DIY Beauty: How To Create a Simple Honey Face Wash

A homemade face wash that is not only cleansing, but also natural, convenient, and money saving; where do I sign up?  Lately I have been loving DIY skin care recipes, and my skin has never thanked me more for it.

Many of us already have raw honey in our kitchen and liquid castile soap in our bathrooms.  Raw honey has consistently been popular in natural and homemade recipes.

Raw honey is different from regular honey in that is has not been pasteurized, leaving much of the honey's naturally occuring vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants intact.  It is during the pasteurization process that many of these nutrients are lost.  Raw honey is also an effective treatment for acne.

Castile soap is different from many other soaps in that it is made with vegetable oil instead of animal fat.  Castile soap has been known to be of benefit to many skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis, and can be used as a skin toner. 

The only ingredient you may not have already available in your house is a nourishing skin oil.  This can easily be found and purchased at any grocery store.   Nourishing oils, such as olive, almond, or argan, are a great way to infuse antioxidants and vitamins quickly into the skin.  It is ok to use nourishing oils on your face if your skin is already oily because they will not cause your skin to break out and are absorbed instantly into the skin.  Since oil dissolves oil, it will add a natural glow to your skin.

DIY Honey Fash Wash: Ingredients

1/3 cup Unscented Liquid Castile Soap

1/3 cup Raw Honey

3 tbsp. Distilled or Boiled Water

2 tbsp. Nourishing Oil

DIY Honey Face Wash: Directions

1. Grab an old soap dispenser (I know you have at least four in your linen closet behind old bath towels) and remove the top.

2. Add the water to the soap dispenser.

3. Add the liquid castile soap, honey, and oil.

4. Place the top back on the soap dispenser and shake all ingredients together until the honey appears fully dissolved.

5. Re-shake the dispenser every 2-3 days or in between uses to make sure the ingredients aren't separated.

DIY Honey Face Wash: To Use

1. Wet your face with warm water.

2. Dispense a small amount of the Honey Face Wash into the palm of your hand and apply to your face in circular massaging motions.

3. Rinse your face with water and pat dry with a hand towel.

4. Continue with your moisturizing and/or acne treatment routine.

It can be difficult at times to know exactly what we are putting on our face when we purchase pre-made face washes at the store.  More often than not, there are chemicals included in the ingredients that we don't fully understand.  With this DIY recipe you know exactly what you are putting on your face and what it is made of because YOU put it together!

I Want To Know...

What are some great DIY skin care recipes you have tried and loved better than store bought?

 

Are you an AEB Babe? Sign up for the newsletter!

Enter your e-mail address:

Powered by FeedPress

Ultimate Guide to Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands and Where To Buy

The best way to start going cruelty free is to start recognizing brands that are cruelty free and put them at the top of your purchasing preferences.  When I was an undergrad I had a Political Science professor once inform my class that everything you purchase is equivalent to a vote.  The things you purchase at the store, where they are made, and how they are made is equivalent to checking a "yes" box.  It tells stores, manufacturers, brands, and your elected representatives that you want more of something.

This ultimate guide list of cruelty-free makeup brands is separated into three simple categories: high end brands, drugstore brands, and independent brands. Each of them links to the official site or store where you can purchase the brands and their products.

 Purchasing cruelty-free beauty products does not mean you need to spend large amounts of money on high-end brands alone.  Below are some very affordable and accessible options from both drugstore and independent beauty brands.  Likewise, there are plenty of high-end brands that many don't even realize are cruelty-free, such as NARS and Urban Decay.  It is completely possible to have a budget and still purchase cruelty-free makeup.

The best tips and advice I can give you about starting to purchase cruelty-free makeup: START.  You do not need to immediately throw out all of your current makeup, lotions, hair care and skin care products.  Let's say you run out of your favorite tinted lip balm.  Instead of purchasing your usual one at the drugstore, opt for Josie Maran's Coconut Watercolor Lip Stain and Shine.  When you run out of your favorite foundation, try instead Koh Gen Doh's Aqua Foundation or BH Cosmetics Studio Pro HD Foundation.

High End Beauty Brands

Anastasia Beverly Hills

The Balm

Bare Minerals

Beauty Blender

Becca

Bite

Blinc

Butter London

Buxom

Cargo

Chantecaille

Cover FX

Deborah Lippman

Duwop Cosmetics

Edward Bess

Ellis Faas

Face Atelier

Hourglass

Illamasqua

IT Cosmetics

Josie Maran

Kat Von D

Koh Gen Do

Korres

Lit Cosmetics

Living Proof

Nails, Inc.

