Fall Skincare Tips from the ‘Supermodels’ Facialist Ildi Pekar

This article first appeared on TME 11/10/16

We love when we get the opportunity to receive skincare tips from Ildi Pekar! With clients like Miranda Kerr, Lindsay Ellingson and Irina Shayk, Ildi is responsible for the faces of some of today’s most beautiful women … and rest assured that genes alone don’t keep these women looking flawless. So, who wouldn’t be over the moon when Ildi shares her secrets? We really luck out this time because along with Ildi’s top skincare tips, she’s shared her favorite Fall DIY Mask!

To kick off the transition to cooler weather skincare, Ildi points out that our diet is most important! During the summer we eat a lot of light foods including vegetables and fruits, which contain water so we are more hydrated. During the cooler months we feel a little more lethargic and it shows in your skin because we eat foods that are hot and heavy for comfort than light and refreshing during the summer months. This leads to a lack of hydration and that awful, uncomfortable dry skin.

How To Shift Your Skincare Routine:

• Change to a milder cleanser
• Avoid using harsh toners that can dry out your skin too much and cause irritation
• Switch to a heavier moisturizer during the cooler months
• This is the BEST time to get a Deep Cleansing Facial or peel; it keeps your skin soft and clean and helps treat the skin damage that occurred during the summer

How To Combat Breakouts:

• A Deep Cleansing facial would keep your skin in check
• Get your pores clean regularly to reduce white heads black heads and acne
• Drink plenty of water or coconut water to keep your skin hydrated
• Apply moisturizer twice daily to keep hydrated
• Exfoliate your skin and increasing your fish oil intake will help as well

Ildi’s Favorite DIY Fall Beauty Mask:

• 2/3 tbsp of organic honey 
• 2/3 tbsp of plain organic yogurt

In a pot heat to room temperature. Spread thin layer on face neck and decollete. Leave on for 15/20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat skin dry.

16 Independence Day Nail Art Ideas For Patriotic Fingers

Fourth of July weekend is finally here and many are enjoying an extra day off. So, before you head out to the July 4th BBQ or Fireworks, take a few moments to get some nailspiration and polish up those paws. Peruse TME's slideshow and we've taking care to link to all of the "How-Tos" so that you get get started on your favorite Independence Day mani! FYI - You can get creative with your tootsies too!

Still looking for July 4th nailspiration? Or do you just love amazing nail art ideas? Check out “The Makeup Examiner’s Top Five Nail Art Blogs” and you’re sure to find amazing creativity! 

From Team TME - Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July! 

Winter Skin Re-Fresh Tips From Celebrity Facialist Ildi Pekar

You’ve probably read about Ildi Pekar more than once here on The Makeup Examiner and that’s because this is a woman who knows how to make our skin glow! With a client roster of some of the world’s best-known faces -- think Miranda Kerr, Irina Shayk and Lindsay Ellingson -- it’s obvious that Ildi is the go-to skincare guru! And, what’s more is that she offers up DIY tips to get our skin glowy… even during the bitter cold winter!

Team TME snagged the how-to for the Hungarian Facial Tapping Method and the recipe for Ildi Pekar’s “Famous” Hungarian Paprika Mask! So, What’s better than taking some “me time” on a cold and miserable winter afternoon?

Ildi explains, “Hungarians are known for their healing hands. They are taught special techniques and massages for a healing touch on your skin and body, which is why they prefer to apply medicine and products by hand rather than a brush applicator. The Hungarian tapping treatment on the skin is best known for an all-natural lifting effect. It also helps to drain out toxins and reduce puffiness in the skin creating a pleasant appearance.”

Hungarian Facial Tapping Method:

• Start by using 8 fingers (Not your thumbs).
• Make sure you are using the tips of your fingers (skin only).
• Start from jaw line and go around the eye area and use less pressure.
• Close your eyes when you are using the tapping method.
• Create a nice rhythm and even hum if you need to connect to a deeper place.

Tapping - Tap upwards and go in circular motions from the bottom of the face to the top and keep repeating. The Hungarian Facial Tapping Method can be done before or after a mask. We prefer before so that we can completely relax during “mask” time.

