DIY Beauty: Affordable, Easy and Natural Eyelash Growth Serum

 

Between curling my lashes, apply mascara, applying false lashes with lash glue, and rubbing it all off at night, my eyelashes definitely need some extra love and care.  Very few people are blessed with long and thick natural eyelashes, and most of us have to resort to other methods to make our lashes look amazing.  Lash growth and thickening serums can be expensive, and contain chemicals or ingredients that you do not necessarily want to have so close to your eyes.  This DIY recipe is easy and contains natural and affordable ingredients.

Almond oil is widely known for providing numerous benefits to hair, skin and overall health.  It contains emollient properies, which soften hair cuticles and promotes the growth of long and thick eyelashes.  Almond oil also benefits the eyelid by restoring a normal pH balance to the skin and improves blood circulation.  Fragile and non-hydrated eyelashes cannot grow, and all of the properies within Almond oil increase the growth of healthy eyelashes.

Castor oil has many noted benefits for both hair and skin, and has been used in skin care products for decades.  Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid and omega 9 fatty acids.  The ricinoleic acid has naturally occuring anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, and the thickness of the castor oil can prevent hair loss by coating the hair and preventing it from falling out.  Omega 9 fatty acids nourish the hair, the hair follicle, and the surrounding skin.  It has the capability of penetrating deep into the skin and hair to provide nourishment to the pores and follicles that produce hair.

Vitamin E oil is a truly amazing beauty supplement.  It can be used to treat wrinkles and brown spots caused by aging, soften dry and cracked cuticles, and soothe dry lips and rough skin.  Vitamin E is filled with antioxidants that can stimulate capillaries and trigger hair follicles into their hair growing phase.

DIY Eyelash Growth Serum: Ingredients

Almond Oil

Castor Oil

Vitamin E Oil

DIY Eyelash Growth Serum: Directions

1. You can make as much or as little serum as you would like.  If you would like to make extra serum, grab a small glass container with lid; if you would like to make a small amount of serum, grab an empty mascara tube.

2. Mix equal parts of Almond Oil, Castor Oil, and Vitamin E Oil into your small container or tube.

3. If you have your serum in a small container, apply a small amount before bed every night with a makeup swab or puff or a disposable mascara wand (my preferred method).  You only need a very small amount of product, and less is always more when it comes to oils.  You do not want oil dripping down your face while you sleep at night.

4. If you have your serum in an empty mascara tube, dip the mascara wand into the tube and scrape off most of the excess oil (see above for further instruction).  Again, you only need a very small amount of this product.  Apply to eyelashes, starting at the root and working your way up into the lash.

5.You may also apply this serum to your eyebrows if they are in need of growth and thickening.

6. Replace serum when it starts to look discolored and make yourself a brand new batch.

Don't forget! Use my discount code ASHLE33847N to get $5 off your first purchase using the Amazon App.

This last serum will stimulate those lashes and rejuvenate those frail hair follicles so that your lashes can grow long, strong and healthy!  Like any other type of treatment product, you need to use it consistently to see results, so be sure to apply this every night before bed to see the greatest benefits.

I Want To Know...

Have you tried lash growth serums before, and how did they work for you?

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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How To Do a Simple Everyday Eye Contour and Makeup Tutorial

This simple everyday look is a blend of neutral tones for an easy eye contour, paired with a natural peachy pink lip.  I use makeup and beauty basics in my daily makeup routine and this is my go to look.  A quick and basic eye contour can make you look put together and wide awake.  It is made to emphasize natural beauty and still cover imperfections, all while being a routine easy enough that I can do it as quickly as possible while rushing out the door to work in the morning.

Let's get started!

The Face

Prime, Foundation and Conceal

Starting with the basics: I moisturize my face with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream and my under eye area with Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream.  I prime my skin with NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer and prime my under eye area with ELF Studio Hydrating Under Eye Primer.  Using a Beauty Blender, I apply a Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in Soft Tan to my entire face.  To highlight and conceal I use the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer in Light Warm in a V-shape beneath my eyes, in the middle of my forehead, down the bridge of my nose, on my chin, and on my eye lids.

Highlight, Contour and Blush

To set everything I take the Real Techniques Setting Brush and place a mixture of the highlight shades Lucid and Lyric from the Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Palette and place a generous amount over the areas that I highlighted with concealer.  I also add a generous amount to my jaw directly below my contour line.  I allow the extra powder to sit on my skin for a few minutes to "bake" before brushing off with a Morphe Brushes G23 Soft Fan Brush.

With the Real Techniques Sculpting Brush I take the contour shade Sombre from the Kat Von D palette and contour beneath my cheekbones, underneath my jaw bone, along the hairline on my forehead, down my temples, and alone the parallel sides of the bridge of my nose.  After blending I apply the NARS Blush in Sex Appeal, a soft matte pink, using the BH Cosmetics Blush Brush.

