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DIY
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
This actually makes sense. Who's brave enough?
It does have limitations. Different lipsticks have different bases that cater to different skin tones, so even if you do have the variety of colors to choose from, finding one that suits you perfectly can prove to be a bit difficult, I would assume.
It does have limitations. Different lipsticks have different bases that cater to different skin tones, so even if you do have the variety of colors to choose from, finding one that suits you perfectly can prove to be a bit difficult, I would assume.
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Alpha Blonde
Oooh - I think I'll be skipping the crayon lippy. I like the natural stain from a cherry popsicle but then you get the cherry tongue too. I'll be best sticking with my pretty glosses. lol
Since it's one of my fave looks - I'll add this recipe for Sea Salt Spray to get beachy waves. Perfect for this time of year.
** I got this original recipe from Glamour.com and it gets rave reviews. **
You Will Need:
*A clean spray bottle. You can find them super cheap at dollar stores, grocery stores, and mega marts. Make sure it holds at least 8 fl. oz. to 10 fl. oz.
*8 fl. oz. of water. Try distilled or filtered if your tap water isn't the best on hair
*Sea salt. I used the more finely ground stuff because it mixes easier and faster with the water. It cost me $2.19 for a large canister of it. Use 1 tsp for each 8 fl oz of water.
*Coconut scented conditioner. It doesn't have to be expensive conditioner - I used Suave brand for $1 at the dollar store. I mostly added this for the "beachy" scent but it helps counteract the drying that the salt will do. I used 1/2 a tsp - use more if you have extra dry hair.
*A dab of hair gel. Unscented, preferably—otherwise it will interfere with the coconut scent of the conditioner). Usually the cheaper brand are more runny and mix better.
Optional add-ins:
* Essential oils: If you have dry or coarse hair, this is a good add-in. They will help condition your hair and add some shine. Choose whatever scent you want - ylang ylang works great for sensitive skin and problem scalps. Rosemary is great to help deepen the color of brunette's hair and chamomile brightens blonds. Lavender works beautifully too for all hair types. Use 3-5 drops.
* Tea Tree Oil: Great for sensitive and oily scalps. If you have oilier hair, this is the best oil to add for you since it won't make your hair oilier or weigh it down. Use 3-5 drops.
* More sea salt - You can add a little more if you have oilier/thicker hair. The more salt you use, the more it will dry out your hair. BUT the more you use, the "beachier" your hair will look and the more hold there will be. If the recipe doesn't have enough salt for you, add 1/4 tsp at a time until you reach the desired level. Make sure to record your changes so you know how much to add when you want to make more!
Instructions:
Add all your ingredients to the spray bottle and shake it until it mixes together. Any oils added will never fully combine well with the water so you'll have to shake it a little before each use. If your hair gel and/or conditioner don't combine you can try warming the mixture in the microwave (remove any metal pieces and don't use until cool!) to see if that helps - if it doesn't, you may have used too thick of a conditioner/gel. Spray your hair and scrunch. Don't forget to flip your head over and get the underside of your hair - this will give you more volume. You can let it dry naturally or use a blow dryer/diffuser to speed it all up.
Since it's one of my fave looks - I'll add this recipe for Sea Salt Spray to get beachy waves. Perfect for this time of year.
** I got this original recipe from Glamour.com and it gets rave reviews. **
You Will Need:
*A clean spray bottle. You can find them super cheap at dollar stores, grocery stores, and mega marts. Make sure it holds at least 8 fl. oz. to 10 fl. oz.
*8 fl. oz. of water. Try distilled or filtered if your tap water isn't the best on hair
*Sea salt. I used the more finely ground stuff because it mixes easier and faster with the water. It cost me $2.19 for a large canister of it. Use 1 tsp for each 8 fl oz of water.
*Coconut scented conditioner. It doesn't have to be expensive conditioner - I used Suave brand for $1 at the dollar store. I mostly added this for the "beachy" scent but it helps counteract the drying that the salt will do. I used 1/2 a tsp - use more if you have extra dry hair.
*A dab of hair gel. Unscented, preferably—otherwise it will interfere with the coconut scent of the conditioner). Usually the cheaper brand are more runny and mix better.
Optional add-ins:
* Essential oils: If you have dry or coarse hair, this is a good add-in. They will help condition your hair and add some shine. Choose whatever scent you want - ylang ylang works great for sensitive skin and problem scalps. Rosemary is great to help deepen the color of brunette's hair and chamomile brightens blonds. Lavender works beautifully too for all hair types. Use 3-5 drops.
* Tea Tree Oil: Great for sensitive and oily scalps. If you have oilier hair, this is the best oil to add for you since it won't make your hair oilier or weigh it down. Use 3-5 drops.