Ildi Pekar “Famous” Hungarian Paprika Mask: 

• 2 pinches of paprika powder
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ of a banana

Mix it together and apply to skin. Leave on face and neck for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. In Hungary, the most famous mask is the paprika mask. The mask is created with natural stimulants to boost skin circulation and metabolism. In Hungary, they utilize different herbs for different skin care issues to help heal it organically.

For more tips from Ildi Pekar, check out our Ildi section. To book an appointment, visit Ildi Pekar online!

Golden Door Offers A Little ‘Me Time’ For A Better You

After a day at the spa your skin feels supple and luxurious and your mind is Zen and relaxed. You want to hold on to that feeling forever. But, how? With insanely busy lifestyles leaving little time to ourselves … let alone a day at the spa … it simply isn’t always a feasible endeavor. The Makeup Examiner’s Editor and Founder came up with the perfect solution long ago.

Being an ardent believer in “me time,” although she’s not popping over to the spa on a weekly basis, she has a strict routine of at-home spa Sundays. Taking time to focus upon one’s self and pamper from head-to-toe is what keeps her level. And, she encourages all of us to do the same. Recently, she was introduced to products from the world-renowned Golden Door Spa and is recommending four amazing, must-have products for you to use at home!

Golden Peel-A-Way Masque ($72) - This elegant, gold masque instantly refreshes the skin by deeply lifting away impurities and dead skin cells. As it sets on the skin, a select blend of botanical extracts and sugar enzymes work together to nourish, hydrate and aid in the skin cell renewal process promoting a glowing complexion. The Golden Peel-A-Way Masque is suitable for all skin types and has a lovely aromatheraputic scent to give a full relaxed experience.

Bamboo Face Scrub ($64) – This delightfully aromatic facial scrub effectively exfoliates dead skin cells leaving a deeply cleansed, smooth, even-toned complexion. Designed for all skin types, except extremely sensitive or couperose, this scrub’s unique blend of bamboo powder and berry seeds along with healing, hydrating and nourishing plant extracts leave skin clarified, soft to the touch, wonderfully glowing and better able to accept other treatments more readily.

Yuzu Sugar Body Scrub – Japanese Citrus Blend ($58) - This aromatic and invigorating body scrub contains an extraordinary combination of selected ingredients to immediately improve the appearance of the skin. Sugar granules meticulously exfoliate while nourishing sesame, sunflower, safflower and jojoba oils deeply condition and moisturize the skin leaving it radiant and silky soft. The Yuzu aromatic blend is mood enhancing while it promotes a feeling of clarity.

Golden Door Orange Blossom Candle ($50) – Each of us at TME love our candles and this particular one is simply luscious. It is highly fragrant without being overpowering – you can smell the calming fragrance without even lighting the candle! The Golden Door Orange Blossom Candle is an exotic and heavenly blend of Néroli (Orange Blossom), Jasmine, and Rosewood combined with Lemon, Litsea Cubeba, Green Leaf, and a touch of Honey Wood. This all-natural candle is created with vegetable wax, essential oils and 100% cotton wick.

Always made with love, 100% of Golden Door’s profits go to select charities across the U.S. dedicated to transforming the lives of children. To get a few must-have “me time” products, visit Golden Door online!

Moroccanoil Curly Hair Regimen

DIY Makeup Brush Holder

Before we get to the brilliant DIY Makeup Brush Holder, it’s spring and it’s also time to check in on your makeup. TME’s editor has “issues,” shall we say, with what she lovingly refers to as the “disgusting and unhygienic beauty sins of the uniformed”. Goodness knows the amount of times that she’s written about cosmetic expiration dates and “When To Throw Away Your Makeup”.

The fact is that no one is perfect and that we’re all guilty of “hygienic-neglect” from time to time. We’re probably most guilty in the area of our makeup tools, so have a read of “How To Clean Your MakeupBrushes” before you set out to create this pretty and functional DIY Makeup Brush Holder.

Items Needed: Glass Container (Square or Rectangular) and Glass Beads or Coffee Beans or River Rocks

We’re guessing that everyone’s familiar with makeup brush holders and their expense. Which, quite frankly, is one the most unnecessary things to purchase because the main item that you need is most likely collecting dust in your abode. Almost everyone has a glass vase or container shoved in a cabinet. If you don’t, glass containers are fairly inexpensive to purchase at your local craft store or even to pickup at a yard sale.

