Argh! I cant sleep tonight! Worse thing to happen on a Sunday night, especially when I had resolved to start working out in the mornings from tomorrow :(
Ah well!
I thought of Rosewater suddenly, because I thought I smelt it on the way back from my 11.15 pm walk around the neighborhood [remember-- I cant sleep :( ]
I have recently started trying to include it in my everyday regimen and have to admit-- I love it! Wonder why I did not catch on so long!
I have started using Rosewater
1. As a toner : the only one that doesn't strip my skin dry! I feel like Rosewater adds a good finishing touch after my cleansing-- before applying a moisturizer.
2. As the "water" in a pack or mask : I felt that if nothing else, at least the pack got a pleasant smell this way!
3. To dilute Vaseline : I like applying Vaseline on dryish parts of my skin in the night before going to bed. However, Vaseline is sometimes way too thick and I use the rosewater to dilute it a little.
BOTTOM LINE: Rose water is SO inexpensive and does not have chemicals in it. I have seen it available at almost every pharmacy, indian store as well as beauty stores these days.
Do you use Rose water in some other way? Do let me know...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Waxing vs. Threading
Eyebrows: the one not-that-cheap-when-it-adds-up beauty regimen I just cannot get away from! But I have to admit, no other regimen gives me that instant pick up me the way getting threaded does. It lifts up my entire face almost instantly. And in case I am late with my precise- every 2 week appointments, I feel like I start looking like I am sick.
When I moved to Los Angeles, I had a very hard time trying to find places that offer skillful threading. I am adding the work skillful very intentionally. I have been to places that claim they offer threading: but other than getting cuts and rash and the most painful experience ever, I did not get anything else :(
Places like this include the Shapes Brow Bar in the Burbank mall (where you actually get threaded with the Verizon Kiosk guy staring at your chest when you lean back, since this is really a kiosk) and also a couple places on Olive Ave, in Burbank.
But coming to the main purpose of this post, here are my reasons for recommending threading over waxing, since I have tried both in the past:
1. ITS YOUR FACE! Wax can burn! At the most a bad threading job can give you cuts, that can heal. Why would you let something that HOT touch your face????
2. NO BOTOX WHEN I AM 30! Well waxing does involve considerable amount of pulling. Since the area near the eyes, mouth (in case of upper lip waxing ) etc is most prone to wrinkles, waxing the area will only result in accelerating the aging process no?
3. INGROWN HAIR-- That too on my face?? EWW!
Yea, its a possibility with waxing! Some inexperienced technicians who pull hair the wrong way can leave you with ingrown hair for a LONG time!
Convinced?
Here are some links for people offering threading around LA:
1. Vinita's Threading
2. Ziba Beauty: I find them a little expensive. Also, they often have "trainee" technicians.
3. Haircut 2000: Even though i had a not so good experience here last week, I am going to recommend them only because Rozina, Anne and Sharmila do a fabulous job-- EVERY time.
When I moved to Los Angeles, I had a very hard time trying to find places that offer skillful threading. I am adding the work skillful very intentionally. I have been to places that claim they offer threading: but other than getting cuts and rash and the most painful experience ever, I did not get anything else :(
Places like this include the Shapes Brow Bar in the Burbank mall (where you actually get threaded with the Verizon Kiosk guy staring at your chest when you lean back, since this is really a kiosk) and also a couple places on Olive Ave, in Burbank.
But coming to the main purpose of this post, here are my reasons for recommending threading over waxing, since I have tried both in the past:
1. ITS YOUR FACE! Wax can burn! At the most a bad threading job can give you cuts, that can heal. Why would you let something that HOT touch your face????
2. NO BOTOX WHEN I AM 30! Well waxing does involve considerable amount of pulling. Since the area near the eyes, mouth (in case of upper lip waxing ) etc is most prone to wrinkles, waxing the area will only result in accelerating the aging process no?
