How to grow healthy strong hair

We all want great hair. But unfortunately, shiny, healthy hair doesn't just happen without a little bit of effort. By following this simple routine, your hair can be shiny, healthy, and gorgeous. 

STEP 1: Wash your hair. 

How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type. If you have oily/greasy hair wash every other day. If you have normal hair or dry coarse hair wash every 2 days. Too much shampooing strips your natural oils, causing harm to your hair.

STEP 2: Condition your hair.

Since shampooing strips away the natural oils on our hair, using a conditioner restores it back. It keeps hair hydrated, moisturized and tangle free.

STEP 3: Air Dry Naturally.

Let hair dry naturally to minimize damage to the hair. If you must blow dry, use the lowest heat setting possible  Don't forget to use a heat protecting product before blow drying.    

STEP 4: Brush/Comb Hair.

Remember to only brush and comb hair when it is dry. Hair is vulnerable to damage when wet. Brushing keeps your hair tangle free and distributes its natural oils throughout the hair.

STEP 5: Leave In Conditioner/Hot Oil Treatments.

Treat your hair with care. Once a week or every two weeks use a leave in conditioner or Hot Oil once a month. Just like getting a manicure and pedicure, your hair needs special treatments as well.

STEP 6: Visit your hairstylist.
Avoid split ends. Once split ends are visible, it's time to visit your hair stylist.

STEP 7: Take a Multivitamin

It is amazing how much the lack of nutrients in our body can effect the quality of our hair. Drink lots of water and take your vitamin every day.

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

10 Signs You Need a Hair Makeover!

SIGN #1: Your hair has no volume.

The top is flat, the sides are bulky, and it no longer frames your features. If your hair just sits there, even after you've blown it dry, set it, or curled it, at the very least get a trim. 

SIGN #2: Your old pals assure you that "you haven't changed a bit!
It's probably time to do just that.  Start getting inspired by collecting images of cuts you'd consider. Revisit them weekly until you can picture living with one of them. Next, schedule an appointment.

SIGN #3: Your highlights are more noticeable than your base color.

This is an indication that your highlights have become too heavy. Consider a single process to cover the streaks and lay off new highlights for at least three months. (Don't worry, some of the lighter bits will naturally show through, giving you a subtler, sun-kissed effect.)

SIGN #4: You're not receiving compliments on your hair anymore.

One simple tweak sure to garner attention is to set your strands in hot rollers. Of all the heat-styling tools, they produce the softest, sexiest waves.

SIGN #5: Your hair and skin tone match.

If your tress and skin tones have become too close, you could benefit from lowlights. Add deeper, warmer streaks using peroxide and ammonia-free color to give your look loads of dimension without damaging your hair.

SIGN #6: Your clothes have evolved; your hair hasn't.

Altering your clothing style is the perfect excuse to update your 'do. This way, your new look will work from head to toe.

SIGN #7: Split ends are visible. 

When split ends are visible, you need to get a trim. Split ends damages your hair. So make the appointment STAT. 

SIGN #8: You pull your hair into a ponytail all the time.

Adding bangs or layers to give your locks some shape — that way, you'll be more apt to wear them down.

SIGN #9: You spend more than 20 minutes styling your hair.

If it takes this long, your cut is clearly not making the most of your texture.

SIGN #10: Your stylist could cut your hair with her eyes closed.

Sounds like someone's in a rut. Tell her exactly what you want, don't be afraid... after all it's their job. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

How to clean your makeup brushes

There are two ways to clean your brushes: Spot Clean and Deep Clean

Spot Clean:  

You don't submerge your brushes under water. Mostly used by makeup artists at work when they need to clean brushes immediately. Spot cleaning is great when you need to use the same brush for another color, therefore you don't mix the colors. With spot cleaning, the brushes dry very quickly. 

How to spot clean: 

You need: 

Paper Towel/Dry Clean Cloth

Makeup cleanser

Step 1: 

Take the makeup cleanser and spray into the paper towel/wash cloth.

Step 2: 

Grab the brush and just sweep it back and forth on the paper towel.  If using a paper towel, once it gets worn out, use another one. Keep repeating until no more make up residue on the paper towel/wash cloth. You're done!

    

Deep Clean: 

Cleans your brushes way better, and it is very important to deep clean your brushes at least once month. If you use makeup everyday then at least every 2 weeks/ twice a month. Also, too much washing will damage your brushes. Remember, your brushes are going to need at least 24 hours to dry.

How to Deep Clean: 

You need: 
Small Plate

Detergent such as Dawn or Palmolive

Makeup Cleanser

Paper Towel/Dry Clean Cloth

Hand Towel

Step 1:

With the brush pointing downwards, run it under water. You should only be wetting the hairs of the brush. Do not let water get into the handle.  