* More sea salt - You can add a little more if you have oilier/thicker hair. The more salt you use, the more it will dry out your hair. BUT the more you use, the "beachier" your hair will look and the more hold there will be. If the recipe doesn't have enough salt for you, add 1/4 tsp at a time until you reach the desired level. Make sure to record your changes so you know how much to add when you want to make more!
Instructions:
Add all your ingredients to the spray bottle and shake it until it mixes together. Any oils added will never fully combine well with the water so you'll have to shake it a little before each use. If your hair gel and/or conditioner don't combine you can try warming the mixture in the microwave (remove any metal pieces and don't use until cool!) to see if that helps - if it doesn't, you may have used too thick of a conditioner/gel. Spray your hair and scrunch. Don't forget to flip your head over and get the underside of your hair - this will give you more volume. You can let it dry naturally or use a blow dryer/diffuser to speed it all up.
Classified
Skin moisturiser as well as protein drink!
Of all our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language.
Walt Disney
Cryptic Vigilante
Razor bumps lotion, formula inspired by TendSkin (I didn't invent this) :
- 80 ml Isopropyl Alcohol 70% (aka Rubbing Alcohol)
- 40 ml Witch Hazel (or Tea Tree Oil, or water)
- x16-18 crushed aspirins (I personally use strong ones, and use only x10)
Make sure to use ASPIRINS, as the salicylic acid they contain is what makes this lotion effective.
Also make sure to follow the proportions of each ingredient if you decide to make more/less.
- 80 ml Isopropyl Alcohol 70% (aka Rubbing Alcohol)
- 40 ml Witch Hazel (or Tea Tree Oil, or water)
- x16-18 crushed aspirins (I personally use strong ones, and use only x10)
Make sure to use ASPIRINS, as the salicylic acid they contain is what makes this lotion effective.
Also make sure to follow the proportions of each ingredient if you decide to make more/less.
Alpha Blonde
Sugar Lip Scrub
Admittedly I originally bought the Sara Happ sugar lip scrub because it comes in all these yummy flavours and I was seduced by the packaging.
Don't get me wrong - it's a great scrub but I could have made something similar at home for just pennies, so I reused the container and tried this recipe which works great and gives you a similar scrub and moisturize effect. In the winter months especially - a lip-scrub is really a great thing - your lips will be silky smooth afterward.
DIY Sugar Lip Scrub
You’ll need:
pure coconut oil
honey
brown sugar
a teaspoon
a tablespoon
a mixing bowl
an empty lip balm jar or 2.5 oz baby food jar
Make sure that the coconut oil is solid enough to scoop up but soft enough for a spoon to dig in. If the coconut oil is too oily, stick it in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. If the coconut oil is too hard, place it into a sink filled with hot water for 5-10 minutes or until soft. Combine one well-rounded tablespoon of coconut oil with one tablespoon of honey into the bowl. Besides smelling and tasting incredible, coconut oil is actually an amazing natural ingredient for skin and body products. The oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants that moisturize and nourish the skin while honey contains cleansing and healing properties and is a natural binder.
Mix the coconut oil and honey until they bind together. The consistency should look like thick honey-comb honey. Make sure to mash up all of the coconut lumps so that the mixture is clump-free. This will serve as the base of the scrub.
Add one teaspoon of just the oil from coconut oil jar into the bowl. This will help smooth out the mixture and make the scrub extra moisturizing. Transfer the scrub from the bowl into a small jar or container.
This will last a couple of weeks in the fridge.
Admittedly I originally bought the Sara Happ sugar lip scrub because it comes in all these yummy flavours and I was seduced by the packaging.
Don't get me wrong - it's a great scrub but I could have made something similar at home for just pennies, so I reused the container and tried this recipe which works great and gives you a similar scrub and moisturize effect. In the winter months especially - a lip-scrub is really a great thing - your lips will be silky smooth afterward.
DIY Sugar Lip Scrub
You’ll need:
pure coconut oil
honey
brown sugar
a teaspoon
a tablespoon
a mixing bowl
an empty lip balm jar or 2.5 oz baby food jar
Make sure that the coconut oil is solid enough to scoop up but soft enough for a spoon to dig in. If the coconut oil is too oily, stick it in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. If the coconut oil is too hard, place it into a sink filled with hot water for 5-10 minutes or until soft. Combine one well-rounded tablespoon of coconut oil with one tablespoon of honey into the bowl. Besides smelling and tasting incredible, coconut oil is actually an amazing natural ingredient for skin and body products. The oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants that moisturize and nourish the skin while honey contains cleansing and healing properties and is a natural binder.
Mix the coconut oil and honey until they bind together. The consistency should look like thick honey-comb honey. Make sure to mash up all of the coconut lumps so that the mixture is clump-free. This will serve as the base of the scrub.
Add one teaspoon of just the oil from coconut oil jar into the bowl. This will help smooth out the mixture and make the scrub extra moisturizing. Transfer the scrub from the bowl into a small jar or container.
