Beauty – Page 3

Ardell Duo Eyebrow Brush Review + Eyebrow Tutorial

April 14, 2016

I’ve been determined to finally do my eyebrows myself. Its not that I don’t like the way my eyebrow lady does my eyebrows, I actually love her as she knows exactly what I like. It’s just that I like to challenge myself with being a well rounded woman when it comes to being able to do it all yourself beauty wise.

Now, doing your own manicure or even hair can be a feat many can accomplish, but eyebrows?

That’s kind of risky.

I always say I’m a creature of habit and if something works for me (& saves me money) its very hard to steer me away from being loyal to it. In my recent high of thinking I’m some eyebrow expert I decided to “revamp” my eyebrow game and purchase a new eyebrow brush.

I picked up this Ardell Duo Eyebrow brush at Sally’s Beauty Supply for under $5.00. Prior to picking this up, I’ve been using Eco Tools angled brush (which I’ve had for years) & a separate spoolie.

I realized its somewhat of a dupe (physically wise) like Anastasia’s Beverly Hill’s duo eyebrow brush minus the price ($18). I’ve never owned that brush so can’t compare as far as usage, durability, etc.

My Thoughts

I was aiming for the convenience of a duo eyebrow brush vs. always having to search for a spoolie or vice versa an angled brush. I needed something I can pop in my makeup bag and touch up my eyebrows if needed without the hassle of two different tools.

The spoolie on this Ardell Duo Eyebrow brush is awesome, it has a lot of grip and doesn’t feel flimsy so its perfect to brush up and shape my brows nicely. The angled brush on the other hand took me some time to get used to as its not as firm as my other angled brush.

It takes some building up to properly fill in sparse areas and I don’t have too much control when lining and shaping my brow.

I realized this was a good thing as it helped me build up the color and shape without creating such a stark eyebrow or shape. I do prefer a more stiff brush so I can have a bit more control over the shape above & below my brow, but for the price this brush did an acceptable job.

Great for any brow beginner or to have as a back up in your makeup kit.

Check out the tutorial on the channel below:

Beauty Note: Ardell Duo Eyebrow Brush Review

April 4, 2016

Now, doing your own manicure or even hair can be a feat many can accomplish, but eyebrows?

That’s kind of risky.

My Thoughts

It takes some building up to properly fill in sparse areas and I don’t have too much control when lining and shaping my brow.

Great for any brow beginner or to have as a back up in your makeup kit.

Check out the tutorial on the channel below:

Beauty Note: How To Use a Jade Face Rollers for Glowing Skin

March 14, 2016

Right when I thought I’ve come across every beauty secret and tool there is known to woman kind, along comes this awesome little tool known as the jade face roller. Yes, a stone roller for your face.

I was really intrigued when I first learned about this because as you all may know I love crystals and stones and anything infused with them. I also own a few jade pieces so I’m familiar with the healing vibes of Jade.

Jade

Energy: Receptive

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Vibes: Love, Healing, Wisdom, Longevity, Money, Prosperity, Gardening

Jade has many interesting qualities that can be very soothing and comforting to the aura. It is very cooling, healing and protective of one’s energy field. Metaphysically, Jade is ideal to help calm the mind and connect with higher powers such as dream recall, astral projection and communication with Guardian Angels and Spirit Guides. It is also very harmonizing to the human energy field.

Many overlook the healing properties of stones and Crystals and Jade is one not to overlook if you’re having health issues. Ancient Mayans used Jade to guard against Kidney and Bladder problems, while other cultures focused on its healing energy to the spleen.

How to Use + It’s Benefits

History has it that Chinese royal women used Jade face rollers to stimulate blood flow to the face, open pores and encourage lymphatic drainage. Jade by nature is very cool. It seems to always maintain its cool feeling despite the room temperature which makes it ideal for dull and congested skin tones.