3. INGROWN HAIR-- That too on my face?? EWW!
Yea, its a possibility with waxing! Some inexperienced technicians who pull hair the wrong way can leave you with ingrown hair for a LONG time!
Convinced?
Here are some links for people offering threading around LA:
1. Vinita's Threading
2. Ziba Beauty: I find them a little expensive. Also, they often have "trainee" technicians.
3. Haircut 2000: Even though i had a not so good experience here last week, I am going to recommend them only because Rozina, Anne and Sharmila do a fabulous job-- EVERY time.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Winter Exfoliation
The warm-cold-warm alteration in the weather has been causing havoc on my already dry skin. Do you also get dry patches near your cheeks etc when you wake up? I do :(
I intend buying a humidifier to try and see if it will solve part of the problem. But in the mean time, this morning I tried a very good Khadi's Herbal Face scrub with Sandalwood Oil in the shower. The whole process took like maybe 1.5 minutes extra in the shower, but was well worth it. My face felt as smooth as a baby's bottom and the subtle smell of sandalwood put me in a very good mood indeed.
The best part about this scrub was that it is made of all natural ingredients like Tulsi, Neem etc. Also the crystals are not very harsh but at the same time big enough to feel like you are getting some good exfoliation in. This scrub is good enough for sensitive skin as well-- I was recommended this scrub by someone with problem skin (reddish appearing acne), who uses it to clear her pores from time to time.
Overall, a 9/10 rating from me. This remains on my Shower caddy for now!
I intend buying a humidifier to try and see if it will solve part of the problem. But in the mean time, this morning I tried a very good Khadi's Herbal Face scrub with Sandalwood Oil in the shower. The whole process took like maybe 1.5 minutes extra in the shower, but was well worth it. My face felt as smooth as a baby's bottom and the subtle smell of sandalwood put me in a very good mood indeed.
The best part about this scrub was that it is made of all natural ingredients like Tulsi, Neem etc. Also the crystals are not very harsh but at the same time big enough to feel like you are getting some good exfoliation in. This scrub is good enough for sensitive skin as well-- I was recommended this scrub by someone with problem skin (reddish appearing acne), who uses it to clear her pores from time to time.
Overall, a 9/10 rating from me. This remains on my Shower caddy for now!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Eastern Spice Mix a.k.a Beauty Food
I have been trying this new mixture every morning on an empty stomach. Its supposed to help with heartburn issues as well as helps clear out the skin and adds a glow (or so I have heard).'
I have definitely noticed a slight improvement-- my skin doesn't look THAT dull anymore.. I am going to keep doing it, will report my findings in 2 more months :)
You need:
Cinnamon Powder
Ginger Powder and
Turmeric Powder.
Mix equal proportions of each of these powders and store in an airtight container. Every morning, on an empty stomach, mix 1 teaspoon of this mixture with honey and eat them... Ewww, yes I know it tastes horrible, but who said beauty was comfortable right?
Advice: Do this before you brush your teeth. Turmeric Powder is known to cause a yellow coloration, and you don't want to go to work with a Yellow Tongue do you?!
I have definitely noticed a slight improvement-- my skin doesn't look THAT dull anymore.. I am going to keep doing it, will report my findings in 2 more months :)
You need:
Cinnamon Powder
Ginger Powder and
Turmeric Powder.
Mix equal proportions of each of these powders and store in an airtight container. Every morning, on an empty stomach, mix 1 teaspoon of this mixture with honey and eat them... Ewww, yes I know it tastes horrible, but who said beauty was comfortable right?
Advice: Do this before you brush your teeth. Turmeric Powder is known to cause a yellow coloration, and you don't want to go to work with a Yellow Tongue do you?!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Want Oil?
Have Oil- Will buy!
I love Oils! Since I am prone to such dry skin, I prefer using an oil to a creme or a moisturizer. This applies to skin and also to hair- something I haven't seen much in the US. A scalp massage with specific hair oils before getting into the shower leave my hair so much softer and shinier.