This will last a couple of weeks in the fridge.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Body smoothie (do not eat/drink). She talks about other stuff...the 'smoothie' starts at around the 2:45 mark.
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Alpha Blonde
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
Body smoothie (do not eat/drink). She talks about other stuff...the 'smoothie' starts at around the 2:45 mark.
I've recently come into some raw shea, cocoa and mango butter (long story) and I've been looking at recipes online for a non-heavy/non-greasy version of lotion but they all seem to be for heavier concentrated body-butter creams.
Is there a way to make a lighter lotion? Would you make it the same way as in this tutorial but just add in water or aloe water? If anyone has experience with DIY creams, please share.
Also - how can you tell when a cream goes bad? Will it be obvious? Does the consistency or scent change?
I'm a total newbie at this.
PS. This was a great tutorial. Much more detailed and easy to follow than many of the ones I've checked out before.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I've recently come into some raw shea, cocoa and mango butter (long story) and I've been looking at recipes online for a non-heavy/non-greasy version of lotion but they all seem to be for heavier concentrated body-butter creams.
Is there a way to make a lighter lotion? Would you make it the same way as in this tutorial but just add in water or aloe water? If anyone has experience with DIY creams, please share.
Also - how can you tell when a cream goes bad? Will it be obvious? Does the consistency or scent change?
I'm a total newbie at this.
PS. This was a great tutorial. Much more detailed and easy to follow than many of the ones I've checked out before.
If you check out her site, she has tons of different recipes for lotions and things like that. So maybe you can find one that works for you.
As far as making it less greasy, I'd just cut the amount of the concentrated oils/extracts that she uses. Don't hold back completely, because you need the oils and such to get the consistency of lotion...otherwise you'll just have a bunch of blended butters.
Also, the first time I made this, it was a bit thicker than I normally like. But she only blended hers for about 30 seconds or so. I blended a bit longer than that and it gave me this really nice, whipped texture. And that doesn't just apply to just this recipe. If you're using a recipe that uses lots of oils, just blend it a bit longer if you want a lighter texture. A little water won't hurt...but be careful as oil and water/butter doesn't really mix. I sometimes add rose water.
And when it goes bad, you can smell the difference. It's hard to describe. It just doesn't smell...right. Also, the ingredients sort of begin to separate a bit. She says in the tutorial that to make a new batch every couple of weeks or so...but for me it starts going bad after around 9 or 10 days. Granted I don't keep it stored in a cabinet or anything. Just out in my bathroom where I shower at least twice a day, so it may be affected by that.
The best thing to do is trial and error. I know our skin is nothing to play around with, but it's really the only way to see what does/doesn't work. I was freaked out by trying DIY stuff for my skin because mine is so sensitive and I can't afford to make too many mistakes with it. But you really can't go wrong with raw/organic ingredients. It's just a matter of how it makes your skin feel and how comfortable you feel using it on a regular basis.
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Alpha Blonde
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
If you check out her site, she has tons of different recipes for lotions and things like that. So maybe you can find one that works for you.
As far as making it less greasy, I'd just cut the amount of the concentrated oils/extracts that she uses. Don't hold back completely, because you need the oils and such to get the consistency of lotion...otherwise you'll just have a bunch of blended butters.
Also, the first time I made this, it was a bit thicker than I normally like. But she only blended hers for about 30 seconds or so. I blended a bit longer than that and it gave me this really nice, whipped texture. And that doesn't just apply to just this recipe. If you're using a recipe that uses lots of oils, just blend it a bit longer if you want a lighter texture. A little water won't hurt...but be careful as oil and water/butter doesn't really mix. I sometimes add rose water.
And when it goes bad, you can smell the difference. It's hard to describe. It just doesn't smell...right. Also, the ingredients sort of begin to separate a bit. She says in the tutorial that to make a new batch every couple of weeks or so...but for me it starts going bad after around 9 or 10 days. Granted I don't keep it stored in a cabinet or anything. Just out in my bathroom where I shower at least twice a day, so it may be affected by that.
The best thing to do is trial and error. I know our skin is nothing to play around with, but it's really the only way to see what does/doesn't work. I was freaked out by trying DIY stuff for my skin because mine is so sensitive and I can't afford to make too many mistakes with it. But you really can't go wrong with raw/organic ingredients. It's just a matter of how it makes your skin feel and how comfortable you feel using it on a regular basis.
Thanks for the tips! I did read that if you add water etc it should be warm as well and then slowly whipped into it to prevent separation but yeah, maybe I should just stick to basics for my first try. And I will definitely remember to make small batches. My first instinct would be to make a huge jar of it that would last for months but clearly that's the wrong way to go.
Cryptic Vigilante
Quote by Dancing_Doll
Thanks for the tips! I did read that if you add water etc it should be warm as well and then slowly whipped into it to prevent separation but yeah, maybe I should just stick to basics for my first try. And I will definitely remember to make small batches. My first instinct would be to make a huge jar of it that would last for months but clearly that's the wrong way to go.
