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Hell Notes for Beauty

Spirituality • Health • Lifestyle

Depuff & Destress with Gua Sha Facial Massages

What is Gua Sha?

Sharing another favorite skin care routine as well as a wellness ritual I have benefited from tremendously. Not only is this a great way to treat your skin but also an interesting way to strengthen and become familiar with your immune system by doing the traditional Chinese health method known as Gua Sha.

Gua Sha uses a variety of scraping tools, in my case Rose Quartz stones, that stimulates your immune system, more specifically the lymphatic system. Other Gua Sha tools are bone, Jade and even horns. Gua Sha is primarily done on the body with a lot more pressure and forceful scraping of the skin. The scraping of the skin sounds painful, but depending on your sensitivity level, it should not be unbearable. The skin is lightly bruised and some red specks on the skin (known as Petechiae) become noticeable, which is basically tiny blood vessels being stimulated under the skin. In Chinese Medicine the principle of healing is the proper movement and channeling of energy or qi and that is what Gua Sha helps facilitate.

Whenever this Qi, life foce, or energy is blocked we experience illnesses from chronic pain, fatigue and many other ailments.   The main objective of Gua Sha is to help blood flow, improve circulation and detox.

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D.I.Y Facial Kit Review: Oleum Vera

If you’re a DIY skincare junkie like me, then chances are you’re going to love this tutorial. So while aimlessly strolling around Walmart’s skincare aisle, I noticed this box that said “DIY Masks” and of course I had to check it out.  Oleum Vera is a very interesting company and wish this concept was around when I first started blogging 9 years ago because its so convenient and super affordable especially for all natural and certified organic ingredients.  Looking at the box of ingredients I was so excited to see all of the ingredients included, and did I mention all Organic for under $20?

I couldn’t pass it up and was even more fascinated with the other items on their website. But first, here’s what my kit included:

Every Organic Face Mask Kit includes:
  • Organic Avocado Oil** – Moisturize dry skin with this luxurious, organic oil, which is one of the richest oil sources of vitamin C, E and provitamin A. With its hydrating and antioxidant properties, avocado oil is especially useful in regenerative and anti-aging skin care. 2fl oz (60ml)
  • White Kaolin Clay – Gentle yet stimulating, White Kaolin soothes the skin while absorbing impurities and exfoliating dry patches. 0.7 oz (20g)
  • Bentonite Clay – Clear your skin with this powerful, porous clay. Bentonite is perfect for oily skin as it draws out toxins and tightens the skin. 0.7 oz (20g)
  • Organic Spirulina Algae – This algae help to fight skin inflammation and prevent premature signs of aging with its natural protein content. 0.7 oz (30g)
  • Organic Rose Petals** – The natural oils in rose petals help to moisturize and soothe sensitive skin, leaving the face soft and calm. As well as bringing a sweet aroma to your homemade cosmetics, these petals are also high in Vitamin C. 0.1 oz (3g)
  • Organic Lavender Buds** – Lavender buds, used alone or with other flower petals, lend a pleasant scent to your organic, homemade creations. 0.1 oz (3g)
  • Eco-friendly Reusable Mask Jar

Natural Skin care fanatics like myself who lovesssss DIY recipes this was truly a deal! So many different ingredients and combinations of facials I can make it definitely was worth the money and a bargain. I say a bargain because when trying to get different types of  ingredients (especially organic and all natural) you can end up paying a pretty penny if each ingredient is bought individually. Just the oil alone, which this kit contains avocado oil, can cost you anywhere from $10-$15 dollars at most health food stores. All of their products are certified organic and they pride themselves on being the leading skincare brand that promotes sustainability.

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Beauty Note: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Review

 

Alba Botanica is a skincare brand I’ve known about for quite some time but never really got the hang of using their products consistently.  If my memory serves me well, I believe I purchased a facial cleanser a few years ago, but can’t recall how I felt about it since it’s been so long and haven’t come around to trying out any new products from Alba Botanica since then.

Based on some of the good reviews I’ve read, Alba Botanica seems to have a complete skincare line along with hair and body products that actually provide good results. I also like that for a drugstore “clean brand”, Alba Botanica is very affordable & accessible.

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Skincare & Health Benefits of Sulfur

Sulfur sounds like something a chemist would use in a lab and definitely not an ingredient you’d consider for your skin or health.  However, Sulfur is a natural mineral that is essential for the human body to function and it’s by far the most interesting ingredient I’ve added to my skincare routine along with other uses I’ve recently discovered. 

So what is Sulfur & how can it be incorporated for health? 

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The Mind, Body & Soul Uses of Rose Water

 

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If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat (HellNotes) you will frequently see me talking about Rose Water and showing you the many bottles I have stashed as back ups.  I use Rose Water daily for many purposes.  It’s a must have in my daily skin care routine, I use it for magical rituals and have experimented with it in my water and diet too.

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Legend has it that Roses originated in China, others claim throughout Persia.  Regardless of its origination, Roses have been used throughout cultures and mythologies for beauty, ritual and culinary purposes.  And yes, I use Rose Water for all those purposes, check out below to learn how.

Element: Water

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Alaffia Coconut Water Toner Review

 

If you follow me on Snap Chat (HellNotes) or Instagram, you can most likely tell that I got a thing for facial spritzers.  The other day I shared the 10+ bottles of Rose Water I have and a follower told me that I needed help.

I totally agree, the obsession is real. LOL

My fascination with spritzers began a few years ago when I started reading how celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau recommended that your face is damp before applying your serum and moisturizer.  I have found that to be the best way for me to get the most out of my daily moisturizer, but with an added boost from spritzers.

I use facial spritzers as a toner right after I wash my face.  I have found Rose Water to be my ultimate go to for its extra moisturizing and anti bacterial properties.  But, I was feeling a little adventurous and decided to veer away from my beloved floral water and try Alafia’s Coconut Water Face toner at my local natural health store.

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