Highlight and Brows

Using the same fan brush as earlier, I then apply the Jaclyn Hill and Becca Highlight in Champagne Pop to the tops of my cheekbones, my forehead just above my brows, and the bridge of my nose.  I highlight over this with the first highlight color from the Carli Bybel by BH Cosmetics Palette, a shimmery frosted pink.

I shape my brows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Ebony, fill it in with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Dark Brown, and set it into place with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel.

The Eyes

Transition Shade

Using the Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette, I take the Wanderer, a light brown, with a BH Cosmetics Fluffy Blending Brush into the crease of my eye and start blending upward.  This is going to be our transition shade.

Crease and Lid

I then apply the shade Power Player, a taupe, directly into my crease with a BH Cosmetics Small Tapered Blending Brush using windshield wiper motions.  I reapply this color a couple times to build the color, making sure it blends into my transition shade but stays directly within the crease.

Using the shade Wanderer again I take the shade all across my lid and to my outer corner.

Outer Corner and Wing

I use the shade Multi-tasker, a chocolate brown, to define my outer corner.  I apply this directly to the outer third of my eye lid with a BH Cosmetics Tapered Blending Brush in the shape of a sideways "V." While I make sure to concentrate the color only to this area, I take it up into my crease and down into my lower lash line ever so slightly so as to enhance the smokey effect

Instead of using a gel liner (because this is an everyday look), I take the shade Fashionista, a soft black, with a BH Cosmetics Small Eye Defining Brush and carefully darken just the very bottom of my outer corner.

Highlight and Lower Lash Line

I then use the shade Shimma Shimma by Makeup Geek, a metallic champagne, to highlight the inner tear duct with a BH Cosmetics Fluffy Blending Brush, and a small flat shadow brush to highlight my brow bone just below my eyebrow.

Finally, I take the shade Power Player again and glide it below my bottom lash line using a small eye defining brush, making sure to blend into the outer corner of my eye to give the entire look a rounded out eye.  I go over the bottom half of Power Player with our original transition shade, Wanderer, to blend out any harshness.

Mascara and Falsies

I apply Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum and Diorshow Mascara to my upper and lower lashes.  For my falsies I choose Morphe Brushes Premium Lashes #307, which are easy for everyday use, and apply them using Duo Eyelash Glue Adhesive.

The Lips

For this look I wanted something that was wearable in texture and color.  I apply the ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Donut, a perfectly wearable shade of bright peach.

I set the entire look with the Mario Badescu Facial Setting Spray.

Let Me Know!

Tell me your favorite products to use for an everyday makeup look!

 

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DIY Beauty | How To Dupe Lush Coalface

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has some amazing products.  One of my favorite products has always been their Coalface Cleanser, especially during those times I am breaking out and need a face wash that really deep cleans and exfoliates.

Why not be a little thrifty, get creative, try out a really fun DIY Dupe?

This recipe has only three ingredients: coconut oil to hydrate and moisturize, charcoal capsules to exfoliate, and baking soda to cleanse.

DIY Lush Coalface: Ingredients

1/2 cup Coconut Oil

3 Charcoal Capsules

1 tbsp. Baking Soda

DIY Lush Coalface: Directions

1. Grab a small bowl and small plastic spatula.

2. Place the half cup of coconut oil in the microwave for approximately 15-20 seconds, or until it is liquefied, and pour it into the small bowl.

3. Next, add in the contents of three charcoal capsules.  You can accomplish this by either untwisting the middle of the capsule, or by cutting off one end of the capsule.

4. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your mixture.

5. Using the small plastic spatula, mix and crush everything until you are left with a nice thick paste.  If you find that your mixture is too liquid, add more baking soda 1/2 tablespoon at a time until you are satisfied with the consistency.

6. Storage: place a lid on the small bowl and store in the refrigerator.  When you go to use the product again be sure to re-stir as ingredients may separate.

Ready To Apply!

You can use this recipe as either a face mask or a face wash.

As a Face Wash

1. Keep the jar of product directly outside the shower.

2. When you are ready grab a good amount with two fingers and apply in slow circular motions to your face.

3. It is ok if any ends up in your mouth, but do avoid the eye area.

As a Face Mask 

1. After you have finished showering pull your hair pulled back in a bun or wrapped towel.

 2. Using two fingers pick up a little product and start dabbing it onto your face, starting at the top of the forehead and working your way down to the chin.

3. Leave mask on for 10-15 minutes and wipe off with a warm textured wash cloth.

Interested in MORE DIY Beauty?  Check out my YouTube!

    

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

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