I'm planning on making a Vitamin C serum, which usually only contains water and ascorbic acid (vit C crystals). On the skincare forums I've read, some people complained that the serum they obtained was too watery, and that it fell from their faces instead of 'sticking' there. Some people recommended the use of glycerin instead of water, to make the serum a bit heavier.
I have no idea about the consistency of the lotion you're trying to create, but you could try adding glycerin to the mix to alterate it, instead of water.
You can buy glycerin in any pharmacy, and it's harmless on the skin (you could even drink/eat it). It's used as a solvent/base in many skincare products, and has moisturizing and preservative properties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycerol
"Glycerol is used in medical and pharmaceutical and personal care preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a humectant. It is found in allergen immunotherapies, cough syrups, elixirs and expectorants, toothpaste, mouthwashes, skin care products, shaving cream, hair care products, soaps and water-based personal lubricants. In solid dosage forms like tablets, glycerol is used as a tablet holding agent. For human consumption, glycerol is classified by the U.S. FDA among the sugar alcohols as a caloric macronutrient."
"Glycerol is a component of glycerin soap. Essential oils are added for fragrance. This kind of soap is used by people with sensitive, easily-irritated skin because it prevents skin dryness with its moisturizing properties. It draws moisture up through skin layers and slows or prevents excessive drying and evaporation.[citation needed] With similar benefits, glycerin is a common ingredient in many bath salts recipes. However, some assert that due to glycerin's moisture absorbing properties, it can be more of a hindrance than a benefit."
I'll keep you informed about my Vitamin C serum when I receive my ascorbic acid crystals and try the mix on my face. Vitamin C is in the top 5 ingredients that your skin can benefit from, so it sounds promising (antioxidant + collagen synthesis).
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by SereneProdigy
I'm planning on making a Vitamin C serum, which usually only contains water and ascorbic acid (vit C crystals). On the skincare forums I've read, some people complained that the serum they obtained was too watery, and that it fell from their faces instead of 'sticking' there. Some people recommended the use of glycerin instead of water, to make the serum a bit heavier.
I have no idea about the consistency of the lotion you're trying to create, but you could try adding glycerin to the mix to alterate it, instead of water.
You can buy glycerin in any pharmacy, and it's harmless on the skin (you could even drink/eat it). It's used as a solvent/base in many skincare products, and has moisturizing and preservative properties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycerol
"Glycerol is used in medical and pharmaceutical and personal care preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a humectant. It is found in allergen immunotherapies, cough syrups, elixirs and expectorants, toothpaste, mouthwashes, skin care products, shaving cream, hair care products, soaps and water-based personal lubricants. In solid dosage forms like tablets, glycerol is used as a tablet holding agent. For human consumption, glycerol is classified by the U.S. FDA among the sugar alcohols as a caloric macronutrient."
"Glycerol is a component of glycerin soap. Essential oils are added for fragrance. This kind of soap is used by people with sensitive, easily-irritated skin because it prevents skin dryness with its moisturizing properties. It draws moisture up through skin layers and slows or prevents excessive drying and evaporation.[citation needed] With similar benefits, glycerin is a common ingredient in many bath salts recipes. However, some assert that due to glycerin's moisture absorbing properties, it can be more of a hindrance than a benefit."
I'll keep you informed about my Vitamin C serum when I receive my ascorbic acid crystals and try the mix on my face. Vitamin C is in the top 5 ingredients that your skin can benefit from, so it sounds promising (antioxidant + collagen synthesis).
I've actually heard of the Vitamin C serum...and it sounds uncomfortable. The ascorbic acid thing definitely gave me pause. The reviews are mixed. It's not a method that works for about 40% of people that try it. I've also heard it burns. Quite literally. Some described the process as burning wrinkles away. They'd get tender...and then they would flake and peel away. Some even said it did the opposite of what it was supposed to. Tarnishing skin and making it duller instead of giving it a healthy, natural glow.
Again, this didn't happen in all cases. But that's definitely not a risk worth taking, at least not for me. Especially since the serum is an anti-aging formula, and is more of a cosmetic thing than a necessity.
At any rate, good luck. Proceed with caution. Hope it's worth it.
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Cryptic Vigilante
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
I've actually heard of the Vitamin C serum...and it sounds uncomfortable. The ascorbic acid thing definitely gave me pause. The reviews are mixed. It's not a method that works for about 40% of people that try it. I've also heard it burns. Quite literally. Some described the process as burning wrinkles away. They'd get tender...and then they would flake and peel away. Some even said it did the opposite of what it was supposed to. Tarnishing skin and making it duller instead of giving it a healthy, natural glow.
Again, this didn't happen in all cases. But that's definitely not a risk worth taking, at least not for me. Especially since the serum is an anti-aging formula, and is more of a cosmetic thing than a necessity.
