DIY Lip Scrub

During the winter months my lips tend to get chapped easily and look dry. Even with chapstick and drinking plenty of water I sometimes have to go through extra lengths to keep my lips soft. What a better way to get fresh lips than with a homemade lip scrub? The best part is that I had all of the ingredients in my kitchen!

What you need:
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Honey

Now here's what you do. Mix all the ingrediants together. Then apply a small amount to your lips. Rub gently into lips for about a minute or two. Then wipe off with a warm, damp cloth. Also as an added bonus you can store the extras in a closed jar.

How to Achieve Lasting Curls

I find that making my curls last all day can be challenging.  However, I've found a trick that I use each time to make my curls last for a longer period of time.  Here's what I do.

After sectioning off my hair, I take a 1 inch section (I also use a 1 inch curling iron since I have long, thick hair) and spray it lightly with hairspray.  Then comb through the hair to make sure it's not sticky and curl the piece like you normally would.  I've used many hairsprays and the one I am currently obsessed with is the Frizz Defy Hairspray from Nexxus.  Not only is it lightweight, it also prevents your hair from looking sticky and greasy.  As an added bonus it also smells good.

Now here's the trick, after the piece of hair is curled, you gather the curl into your hand.

Then take a bobby pin and pin the curl together.  This allows the curl to cool and hold its shape.

After you are done curling and pinning all your hair, remove the pins and your curls will last all day!

DIY Tired and Puffy Eyes

It's that time of the year again when Accountants are staying late during the weekdays long after all the other departments have left to go home, working weekends, and also working holidays.  During this time of the year, my eyes tend to get a feeling of tiredness (I am guessing this is due to starring at my computer screen all day).  As I am a big fan of home remedies (since people tend to spend so much money on products, that they will most likely only use a couple of items) I have two home remedies which I always use.  Also as an added bonus, all ingredients can be found around the kitchen and are also inexpensive. Here's what to do!

Teabags - Brew two caffeinated teabags and then remove from the water. Put teabags into the fridge (or freezer) for a couple of hours.  Once teabags are chilled, remove from the fridge or freezer and put one on each eyelid for about 15 minutes.

Cucumbers - Another home remedy you can try is to slice two pieces of cucumber and place them over your eyelids.  Relax for 15 minutes and then remove.  You'll be refreshed and awake looking in no time!

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Over the years I’ve noticed that many people do not clean their makeup brushes as often as they should be (if at all). Cleaning your makeup brushes often goes overlooked especially in the mornings when you are in the rush to get out that door or at night when you’re in a rush to meet your friends for a night out.

I’ve noted the importance of keeping my brushes clean in between usage along with several benefits. My skin is a lot clearer when I use clean brushes as this prevents bacteria from transmitting onto your brushes every time it comes in contact with your skin. Also, since makeup brushes can be pricey it’s a good way to make them last longer and keep the brushes feeling soft (as we all know how expensive good makeup brushes can be!)

Many people think that you need to go to the store and buy a solution to clean brushes. It is quite simple to use products you have lying around at home to clean your brushes. All you need to do is to do the following (use either shampoo or unscented white soap):

1. Wet your brush with lukewarm water
2. Either swirl the brush onto the bar of soap until it lathers or put a little bit of shampoo onto the brush
3. Rinse the shampoo or soap off the brush in lukewarm water
4. Gently squeeze out excess water
5. Lay the brush flat on a clean towel and let it air dry

Sephora also sells a daily brush cleaning solution which I currently have and love to use.

Anti-Acne Facemask

This morning I woke up with an ugly surprise on my chin. A zit!

Instantly I thought to myself, "What products could I use at home to make my zit go away?" I then remembered that a face mask made out of honey and cinnamon works wonders for breakouts!

How could these two simple ingredients that can be found in households be so good for your skin? Also might I add, quite a yummy combination? Cinnamon drys out the skin and brings blood and oxygen to the skin while honey is an anti-inflammatory agent which heels infections and also cleans your pores.

Here is what you do. Mix 3 tbsp of honey with 1 tbsp of cinnamon. Then apply a thin layer to the face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash off with water and pat dry.

Your clean will be feeling fresh and clean!