Installment 10 - Beauty from the inside out...

Wow, does that title ever sound like a self-help book or what? But honestly, ducks, it is widely understood that just scrubbing and bathing your skin and hair in nutrients isn’t enough. And frankly, most of us aren’t that great about getting all the equipment we need with diet alone. SO! In this episode, we shall be discussing some vitamins and supplements that give us a bit of a boost in the beauty (and health as a bonus, hoorah!) department. Just as a quick reference, most supplements aren’t exactly regulated by any higher power, and everyone is different. Sometimes taking a certain amount is too much for one person, and not enough for another. Sometimes vitamins may cause strange reactions, or counter some of the medications you are taking. Though these things are not entirely common, it IS recommended that you check with your doctor before starting anything, and testing out what vitamins, minerals, and dosages you take. (There, I AM a responsible hostess, aren’t I?)

To start this, I think it would only be fair to fill you in on what I use, as I can honestly say I dig the effects. I use three things on a daily basis: Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, and a vegetarian multivitamin. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that helps to ward off free radicals (and thus, protect against wrinkles), and helps to fade scars and age spots. CoQ10 can effectively help in maintaining skin elasticity as we age, and is also a killer antioxidant. As for the multivitamin, any will do. I personally use the vegetarian form because... well... I am one, and there is a lot missing in my diet. However, the purpose for a multivitamin is to help boost the effects of the other two supplements, plus throw in some essential vitamins and minerals that help keep the skin supple and lovely.

Now... as for other supplements, I’ve tried some, and just heard of others, so you’ll have to test for yourself and see what works best for you. Vitamin A aids in the growth (and re-growth) of body tissues, and helps to maintain your gums (which is best for your beautiful smile). The B family is excellent for your metabolism and can help in maintaining body weight; not to mention a slew of health benefits, AND works as a mood enhancer, and increases energy. Vitamin E and Zinc are great antioxidants; Choline helps to metabolize fat buildup; iodine helps build a strong foundation for a well functioning thyroid gland (which in turns, helps the production of health hair, skin, and teeth); and vitamin C can be a major help in protecting against sun damage.

These are but a few supplements that can used for both beauty and health; in fact, most vitamins, minerals, and herbs taken internally can help to beautify, and these are simply a few of the better known materials that are linked directly to healthier skin, hair, nails and teeth.

On our next episode... the journey continues to India!

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Installment 8 - Travel beauty log: Japan!

Oooh, wouldn’t we all like to be a rice bran beauty? Well, with a few simple recipes, you too, can be amongst the nuka bijin of Japan. All right, so I’m getting ahead of myself here. Or acting like an advertisement -- I feel like I should be in watercolor with a big grin and a jar in my outstretched hand here. So we’ll just re-start... Japanese beauty secrets are without question the most sought out of all beauty secrets. They are effective, and often times, pretty bloody unique. So in this episode, we shall investigate a few items that can be transformed and used in your home remedy arsenal.

We’ll begin with our ad up there... rice bran. This stuff does everything; prevent wrinkles, clear, exfoliate and cleanse skin, all while moisturizing. Many people like to massage on some of the diluted rice bran oils and let it sit for a while, if not all day. But you can also mash up a bit of beeswax and mix the oil in. If you’d prefer an exfoliating cleanser, you can mix the oil with dry, grated pellets; then mix in some honey, dip a wash rag in the mixture, and scrub gently. Be very careful, though, as it can be a bit rough.

Next, green tea! Yea, I know... tea is tea is tea... but really, this stuff works great in beauty products. You can use it for eye bags (like its black tea sister), or you can use it for a multitude of other treatments. For instance, it can be used as an excellent and quick conditioning rinse; just steep a few bags of the stuff, rinse through your hair, and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. It will leave your hair soft, shiny, and smelling lovely. What is more, it’s also thought to help prevent hair loss -- so that’s a nice bonus, huh? It is also very simple to use on the face; you simply steep, apply to a cotton ball and rub over your skin.

And finally... something that is not so much a treatment as a technique: facial massage. Facial massage is thought to be one of the best beauty remedies in Japan... and frankly, kiddies, it’s a personal favorite. It feels amazing, drains your sinuses, helps stimulate blood flow, helps prevent wrinkles, AND keeps you nice and supple. You could go to a salon and have Japanese facial massage done, but there are a few things you can do in the comfort of your own home, too. First, wash (wash, wash, wash!) your hands. Next, focus on the indentations of your face; down your jaw-line to the tip of your chin; up and down the sides of your nose, below your eyes, and over your brow-line. Make small circles with the tips of your fingers, and remember to be very gentle below your eyes, as the skin is very delicate. You can use lotion if you prefer, but it is just as effective without it.