Grab your container. Our preference for this DIY project is a rectangular container because it offers more room for our makeup brushes and is actually a more efficient use of counter space.

Empty the glass beads or coffee beans or whatever small item that you’ve chosen, into the container. This is the opportunity where you can get creative. The first time that we made a makeup brush container, we used river rocks to match our bathroom décor. But, we’ve also used coffee beans, because we love the smell.

Once you’ve filled your container, about 2/3 full, its time to arrange your makeup brushes. Make sure to leave room in between your brushes. Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative and use your imagination!

Five Natural Ways To Brighten Your Smile

Happy Monday! Although in completely honesty, this particular Monday feels more like a Mondaze. Team TME enjoyed Mother’s Day with our respective families and for those on the East Coast (USA) you know how extraordinarily gorgeous the weather was yesterday, so we’re finding it a built difficult to get our heads back into the game today.  We’d much rather be lounging outside … wouldn’t you?

But alas our work is never done, as this morning what did we find in our inbox? A question from a TME reader! Liz S. of Wellington, New Zealand asks: “My teeth are gross. They look real yellow and I want to whiten them, but I don’t want to use a [whitener]. Do have any natural teeth whitening tips?”

Understandably, no one wants a yellow smile. First and foremost is good oral healthcare. Brush and floss after each meal, see your dentist regularly and for an on-the-go dental quickie we’re loving the Rolly Brush Mini Toothbrush. Moving on … let’s get to some natural teeth brightening tips!

Natural Teeth Whitening Tips:

Baking Soda and Lemon – This is probably one of the most well known natural teeth whitening solutions. And in fact, baking soda itself was once use as “toothpaste” to brush teeth. But, the mixture of baking soda and lemon juice works rather effectively to brighten teeth. As with anything, don’t over do it. Use this solution once a week as to avoid possible irritations.

Oil Pulling – Sounds gross right off doesn’t it? It’s not, and oil pulling has been around forever. Basically, oil pulling is rinsing your mouth and teeth with natural oil. Take one tablespoon of organic oil like, coconut or sesame, which you probably have in your kitchen, and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Thoroughly rinse your mouth out with water.

Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide – Food-grade hydrogen peroxide (FGHP) can be an effective teeth-whitening remedy. Mix a 50/50 solution using FGHP and water, and swish it around for 60 seconds.

Eat Strawberries - Strawberries can help whiten teeth because they naturally contain an enzyme called malic acid (a chemical found in teeth whitening products) and vitamin C. The astringent found in strawberries helps to remove surface stains, while vitamin C washes away plaque. Along with eating yummy strawberries, mashing up a few and brushing with the mixture once or twice a week can have positive results.

Eat Crunchy Fruits and Veggies - Apples, celery, and carrots are all great for your teeth. Crunchy fruit or vegetables act like nature’s toothbrush and they’re also super healthy snacks. Check out a super quick snack recipe for apple sandwiches!

Last, but not least. Use a Straw - Coffee, tea, and soda … those fab drinks that keep us going throughout the day…all cause stains on our teeth. So whenever possible, use a straw to reduce direct contact with your pearly whites.

*Medical Advice Disclaimer: The information included in this article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider.

AfterSpa Allows The Spa To Come To You

We all know that after a day at the spa, your skin feels supple and luxurious and your mind, Zen and relaxed. You want to hold on to that feeling forever, but how? Our EIC here at The Makeup Examiner is an ardent believer in “me time.” Although she’s not popping over to the spa on a weekly basis, she has a strict routine of at-home spa Sundays. Taking time to focus upon one’s self and pamper from head-to-toe is what keeps her level. And, she encourages all of us to do the same.

Of course even at-home spa treatments can be pricey. So, when Yvonne was sent AfterSpa products to test out (Range: $9 to $18) she happily did so and was thrilled with the efficacy. Emilio Smeke, creator of AfterSpa, states, “I wanted to create an apothecary line that was affordable for anyone who can’t make it to the spa regularly. In the real world, we are all so busy; a spa trip possibly happens maybe every 6 months or once a year. With AfterSpa, you will have all you need to create a spa atmosphere at home.”

