Do-It-Yourself Beauty

Honey Facial Mask for Acne & Scarring

tlsgirl — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:12:56 -0800

I just started using this mask a few weeks ago and I'm a believer already. I have crazy sensitive skin, acne, and some vicious scarring, and already the scars are fading and my breakouts are diminishing. It's like a minor miracle, or a major one if you're obsessed with your skin like me. I was the biggest skeptic ever, but it hasn't irritated my cranky skin a bit.
Recipe:

1 TBSP honey - I used regular honey, nothing fancy
1 tsp ground nutmeg - I used whole nutmeg and then grated it myself
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Mix the above together until they form a chocolatey-colored paste, adjusting as you go until you get the consistency you like. Let sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse off, using the nutmeg crumblies as a natural exfoliant. Just don't wear a cute shirt while you're doing this, since it'll drip.

Wake up with beautiful cascading curls! VERY easy and time saving!

blondeyy — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:00:44 -0700

Wake up with gorgeous curls! Seriously, fast and easy! Spend the morning making a nice cup of tea and watching CNN rather than WORKING on your hair. Wash your hair at night. Put your favorite styling cream in damp hair. Flip your head over (bending at the waist) and pull all hair into a scrunchie on the TOP of your head, secure. Section by section, roll hair into curlers and pin. ( I have very long hair and I only need about 6-7 curlers). Everything stays on the top of your head so you don't feel a thing when you are sleeping. And, you have to use a scrunchie rather than a rubber band so as not to have a dent in your hair in the a.m. In the morning 'magic'! Remove the curlers and scrunchie - either brush hair or finger tousle and your done! Beautiful hair! I read this somewhere and do it all the time - it is a REAL time saver with FAB results!

Dry Brittle Hair? Olive Oil to the rescue!

blondeyy — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:07:18 -0700

Do you have dry frizzy ends? Don't want to spend $$$ on name brand oils for hair? There is a little known wonderful quality of olive oil. In the Middle East, they have used olive oil for centuries on their hair. Drizzle a tiny tab of olive oil in your palms and rub together gently. Apply to ends of hair and comb through with a wide tooth comb. I do this on a day when I am not working and just let it moisturize all day. Your ends will be much healthier and shinier!

Bath and Body Recipes

Schaianne — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:52:20 -0700

bathandbodyrecipes.com

A plethora of bath and body product recipes! Very cool - DIY and save a LOT of $$!!

Easy Spa facial at home

TheUrbanMommy82 — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:43:34 -0800

This is an easy facial you can give yourself at home. All you need is a few ingredients and about 35 minutes.
Here's the how to:

First what you'll need:

Green tea leaves or bags
Sugar
Lemon
Plain yogurt
Honey

First start by brewing a strong cup of green tea. Do that by using hot water (does not need to be boiling just really hot) and adding two bags of green tea or about a TBS of leaves to about 6oz of water. Set this aside for now and let it steep.

Now dampen your face and take some sugar in the palm of your hand, apply this to your face in circular scrubbing motions for about a minute to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. Pat your face dry.

Make a Lemon yogurt mixture. To do this squeeze a TBS of lemon juice into a small bowl of plain yogurt and mix.

Heat yogurt mixture in microwave for about 15 sec. Then apply a layer to your face.

Let this sit on your face for about 5 minutes (longer if you'd like).
Rinse and pat face dry again.

Take about a TBS of honey and apply this to your face like you would a cream. This time you're going to let it work in for 10-30 minutes.

Discard the tea leaves from your green tea. Rinse and dry face. Using a cotton ball, dip it into the green tea and apply like you would a toner. Do not rinse this off.

Now you can apply your normal facial creams etc.
The citric and lactic acid in the lemon yogurt will act as a sort of an at home peel, removing dead and dull skin cells.
Honey acts as a natural soothing and moisturizing agent and will restore lost moisture and vitality to your skin, making it look more radiant.
Lastly the antioxidants in green tea will tighten up your skin and fight free radicals.

Bye Bye Dry Skin Lotion

ALSW — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 06:14:24 -0800

Wave goodbye to dry skin this winter with this rich lotion!

Bye Bye Dry Lotion Stick

Glass measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Microwave
3 tablespoons grated beeswax or beeswax block and grater
2 tablespoons cocoa butter
2 tablespoons shea butter
4 tablespoons sweet almond oil
Solid lotion dispenser
Funnel

1. Place all ingredients together in a glass measuring cup

2. Melt for 30 seconds on high in the microwave, then check every 20 seconds until melted

3. Funnel the lotion into the dispenser, and let it cool.

DIY Beauty: Anti-Winter Beauty Recipes

ALSW — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:05:10 -0700

Now that winter is fast approaching, I can already feel my skin screaming, I swear. It know that dry days are ahead and that it will be crying out for moisture. But this year, I'm going to be prepared and make a few lotions at home to chase away those winter blues and give my skin the health and glow that it deserves!