At any rate, good luck. Proceed with caution. Hope it's worth it.
Yes, I've read the same things exactly. Apparently it only works for 60% of people. The reviews I've read were either 1/5 or 5/5, so the results are really all or nothing. But it's worth trying I guess. When you buy skincare products containing Vitamin C, more often than not it's a scam as Vitamin C oxidizes rapidly in solution and the concentration must be rather high to be effective.
The thing is, the solution has to be acidic to affect the skin properly : "ascorbic acid must be formulated at pH levels less than 3.5 to enter the skin". The most effective concentration is 20% (evaluated scientifically), but it is recommended to create a 5-10% serum and use it more frequently instead, to reduce irritation. Maybe the bad reviews were made by people who didn't dilute Vitamin C enough.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by SereneProdigy
Yes, I've read the same things exactly. Apparently it only works for 60% of people. The reviews I've read were either 1/5 or 5/5, so the results are really all or nothing. But it's worth trying I guess. When you buy skincare products containing Vitamin C, more often than not it's a scam as Vitamin C oxidizes rapidly in solution and the concentration must be rather high to be effective.
The thing is, the solution has to be acidic to affect the skin properly : "ascorbic acid must be formulated at pH levels less than 3.5 to enter the skin". The most effective concentration is 20% (evaluated scientifically), but it is recommended to create a 5-10% serum and use it more frequently instead, to reduce irritation. Maybe the bad reviews were made by people who didn't dilute Vitamin C enough.
Yeah, those odds don't seem worth the risk at all...especially being that there are better, more natural methods that don't involve acid entering the skin and slowly burning imperfections away. Yikes!
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by Dancing_Doll
Thanks for the tips! I did read that if you add water etc it should be warm as well and then slowly whipped into it to prevent separation but yeah, maybe I should just stick to basics for my first try. And I will definitely remember to make small batches. My first instinct would be to make a huge jar of it that would last for months but clearly that's the wrong way to go.
You can squeeze a good month or even two (that's reaching) out of this if you're better about storing it than I am. Don't refrigerate it or anything. As I said, I keep mine just in my bathroom...not in a cabinet or anything. My bathroom is quite literally the warmest place in my apartment...unless the heater's on, and then it's the coldest. These aren't ideal conditions for 100% organic products that contain no type of preservative.
You can make it in bulk...but nothing 100% organic with no preservatives will last more than a month or two...no matter how ideal the conditions are in which you store it.
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Alpha Blonde
Quote by SereneProdigy
I'll keep you informed about my Vitamin C serum when I receive my ascorbic acid crystals and try the mix on my face. Vitamin C is in the top 5 ingredients that your skin can benefit from, so it sounds promising (antioxidant + collagen synthesis).
Let us know how this goes. After reading Dani's comments though, I don't think I'd be brave enough to do this at full strength. It almost sounds like a kind of chemical peel? You should try a patch test first, just incase there's a bad reaction. I'm pretty happy with the surface of my skin though, in that I'm not having anti-aging concerns (yet).
As far as natural ingredients goes, I do find pure Jojoba oil is great on the face for those dry areas or just as a kind of all over 'night serum' once in a while - especially during the dry winter months. It didn't cause any break-outs either - which was my original concern with using an oil on my face.
Here's some more info:
Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) oil is a botanical extract of the seed of the jojoba tree (Simmondsia chinenis). Technically it is not actually an oil, but rather what is called a wax ester. Why do we care? Because out of all of the compounds in nature, this wax ester is the most similar to human skin oil (sebum). It is theorized that applying jojoba to the skin can "trick" the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production. The bottom line for acne-prone people is that jojoba oil is non-comedogenic so you can use it without fear.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by Dancing_Doll
It almost sounds like a kind of chemical peel?
It's kind of the same idea, yes. But chemical peels are more immediate and happen in a matter of minutes.
This process takes a matter of days. So your flesh gets red and tender and swollen and peels/flakes away slowly over time. Even people who had good things to say about this described the process this way...quite painful and uncomfortable, but once it was over they said their skin never looked better.
It's definitely an option...and a worthwhile one for some people. It just depends, I suppose. Some people added oils and they said it helped. Some people said they diluted the solution perfectly and they're still paying the price for just using it one time. It's a mixed bag, most definitely. And there isn't as much research on it as I'd like there to be.
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Alpha Blonde
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
It's kind of the same idea, yes. But chemical peels are more immediate and happen in a matter of minutes.
This process takes a matter of days. So your flesh gets red and tender and swollen and peels/flakes away slowly over time. Even people who had good things to say about this described the process this way...quite painful and uncomfortable, but once it was over they said their skin never looked better.
It's definitely an option...and a worthwhile one for some people. It just depends, I suppose. Some people added oils and they said it helped. Some people said they diluted the solution perfectly and they're still paying the price for just using it one time. It's a mixed bag, most definitely. And there isn't as much research on it as I'd like there to be.
