feel great when I get out of the shower. Dry brushing is also thought to help reduce the appearance of cellulite by stimulating circulation in the skin.

Well that's all I can think of for now. I'm sure I'll have more recipes and ideas for homemade beauty products. leave me a comment if you would like me to look for or create a recipe just for you and your skin type. Until next time

Ciao!
Emily

This blog needed a change! After writing a bunch of stuff nobody cares about I'm now going to dedicate it solely to doing makeup looks, product reviews and other various tutorials. What turned out to be watching YouTube makeup tutorials while I was bored turned into a fun little hobby! I did the makeup for the wedding party at Brandy and Larry's wedding and I'm looking forward to doing more freelance work like that! All I need now is a Mac Procard (fingers crossed)! Well I should be getting things up soon once I finish my exams and Hopefully I'll be able to build up the courage to post on YouTube.

Later Gators,
Emily :0)