AfterSpa comes in two luxurious skin-loving scents: Macadamia-Coconut and Honey-Mint. AfterSpa Collection:                          

• AfterSpa Head Towel  ($12)
• AfterSpa Back Scrubber ($9)
• AfterSpa Macadamia Coconut Hand Soap ($18)
• AfterSpa Honey Mint Scrub ($12)
• AfterSpa Macadamia Coconut Scrub ($12)
• AfterSpa Sleep Mask ($12)

Launching this spring/summer at Ross Stores nationwide AfterSpa is a line of eco-friendly bath and body products and accessories that will transform your mind, body and spirit … all in the luxury of your own home!

Perfect Your Skin With DIY Tips From Ildi Pekar

We know that we’ve been telling you that spring will arrive, and we are well aware that it feels as if it never will. But, we promise that warm weather is on its way! In the words of George Harrison – “It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter” and we are optimistically preparing for the time when we can shed layers of clothing and show off something sleeveless and flowy.

To bring you the best tips to get yourself ready for Spring 2015, TME turned to famed NYC Facialist Ildi Pekar for the season’s best skin care tips. Ildi has perfected some of the prettiest faces out there like Miranda Kerr, so whom else would we turn too? A native of Budapest, Ildi was raised in an area that’s world-renowned for its skincare treatments and one can say that Ildi was born to become a world-renowned esthetician and skin care expert.

As we stated above, Hungarians are known for their healing hands (Ildi Pekar has the best in the business!). In Hungry, they are taught special techniques and massages for a healing touch on your skin and body, which is why they prefer to apply medicine and products by hand. These techniques have been adopted by some of the best-known spas around the world, such as the Four Seasons Spa.

 A few methods include:

• The Hungarian tapping treatment (tapotement) on the skin is best known for an all-natural lifting effect. It also helps to drain out toxins and reduce puffiness in the skin creating a pleasant appearance.
• Hungarians love to soothe the skin and always incorporate different healing medicines for the skin. Instead of using water to steam the skin, they use chamomile. They also combine a massage technique during the steaming to enhance the effectiveness of the herb. This also helps with mental relaxation for the restless and stressful days. 
• To naturally sanitize the skin and tighten pores, Hungarians use an electric stimulating machine. This helps to prevent breakouts and keep skin flawless. Ildi uses this technique for many of her top-quality clients!

Ildi shares her famed Hungarian Paprika Mask for a DIY approach!

Hungarian Paprika Mask:

• 2 pinches of paprika powder
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ of a banana

Mix it together and apply to skin for 10 minutes. (While you have that mask on, watch the video!) Rinse with cold water. What makes this makes so popular are the ingredients, which are natural stimulants that boost skin circulation and metabolism. With natural in mind, Ildi has just launched her own collection of natural skin care products -- the I.PEKAR collection that is made with 100% Raw.

Note: A special thank you to Ildi Pekar for sharing her Hungarian Paprika Mask! Want to see Ildi up close and in person? Visit Ildi Pekar Skin Care located at 315 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600, New York City. Of course you want to phone first and make an appointment -- (212) 682-6080. The new I.PEKAR collection is available online!

DIY Honey and Avocado Mask

Ingredients:

• 1/2 very ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions:

Puree the avocado until it’s smooth. Add honey and coconut oil. Thoroughly blend all ingredients. Apply to your face, avoiding your eyes, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your face with tepid water in.

Beat The Winter Beauty Blues

Reese Dane

An Artic chill has fallen upon the majority of the country and The Makeup Examiner feels fairly confident in stating that winter is on. The whipping chill has her, and her friends, dreaming of a long vacation in a much warmer climate. Regrettably, jetting away for the winter isn’t an option. So as the old adage goes, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”.

When it’s frightfully cold outside, bring warmth to your surroundings indoors with a few simple “pick me up” steps. December and January are festive months so it’s time to get into the spirit of things. Make a delicious cup of hot chocolate (with mini marshmallows) and light a few seasonally scented candles to set the tone. These simple actions will hopefully lift your spirits a little and get you motivated for the next fun steps.

