Beauty Tip #3- Know Your Skin Type

Make a difference in your skin ---> Treat it with the right products

With technology advancing more everyday the beauty industry has made available a wide range of skincare products and cosmetics targeting a specific type of skin. Sometimes the amount of products available can be overwhelming because choosing between all the products becomes a harder and possibly a more time-consuming task. And of course all products differ in wight size and price. And while we would love to believe that the more we spend on skin care products the closer we are in achieving perfect skin..the reality is that if the product is not suitable for our skin the desired results may never come. This is because all products are available to target a specific skin type.

Which category do you fall in?

• Normal skin- It is said that people with normal skin are the lucky ones. They have neither oily skin or dry skin. They can try products without worrying too much about their skin reacting to the ingredients. 
• Dry skin- My category! How dry you are varies in everyone. I have dry skin but treating it with the right products allows me to wake up to skin that is free of flakes and dry patches.
• Combination skin- People with combination skin are dry in certain areas and oily in others. Usually they have dry cheeks and an oily T-zone.
• Oily skin- people with this type find to be oily in the morning, day and perhaps night. 
• Sensitive skin- this type may be most sensitive to certain ingredients found in creams, lotions, and soaps. If their skin is sensitive to a product, redness from irritation will appear in seconds. 

(***Keep in mind that many men and women have a combination of skin types so you may have dry skin yet be very sensitive to products)

Once you have identified the type of skin you have, finding products suitable for your skin will be easier. You will also notice how much happier your skin looks and feels because it is absorbing the right ingredients. 

I also want to thank you all lovely ladies for reading my blog and joining! I am so happy to be doing this and am always looking forward to writing new posts and creating looks. I have also met so many beautiful ladies and I am thankful for all the lovely comments I get from you all. 

Thank you for Reading :)

Beauty Tips- New to Blush Tree: Tip #1

A quick Introduction:

Beauty Tips is a new feature that will be part of Blush Tree. Tips relating to makeup, skincare and body will be posted every week, twice a week. Many of the tips I will share have been tried and tested by many women including myself. They have been written of on beauty magazines by makeup artists and beauty editors. Please feel free to share your experiences with the topics posted and let me know whether or not you have heard of, tried or currently practice these tips. And now lets get this rolling…

Photo obtained from Google

Beauty Tip #1: Change Your Pillow Cases

        When was the last time you changed your pillow cases? Many people spend hundreds on products such as creams, serums and acne treatments for their skin. This is completely fine but an easy technique that will make a huge difference is changing your pillow case. Pillow cases can hold bacteria and oils and sleeping over them every night may cause breakouts to occur. There are nights when we forget or are just too tired to remove our makeup and wash our face. During those nights the oils of our makeup (including the dirt our face attracts during the day) rubs off to our pillow and so do the natural oils of our hair causing bacteria to grow.  It is recommended that we change our pillow cases at least once every two weeks. Not only will you sleep more comfortably on a clean pillow case but your skin will be happier and cleaner. 

Thank you for reading :)

-Anel

Winter Skin Care Essentials

           With the months going by and the seasons changing from summer to winter, our skin also takes a shift. Just as we replace our wardrobe when summer ends and fall and winter are stepping in, we need to change our skin care routine. Everyone has a special skin type. Products may work for some and not for others so finding the right  skin care product can take time and patience. It is said that for the skin to properly adjust to a new product, it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks. My skin is dry, getting a bit on the combination side during the hot summer months. During the winter is when my skin becomes drier and prone to flakes. I have discovered the importance of preparing myself with the right winter care essentials that will aid my skin and protect it. Some of these products are already incorporated in my daily skincare regime and some I use only during the cold months. Before I go on and discuss each product, I think it is vital for everyone to take these precautions; include the right products that are not only based on skin type and condition but also your age. The following are reasons why our skin may react to a certain product;

-allergic reaction to a certain ingredient

- the product is too harsh on the skin

-the product is being used excessively

-too many products used at once may imbalance our skin, and a breakout may occur

-the product is not meant for the skin's age

• First thing, I use is an oil based makeup remover. It is called Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). I use EVOO all year round because I feel clean as it removes all traces of makeup. It also helps my skin retain more moisture, since it does not strip away my natural oils.
• Once the makeup is removed, I proceed to the cleansing step. Because my skin is dry, I try to gravitate for cleansers that have a creamy texture and if possible ones that are fragrance free. I am currently using Aveeno Ultra-moisturizing cream cleanser and LUSH AquaMarina cleansing roll. 
• The Honey mask- Once a week I apply natural bee honey and wear it as a mask. Honey has been known to have many benefits for the skin. The natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties found in honey help protect the skin from the damage of sun rays and rejuvenate and refresh skin by nourishing it; leaving skin soft and supple. All I do is grab one teaspoon of honey and put it in the microwave for 5 seconds. The melting of the honey enables it to apply easily and evenly onto the skin. I leave it in for about 10 minutes. Then with warm water, I rinse it off.
• Exfoliate using Exfolikate- Also once a week (not the same day I do the honey mask), I exfoliate my skin with Kate Somerville Exfolikate Treatment. Exfoliating the skin is just as essential as removing our makeup every night. The difference is that we should only be exfoliating 1 to 2 times a week, depending on the condition of the skin. When the skin lacks proper exfoliation, pores are more prone to becoming clog and remaining clogged. This can cause our skin to break out. Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells leaving a soft-texture to the skin. 
• Moisturizing the skin. During winter season is when you may want to opt for a heavier moisturizer for the night. I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream at night and during the day I use Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturizer (best base for under makeup). 
• Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly- My last step is applying this jelly on the areas where I am more prone to dry patches (my cheeks and the sides of my nose). This product made from pure plant oils and natural waxes. It is free from mineral oil, artificial fragrances and parabens. 

