THE IMPORTANCE OF MOISTURE FOR HAIR

These past few weeks have been filled with never ending to do lists and worrying about making Thanksgiving a wonderful day for your family and friends. Now that the day has past and you made many new wonderful memories, it is time to look forward to the holiday season and making sure that you are taking care of yourself.

Thank you to the many followers that have checked in and encouraged me to keep up my blog. My goal is to continue to provide information that will help your everyday lives and to add anything else that may come along.

Well today I wanted to share with you an article that I just came across and thought it would help so many out. I am always looking for something that will magically give me healthy hair. So I hope this article helps because I know I will be taking some of the tips.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MOISTURE FOR HAIR

LET ME KNOW HOW YOU KEEP YOUR HAIR HEALTHY.

IS YOUR PILLOWCASE CAUSING YOUR ACNE BREAK OUTS???

Did you know your pillow case may be to blame for your recent breakouts?  Yes, this is true.  For many, simply changing your pillow case more often can reduce or eliminate your break outs.

A simple way to determine if this happening to you is to look at your break out.  Pay attention to what side of your face has more acne.  Usually, it will be the same side that you sleep on.

WHY?

It is no myth that sleeping on a dirty pillowcase can cause acne, Using a dirty pillowcase can in fact cause acne because it can aggravate an acne condition and cause the skin to become inflamed and irritated.  Your face naturally secretes oils during the night and these oils are sticky.  If you are using a dirty pillowcase then you are allowing your face to collect extra bacteria and waste during the night which often results in further clogging of the pores and acne outbreaks.  It may sound dramatic, extreme or just plain foolish, but the truth of the matter is that using a dirty pillowcase is kind of like taking a dirty cloth and just wiping it all across your face for hours at a time.  People with really sensitive skin may also be more prone to the clogging of pores, as the littlest things can sometimes set acne off causing skin to become irritated or inflamed.

Bacteria from our eyes, nose, and mouth all cover our pillowcases at one point or another.  As you lay there totally unaware trying to count some Z’s your face is clogging up with toxins.  They seep into your skin and clog your pores, causing acne outbreaks and irritation to occur.

 WHAT TO DO?

Change your pillow case.  It is simple enough but the real question is, How often?  It may be a little excessive for some to change it everyday.  I have to say in reality it depends on several factors.  Take into consideration your hair type, skin and how much you swear through the night.  If you hair is oily and you sweat quite a bit through the night, changing your pillow case everyday might be necessary. For some you may be able to change it every few days.  Purchasing several different pillow cases will ensure that you have no problems when it is time to change your case. 

Also make sure that you are washing your pillow in hot water every other week.

Please let me know if this tips helps you or any other tips to prevent or reduce acne.  

What I have been up to???

Hello Everyone.

I did promise most posts and I am working on a couple of articles right now.  Until my next post I thought I would show you what I have been working on.

Please check out my store on etsy  at   owleyescollection.etsy.com

Everything below can be found there.

Have a great day

TIME TO GET BACK ON TRACK

I am so sorry for neglecting my blog for a whole month.  I have been busy with creating and marketing my Jewelry collection. I am very happy with it but there is still a lot of work to be done. 

Check out my etsy store at Owl Eyes Collection

It is time for me to get back to my Time Management and work it all out. 

I am excitied so many new things coming into my life and I want to share some great information with everyone that reads my blogs.

Well I truly hope that everyone is doing well and please look out for some more upcoming post.

Thanks you

NEW EARRINGS

These earrings are a tear drop shape made with high quality silver chain and Swarovski Crystals. 2.5 inches in length and a 1.5 inches across. $9.00

These are made from high quality silver chain and Peacock Green Swarovski Crystals. Wearing these earrings make you feel a little extra glamorous. 3.5 in length and 2 inches in width.$11.00

These Earring's are made from high quality silver chain and Swarovski crystal beads. These look great on everyone and adds a little something special to your look. These are 7.5 inches in length.$9.00

These Earring's are very simple but classic. These are made with high quality silver chain and a deep purple crystal bead. Measure 4 inches in length $8.00