There actually is a plus side to being stuck indoors, as it presents an awesome opportunity to take time for ourselves. The Makeup Examiner loves to try out new beauty trends, but knows that not every trend can be mastered in the 2 minutes that we have before running out the door to work. If you’re stuck indoors, you have plenty of time to try out, and master, the biggest winter beauty trends. This winter, the metallics have taken over. But metallic can be tricky … too much of it (like shimmer) and your looking more like a clown then a beautynista.

Now is also the perfect time to pamper yourself. After you finished experimenting with the latest beauty trends, treat yourself to a few at-home spa treatments with a few of The Makeup Examiner’s favorite products:

• Take a rejuvenating sea salt bath with Clarisea Clarifying Salt Treatment
• Take a relaxing shower with a shower bomb like Level Naturals Shower Bombs
• Do a DIY hair mask - Avocado and Mayonnaise Hair Mask
• Give yourself a pedicure using Kerstin Florian FuB Balm
• Give yourself a facial with Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea Acai Goji Berry Mask
• Do a head to toe body scrub with DIY Brown Sugar & Vanilla Scrub
• Paint your nails in a lovely, deep red like TME’s current favorite SpaRitual’s From The Heart

If all fails and you’re still suffering from a case of the winter beauty blues, spray on your favorite perfume and whip out a bold lipstick!

Avocado and Mayonnaise Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado
• 1 cup mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. Remove the skin of the avocado
2. Mix the avocado and mayonnaise
3. Massage mixture into your scalp and length of hair
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap or a layer of plastic wrap
5. Leave on hair for 20 minutes
6. Rinse with warm water

Shampoo your hair and allow it to air dry to make the most of this homemade hair treatment! 

DIY Deep Conditioning Recipe and Moisturizing Facial

Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup Conditioner

Directions:

• Combine the olive oil and the conditioner in a bowl. 
• Microwave for 30 seconds (check for hot spots).
• Leave in for 30 minutes
• Detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb
• Rinse with warm water

Moisturizing Facial

Ingredients:

• 3 tbs. of honey
• 1-cup yogurt
• ½ cup oatmeal

Directions:

• Mix the ingredients together.
• Apply to the skin for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.

At Home Spa Beauty On A Budget

Every beautynista is saying, “I can’t believe it’s August!,” and it’s true that summer seems to have flown by. But there’s still plenty of summer weather left, which also means that there are plenty of skin-baring outfits to be worn. Even after we put our summer dresses in the back of the closet, we still need to take care of our skin. So with the help of EcoTools and a few new products from their Spa Bath Tools Collection, we can easily wrap up summer and head into fall with lovely skin. Not to mention, we can also enjoy at home spa treatments throughout the winter!

The Makeup Examiner has fallen in love with EcoTools budget-friendly, eco-friendly and effective spa tools. Of course, it doesn’t matter how fabulous our spa tools are if we don’t take care of our skin. It’s time for a quick refresher on skin care and how we can integrate budget-friendly beauty products into an at home spa experience. The first line of defense will always be sunscreen and with so many brands incorporating SPF into their products, there is no excuse not to protect your skin. Scroll down for a DIY Organic Skin Treatment and a breakdown of all the products that you’ll need for an at home “day at the spa”! [DIY Beauty recipes]

We’re heading into one of the busiest times of the year … back-to-school. It’s important to remember that you need to take time for yourself and not to feel guilty about it! To help alleviate any guilt, know that taking care of yourself allows you to take care of others and that with these tips, you haven’t spent a fortune

Sunscreen is a must - The Makeup Examiner often mentions the necessity of a good skin care regimen. Of course the first line of defense is SPF because no matter how many treatments you try, you can’t undo sun damage. SPF 15 is the minimum; opt for products with SPF 30 or higher.

Baking Soda Scrub

• 2 to 3 Tbsp. Baking soda
• Small amount of water
• Mix the ingredients into a paste
• Using a circular motion, apply to face and gently scrub
• Leave on skin for 10 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water

Spa Headband & Comb ($5.99), the bamboo comb gently detangles hair and can be used for deep conditioning treatments. The soft headband is perfect for holding back hair during your beauty routine and keeping product from getting into your hair. [DIY Deep Conditioning Recipe andMoisturizing Facial]

 Shower Cap & Storage Case ($6.99), a shower cap helps maintain healthy-looking hair and protects from shower moisture. Use the waterproof EVA side with a deep conditioning treatment for faster results and enhanced conditioning.