So there ya are... a few beauty tips straight from Japan.

Next, a pit stop from our travels at the gas station called: What exactly am I supposed to swallow?!

Installment 7 - Travel beauty log: Italy!

Look around any specialty beauty website, and you’ll notice one common factor: whatever country they originate from has the most beautiful people in the world. But what makes these people so ravishing? Well, every country has its own particular secrets and spices, so in this short series, we shall explore some of them.

Our first destination shall be… let’s say… Italy!

No question, Italy has some ravishing folks – women and men alike. Known for fine curves, and even finer skin, these stunners have some simple home remedies that can be grown in your garden and found in your kitchen.

One of the best known remedies is, of course, olive oil. One of the easiest ways to use this is to take about a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, dip your (clean!!!) fingers into it and massage like crazy into your face. After this you just let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, and rinse off thoroughly. However, if you’ve been reading and following my instructions, chances are you’re going to want something more complicated. Oh yea... I know. It’s fun, right? ...Right? Well, anyway... here’s a more complex recipe:

First, grind up some oatmeal (about 1/4 cup or so), then add in an egg yolk; a teaspoon of brewers’ yeast, and finally… that’s right, kiddies, a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Stir up well and smear on. Let it sit for a half hour and rinse really well. Your skin should feel tight, smooth, and ultra moisturized!

You can also mix olive oil with beeswax to make a moistening lip balm; soak your fingers in a small cup to cure rough cuticles, and cover your hands with it and leave it over night to treat cracked hands.

Grapes are also used in Italian beauty; not only are they killer antioxidants, they are fantastic for oily skin, and have a firming effect on the skin. Once again, the simplest way to use them is to cut them in half and give’em a good rub on the face. You can also pulverize them in the food processor and mix them with some all-purpose flour so you can create a good mask. If your skin is oily, but sensitive, you could also add in some aloe vera oil, or chamomile tea.

Finally, lemon and rose essential oils (skincare grade, of course) are used to help skin imperfections. Lemon oil applied directly under the eye for 15 minutes, once a week, can help reduce dark circles under the eye, and help to prevent fine lines. It can also be used to help get rid of warts. Rose, on the other hand, can be applied throughout the face, and is said to moisturize, help fight wrinkles, calm the skin, and help fade scars.

This is a meager list, at best. But I’m guessing the Italian beauties out there want to keep some of their secrets.

Next on our magical journey... Japan!

Installment 6 – I could sleep in those eye bags for days!

Before we begin with this episode, I must say that this is dedicated to a dear person, whose funky dreamin’-mind inspired this particular post. Thanks JonnyDunMind!!!

Now, when it comes to puffy eyes (or eye bags, for that matter), there are all the things you should and shouldn’t do to help the situation – don’t rub them like crazy, drink lots of water, quit with the salt licks, and so on and so forth. You already know all of this. You’ve probably tried it. You’ve also probably tried teabags and cucumbers. Quick and effective fixes, sure. But really more of a hangover-eye cure. So here are a few simple recipes that will get those eyes shining and puff-free in no time.

First, there’s the egg and potata’s recipe. Yea, you could fry’em up for a hearty breakfast, but that’ll only serve to make your eyes swell, right? So instead, whip an egg white or two thoroughly, and coat those bags, baby. While you’re letting that sit, wash a potato really well (on top of everything else, you don’t need potato germs in your eye), slice off the skin and cut the potatoes. Now you’ll want to cut them up even thinner until they’re a pulpy mess. Next, wrap up your potato mash in a fine cloth, wipe away the egg and sit back with your new potato eye pouches pressed to your face. Now, I realize this sounds completely made up, but here are the facts: 1. Egg whites leave skin feeling tight, and reduce the general appearance of eye bags, while 2. The starch from the potato acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, and will help reduce the swelling. Viola!

The next recipe is quicker, and a little girlier. Take a tablespoon of honey, mix in some vitamin E oil, and rosewater. Mix this concoction really well, place a few cotton balls in the bowl, and let it sit at the back of the refrigerator for about a half hour (or however long it takes to get really, really chilly). Take the mixture and cotton balls out of the ‘fridge and coat your eyes (you can even do the upper lids if that makes ya happy), lay back and let the cotton rest on your eyes for five to ten minutes. Not only will the chill help the swelling go down, but the other ingredients will help with the inflammation.