Improve blood circulation and skin tone
Improve elasticity of the skin
Promote lymphatic drainage
Reduce puffiness and wrinkles
Reduce dark under eye circles
Eliminates toxins
The jade roller can also tighten pores since the jade remains cold even when in direct contact with the skin

It’s very easy to use. I use it on clean bare skin usually right after washing my face at nigh & right before I apply makeup in the morning.

Upon further research face rollers are actually a thing the beauty industry has picked up on. Check out this post to learn more about what other types of rollers are on the market. Some can be a little abrasive while others “prick” your skin to stimulate the skin, regenerate new skin cells as well as promote collagen production.

I’ll most likely stick to this Jade roller for now, but definitely will be adding more of these gadgets to my beauty routine.

Sources:

The Green Creator

Relaxed Hair Health

The Oil Cleansing Method: Badger Unscented Face Cleansing Oil Review

March 1, 2016

The oil cleansing method is a beauty routine I’ve know about for several years now, but never got around to incorporating it into my skin care routine. I actually tried the oil cleansing method with coconut oil years ago when I first heard about the OCM and it broke out my skin pretty bad. So I steered away from applying oils to my face entirely.

Fast forward to a couple of years and it seems that oil is all the rage in the beauty community as many brands, even drugstores, are popping up with all types of oils to cleanse and remove your makeup.

So, what is the OCM?

For those with oily and acne prone skin, you may be saying to yourself, ” Is Jessica crazy? Just oil to the face?” But in fact this may be the best thing for your oily skin (or any skin type, really!) to help balance your skin & combat oil and breakouts.

It’s simple. You clean your face with oil (or remove makeup) as opposed to the common stripping soap/chemical based cleansers we’re used to.

Why it works

Natural oils absorbs into the skin protecting and nourishing its many layers. Natural oils are also non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) making it ideal for all skin types.

From Acne.org

“Fact: Oil dissolves oil. One of the most basic principals of chemistry is that “like dissolves like.” The best way to dissolve a non-polar solvent like sebum/oil, is by using another non-polar solvent similar in composition: Other oils. By using the right oils, you can cleanse your pores of dirt and bacteria naturally, gently and effectively, while replacing the dirty oil with beneficial ones extracted from natural botanicals, vegetables and fruit that heal, protect and nourish your skin. When done properly and consistently, the OCM can clear the skin from issues like oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, blackheads, whiteheads and other problems caused by mild to moderate acne–while leaving your skin healthy, balanced and properly moisturized.”

So there you have it. Beat Oil with Oil!

How it works

There are 3 simple steps you need to take when doing the OCM.

1. Apply oil to dry clean hands + apply to skin (no need to wet your face beforehand)

2. Gently massage oil to face for 2-3 minutes. I do circular motions and leave my eyes for last especially if I have mascara on as I don’t want to spread the mascara over my face so I limit it to my eye area last.

3. Run a warm (almost hot, don’t burn your face now!) towel over water and place towel over face for 1-3 minutes. (Think of a mini steam facial session)

4. Gently wipe off oil and makeup with towel.

Clean dry hands + Dry face with makeup

Use index and pinky fingers to exert less stress along sensitive eye areas.

Picked up a lot of makeup!

My Review + Experience

Pros: I’m glad I did not shy away from trying the OCM again because my ultra sensitive and dry skin has been loving oil as a makeup remover. This cleanser contains all natural and organic oils as opposed to the chemical and filler based makeup removers like I’ve been used to which only tends to irritate and clog my pores. Another pro is that the packaging is very sleek and comes in a glass bottle and waterproof label ( perfect for the shower) & of course a pump gives it an extra edge.

Cons: I was not too sure about any cons with this product because the oil itself does the job. The only thing I found annoying was the need to have clean towels at hand every time I wash my face.

It is recommended to use a muslin cloth or a face cloth that won’t be too abrasive.

I on the other hand just cut up an old body towel, hich is not working so I’ll order some cloth to help complement this method. Despite the towel fiasco, this method is my favorite skin care routine and will remain consistent with it (Once I get those towels!)