Hmmm... Yeah, this is definitely not for me.
Cryptic Vigilante
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
It's kind of the same idea, yes. But chemical peels are more immediate and happen in a matter of minutes.
This process takes a matter of days. So your flesh gets red and tender and swollen and peels/flakes away slowly over time. Even people who had good things to say about this described the process this way...quite painful and uncomfortable, but once it was over they said their skin never looked better.
It's definitely an option...and a worthwhile one for some people. It just depends, I suppose. Some people added oils and they said it helped. Some people said they diluted the solution perfectly and they're still paying the price for just using it one time. It's a mixed bag, most definitely. And there isn't as much research on it as I'd like there to be.
This is more or less true. The main purpose of Vitamin C is to boost collagen production, as well as being an antioxidant which will protect the skin from further damage. It only slightly exfoliates because it is acidic, but that's not the main objective, and it's not what makes this serum profitable.
I've tried applying lemon juice on my face in the past, to reduce slight hyperpigmentation. Lemon juice has a pH of 2.0 and I could still tolerate it, even if there was occasional stinging and redness. I stopped using it because it didn't seem to have any effect whatsoever, and was only irritating.
The serum I'm planning to make has a pH of around 2.5, which is in fact 5 times less acidic than lemon juice (the pH scale works that way : compared to a substance with a pH of 2.0, a product with a pH of 3.0 is x10 less acidic, a product with a pH of 4.0 is x100 less acidic, etc.). As a comparison, orange juice has a pH of 3.0. So I'm fairly confident I'll at least tolerate the acidity to some degree (without causing mad damage before I realize it's too irritating I mean). Also, it doesn't take long for the skin to absorb the Vitamin C, so you can simply apply the serum and wash it off after 30 minutes to avoid unnecessary irritation on the outer layers of the skin. Once Vitamin C is absorbed by the skin, it stays there and delivers its benefits for 3 days or so.
Another important thing is that you need to be careful not to use Vitamin C that has already oxidized ; that could amplify the negative effects, as well as having no benefit whatsoever. It's important to store the serum in a sealed/opaque container, and keep it in the fridge for a maximum of one week (once the serum turns orange, it has already oxidized). Distilled water should also be used, as the minerals contained in tap water will also oxidize Vitamin C. That's why I'm planning on using glycerine instead (it could also help reduce irritation).
Some info :
http://www.smartskincare.com/treatments/topical/vitc.html
http://www.skinacea.com/faq/treatments/t01-vitamin-c.html#.UmBH81PEzcs
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5845984_allergic-reactions-vitamin-face-serum.html
Some reviews :
(The serum is rated 4.5/5 overall, so surely some people see benefits. You'll notice some who rated it 1/5 though.)
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp?ItemID=75237
As for exfoliation, I use AHA (alpha hydroxy acids), which I buy from http://store.acne.org/. I originally bought it to diminish mild acne on my back, and it helps. I also used it to diminish light stretch marks on my hips, and they're almost gone after about 9 months of use (no need for that Derma Roller anymore). It also works wonders for my face ; AHA is in the top 5 ingredients for anti-aging too. It's not irritating at all (unless you have open scars), and makes my face soft/uniform. This is basically what Cleopatra was using when bathing in milk (lactic acid, which is an AHA). Professional chemical peels use AHA at a concentration of around 40-50%, but the one I use is only 10% and perfect for everyday use. You girls should check it out ; I highly recommend the one from acne.org, as the ingredients are very safe/non comedogenic/non irritating, and the texture is just perfect (very light).
Acne.org also sells jojoba oil for the cheapest price I've ever seen. I never tried that though. Apparently a nice way to use it is to mix a few drops with your favorite moisturizer.
Cryptic Vigilante
Double post.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by Dancing_Doll
Oooh - I think I'll be skipping the crayon lippy. I like the natural stain from a cherry popsicle but then you get the cherry tongue too. I'll be best sticking with my pretty glosses. lol
Since it's one of my fave looks - I'll add this recipe for Sea Salt Spray to get beachy waves. Perfect for this time of year.
** I got this original recipe from Glamour.com and it gets rave reviews. **
You Will Need:
*A clean spray bottle. You can find them super cheap at dollar stores, grocery stores, and mega marts. Make sure it holds at least 8 fl. oz. to 10 fl. oz.
*8 fl. oz. of water. Try distilled or filtered if your tap water isn't the best on hair
*Sea salt. I used the more finely ground stuff because it mixes easier and faster with the water. It cost me $2.19 for a large canister of it. Use 1 tsp for each 8 fl oz of water.
*Coconut scented conditioner. It doesn't have to be expensive conditioner - I used Suave brand for $1 at the dollar store. I mostly added this for the "beachy" scent but it helps counteract the drying that the salt will do. I used 1/2 a tsp - use more if you have extra dry hair.