NARS

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

Orly

Pureology

Sunday Riley

Tarte

Two Faced

Urban Decay

Wen

Drugstore Beauty Brands

Annabelle

Barry M

ecoTools

ELF

Flower Beauty

Hard Candy

Jane

Jordana

Milani

NYX

Pacifica

Physicians Formula

Pixi Beauty

Prestige Beauty

Sonia Kashuk

Wet 'n Wild

Yes To

Independent Beauty Brands

Beauty Without Cruelty

Bella Pierre

Ben Nye

BH Cosmetics

Charlotte Tilbury

Christopher Drummond

ColourPop

Cult Nails

Essence Cosmetics

Gabriel Cosmetics

Jeffree Star

Lime Crime

Makeup Geek

Melt Cosmetics

Red Apple Lipstick

Sappho Organics

Silk Naturals

Sugarpill

I Want To Know...

Do you do research on a brand before you purchase products from them?  If another blogger endorses a brand will you look into it more or less?

 

Are you an AEB Babe? Sign up for the newsletter!

Enter your e-mail address:

Powered by FeedPress

10 Tips on How To Achieve Healthy Winter Skin

Skin Care Tip #1: Take Care of Your Lips

During the cold and dry winter months you should maintain smooth, soft lips and prevent chapping.
I apply a good amount of lip balm to my lips every night before I go to bed.  I always keep several lip balms on me, in my purse, or in my car, and I am continually applying them throughout the day.  My hands down favorite is Aquaphor's Lip Repair and Protect.  It keeps my lips smooth and moisturized, and contains an added bonus of SPF 30 (more on why that is important below!).

One additional step you should take to protect your lips is to exfoliate, or remove the dry, dead skin.  Instead of purchasing a lip scrub I usually make my own with this DIY Easy and Natural Lip Scrub recipe.

Skin Care Tip #2: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Using oil-based moisturizers that include Vitamins C and E will keep your skin hydrated for longer than water-based moisturizers.  My go-to favorite for years has been Eucerin's Intensive Repair Dry Skin Lotion. It is ultra moisturizing, intensely hydrating, fragrance free, and will help protect your skin against the harsh winter weather.

Moisturize twice a day, even when you are tired and don't feel up to it.  I moisturize both body and face once in the morning and once in the evening.  You should always use a more gentle lotion for your face that is specifically designed to deal with this ultra sensitive area.  I have been using Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion for many years, applying it to my face and throat in the morning before I apply my makeup, and in the evening after I wipe it off.

Apply a hand cream regularly and always keep some handy at your office desk, in your purse, and in your bedroom.  Don't forget to continue using SPF during the winter months, as the sun's UVA and UBV rays can still cause damage to your skin even through cloudy winter skies.

 Skin Care Tip #3: Drink Water Like It's Summer

 You skin and body is craves as much water during the winter as it does during the summer.  Drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day helps our bodies maintain fluid balance, and rejuvenates and hydrates our skin. Water is key for your skin cell's ability to repair themselves and maintain elasticity.

Two weeks ago I purchased this Hydr-8 Time Marked Water Bottle in the color purple and is has made such a difference in my water intake.  It helps me feel hydrated throughout the day by allowing me to track my water intake in two hour increments.  I have felt more energized and hydrated during the day than I ever have before.

Skin Care Tip #4: Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin 1-2 times per week will rid your body of excess dry skin, which tends to be a bigger problem during the colder months because our skin is exposed to more dry, cold air.  You can find exfoliating body scrubs in the beauty and skin care section of every store you walk in to, but I absolutely prefer to make it myself using this DIY Natural Coffee and Coconut Body Scrub recipe.  You can make a lot of it very cheaply, and the smell is amazing!

Skin Care Tip #5: Always Cover Up Outside

Prevent your skin from developing redness, dryness and cracking by wearing gloves.  Simple, right?  It's an extra step that goes a long, long way towards healthy skin.  Go to the store and pick out a pair that is not only fleece lined to protect your hands, but also cute and functional.  I purchased these North Face Denali Women's Gloves a few years ago when I went to the 2012 Presidential Inauguration in a frigid cold Washington, D.C., and it was a great investment.

Skin Care Tip #6: Invest in a Humidifier

Dry and itchy skin in the winter can be aided by adding more moisture into the air through a humidifier.  I use my Honeywell Console Humidifier at night on the lowest setting to help me breathe better and infuse humidity into the dry air.  This specific one is extra large and designed for multiple rooms, but there are plenty of smaller humidifiers on the market made for smaller spaces.

Skin Care Tip #7: Avoid Astringents

Astringents, such as those found in acne treating medications or products, can be very drying to the skin.  While it may not be reasonable for you to completely cut these out of your skin care routine, it may be best to at least try to cut back or find a natural alternative.  I have been using this DIY Rose Facial Toner recipe when I am in need of a gentle and cleansing astringent that will not dry out my face or cause flakiness.