Overall, my skin doe s not feel so dried out or tight after cleansing. Most people skip soap cleanser after cleansing with oil, but I feel I’m left with a bit of residue so I follow up with a organic/ gentle soap cleanser and notice how moisturized my skin still remains.

Have you tried face cleansing oils? Which are your favorites?

Check out the review on my YouTube Channel here!

Instagram: @HellNotesforBeauty

SnapChat: @HellNotes

Subscribe to my channel below!

Review | Badger Unscented Face Cleansing Oil

March 1, 2016

So, what is the OCM?

It’s simple. You clean your face with oil (or remove makeup) as opposed to the common stripping soap/chemical based cleansers we’re used to.

Why it works

Natural oils absorbs into the skin protecting and nourishing its many layers. Natural oils are also non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) making it ideal for all skin types.

From Acne.org

So there you have it. Beat Oil with Oil!

How it works

There are 3 simple steps you need to take when doing the OCM.

1. Apply oil to dry clean hands + apply to skin (no need to wet your face beforehand)

3. Run a warm (almost hot, don’t burn your face now!) towel over water and place towel over face for 1-3 minutes. (Think of a mini steam facial session)

4. Gently wipe off oil and makeup with towel.

Clean dry hands + Dry face with makeup

Use index and pinky fingers to exert less stress along sensitive eye areas.

Picked up a lot of makeup!

My Review + Experience

Cons: I was not too sure about any cons with this product because the oil itself does the job. The only thing I found annoying was the need to have clean towels at hand every time I wash my face.

It is recommended to use a muslin cloth or a face cloth that won’t be too abrasive.

Have you tried face cleansing oils? Which are your favorites?

Check out the review on my YouTube Channel here!

Instagram: @HellNotesforBeauty

SnapChat: @HellNotes

Subscribe to my channel below!

Why I switched to all natural deodorants

February 4, 2016

Ever wonder how to get rid of those yellow stains left behind on virtually every white top or t-shirt you own? That is perhaps the most annoying thing and what’s worse it can’t be bleached or washed away. Those yellow stains, contrary to popular belief, is actually caused by a chemical reaction between our sweat and the chemicals in most deodorants. This just goes to show how chemicals can have reactions to our bodies natural chemicals too.

Deodorants are one of those things we use on a regular basis without giving it much thought. But honestly, what is there to think about? A deodorant does, well, deodorize odors, right? Yes, in essence that is the fact, but have we questioned the processing and ingredients in deodorants and how they interact with our arm pits?

A Brief History

The ancient Egyptians were no strangers to pleasing scents and it was integral to their culture. They bathed in perfumes and even washed their clothes in alluring scents to avoid foul odors at all costs. Fast forward to modern times and the deodorizing industry has become a highly profitable business behind this concept of minimizing body odors.

The first marketed deodorant, Mum, was patented in the late nineteenth century by an inventor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first deodorant appeared as a cream and evolved to aerosol sprays which in those days the most popular ingredients in deodorants contained aluminum zirconium and chlorofluorocarbon propellants. These however were banned in the late 70’s by the FDA due to its suspected effects on health & the effects on the environment as a whole.

Fast forward to 2016.

Is your Deodorant toxic? www.onedoterracommunity.com https://www.facebook.com/#!/OneDoterraCommunity:

Modern Concerns

Today, it seems as though the deodorant market is highly saturated with all types of deodorizers and antiperspirant.

A deodorant deodorizes odor, while an antiperspirants works by blocking the sweat glands which in turn blocks the amount of sweat from reaching the skin’s surface.

Just like in the late 70’s, concerns still linger in regards to the chemicals used in our deodorants today. Here are the most common concerning chemical ingredients & their health effects.