Of course, there are many other non-herbal-type remedies you could use – some of which are for the quick fix mode when you gotta get out in a hurry. One over the counter remedy, of course, is Preparation H used once or twice a week. You could also try sleeping at a slight incline to encourage proper circulation; or try wetting, than freezing a washrag so that you can give your eyes a quick shot of cool in the morning. Gentle facial massage is also said to be helpful for keeping things moving in the right direction.

In our next installment… I Need To Go Where (Part 1)?!

Installment 5 - Gracious, what unsightly hair you have!

I once heard the statement: “They tell me I should never do anything permanent when it comes to beauty, but I really can’t see myself ten or twenty years from now saying, ‘Gee! I wish I had hair under my arms!’” I think this is a statement most of us can agree upon. Sadly, when it comes to a more permanent solution, you’re outta luck when it comes to home remedies – even the over the counter stuff won’t do away with it entirely. However, darlings, there are some things you can do as a temporary fix that will not only make your extremities smooth for a little while, but might make them a little less obvious in the future.

One of the first hair removal remedies consists of something we all enjoy… sugar! Body sugaring is highly thought of as it is an inexpensive, less painful alternative to waxing that also helps to make hair grow thinner, and grow out less frequently, as it rips hair out from the roots. Although it may take you a little while to get the consistency just right, it does work really well. For this you can use ¼ cups of sugar and roughly 2 cups of sugar (adjust as you see fit). You will mix the ingredients thoroughly and let melt in a saucepan. Let it cool (not so cool that it turns into hard candy, but enough so that it doesn’t burn your skin. ‘Cause when it burns, it burns, baby!) Now rip up some thick cotton, apply the mixture in the direction that you hair grows, and rub the cotton on top. Then rip away to your heart’s content!

The next solution is a bit saucier -- and depending on your tastes -- smellier, but equally effective method. The use of turmeric. There are a few different ways you can use this for hair removal. First, it is recommended that you use raw turmeric, but I’ve found that powdered can work, it just takes a little longer. Anyother, create a paste of either raw turmeric (or powdered with a dash of water), and rock salt. Apply to skin and let harden for around 15 minutes. The second method is mixing the turmeric with warm coconut oil, letting it stand on your skin for another 15 minutes and rinsing it off. This method not only aids in hair removal, but softens your skin like crazy. Turmeric is thought to be a hair inhibitor, and will cause your body hair to be less noticeable over time. However, turmeric has a nasty history of staining the skin, so I recommend creating a past of water and baking soda and scrubbing your skin directly after use. Be sure, of course to lotion like mad afterwards.

Although these are only a few methods, they are effective. Otherwise, it’s off to the laser clinic… for me anyway. Afterall, I’m the one that said that under arms thing. Yea… I admit it.

Next on the make it yourself show… are those bags for carrying things?

Installment 4 - Why, darling, that smile is positively garish!

It happens to us all at some point or another; one day we’re scrubbing away dutifully at our teeth, rinse, then flash our pearly smile into the mirror… only, horror of horrors, they’re not so pearly. In fact, their almost… gray! So what’s a hygienic, healthy, vibrant beauty such as yourself to do?

Well, of course, there are millions of things you could do; go to the dentist and have them peroxide your teeth into oblivion – and sure thing, that’s the quickest route. You could also slather your mouth with solutions, or sleep with a gooey mouth guard. These are also effective methods, and if you just can’t seem to get results, or you simply don’t have the time to wait around, do it!

But there are other methods. These methods can occasionally take a bit of time, but are well worth it in the results department.

The first thing, like pricier treatments, includes peroxide. It also includes an item that has been used for tooth care for generations; baking soda! This is probably the easiest thing you’ll ever do, but deeply – DEEPLY – effective. First, take a few heaping teaspoons of baking soda and put them in a bowl, then drop in about one teaspoon of peroxide. You may need to give or take a bit, just make sure it’s roughly the consistency of dense toothpaste. Use this once a week, or every other week. The result on this sucker is immediate, but you don’t want to overdo it, as the abrasiveness of the baking soda, and potency of the peroxide can start to wear on your teeth’s enamel.