Spa Moisture Gloves ($3.99) are amazing for an easy at-home luxury treatment. Apply hand cream and slip on the spa gloves for 30 minutes. For a deep moisturizing treatment, apply coconut oil and wear the spa gloves overnight.

Spa Moisture Socks ($3.99) have become a TME favorite. I’m probably as doubtful as the next person when it comes to inexpensive beauty treatments, but the spa moisture socks worked incredibly well and are rather comfortable to wear overnight. The Makeup Examiner slathered on her favorite lotion, slipped on the socks, and awoke to soft feet. This is the best at-home pedi treatment!

Bath & Shower Gloves ($3.99) are another TME favorite. Made of 65% recycled PET, their eco-friendly and effective for an all over invigorating body scrub in the shower. It’s as simple as wetting the gloves, applying your favorite body wash and ta-da … clean and refreshed skin. Follow up with your favorite body lotion.

Take Care - Just as you would clean and care for your makeup brushes, you need to properly care for your spa tools.

• Spa Headband - hand wash and hang dry
• Bamboo Comb – wash with gentle soap and pat dry
• Shower Cap – thoroughly hang dry your shower cap after each use and store in bag
• Spa gloves and socks – wash after each use and dry flat
• Bath & Shower Gloves – remove excess water and hang dry
• Replace – remember that all things have a finite lifespan

The 411 On DIY Spa Treatments

A lot of beautynistas are looking for natural and cost effective treatment that they can do at home. Understanding a few basics can help you to create treatments that work best for your needs.

Strawberries:

• Teeth Whitener
• Reduces Skin Inflammation
• Helps Pores Appear Smaller

Lemons:

• Natural Disinfectant, Astringent and Deodorizer
• Helps With Digestion
• Natural Body Cleanser
• Skin Spot Lightener

Brown Sugar:

• The Best All Natural Body Scrub On The Planet

Oats:

• Relieves Dryness
• Soothes Irritated Skin (Unfortunately It Won’t Work On Irritated People)

Now that you have a few basics of what you can find in your kitchen and how these items will work, you can move onto trying a few recipes. 

Clairol Shares Color Duo Technique

Clairol Global Creative Director of Color and Style, Marcy Cona, developed a unique color technique to kick off summer. With plenty of backyard barbeques and beach vacations still on our schedules, it’s probably time for a touchup and Marcy has kindly decided to share her amazingly easy Color Duo how-to with The Makeup Examiner readers.

Two major pluses for The Makeup Examiner, regarding Clairol, are of course the brilliant creative mind of Mary Cona and the fact that the product is a quality at-home brand. As previously shared with TME readers, Marcy develops her own personal hair color techniques that are inspired by up-and-coming hair color trends and she develops them using Clairol Nice ‘n Easy products so the readers can replicate her inspirations at home. The Color Duo technique was derived to add a double dose of dimension and shine for natural-looking highlights, while helping to eliminate brassiness. 

Marcy Cona’s Clairol Color Duo Technique:

1. Product/Shade Selection

• Current shade – light brown to dark brown, medium blond to dark blonde
• Choose one shade for the base and one shade for the mid-shaft and ends
• Shade One: Choose a shade 1-2 levels lighter than shade two, within the same tonal family, for mid-shaft and ends.
• Shade Two: Chose a shade for your roots and hairline that will contrast and provide a backdrop for shade two.

 2. Prep

• Read instructions, put on gloves provided in the box before using any color, and perform Allergy Test 48-hours prior/Strand Test to predict results
• Prepare your hair color essentials (Petroleum Jelly or Waxelene, Plastic Clips, Large Tooth Comb and Towels)
• Part dry hair into four equal sections and secure each section with a plastic clip

 3. Application

• Mix Shade One and apply to the mid-shaft of your hair and let process for 15 minutes
• Mix Shade Two and roots and hairline and let process for 15 minutes

4. Finish

• Rinse with warm water until the water runs clear
• Use the inbox Clear Seal Glossy to condition your hair for 2-5 minutes
• Rinse and style your lovely locks! 