Parabens: Synthetic preservative. Linked to breast cancer + Hormone disruption + reproductive issues
Aluminum: Linked to breast cancer + Hormone disruption
Fragrance (Phatlates): Eedocrine disruptors (may interfere, mimic or block hormones), development toxicants (can interfere with the normal development of a fetus or child), and a reproductive toxicant (can harm the reproductive system)

Alternatives to Consider

“As you might guess, the underarm lymphatic networks perform lymph filtering of nearby tissues, including the hands, arms and chest region. In fact, the lymph nodes in the armpit are often the first place that cancer cells spread to outside the breast, in the case of breast cancer.” -Silver Botanicals

Our body’s lymphatic system is very delicate and crucial to fighting off diseases by keeping our immune system properly regulated and protected. So anything you apply to your skin, especially along those delicate glands can cause major disruptions within that system. There has also been direct links to breast cancer and the aluminum in deodorants considering the proximity between our breasts and armpits.

Below are some of my favorite all natural, Aluminum Free Deodorant brands

I’ve tried Nubian Heritage for the past 6 months and I’m almost out and excited to try new brands. It has also been eye opening to me how something we take for granted can be so toxic to our health. I finally don’t deal with razor burns or dryness as I used to and will give up conventional deodorants for good.

Sources:

NY Times: All About Deodorants

Crystal Spring: A Take on Deodorants

Chemicals in Deodorants

Toxic Beauty: How Cosmetics and Personal-Care Products Endanger Your Health – By Samuel S. Epstein

How I incorporate Tea Tree Oil to my Beauty & First Aid Kit

January 10, 2016

When I first took a whiff of Tea Tree oil, I was so confused. It had this really awkward bug repellent scent, (which later I found out works for bugs!) and was just really turned off by it. However, after trying it for some of my beauty routines (and now on my third bottle), I realized I needed to get tough and deal with the scent since its truly a miracle worker against acne, pimples and bacteria.

Despite Tea Tree Oil not being the ideal oil for perfumes or aromatherapy, it definitely has many uses especially for your first aid kit. Here’s why:

Antibacterial & Anit-Microbial: Kills bacteria & microbes that may be lingering on surfaces such as bathroom sinks, counter tops, etc. Also kills bacteria on the skin such as acne and pimples.
Kills Fungus: Lately I’ve noticed a lot of girls dealing with nail fungus, especially with the advent of acrylic nails and gel polishes where the nail bed is not able to breathe & harbors bacteria which leads to fungus. Like athletes foot, nail fungus is a common issue among men that can be treated with Tea Tree Oil.
Anit-Viral: Many Viral infections (like the flu,warts, herpes) can spread rather quickly from person to person. Tea Tree oil is potent in preventing viruses from spreading.
Insecticide: Remember when I mentioned that my first impression of Tea Tree oil was of bug repellent? Well Tea Tree oil gets rid of pesky critters such as bugs & insects. A great oil to use when hiking or outdoors.
Antiseptic: Prevents bacteria & infections especially open wounds, cuts and sores.

How to incorporate Tea Tree Oil to your Beauty Routines

Hair: Treats Dandruff and dry itchy scalp & head lice. Make a scalp oil using base oils like Coconut oil or Almond oil ( to prevent dryness or irritation) & massage your scalp with the mix. You can also add a few drops of Tea Tree oil to your shampoo to give it that extra cleansing and refreshing feeling to your scalp.
Acne: Tea Tree oil based cleansers are ideal for those with oily and acne prone skin. I use the oil as an on the spot treatment.
How to cure yeast infection naturally using Tea Tree Oil
Skin: Cold Sores, Vaginal Infections, Psoriasis & Eczema among many other fungus and bacteria based ailments.
Makeup Brushes: I use Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Oil based soap to clean all of my brushes. I add about a drop of the concentrated oil to the small bottle mixture I have. Makes sure all bacteria that may be lingering on the brushes are killed.

Mahalo Pele Volcanic Ash Mask Review

December 8, 2015

Face masks are a weekly must for me so I’m always on the hunt for the next best thing! I was excited when I received this sample of Mahalo’s Pele Volcanic ash face mask since reading great reviews about it throughout the organic beauty community. Not only does it contain a number of ingredients that really gets into the skin, it actually left my skin glowing!