Here is a quick list of some great oils to try out, especially since the weather is so dry.
1. Trader Joes Lavender Oil: This oil costs only about $5 but it smells so so good; like the ones they use in a spa during a massage! I have used this in a bath as well as on my skin and I really enjoy it. This is a slightly heavier oil, so make sure you test the texture before just pouring.
2. Carol's Daughter Mango Melange Bath Oil
This is the only oil I have tried so far from Carol's daughter. It costs about $20 and has real mango pieces floating around! The good: Paraben, mineral oil, petroleum, and artificial color FREE. The bad: After a few weeks, somehow the floating mangoes did not look very appealing and my mom even thought that the oil has some fungus :O !
3. Burts Bee Apricot Baby Oil
Burt's Bee Oils are available at almost every CVS and grocery store these days. I decided to try this out on a whim and I found it to be very very good! It applies well, not sticky, smells good and stays on for a long time. I have also used it for a 10 second face massage a few times. Its also very good to remove make up-- All this for $9!
4. Aveda Composition Oil
Yes, yes, I do see that this is classified as an oil for men. But really, you HAVE to go smell it at an Aveda store, on your next mall visit and yes, I am sure you will get a sample at least! Its a common oil used by a lot of places in aromatherapy pedicures etc...
5. Plain ol' Olive Oil: Yes it does work. And I often use it on my hair, on my face, in a mask etc.
6. Navratna Oil: Many brands make this oil, it doesnt matter which one you get. Its commonly available at most Indian Grocery stores. Caution: Apply very little or your scalp will burn as this contains Menthol. Other stuff: Thyme, Amla(Gooseberry), Shikakai etc. My hair felt very very soft the next day. Personally, I like the smell of the oil but a lot of people don't which is why its a good idea to try very little. One bad thing about this oil: It takes a while to take off in the shower, so the weekend is probably the best time to try this.
Any other oils that you have tried and loved? Drop me a note!
I love Oils! Since I am prone to such dry skin, I prefer using an oil to a creme or a moisturizer. This applies to skin and also to hair- something I haven't seen much in the US. A scalp massage with specific hair oils before getting into the shower leave my hair so much softer and shinier.
Here is a quick list of some great oils to try out, especially since the weather is so dry.
1. Trader Joes Lavender Oil: This oil costs only about $5 but it smells so so good; like the ones they use in a spa during a massage! I have used this in a bath as well as on my skin and I really enjoy it. This is a slightly heavier oil, so make sure you test the texture before just pouring.
2. Carol's Daughter Mango Melange Bath Oil
This is the only oil I have tried so far from Carol's daughter. It costs about $20 and has real mango pieces floating around! The good: Paraben, mineral oil, petroleum, and artificial color FREE. The bad: After a few weeks, somehow the floating mangoes did not look very appealing and my mom even thought that the oil has some fungus :O !
3. Burts Bee Apricot Baby Oil
Burt's Bee Oils are available at almost every CVS and grocery store these days. I decided to try this out on a whim and I found it to be very very good! It applies well, not sticky, smells good and stays on for a long time. I have also used it for a 10 second face massage a few times. Its also very good to remove make up-- All this for $9!
4. Aveda Composition Oil
Yes, yes, I do see that this is classified as an oil for men. But really, you HAVE to go smell it at an Aveda store, on your next mall visit and yes, I am sure you will get a sample at least! Its a common oil used by a lot of places in aromatherapy pedicures etc...
5. Plain ol' Olive Oil: Yes it does work. And I often use it on my hair, on my face, in a mask etc.
6. Navratna Oil: Many brands make this oil, it doesnt matter which one you get. Its commonly available at most Indian Grocery stores. Caution: Apply very little or your scalp will burn as this contains Menthol. Other stuff: Thyme, Amla(Gooseberry), Shikakai etc. My hair felt very very soft the next day. Personally, I like the smell of the oil but a lot of people don't which is why its a good idea to try very little. One bad thing about this oil: It takes a while to take off in the shower, so the weekend is probably the best time to try this.