Step 2:

Pour a teaspoon of detergent and a teaspoon of the homemade brush cleanser on the plate.*If cleaning a Kabuki Brush use 1/2 tablespoon* 

Take the brush and gently sweep it back and forth on the plate. You should see makeup coming off the brush. 

Step 3:

Rinse the brush pointing downwards, thoroughly washing the detergent of the brush. Rinse until the water runs clear. After rinsing, gently squeeze the brush to remove excess water. *Just make sure the brush isn't dripping wet when drying*  

Step 4:

If water does get into the brush besides the hair, now's the time to take the paper towel/clean cloth to clean/dry off the handle.

Step 5:

Take your homemade brush cleanser and spray a small amount on the brush to keep it clean, condition and bacteria-free. Take the same cloth you used earlier (Step 5) to remove the excess residue and reshape your brush.

Step 6: 

Fold the hand towel in half so your cleaned brushes will not touch the surface. Try to keep your brushes stored in a place where they won't get dusty.  Lay it flat to dry on the hand towel overnight.

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

Homemade Makeup Brush cleanser

Makeup brushes can harbor lots of dirt and bacteria, BUT washing them can keep them clean. Plus your face will thank you for that-you want a clean and a healthy face. There are tons of brush cleansers but have you read the ingredients in the back? Do you know what the ingredients are? Chemicals you haven't heard of? How expensive they are? I have tried other brush cleansers but they always leave my brushes dry and slightly brittle.

You don't need to spend a lot of money on a makeup brush cleaner because 

I found a video on YouTube and I think it's the most natural cleanser you can make at home. The ingredients are products you have at your home. I've been using this home made makeup brush cleanser for the past year and my brushes have been good as new. The result: the brushes are virtually soft and squeaky clean. 

So here's what you need for the home made brush cleanser:

• 1 cup Distilled Water, Purified or Bottled water: DO NOT use tap water. BUT make sure you boil tap water first for 10 minutes, let cool, then you can use it.

• 1/4 cup 70% Isopropyl Rubbing alcohol: To kill bacteria and to sanitize our brushes. 

• 1/2 tablespoon Dish Soap/Detergent: To remove the oils produced from our skin. Remember Palmolive Or Dawn only. We use Dawn detergent to clean sea animals affected by Oil Spills, and are least toxic to animals. They do not cause harm to our skin. Palmolive is safe for hands because it doesn't dry out our hands. Other detergents are extremely drying. 

• 1/2 tablespoon Baby Shampoo: To wash out dirt and makeup residue from foundation, eyeshadow, translucent powder, and blush. No harsh chemicals therefore safe for your brush.

• 1 tablespoon Spray on Leave-in Conditioner (Liquid form): Leave in conditioner is useful because your hair is soft & conditioned without the need of water. Using this conditioner on your brush leaves your brushes soft, never dry or brittle. Good brands are: Aveeno: Nourish + Condition™ Leave-In Treatment,  Paul Mitchell: The Conditioner™ Leave-In Moisturizer,  Aussie: Hair Insurance™ Leave In Conditioner  Nexxus: Humectress™ Luxe Ultimate Moisturizing Leave-In Spray.  Please do not buy the "GEL FORM" make sure it's in "LIQUID FORM"

• Mixing Jar/Container

• Something to stir with: spoon, spatula, chopsticks..etc

• Empty bottle for the cleanser

Mix the ingredients together in the jar/ container starting with the water.

After all the ingredients have been mixed in, carefully and gently stir everything together. Don't mix too fast, you don't want to start sudsing/foaming. After everything is blended toghether, pour the mixture into the empty bottle. There will be little white residue due to the spray on conditioner. This is ok.

So there you go, you're very own brush cleanser. Remember to deep clean your brushes once a month. Too much washing will damage your brushes. Please take good care of your brushes. A well maintained brush help you create that flawless look.

Hope you enjoy these great tips! Thanks EnKoreMakeup for the cleanser.

4 Basic Skin Care Needs

4 Basic Skin Care Needs.   

Everytime we touch our face, put makeup on, expose yourself under the sun, you are producing bacteria, residue, and damaged skin. Therefore, our skin needs to stay healthy-looking so here are 4 basic daily skin care needs. 

1: Cleansing

First, your skin type -- whether it's oily, dry, normal or combination - you have pick a cleanser one that suits your skin type. Don't be afraid to try several products. However using too many products may cause irritation. Experimenting is the Key, to a minimum of course. Also you can always ask your friends about the type of cleanser they use. Cleansing removes hidden dirt, makeup, opens up clogged pores and keeps the skin fresh 

When you cleanse, be sure to massage it into your face for at least 20 seconds so the ingredients can penetrate and be most effective.