Pele Mask Benefits

Calms inflammations

Detoxifies and tightens pores

Combats and heals blemishes

Fades dullness and signs of aging for a revitalized, youthful appearance

Boosts circulation and cell renewal for instant, healthy glow

Ingredients

“Named after the Hawaiian Volcano Goddess Pele, the mask is supercharged by “botox-plant” Hibiscus, anti-inflammatory Turmeric, collagen-boosting vitamin C, anti-aging Neem leaf, oxygenating Cayenne, sebum-balancing Witch Hazel, wrinkle-fading Guava, acne-fighting Holy Basil, toxin-magnet Volcanic Ash Clay and bacteria-absorbing Activated Bamboo Charcoal.”

So how could I have not been excited with such amazing ingredients? I added rosewater to my mask and tell my why I felt like a tropical goddess? This mask has a very soft and subtle floral scent which made me feel as if I were in the lush tropics of Hawaii!

The mask is a bit watery compared to most clay masks I’m used to, but did not expect it to thicken too much as it is ash after all, but once I added the honey, I got the thickness I was looking for. The gentle exfoliation of this mask is just what my sensitive skin needed. It’s not too abrasive and left my skin super soft with very minimal redness afterwards.

It actually felt like my skin was much lighter and able to breathe thanks to this mask’s ability to draw out all impurities.

Once I cleansed my face of the mask, I followed up with Rosewater as my toner and my NOW brand Vitamin C & Sea Buckthorn Moisturizer. I use the Jojoba oil very lightly over my face and as an under eye moisturizer. Although it is recommended that those with sensitive skin don’t use this mask, I did not have any issues with irritation. This mask costs about $45 dollars and can be purchased with a very nice plate and face brush. Definitely worth the price as a special treat to yourself for the fraction of the price of a spa visit.

Petit Vour October 2015 Organic Beauty Box Review

November 6, 2015

October marked my third month trying out the Petit Vour Green Beauty Box I initially mentioned here and so far I’m loving it. The first 2 boxes were ok and I ended up liking at least 2 products from each box, but with this latest box, I truly loved everything which is rare for a monthly subscription box as there is always at least a miss out of all the hits.

I extended this subscription because I was so satisfied with what I received and have been learning a lot about brands I otherwise would have never known about. As I’m becoming more familiar with the toxic ingredients most conventional beauty brands have, Petit Vour gives me the chance to try out many organic and vegan friendly products for a reasonable monthly fee.

Let’s take a peek at what I got last month!

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash

Hana Organic Skincare Eye Oil

Essence of Vali A Bedtime Ritual Oil

Habit Cosmetics Non-Toxic Nail Polish (Disco)

This Ursa Major Fantastic face wash is gel based, which my skin tends to like. When applied, it leaves my skin feeling very fresh and cool which I’m sure has to do with the spearmint oil it contains. It washed off my makeup pretty good with the exception of my eye makeup so I had to go back in with and my normal cleanser to remove the dark patches. However, if you don’t normally use heavy eye makeup, this may be something to consider, especially for those with sensitive skin.

I’ve been really paying a lot of attention to my under eyes as recently my sinuses have been acting up causing me to have extra dry and itchy eyes. I just started using an eye cream, which I like but don’t feel it gives me that extra moisture boost I need. Then I got this eye oil by Hana Organic Skin Care and it has truly been a god send since my slight eye irritation has subsided after using this eye oil.

I normally use it at night just to not cause any issues with my concealer. One of my favorite out of the bunch this month.

Essential oils are my all time favorite, especially oil blends like this one. I’m highly allergic to all types of synthetic scents most perfumes are made with so I’m always excited to try new natural scents. Essence of Vali has a wide range of sprays and massage oil blends and was happy to receive this bedtime ritual blend.

This blend contains Lavender flowers, Marjoram leaves, Cedar wood & Ylang/Ylang petals. I keep it by my nightstand and dab a little on my pillow and pressure points for its calming and inviting scent. I’ve come to notice I look for the scent throughout the day as I can also use it as a perfume.

I have a love hate relationship with polishes due to their very strong and toxic scents. Although this polish has a somewhat “polish” scent, it wasn’t so unbearable while applying and the scent did not linger days after as most polishes I use tend to do.