Ps: For soft lips- Every night I apply Jack Black Lip balm in Mint or Lemon and Chamomile- Love these lip balms!

Xx Anel

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

16 oz (453g)

US $10.17

What it is: A moisturizing cream made for dry, sensitive skin. It is described as a "non-greasy cream formula that is excellent for the hands, feet, elbows and knees". The quality humectants and emollients provide intensive and long-lasting hydration so that dryness does not reoccur.

Packaging: Cetaphil moisturizing cream is packaged in a big plastic tub containing 16 oz.

Verdict: During the winter months when my skin tends to become dehydrated and dry, I always worried about my skin peeling or flaking. I did not have a moisturizer that did it all, meaning one that is light weight which is perfect for under makeup and that is rich for night time. My dry skin requires a deep moisturizing cream at night. Giving this to my skin allows me to wake up to a clean and smooth complexion. I came across this moisturizer at Target and thought that it sounded like it might be worth giving a try. Yes the consistency is rich but it just sinks into my skin leaving it soft and glowing. It has also never made me break out. The amount you get for the price makes this product a close steal. The product can last months with everyday use. You can also use this moisturizer anywhere you experience dryness. There is no detected scent, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Lately I have been reaching for my Cetaphil cream for morning and night. 

What do you reach for during the cold months?

Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover Lotion- Hydrating

1.o fl oz (88mL)

US $7.99

What it is: A "hydrating" eye makeup remover which claims to "gently remove makeup even waterproof mascara".  The lotion "conditions and soothes the eye area". 

Packaging: Packaged in a blue-turquoise tube, the product contains 1.0 fl oz (88mL). The consistency of the product resembles that of a thin lotion. There is a detectable scent, but nothing too overpowering. 

Verdict: When learning that this makeup remover had the formulation of a lotion I admit I got really exited to try it out. I looked for it at Target and Walmart and could not find it on their Skin Care shelves. I thought that it may had been discontinued and looked for another eye makeup remover elsewhere. Little did I know that at my next stop at Ulta I was going to cross paths with this product. I immediately purchased it as soon as I saw that it was still on the market. It does an excellent job of removing eye makeup (eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara). However, unfortunately it failed to remove waterproof mascara. The mascara just stayed there and I had to add more than the necessary pressure to my eye with the cotton ball. ***What made me love this product is the way it makes my eye area feel during and after the process. It is soothing to the eye and hydrating to the lid. Even though it does not completely remove waterproof mascara I will continue to use it and repurchase it because of how gently and refreshing it is to the eyes. 

Where can you find it?

Available at Ulta

Would I recommend it to a friend?

Yes, and I will continue to repurchase!

My Beauty Secret

         With so many beauty secrets out there, I find it helpful to read the experiences of different people and find out their beauty secrets. My beauty secret is Extra Virgin Olive Oil. For the past three years I have been using Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a makeup remover. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) has been known to have many benefits for the skin. It can be used as a skin moisturizer, face/body exfoliator, lip exfoliator, makeup remover, nail and cuticle care and also as a hair treatment.

         What I love about using EVOO as a makeup remover is that it truly removes all traces of face makeup. That being said, I do not use it as an eye makeup remover. I used to use it for my eyes and face, but overtime I have realized that I needed to be very careful when removing eye makeup. If I got the product in my eyes, it stung a bit and made my vision blurry. Therefore, I decided to use makeup remover that is specifically made for eyes. So now you may be wondering how this oil acts as a makeup remover. The easiest way I can explain is as follows; we may all know that oil and water do not mix. If I were to use a simple cleanser and water to wash my face, my makeup wouldn’t be completely removed. This is because most makeup products are created using oils which are made to stick to the skin. Based on that fact, we need oil in order to remove oil from the skin. After I remove the makeup I follow with my daily cleanser. 

         Since using EVOO as a makeup remover, my skin texture has improved a lot. I used to break out on my cheeks but now my skin has become much clearer and smoother. 

What is your Beauty Secret?

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

1.7 oz 

US $15.00

         What it is: A gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types. It is described as a "multitasking gel that gently removes impurities and makeup". The main ingredient as you may already know is Soy. The soy proteins, "promote moisture retention, elasticity, and firmness". 

         Packaging: Soy face cleanser is packaged in a tube, just as many other cleansers are. Sephora sells the cleanser in two sizes. The full size tube contains (5.1 oz) and retails for $38.00 US dollars. The travel size tube contains (1.7 oz) and retails for $15.00 US dollars. 

         Verdict: This cleanser claims to remove all traces of makeup. However, because I always remove my makeup prior to cleansing I do not use this specifically for the act of removing the makeup. Usually I look for cleansers that are creamy because my skin is dry and a cleanser with a creamy texture will nourish my skin instead of strip it away. When one of my favorite cleansers, Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cleanser became harder to find, I started looking for a new cleanser. I decided to try a department store cleanser because you can get samples and return or exchange opened products. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using this gel cleanser and how it made my skin feel. It did not feel dry. Instead it made my skin feel soft and clean. Just so you can get an idea of how dear this cleanser is to me, let me tell you that I have repurchased the travel size tube three times.