*A dab of hair gel. Unscented, preferably—otherwise it will interfere with the coconut scent of the conditioner). Usually the cheaper brand are more runny and mix better.
Optional add-ins:
* Essential oils: If you have dry or coarse hair, this is a good add-in. They will help condition your hair and add some shine. Choose whatever scent you want - ylang ylang works great for sensitive skin and problem scalps. Rosemary is great to help deepen the color of brunette's hair and chamomile brightens blonds. Lavender works beautifully too for all hair types. Use 3-5 drops.
* Tea Tree Oil: Great for sensitive and oily scalps. If you have oilier hair, this is the best oil to add for you since it won't make your hair oilier or weigh it down. Use 3-5 drops.
* More sea salt - You can add a little more if you have oilier/thicker hair. The more salt you use, the more it will dry out your hair. BUT the more you use, the "beachier" your hair will look and the more hold there will be. If the recipe doesn't have enough salt for you, add 1/4 tsp at a time until you reach the desired level. Make sure to record your changes so you know how much to add when you want to make more!
Instructions:
Add all your ingredients to the spray bottle and shake it until it mixes together. Any oils added will never fully combine well with the water so you'll have to shake it a little before each use. If your hair gel and/or conditioner don't combine you can try warming the mixture in the microwave (remove any metal pieces and don't use until cool!) to see if that helps - if it doesn't, you may have used too thick of a conditioner/gel. Spray your hair and scrunch. Don't forget to flip your head over and get the underside of your hair - this will give you more volume. You can let it dry naturally or use a blow dryer/diffuser to speed it all up.
So I tried this a while back and meant to report back and I never did...but I am now.
My hair is naturally curly...ridiculously so...and very dense. I have a LOT of hair...not just lenghtwise...but yeah. Anyhoo, I know this is a method that's used on wet hair, but I obviously can't get a beachy wave with my hair curly. So my hair was straight, I put it in two really tight French braids and got in the shower. I figured the steam from the shower would give me some needed moisture, and the tightness of the French braids would keep the steam from completely wetting my hair and making it frizz up and/or returning to its naturally curly state.
When I got out of the shower I sprayed the mixture over my braids and then unbraided my hair and did an allover finger tussle. I also sprayed just a little more of the sea salt mixture in my hair while it was down and then some oil sheen so it wouldn't completely dry my hair out...it worked perfectly. Perhaps the French braids added to the wave factor, I'm not really sure.
But now that I know this method works with a homemade mixture, I may actually invest in professional sea salt sprays that come with the essential hair nutrients in it that keep the sea salt from drying out your hair.
Thanks for the recipe...it was perfect!
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Alpha Blonde
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
But now that I know this method works with a homemade mixture, I may actually invest in professional sea salt sprays that come with the essential hair nutrients in it that keep the sea salt from drying out your hair.
Thanks for the recipe...it was perfect!
Yay! Glad to hear it worked out. You'd be surprised at home basic some of the professional mixtures are. The John Masters one for example, is literally just saltwater and lavender oil. I do find it a bit drying on its own so I just use a light spritz and then use a couple of drops of Biosilk or Moroccan oil on the ends.
I've heard KMS makes a good sea spray product - it seems to get good reviews.
I still miss John Frieda's Beach Blonde Ocean Waves - that was my fave but it's discontinued.
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by Dancing_Doll
Yay! Glad to hear it worked out. You'd be surprised at home basic some of the professional mixtures are. The John Masters one for example, is literally just saltwater and lavender oil. I do find it a bit drying on its own so I just use a light spritz and then use a couple of drops of Biosilk or Moroccan oil on the ends.
I've heard KMS makes a good sea spray product - it seems to get good reviews.
I still miss John Frieda's Beach Blond Ocean Waves - that was my fave but it's discontinued.
KMS is awesome!
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by Dancing_Doll
I've recently come into some raw shea, cocoa and mango butter (long story) and I've been looking at recipes online for a non-heavy/non-greasy version of lotion but they all seem to be for heavier concentrated body-butter creams.
How has the experimentation with mango butter been coming along? My mom knows I'm into the organic skin care thing so she randomly sent me some...and I've found some good stuff on the interwebz. But wanted to ask since you've had a chance to play with some.
I've been thinking of concocting some kind of raw sugar/mango/peppermint scrub, so I have some questions about how the mango butter would hold up. How's the consistency? And if you've mixed it with other butters or oils, how'd it work out?
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Alpha Blonde
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
How has the experimentation with mango butter been coming along? My mom knows I'm into the organic skin care thing so she randomly sent me some...and I've found some good stuff on the interwebz. But wanted to ask since you've had a chance to play with some.
I've been thinking of concocting some kind of raw sugar/mango/peppermint scrub, so I have some questions about how the mango butter would hold up. How's the consistency? And if you've mixed it with other butters or oils, how'd it work out?
Uhhmm...