These are made from High Quality silver chain with swarovski crystal covered bead. Measures 10 inches in length. $10.00

These are made from High Quality silver chain with swarovski crystal covered bead. Measures 10 inches in length. $10.00

I use High Quailty Chain and beads on all Jewelry.  Adjustment can be made on size and color (most items) per request.  For Orders or Questions please contact me at definingyourbeauty@gmail.com

**Shipping is $2.50 for any where in the United States, if outside the United States Please Contact me for Prices.  I can also combine shipping if you order more than one item
Thanks

SKIN TONNER - WITCH HAZEL

Witch Hazel has been used use in various ways for several years.  I discovered this product about 6 months ago.  I was looking for an affordable toner that would help with my acne and this is what I found.

You can Purchase this almost anywhere.  Drug Stores, Markets, etc.  I purchased this at Sally's.  The price can range from $3 - $5, depending on where you purchase this.

Medical Studies have shown that Witch Hazel contains an anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce erythema caused by sunburn, protects skin with anti-oxidant properties to fight anti-aging free radicals. 

Witch Hazel is an excellent natural astringent, which reduces inflammation, sanitizing the skin and at the same time helps with hydration of the skin and stabilizes the barrier function of the skin.

It also calms irritated skin and reduces trans-dermal water loss.



Simply use a cotton ball to apply to the skin as a toner.  For best results, use this once in the morning and before bed.  I have to warn you that there is a odor when you first apply, but disappears in seconds.

For myself, I really like this product and when I am using it twice a day every day, i notice that i have little to no break out.

I hope that this information does help..

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVORITE TONER.

EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN PART 2

Here is some more information that I found about EATING YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN.  All of the information has been taken from magazines and different sites.  I hope that this information helps. 

Lemon + kiwi = complexion clearer

How come oranges get all the citrus-fruit street cred? “Lemons help your body detox by supporting your liver and kidneys,” says Peter Lamas, founder of Lamas Beauty. “The cleaner your system is, the clearer your complexion will be.” Kiwifruits have the same effect, notes beauty dietitian and nutritionist Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D. “One cup of peeled kiwifruit contains more vitamin C than the equivalent amount of oranges … and research has suggested that high vitamin C intake is associated with fewer wrinkles,” writes Drayer in The Beauty Diet. 

Ginger = puffy-eye fighter

“Slice into some ginger,” suggests nutritional consultant Allison Tannis, B.Sc., M.Sc., R.H.N., the author of Feed Your Skin, Starve Your Wrinkles. “Not only is it a great spice to add to your salad dressing or stir-fry, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Skin conditions like acne and psoriasis cause your skin to appear puffy and red, both of which are signs of inflammation.” So when you’re tempted to order Chinese takeout one night, go for it—and indulge in something gingery.

Papaya = glow enhancer

Exotic fruit like papayas can help give you an I-just-back-from-a-relaxing-getaway glow. “You can spend your money on an exotic vacation instead of paying for an expensive face-lift, thanks to this tropical fruit,” writes Tannis about the carotene-, vitamin C- and flavonoid-packed food, which can help fight wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Wheat germ = new skin-cell booster

Sprinkling some vitamin B-packed wheat germ over your morning yogurt or cereal will do wonders for your skin, says Tannis. “The best way to ensure your skin is looking its best is to eat foods that offer your skin the nutrients needed to make more healthy, new cells. B vitamins are really important because they support rapid cell division—which is just what you want.”

We all know the right foods can boost brain power and affect our moods, and we recently learned the ones that can help us live longer. But have you ever thought about how what you put in your mouth shows up your face (beyond that whole pizza/acne myth). Here, dietitian Jae Berman dishes out how you can truly eat your way to better skin: 

1. Vegetables: Think green and orange foods (spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus). They contain the antioxidant vitamin C which facilitates cell turnover and aids in collagen production. Carrots also contain vitamin A which, combined with the C, helps increase the skin's natural sun protection—and they help prevent breakouts by getting rid of dead skin cells.