2: Exfoliate

Exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round.  Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. We find exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing all year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good. 

Retinoids (such as Retin-A or the more moisturizing Renova) also work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells while also generating collagen in the skin. 

3: Moisturize

Moisturizing is very essential to keep the skin healthy and glowing. All types of skins need moisturizing. Even if your skin is oily, you should use a moisturizer. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin. Do not over-moisturize.

4: Sun Protection/SPF/Sunscreen

When you use sunscreen, you're not just helping to protect yourself from diseases like skin cancer; you're also helping to prevent the signs of skin aging that come from sun exposure. Skin that's left naked in the sun ends up more discolored and wrinkled and less elastic than skin that has been steadily shielded from UV radiation. Sun exposure causes wrinkles. It's best to use a moisturizer with sunscreen in the morning and another moisturizer without SPF at night. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

Hair Loss causes and prevention

Hair Loss plays a lead role in enhancing our looks. As a result poor self esteem may occur and your loss of confidence may prevent you from being happy. But don't despair unless it's hereditary, which is common baldness: male-pattern baldness/female pattern baldness, or permanent-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men/women. But if none of the above plays a role in that, here are some prevention and tips that are helpful for you.  

Hair Loss Causes: 

• If you have live a high stressed life try reducing stress by taking some time out daily just to relax, excessive stress is believed to induce hair loss

• Have you experience an illness/infection, an underlying disease, hormonal problems or a major surgery? These factors can cause hair loss. 

• Certain medicines/medications can cause hair loss. Ask your doctor.

• If you color your hair, limit coloring it to once ever 2 months. Hair coloring damages your hair and the less frequently you color it the better.

• Avoid putting too much physical stress on your hair, brush/comb your hair gently, don’t pull your hair when you brush and avoid braids and ponytails if possible, they place constant stress on your hair.

• Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, flat irons/curling irons) on your hair.

Hair Loss Prevention

• Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair. Drink lots of water, avoid junk/ processed food and eat your veggies.  

• Take a multivitamin, Vitamin C and Omega 3's all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair.

• Massage your scalp will increase circulation. Plus it's soothing and calming.

• Get enough sleep.

• Visit your hairstylist for trimmings especially split ends. Having split ends means unhealthy hair. 

• If all else fails, see your doctor or a dermatologist for advice if you have concerns about hair loss and want to seek treatment. Don't forget there are wigs, hair pieces, and extensions at beauty department stores. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!

Taking care of your skin during Winter!

Winter is fast approaching and the cold temperatures changes your skin. You skin and lips becomes dry, chapped, crusty and itchy. It is necessary to take care of your skin in winter. Here are some tips for skin care during the winter.

* Avoid harsh (typically colored, fragrant or antibacterial) soaps and stick with mild non-drying soaps.  Stick with soaps with Oatmeal or Aloe Vera or all-natural soaps. Oatmeal moisturize, protects and cleans the skin and Aloe Vera moisturizes the skin. It is often used for treating cuts and  burns. You can find natural soaps at a Natural Foods Store.   

 

* Moisturize more and frequently

The winter months causes the skin to dry, chapped and itch easily. So find a moisturizer that traps in moisture. If you have itchy skin, look for "non-irritating" and "fragrance free" products. Eucerin®​ is a good brand. Most of their line are effective for dry skin. These are typically used for the arms, body, hands and legs.

If your face turns itchy and dry more during the winter, avoid washing your face with warm water. Use cold water. Immediately after washing your face, dry your face completely dry and apply moisturizer to lock in moisture. Olay® is a good brand for moisturizer, it's not too thick and provides SPF 15. Other brands include:  Cetaphil®, Neutrogena®, and Philosophy®  

Don't forget to apply your moisturizing cream/lotion immediately after bathing and toweling dry to lock in moisture.

*Use a Humidifier

Heaters causes your skin to dry out. Humidifiers prevents your skin from drying out. Remember to use the humidifiers only when your heater is on. Too much humid causes mold to grow.

*Stock up on Lip balm

Your lips gets easily chapped and cracked during the winter. It is very common so pamper your lips with lip balm throughout the winter season.  If you have severely chapped lips (do not pick it), apply throughout the day including at night before you go to bed.

*Slather on the Sunscreen. 

Don’t forget your sun protection, the winter sun can still damage your skin.The sun ages your skin. Sun protection with SPF 15 is fine. Either use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or a finishing powder with SPF. 

Hope you enjoy these great tips!