Almond Butter Hand Softener

1 Tbsp. Almond oil
1 cup Butter (softened)

Mix well. Before bed, massage mixture into hands; cover with white cotton gloves. Wear all night while sleeping.

Cocoa Butter Hand Cream

4 Tbsp. Beeswax
4 Tbsp. Cocoa butter
4 Tbsp. Almond oil

Melt together beeswax and cocoa butter. Add almond oil. Mix completely until smooth. (May use a blender). Pour into a pretty pot or jar. Let harden.

Fruit & Cream Facial Astringent

1/4 cup any berries, cherries, grapes...
splash of cream

Crush fruit by hand or in a blender, add cream, mix, apply to clean face and neck, leave on for a bit, use a tissue to remove, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Kiwi Pedicure Soak

1 very ripe peeled and sliced kiwi
1/2 cup sea salt
a touch of any oil you have on hand (optional)

Add the kiwi to a blender or food processor and pulse or blend well extracting all of the juices. Strain, (saving the juice) through a fine mesh strainer, coffee filter or paper towel. Add the juice to a dish containing the salt and mix well, add a touch of oil you wish. Add this mixture to a big bowl or basin filled with very warm to slightly hot water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well, pat dry.

KISS Lotion (krafty, inexpensive and super simple)

2 jars store-brand Vitamin E cream
2 store-brand baby lotion bottles
1 jar of the store-brand Vaseline

Dump above into a large mixing bowl. I found that cutting apart the baby lotion bottles helped me to get a bunch more of it out. And get a bigger mixing bowl than you think you're going to need because it'll be messier than you thought.

Mix. Don't overheat the hand-mixer.

Put the lotion that you made all by yourself into little jars. You can reuse the vitamin e cream jars and Vaseline jar again. Or you can buy fancy jars at an antique store...

Apply KISS lotion to skin. It absorbs quickly. For best results, apply after bathing. For dry, cracked heels apply after bathing and before bedtime (sleep in socks).

Hand Cream Recipe

1/2 cup of salt
1/2 cup of sea salt
1/2 cup of olive oil
Scent - Optional

Mix it up, rub it on your hands for a few minutes, then rinse it off.

Honey Bath

Simply add 1/4 cup of honey to your bath. You'll marvel at the results and how soft your skin is!

Smoothing Skin Conditioner

1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix ingredients together. Before showering, rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere skin feels dry. Leave on 10 minutes; rinse off.

Bleach on fabric tutorial

Schaianne — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:20:17 -0700

This was too good not to share!

My name is Phelyx and I have been asked by several Stencil Revolution members to produce a tutorial for my bleaching process. Sometimes, I am called the bleach guy. I am honored by both. Here is my Bleaching Tutorial, exclusively for Stencil Revolution members.

In 2002, I was hired by a small clothing company to invent a process by which we could produce images on garments that would be more “tattooed” into the fabric than screened on. I immediately thought about bleach and began two years of research and testing. I worked with chemists, fabric manufacturers, and artists. I wrecked my studio, my clothes, and my lungs. I wasn’t paid nearly enough for this.

Chemically, to achieve different values, I worked with retardants to slow the process of the chemical’s effects, I watered down mixtures, I used “stop-baths”, dehydrated bleach crystals… you name it. I also worked with all kinds of different fabrics, 50/50 blends, natural cottons, many textures and naps. I experimented with different application processes including brush-on, sprays, mists, atomizers, airbrushes, and even a gel-bleach, I created, that was screened on. The most frustrating part of this entire experience was to arrive, full-circle, at the beginning. Sometimes the simplest method is the best.

So, here is the big secret, just for S.R. members.
Finesse. That’s it.

I have finally completed this simple tutorial and am pleased with the results. This is created for the experienced beginner but should almost equally serve the beginner and the advanced stencil artists.

This Japanese Koi design was created specifically for this tutorial. (my original drawing in fig. 1.) I wanted to create and instruct with a relatively simple design that translated well into a two stencil work. It is based on traditional Japanese Koi artwork (but I really just made it up, so I hope it’s more recognizable than it is offensive) due to the popularity of the symbol and design in historic and modern tattoos. Of course my bleaching work began when I was asked to “tattoo” fabric. The Koi also symbolizes luck, and I can use all of that I can get.