2. Berries: The flavinols in cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries (and in dark chocolate!) act as an antioxidant and improve skin texture, leaving it soft and smooth.

3. Fish: Skip the facial and eat fish two to three times a week. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids—an anti-inflammatory that fights puffiness, redness, and irritation. Even canned tuna has benefits: It battles wrinkles with Selenium, a mineral that preserves the elastin in the skin, which keeps it tight.

4. Nuts: They make quick, easy snacks and just a handful does a lot of good. Almonds help protect skin from UV light because they contain high levels of antioxidant vitamin E. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and act as an anti-inflammatory, just like fish.

5. Oils: One of Cleopatra's ancient beauty secrets—olive oil. It's high in antioxidants and keeps skin supple. And flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, just like fish, and offers all the same benefits.

LET ME KNOW HOW YOU MAINTAIN YOUR SKIN....

EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN PART 1

Having beautiful skin is important to everyone.  There are so many products that claim to help you obtain a perfect complexion and of course some of them work.  But to truly get skin that glows and always looks healthy, you have to start within.  Your skin reflects you diet, so if you eat fast food everyday and do not understand why your skin looks dull and is breaking out, this is why. 

First of all, you should be drinking a lot of water everyday to keep your body and skin hydrated.  Adding certain food and vitamins can make a huge difference in your complexion. 

I know that this easier said than done, but making this change in your life will help you feel better about your appearance and more importantly you will be healthier and happier.  I myself have acne prone skin and have hyper-pigmentation on my face and body.  I am beyond frustrated because nothing works and make up only goes so far.  Although I want the acne to disappear, I am more concerned about the hyper-pigmentation because it looks terrible.  So I have been reseaching and thought I would share some of the interesting facts that I found.

All of the information I have found on line and just wanted to put it together to share with you.  None of this will work over night.  I am going to try some of these and I will update my results at least once a month.  I know it will take a while for my body to get use to it.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is involved in collagen production and protects cells from free radical damage. Scientific studies found that when lab animals ate vitamin C-fortified food, their skin was better able to fight off oxidative damage. That said, replenish your skin’s vitamin C stores by eating plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Good sources include peppers (red/green/yellow), oranges, strawberries, lemons, and broccoli.

Vitamin E Vitamin E helps protect cell membranes and guard against UV radiation damage. Some research suggests that vitamin E may work in combination with vitamin C to provide an extra boost of anti-aging skin protection. However, because recent studies have raised some questions about the safety of vitamin E supplements, these nutrients should come from your diet, not from potent pills. I recommend you stick with food sources like wheat germ, fortified cereals, nuts and seeds (and the small amount found in a multivitamin).

Beta Carotene Another antioxidant critical for skin health is beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene/vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues, and may protect against sun damage. In extremely high doses, straight vitamin A from supplements can be toxic, so always avoid. However, ample beta carotene from foods like sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, mangos and apricots is entirely safe and great for your skin.

Selenium Selenium helps safeguard the skin from sun damage and delays aging by protecting skin quality and elasticity. Dietary selenium has been shown to reduce sun damage, and even to prevent some skin cancers in animals. Be sure to get your selenium from food, though, and not from supplements. Food sources include: Brazil nuts, tuna (canned light in water), crab, wheat germ

Omega-3 Fats Healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids help maintain cell membranes so that they are effective barriers—allowing water and nutrients in, and keeping toxins out. Omega-3s also seem to be able to protect skin against sun damage. In a study of skin cancer, people who ate diets rich in fish oils and other omega 3 fats had a 29% lower risk of squamous cell cancer than those who got very little omega 3 fats from food. Good food sources include oily fish, sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts

Supplements To improve skin health, I strongly recommend getting your nutrients from food sources. If you would also like to consider supplements, I recommend:

Multivitamin Choose a brand that contains 100% DV for vitamins A (optimally 50-100% coming from beta carotene and/or mixed carotenoids), C, and E, and which provides for about 55 micrograms selenium.

Omega-3 Fish Oils If you find it difficult to get omega-3 fats from food sources, try fish oil supplements. Speak with you doctor about which brand and amount is right for you.