©2013 TyDus Enterprises and The Makeup Examiner All Rights Reserved 

DIY Beauty: Soothing Remedies for Your Eyes

The more that I review and write about the massive amounts of products on the market, the more I want to turn to at-home, DIY beauty treatments. That’s not to say that there aren’t many, many amazing products available, it’s simply a personal project to get back to the basics. Whether you’re on a mission to save money, desire fresh products or like me, simply want to explore … here are a few tried and true DIY eye soothers!

Anti-Inflammatory: Chamomile, Green, or Black Tea - Steep two chamomile, green, or black tea bags in hot water for three minutes. Remove them from the water and place in the refrigerator until cooled. Place one bag over each eye and relax for 15 minutes

Decrease Redness and Swelling: Spoons - This is a great one for after you’ve been crying. Place four metal spoons in a glass of ice water. When chilled, place one spoon on each eye, following the contour of your eye socket. As the spoons begin to warm, switch them with the spoons chilling in the glass of ice water. Continue this process until swelling subsides.

For Dry and Irritated Skin: Milk - Pour ice-cold whole milk or cream into a small bowl; soak two cotton balls in the liquid. Then squeeze out the cotton balls slightly and put one over each eye. Once the cotton balls warm up, soak two more and repeat for up to 15 minutes.

The Classic Cucumber Slices - This remedy for swollen, irritated eyes is an absolute classic and has been around for so long that it’s often shrugged off as “Mom’s old-school beauty”. Rest two 1/2-inch-thick cucumber slices on a bed of ice to chill. Once cool, place one slice over each eye, lean your head back, and relax for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the slices and rinse your face with cool water.

©2013 The Makeup Examiner 

DIY Beauty For Skin and Hair

For as much as I absolutely love all of the skin, hair and beauty products that I’m fortunate enough to play with, I’ve found myself on a bit of a “Get Back to Nature” kick.

Yep, The Makeup Examiner has been in the kitchen and nope … she hasn’t been cooking. Check out these easy DIY beauty recipes!

FACE

Anti-Aging: There are tons of recipes out there for DIY facials, but this one my grandmother swore by; combine one egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Leave the mixture on your face for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Blemishes: Take one ripe banana and blend it with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Dry Skin: Combine ¼ cup of a mashed avocado with ¼ cup of honey for a mask that will add tons of moisture to your face. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.

HAIR

Product Build-Up and Dandruff: Reduce product build-up, first and foremost by using less product. Easy said then done right? Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda into 1 cup of warm water. Apply to scalp and let it sit for 15 minutes. Thoroughly rinse.

Deep Conditioning: Blend 1/4 cup of plain yogurt, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and the whites from one egg. Cover your hair with the mixture and leave in for 30 minutes before rinsing it out.

Psoriasis beauty tips for summer – Home Remedies

Pass the plastic wrap and olive oil. This remedy is called occlusion. Apply olive oil to the affected area and wrap with plastic wrap overnight. For those that have psoriasis on the scalp, apply warm olive oil and gently massage it into the plaque to help soften the scaly area. Follow up with a gentle shampoo.

Baking soda. To take the itch out of your scaly patches, mix 1 1/2 cups baking soda into 3 gallons water. Apply to your itchy patches with a washcloth soaked in the solution.

Epsom salts. Add a handful of these healing salts to your bath. They'll keep swelling down and bring healing to your psoriasis.

Mineral oil. This is another time-proven skin soother. Add a bit to your bath and soak your aching skin.

Fish oil. There have been numerous studies linking the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil to improvement in psoriasis patches.

Apply aloe. The gel from the aloe vera plant has long been known for its skin-soothing properties and research in the 1990s appears to have extended the plant's repertoire of possible benefits to include clearing psoriasis plaques.

Try a vinegar dip. Apple cider vinegar has a long history of being used to soothe minor burns and other skin inflammations, and it's also a disinfectant. According to the Psoriasis Foundation, some people with psoriasis have reported success in using it to treat their condition. As a liquid, it makes a great soak for affected fingernails and toenails and apparently has even been effective when applied to plaques using cotton balls. To prepare an apple cider vinegar compress, add 1-cup apple cider vinegar to 1-gallon water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and apply it to the skin.

Medical Advice Disclaimer: The information included in this post is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health-care provider.