There are a few basic need-to-know items and suggestions that I can offer.

First: bleach will not work on most synthetic fabrics. You will need natural fabrics. The good news is that even the cheap tee-shirts are generally 50/50 Cotton and Polyester, and they will work just fine. 100% cotton will also work well, HOWEVER, bleach really weakens the material. If you get big, wet drips of bleach on 100% cotton, they will quickly develop into holes in the material. I do know that, for at least one clothing company, this is actually the desired effect but I prefer the stronger 50/50 blends for bleach designed clothing.

Second: I use Duralar material (.005) to create my stencils. Cardboard will only soak up your bleach and become a mess. Duralar is available at your art supply dealer or online and is only about $2.50 USD for a 32 X 40” sheet. It is thin, plastic, and clear and you will get a lot of mileage out of each of the stencils you cut out of it.

Third: Cheap bleach is fine. It is still a toxic chemical. Wear a respirator or work in well ventilated areas, or both. Don’t wear anything you love. You’re spraying bleach.

Fourth: Empty your spray bottle after you’re done. If you store bleach in it, it will expand due to softening of the plastic and gasses from the reaction between the chemical and the plastic bottle. This can be messy and dangerous.

In the photographs, I have tried to show you the spray bottle I use. It is a very common spray bottle and inexpensive (about $1.50 USD).

With stenciling bleach onto dark fabrics, you have to think in the negative. This is opposite the general process of stencil work with spray paint or roll-on paints and inks. The light colors are going through the stencil and the dark areas are being blocked by it. Otherwise, this process is darned close to the spray paint stencils more commonly created.

For this stencil, I created the stencil for the half-tone layer to be applied first. On the back side of the stencil, I used a repositionable spray adhesive. This is a 3-M product and makes the stencil sticky but easily removable. It leaves no residue on the substrate (fabric). This is used to prevent under-spray for those clean, crisp lines and edges. It is important to also select a spray angle with your wrist position and stick to it. The angle of your spray should remain consistent throughout the even application. If you roll your wrist at all, you’ll risk under-spray and inconsistent application.

In the second photo, you can see the shape of this stencil and compare it to the original drawing to see the areas I selected for the half-tone/lighter value layer. I also designed it to have a half-tone halo that fades into the background to enhance the outline. Spray this layer with the same, full-strength bleach but use a light mist for application. This mist will not be very wet. It is not to soak into the material. It is a fine mist that will lay atop the fabric and cause the effect. You will have to wait a few moments for the reaction. It will develop like a Polaroid. You can leave the stencil on for this effect in case you want to add a little more to make it lighter.

In the third photo, you see me using some paper towel to pat the stencil. This is to prevent droplets and drips from the chemical that is beaded up on the stencil from dripping onto the fabric when the stencil is slowly peeled off.

The fourth photo shows this layer completed and fully developed.

In the fifth photo, the second stencil is applied. You will see a black marker line that is drawn on the reverse side of the stencil for alignment and registration. It is drawn on the back because the bleach will erase it from the front. I add the island stencil for the eye and it has also been sprayed with repositionable spray-adhesive. You can see in the first layer, I included a little line, that is actually sprayed as part of the design, for registration of this separate eye stencil. This whole layer gets the same, full-strength bleach. A heavier application is employed to achieve a lighter value. IMPORTANT: this is still not soaked. If you soak it, it will saturate the material and seep under your stencil. You will lose all your detail if you spray too heavily. Keep it consistent. You can leave the stencil in place until it develops to see if you want to apply more bleach to lighten it.

As with most stencil work, you will almost never get the stencil to properly re-register/re-align for a second attempt. This means you really can’t expect good results from trying to reapply the stencil for another attempt. Try your best to get each layer in one shot.

In the sixth photo, I am again blotting the stencil with dry paper towel to prevent drips and beaded chemical from running onto the material.

I cheat sometimes. In the seventh photograph, I am using a Sharpie fabric marker (this has dye instead of ink) to add three details; the nostril and two “V’ shaped lines in the tail.

The last photo shows the completed design. I used a black cotton napkin for this, instead of a tee shirt, so the photos in the tutorial would be clear.

You should know that when the bleach dries, it may crystallize. These tiny crystals are still dormant bleach. If these are re-hydrated, they can continue to bleach the fabric. I highly recommend running the finished piece in a dryer to beat these crystals out of the fabric before getting it wet by washing or whatever else. Be careful washing this with other clothing until it has been beaten and rinsed once.