This polish is free of 5 common toxins (see below) and is made with Myrrh extract, which is something I’ve known but never actually used a beauty product that had Myrrh as an ingredient. The application and color pay off is amazing! I first the metallic finish felt grainy but it eventually dried to a very smooth and shiny finish. I’m in love with this color and their color ranges are very beautiful too!

– 5-FREE OF TOLUENE, FORMALDEHYDE, FORMALDEHYDE RESIN, DIBUTYL PHTHALATE AND CAMPHOR

Nubian Heritage Haul

October 15, 2015

I’ve been really invested in completely changing my entire beauty and skincare routine to include only natural and organic ingredients. I’ve been dealing with a lot of skin sensitivities and really can’t pin point the cause. So I began a process of elimination beginning with my skin care products (and diet). In January, I discovered Nubian Heritage & have been hooked since. I even shared a tweet the first time I tried them, that’s how convinced I was and still am. If you haven’t tried Nubian Heritage’s products, you’re really missing out!

Nubian Heritage is a self made brand starting out as street vendors in NYC and continue to take pride by giving back to their local community as well as the communities of women that their products are sourced from.

Check out their value and mission to help women become active members of this thriving industry.

A Highlight of Some of My Favorite Nubian Heritage Ingredients

Avocado Butter: Moisturizing, antioxidant, sunscreen, prevents wrinkles
Shea Butter: Anti Inflammatory, relieves sunburns, fades dark spots and scars
Mango Butter: Moisturizes skin and hair, treats dryness, irritation and razor burns
Lemon Grass Oil: Detoxifies, anti-oxidant effects, calms tension by reducing stress
Myrrh Oil: Anti aging, heals wounds, disinfects, treats scars
Neem Oil: Treats dandruff and dry scalp, anti fungal, treats eczema, smooths wrinkles and fine lines.

Let’s check out what I got from my most recent haul!

Goat’s Milk & Chai Soap $5

Mango Butter Soal $5

Shea Butter Soap $5

Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver Soap $5

Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver Natural 24 Hour Deodorant $8

Coconut &Papaya Sample Size Body Lotion $5

Total: $33.00

Shipping: Free ($25.00 or more)

Coupon Code: 30% off

Actual Total: $23!

I used to be the type of shopper, especially online, if I like it I just get it. Never bothered to look for coupons or ask for discounts. Recently however I make sure to scour the interwebs to find a discount code and 95% of the time I find them, like this time, which I got 30% off. So before you purchase anything, make sure to find some codes.

Nubian Heritage is very affordable to begin with, but I could not pass up that discount. It is mind blowing to think I got an entire haul for under $25 for all natural skin care products, which usually tend to break the bank.

My Thoughts

Every single soap I’ve tried by Nubian Heritage has the most pleasant and invigorating scents. They’re so creamy without that streaky residue some soaps tend to leave behind. I have horrible allergies and often times any scent irritates my sinuses. Mostly because most scents are artificial, loaded with toxins that causes headaches. Not these soaps! Although some are very scented, they don’t bother me at all. The soaps also lathers like you would not believe and feels like I’m putting lotion on while showering.

My favorite is the Goat’s Milk & Chai Tea with Rose Extracts. LADIES, if you want to feel like a goddess or invoke the goddess energy, you need this soap in your life. I can’t explain how this soap makes me feel. The scent is heavenly, soft, soothing and very luxurious. It is hands down my favorite and signature soap.

The Mango and Shea butter soaps are like lotions in a bar. It truly moisturizes my skin and notice immediately how my skin sucks up all the moisture. I also purchased this all natural deodorant which I have asked myself why have I not been using this much sooner?

Overall, Nubian Heritage will be my staple brand for all skin care products. I like the quality of their products, for the affordable prices. They also have a line of hair products…I won’t even go there right now. You all know how much I love hair stuff. Product Junkie much?

*These items were purchased with my own money. Opinions and recommendations are personal.*

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