THIS POST IS REALLY LONG SO I WILL INCLUDE MORE INFORMATION IN NEXT POSTING.

SHARE YOUR TIPS TO BETTER SKIN

DIY FACIAL WITH BAKING SODA

Baking Soda Mask to Fight Acne

This is so easy to make and can work wonders if your skin likes it. (Remember, not every cause of acne is the same, so you need to try different remedies and masks until you find the ones that work for you.)
All you need are two ingredients. Baking Soda (NOT baking powder) and water.

Mix a little together in your hands after washing your face with a mild cleanser and apply gently to your skin. Once you've coated your face with the baking soda and water mix, let it sit while you do other things around the house, or relax and read a book.

Rinse the baking soda film off your face and feel how soft and clear it feels. If your skin enjoys this recipe, and your acne improves, then you may try it several times a week to help clear your acne.

I found this information on another blog a while ago but wanted to share the information.  I have used this Mask several times and always helps with my ance.  You must be careful not to do this more than twice a week (2 times a week is only if you have major acne) because you will dry your skin.

Baking Soda is my go to product because you can do so much with it.  Check out some of my other posts for more information.

WHAT OTHER WAYS DO YOU USE BAKING SODA

JEWELRY - HOOP EARRINGS

This week I have some Hoop earring.

If are interested in purchasing any item please contact me at definingyourbeauty@gmail.com and shipping will be $2.00 for any where in the united states.

$10.00 (2.5 inches across)

$6.00 ( 1 inch across )

$6.00 (2 inches across)

$10.00 (2.5 inches across)

$10.00 ( 2 inches across)

$8.00 (2 inches across)

$8.00 ( 2 inches across)

DIY THURSDAY - Chamomile and Mint Facial

After reading several natural skin treatments, I have to admit that I was very surprise by the ingredients, but if my skin will benefit from it, I am willing to give it a try.  Hope that you enjoy this weeks.  DIY Facial.


Chamomile and Mint Facial


This herbal facial can help you get rid of acne and other skin problems. In a medium bowl mix 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers, 1 tsp chopped fresh mint along with 1 tbs honey and 1 egg.

This complex facial recipe won't empty your pocket, still can have a positive impact on the condition of your complexion. Apply the mixture on your face and neck if you wish. Let the mask dry for at least 10-15 minutes then rinse it off with tepid water.

PLEASE COMMENT:  LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS MASK AND I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR IF YOU TRY IT...

*REVIEW* BEAUTISOL SUMMER GLOW - SELF TANNING LOTION

Beautisol's representative recently sent me a sample of Summer Glow - Dark Self Tanning Lotion.  This is a great product for everyone that wants that warm summer glow that you can get overnight.  Although I am naturally tan, I do wear pants year round so I was very excited to use this product on my legs.  Before I get into my personal review, this is the information that is provided by Beautisol.

What it is:

Summer Glow™ dark self-tanning lotion is the perfect product for anyone looking for a deep, dark tan fast!

What's included:

• 6 fl. oz. Summer Glow™ - Dark Self-Tanning Lotion for Body ($39.00 + S&H)
• FREE Application guide
• FREE Two pairs of application gloves

What it does:

• Gives an immediate bronzing effect so you look tan and gorgeous instantly
• Provides a long-lasting, natural-looking dark tan
• Moisturizes & nourishes the skin with anti-aging properties
• Helps hide skin imperfections
• Innovative Pure Scent odor eliminating fragrance technology reduces the unpleasant processing odor by up to 80%

My Review:   I have to admit that I am impressed with this product.  I was not sure what to expect, but wanted some color on my legs.  I feared that the tan would look fake and would be obvious.

I made sure to use gloves to apply this product evenly over both of my legs and  followed the directions.  I did this a couple of hours before I went to bed, so I did not see the full result until the next day.  My legs were nicely tanned and it looked so natural.  Also, there really was a pleasant odor from this product. 

I would recommend this item for anyone that wants a natural looking Glow. 

PLEASE COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH SELF TANNING