Two of the stranger items that can be used for natural teeth whiting are apple cider vinegar (I know, I know. Is there ANYTHING that stuff can’t do!), and strawberries. For apple cider vinegar, just take a half cup, dip your tooth brush in, and brush away. Do this repeatedly for several minutes, rinse, give’em a good brush with your regular toothpaste, and viola! Newly whitened (and might I add, extremely clean) teeth. Strawberries are fairly simple; take a whole strawberry, cut it into sections and rub against your teeth. With this, though, be certain to brush your teeth with regular toothpaste right after using, as the acids and sugars can do a number on otherwise healthy teeth.

For a truly unique experience, make your own toothpaste. Oh yea… that sounds a little bit down home hippie, doesn’t it? But in truth, you can get healthy, effective oral care, alongside some potent teeth whitening. Plus you know exactly what goes into your toothpaste, and thus, into your mouth (conspiracy theories, anyone?).

Here’s the recipe:
1. 5 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin
2. 1/4 teaspoon salt
3. 5 teaspoons of baking soda
4. 7-8 drops of clove oil
5. Roughly 10 drops of flavored oil (mint, cinnamon, vanilla… whatever ya fancy)
6. One heavily mashed sage leaf

Mix all of the dry ingredients together, toss in the mashed leaf, stir like crazy. Now add all of the wet ingredients, and place in a tightly sealed container. The glycerin gives it a paste-y texture, the baking soda gives it a bit of abrasiveness; the salt adds to the abrasiveness and also acts as an anti-septic. The sage in addition to the baking soda aids in long-term whitening. The clove oil is optional, but great for sensitive teeth, plus it adds a bit of extra scent in addition to the flavored oils.

So there ya go, chickies. Some great alternatives to the more aggressive teeth whiting routes. And coming up next, a hairy disaster or a sticky situation?

Installment 2 - It's a homemade extravaganza!

Frugal? Like natural treatments? Good with your hands and a blender? Then you’re just the lady/gent for the job… the job of making your own at-home beauty treatments. For yourself. Because let’s face it, sometimes your usual beauty routine can fall flat, and your skin will need a little boost. So in this installment, I shall be filling you in on some fantastic treatments that are relatively inexpensive, easy to make and will have you glowing anew.

The first treatment is for my beloved sensitive skinned sisters. Let me just say for starters that this treatment is a bit – for lack of a more elegant way of describing it – icky. It contains oatmeal and raw egg. That’s right, raw egg! First, you’ll need to blend a cup or two of uncooked oatmeal into an ultra fine powder, then mix it thoroughly with an egg yolk, and voila! A moistening, soothing facial mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes to a half hour, rinse with warm water, and then give yourself a splash or two of cold water.

The next category is apple cider vinegar. All right, so not exactly the same theme as above, but this stuff does everything. While you’re using it for beauty, you can also remove hard water from your fixtures, disinfect your kitchen counters and keep your chickens from pec… well, I’ve gotten way ahead of myself here. Instead of extolling all of the virtues of apple cider vinegar, I’ll just give you two recipes for two different treatments.

1. Hair. First, find either a very basic conditioner without a lot of junk already in it; OR, three or four tablespoons of pure olive oil. Mix in a teaspoon or two of vitamin E, and ¼ cup of vinegar. You may need to add more or less depending on how much hair you have to work with, so go ahead and experiment. Rub this into your hair thoroughly and let it sit for an hour or so. Now rinse your hair out really well. If you have to, give it a wash with a moisturizing shampoo, then condition as you normally would. This treatment does a few things at once; 1. It makes your hair shiny and soft, and 2. It can help relieve a dry, itchy scalp.

2. Face. Apple cider vinegar is a light acid. This being said, it can help reduce oiliness, exfoliate and aid in both the cure and prevention of breakouts. For a mask that is simultaneously moisturizing and cleansing, mix one tablespoon vinegar with one teaspoon olive oil. Add a dash or two of flour to give it a bit of thickness; slather it on and let it sit for roughly ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse clean. You could also try just slapping on a bit of raw vinegar and leave it over night to help clean and tone skin.

Finally, let us discuss hair. You likely have it; most of us do. There’s probably a good chance you’ve done awful, horrible, agonizing things to it; again, most of us have. And even if not, everyone’s hair could use a moisture boost now and then. So for this purpose, let us look at a wild, delicious smelling concoction; the protein conditioner. Mix one or two eggs (depending on amount of hair) with ¼ cup coconut milk, and half a heavily mashed banana. Slather it into your hair – which you would be wise to cover with a shower cap – and let sit for an hour or more. Rinse, rinse, rinse!

So this concludes our adventures in homemade beauty! Next on our agenda… how to lighten up!