Any other oils that you have tried and loved? Drop me a note!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Mushy mush mush mask
So my first experiment was with a Kela. My dear friend Ms. GB and me waste endless TMobile and AT&T minutes discussing life, skincare, J, D, what all we aren't doing (probably because we are on the phone that long?) etc. Ms. GB often gives me the best skincare tips, for which I thank you for publicly today my pal!
GB told me about the benefits of using Bananas on the face. Once I heard key words like toning, moisturizing etc etc the wind started blowing, everything seemed more colorful, there were bells ringing.... NOT!! :)
But I decided to give it a fair shot and try.
Use: 3/4 Banana
Method: I peeled a whole over ripe banana and in a bowl smashed it with a spoon and then applied it all over my face and neck. I let it dry for about 15 mins and then washed it out in the shower with cool water.
After-effects: My skin definetely felt much tighter and somewhat softer.
For Next time: I read on a couple other blogs that adding honey is a good idea for this mask. Some others add oatmeal, flax seeds and other stuff but I don't think I will ever do that on a regular basis. So banana and honey is good for now. Also, I will use only 1/4th of a banana next time! For the face and neck, thats plenty!
GB told me about the benefits of using Bananas on the face. Once I heard key words like toning, moisturizing etc etc the wind started blowing, everything seemed more colorful, there were bells ringing.... NOT!! :)
But I decided to give it a fair shot and try.
Use: 3/4 Banana
Method: I peeled a whole over ripe banana and in a bowl smashed it with a spoon and then applied it all over my face and neck. I let it dry for about 15 mins and then washed it out in the shower with cool water.
After-effects: My skin definetely felt much tighter and somewhat softer.
For Next time: I read on a couple other blogs that adding honey is a good idea for this mask. Some others add oatmeal, flax seeds and other stuff but I don't think I will ever do that on a regular basis. So banana and honey is good for now. Also, I will use only 1/4th of a banana next time! For the face and neck, thats plenty!
New Year Agenda
So this year my #1 resolution is to give my skin some more attention than I did in 2009.
That being said, I think its best to point out right here-- I am NOT the kind of person who gets a facial every 15 days or spends $80 on a moisturizer.
I like to describe myself as being in the "late 20's" with reasonable skin. I have gotten a facial a TOTAL of 4 times in my entire life (Yes, really), and cannot remember having frivolously bought a $60 moisturizer more than twice...ok maybe three times at most...
And I have also (reluctantly) made peace with the fact that my skin will never look anything like the models on ANY of the Vogue covers..... actually truth be told, not even like any of them on Meri Saheli.
So why blog all of a sudden? Well, I am hoping this blog can help people find easy, cheap, practical skincare routines for people who work full time, manage their homes, go out a lot, and generally don't have much time to pamper and pander all day long. I love trying out things from my kitchen-- although am no expert, I am hoping I can blog about all the new things I try every week and that way, discover a routine of some sort.
Welcome to Seeking Skinergy!
That being said, I think its best to point out right here-- I am NOT the kind of person who gets a facial every 15 days or spends $80 on a moisturizer.
I like to describe myself as being in the "late 20's" with reasonable skin. I have gotten a facial a TOTAL of 4 times in my entire life (Yes, really), and cannot remember having frivolously bought a $60 moisturizer more than twice...ok maybe three times at most...
And I have also (reluctantly) made peace with the fact that my skin will never look anything like the models on ANY of the Vogue covers..... actually truth be told, not even like any of them on Meri Saheli.
So why blog all of a sudden? Well, I am hoping this blog can help people find easy, cheap, practical skincare routines for people who work full time, manage their homes, go out a lot, and generally don't have much time to pamper and pander all day long. I love trying out things from my kitchen-- although am no expert, I am hoping I can blog about all the new things I try every week and that way, discover a routine of some sort.
Welcome to Seeking Skinergy!
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