Skin Care Tip #8: Avoid Hot Water for Long Periods

I've been guilty of it over and over again: standing in the hot shower on a cold day because it feels so amazing.  However, this is sadly not so great for your skin.  Avoid hot showers and keep your bathing time between 5-10 minutes, as too much hot water can dry out your skin.  Take a warm shower and use a gentle cleanser to wash up.

Skin Care Tip #9: Don't Use Makeup To Cover Up Dry Skin

Attempting to cover dry skin with makeup is one of the worst things you can do for your skin and your overall appearance.  If your face is dry and flaking, it will only look worse with makeup over it.  Makeup will adhere to those dry patches of skin like butter on popcorn (...yum...).  Exfoliate your face and continue to use a good moisturizer, such as the Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion I mentioned earlier.  My favorite exfoliating face mask is the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, which deeps cleans to clear pores of dirt and debris, and leaves your face fresh and exfoliated.

Skin Care Tip #10: Eat Foods that are Healthy for You AND Your Skin

Food items, such as olive oil, avocados, grapefruit, broccoli, almonds, dark chocolate and green tea, all contain nutrients and antioxidants that will make your skin glow this winter season.   Sit down at night with a book and a cup of green tea, have a small handful of almonds as an afternoon snack, or spread some avocado on your toast in the morning.

 

Are you an AEB Babe? Sign up for the newsletter!

Enter your e-mail address:

Powered by FeedPress

DIY Beauty: How To Create a Rose Water Facial Toner

Skin care is always at the top of everyone's beauty regime.  I love trying out new Do It Yourself beauty recipes for natural skin care tips and tricks.  Anything and everything with rose water in the ingredients have quickly become some of my favorite beauty products.

This natural rose water facial toner will leave your face feeling fresh and renewed.  It is perfect for dry or acne prone skin, and the ingredients are easily found in the natural or organic section of your local grocery store, and easily found online as well (links provided below!).

Rose water is beneficial to all skin types.  It has anti-bacterial properties that can gently relieve skin redness and inflammation, making it great for those with acne prone skin.  It's ability to retain the moisture makes it great for dry skin, and can aid in the softening of early signs of aging, such as under eye circles or small wrinkles.

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to tighten tissues, treat acne, reduce puffiness, refine pores, freshen skin, and seal moisture in your skin.  Rose essential oil helps stimulate dry or aging skin.  Geranium essential oil helps to maintain the appearance of sensitive or tender skin. While Chamomile essential oil has therapeutic properties that can be used on the skin to alleviate minor skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, and itchy skin.

Rose Water Facial Toner

Ingredients

1/2 cup Rose Water

1 Tbsp. Witch Hazel

5 Drops Rose Essential Oil

2 Drops Geranium Essential Oil

2 Drops Chamomile Essential Oil

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.

2. Mix well with a wooden spoon.

3. Store in a small glass bottle with top or lid.

4. Keep in the refrigerator for up to one month of future use.

How To Use

1. Prepare your skin by wiping away all makeup and washing as normal.

2. Pour toner onto a cotton pad and dab your face.

3. If you wish, you can exchange the lid for a spray cap and simply spray the toner onto your face.

 Get yourself into a DIY beauty routine!  Check out my DIY recipe for a Simple and Natural Coconut Oil Face Wash, and use this as a great was to infuse more moisture into your skin.  Also, if you're up for it try my DIY receipe for the Lush Coalface Dupe,a great cleanser for when your need a face wash that is deep cleaning and exfoliating.

 

Are you an AEB Babe? Sign up for the newsletter!

Enter your e-mail address:

Powered by FeedPress

You're Invited! Beauty and Style Pinterest Group Board

One of my goals for 2016 is to interact and collaborate more with my fellow bloggers.  I also love finding and exploring new blogs every day for all the amazing creative content that is posted out there!  Then I thought, why not combine the two?

I enjoy reading new beauty and style blogs that not only have great advice, including makeup tutorials and product reviews, but are also incredibly inspiring and encourage me to do bigger and better things with my own blog.

This is why I created a Beauty and Style Group Board on Pinterest!

This board was made to feature posts from beauty and style blogs that are relevant and exciting.  If you come across great posts all the time, share the wealth with others by pinning them to the group board!  Easy as cake, I know.

Ready to get pinning?  I'm excited to have you!

If you would like to join the group board you must first follow me on Pinterest (it won't allow me to add you otherwise, I promise), and then comment below with the email address associated with your Pinterest account.  If you prefer to keep your email confidential, please email me the deets at contact@ashleyelizabethbeauty.com

 

 

Are you an AEB Babe? Sign up for the newsletter!

Enter your e-mail address:

Powered by FeedPress