This is a good reminder, actually. I haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet. I've been so busy lately. I do have some free time this weekend though so it's definitely going on my list. I'll report back as soon as I've played with it.
Active Ink Slinger
I make a sea salt spray too, but I use distiller water, fine grain sea salt, a table spoonish of vegetable glycerine and essential oils to make the smell I like. The vegetable glycerine seems to help a lot with the drying out factor. I may have to try adding some conditioner, that sounds like a good idea.
I mix a huge bottle of Vitamin E, grapeseed oil, aloe, olive oil and avocado oil and slather it on my body skin at night. I only use organic, no preservatives. I have drier skin though. Raw shea butter is a great healer for skin issues. This is the place I order from: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/ . I have fun experimenting.
I also believe in internal things. Keep your liver clean by that I mean milk thistle, drink filtered water, eat your greens, Omega oils, sleep and exercise. We can put all of the stuff on the surface we want but if you are unhealthy inside, no product is going to help in my opinion.
I think someone else mentioned cocoanut oil. It is great as a pre conditioner for hair and then wash it out completely. It is nice when your hair is dry and the cuticles are open. For over the counter skincare I like Evan Healy:http://www.evanhealy.com/ Natural and seriously great stuff in my opinion.
I like this thread I will try some of the other things.
I also believe in internal things. Keep your liver clean by that I mean milk thistle, drink filtered water, eat your greens, Omega oils, sleep and exercise. We can put all of the stuff on the surface we want but if you are unhealthy inside, no product is going to help in my opinion.
I think someone else mentioned cocoanut oil. It is great as a pre conditioner for hair and then wash it out completely. It is nice when your hair is dry and the cuticles are open. For over the counter skincare I like Evan Healy:http://www.evanhealy.com/ Natural and seriously great stuff in my opinion.
I like this thread I will try some of the other things.
Alpha Blonde
Quote by slipperywhenwet2012
How has the experimentation with mango butter been coming along? My mom knows I'm into the organic skin care thing so she randomly sent me some...and I've found some good stuff on the interwebz. But wanted to ask since you've had a chance to play with some.
I've been thinking of concocting some kind of raw sugar/mango/peppermint scrub, so I have some questions about how the mango butter would hold up. How's the consistency? And if you've mixed it with other butters or oils, how'd it work out?
Have you done anything with the mango butter yet?
I made this really cool cuticle butter just before the holidays (that included mango butter).
I found the recipe for Lush's infamous Lemony Flutter online and it turned out great. Smells incredibly amazing! I've also used it as an overnight hand/foot treatment and anywhere the skin gets that extra wintery dryness. My feet are sooo soft.
Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter
Shea Butter Cold Pressed (moisturizing) - 8 ml
Beeswax (provides a natural moisture barrier) - 2 ml
Carrot Infusion in Soy Oil (contains carotenes, nourishing)- 2 ml
Avocado Oil Cold Pressed (nourishing - Vit E, phytosterols, healing, anti-bacterial) - 2 ml
Flax seed Oil (I don't like using it in my skincare products, but unfortunately it was in the Lush List of Ingredients) - 0.2 ml
Mango Butter Cold Pressed (nourishing, prevent drying of the skin) - 2 ml
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil (rich in carotenes, anti-oxidantal tocotrienols) - 0.5 ml
Castor Oil (soothing, lubricating.) - 0.5 ml
Wheatgerm Oil Cold Pressed (extremely rich in Vit. E) - 2 ml
Lemon Oil EO (antiseptic) - 3 drops
Lavender Oil EO (calming) - 1 drops
Chamomile Blue Oil EO (soothing, softening, contains azulene, anti-inflammatory) - 2 drops
Tangerine Oil EO (antiseptic) - 2 drops
Vitamin E (antioxidant) - 5 drops
Instructions:
In a double boiler combine the butters (Shea, Mango, Palm) and beeswax and heat until the beeswax has completely melted, add the Vegetable Oils, blend with a handheld mixer or whisk until the mixture is creamy, then add the Essential Oils, the Preservative and stir to mix thoroughly. Pour into small jars or balm tubes.
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
Quote by Dancing_Doll
Have you done anything with the mango butter yet?
I did that raw sugar/mango butter/peppermint scrub experiment. It worked out nicely. Mango butter is very subtle, which I love.
As far as other experimentation, I started substituting it for other butters in other things that I make, and it worked out. The consistency was a bit off in some of the mixtures, but I added essential oil or other things as necessary, and it sort of worked itself out.
I also typed "Things to do with mango butter" into Google, and started experimenting in that regard. But nothing came out looking desirable and I wasn't brave enough to put it on my face/body. So some things were a success...and I also learned a lot about what NOT to do with mango butter.
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
I'm not sure why I didn't post this sooner, as I've been doing this for ages. Make your own lip balm:
"What is the quality of your intent?" - Thurgood Marshall