Now, I know you may feel cheated that I did not disclose some amazing and secret technique but remember that I spent years experimenting with every other imaginable process and that this is the best, most effective, and easiest technique. I did give away my best tips. Don’t tell people, however. Let them believe that it is more complex and laborious. Let’s keep it between us.

Finally, huge respect for Stencil Revolution, the people who work hard to maintain it, and all the amazing artists in here. There are few places, even on the Internet, that you can find such amazing talent.

Your pal,
Phelyx

Found at http://www.stencilrevolution.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18221&postdays=0&...

Tea can help heal those chapped lips!

guineapiggin9 — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 18:31:17 -0700

Well ladies, with the fall and winter months drawing nearer, I'm sure most of us will be having some problems with chapped lips. So, I thought I might share this quick tip with you all:
If your lips are chapped, take a green or black tea bag and wet it with some warm water. Let the wet teabag sit on your lips for about five minutes. After removing the teabag, be sure to put some chap stick on (I like Burt's Bees chapsticks). I do this before bed, that way the chapstick has time to soak in over night.
Try this the next time you get chapped lips and tell me what you think!!!

Throw a Spa Party!

ALSW — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 06:16:38 -0700

I found this article today on http://www.ladiesblend.com and I just had to share it!

So you want to host a Spa Party?

Your Budget

How important is having a budget? Only one of the most important tasks, especially if you’re like most of us who need to keep our cash in check! For a successful party, every chic hostess should take into consideration her needs, wants and must haves, along with a reasonable dollar spending amount and the financial bankroll, to back it up. How many guests will you invite? Don't have a big budget? No worries, we will give you some fun, creative ideas that won't break the bank.

The Event Day

The next most important item on your to do list is figuring out precisely what will be included in your event. This is not too terribly hard to come up with since you already have your budget in place. However, there are several options, and choosing what will fit your needs can be a bit time consuming, so lets get started. There is something to be said for the fun it would be transforming and turning your home into a Spa for a day or evening.

Services to consider are full body massages, or spot massages, such as hands and feet, face and neck, arms and neck, check with a local licensed massage therapist for rates and availability.

Affordable creative ideas for your spa party

If your budget is not big and bulky, (and most of ours is not) I can assure you that you can still pull off an amazing spa-together time. Keep in mind, some of the most smashing parties have been thrown on a modest budget, you can do it!

Making homemade beauty recipes is all the rage these days, make them yourself before your guests arrive, or gather everyone in the kitchen to mix up countless concoctions. These are fresh, fun to make, and good for you, Now you can give each other facials, condition your hair, foot and hand scrubs and so much more. Split up into two groups, group one will put down foot soaks for everyone in-group two, then apply the beauty treatments you have made, then switch off. This is one of my favorite things to do, and budgets of all sizes have tremendous fun and meaningful bonding time too.

After you have decided what type of Spa Party, you will be having, make a schedule of events and pick the time of day or evening. Pick your party time carefully considering your guest’s schedules a head of time. This is sure to be the "can't miss" event; everyone is going to WANT to come to this party!

The Invitations

Send your invitations out 2-3 weeks in advance, and let your guests know what to expect so they can prepare appropriately. If you are crafty, you may like to make your own invitations, or for you computer savvy girls, making great looking invitations on the computer is a snap. A handwritten note inviting your guests is a thoughtful touch, but of course, you can also buy them.

The Menu

Keep it light. You don’t want your guests feeling overly full and uncomfortable, prepare fresh foods presented in a simple, beautiful fashion. Create an appealing setting for your food keeping it all together on one table, this makes it much easier to replenish, as needed.

Use linen tablecloths and napkins, please...no paper plates, plastic beverage bottles, plastic eating utensils, etc. TIP: Budget minded individuals-if in need, take a quick trip to your local dollar store, thrift sore, yard sales, etc., for these items. Don't worry about everything matching (example-dinner plates, silver, etc.), some of the most beautiful settings are done with mis-matched items.

The Bar

Serve Iced Teas and Fresh or Sparkling Waters in beautiful glass pitchers, with a dish full of lemon and lime slices and wedges. You may also like to serve select Wines, Champagne, Hot Herbal Teas, Fresh Juices or a Coffee Bar. Bring out your pretty teacups and glassware for this occasion.

Create Your Space(s)

Depending on how many guests you invite and what services you will be providing; transforming your home is another task to think about. Move furniture around to create open spaces. If you are having multiple professionals, use all the space you can. If people are having relaxing massages, you may want to include bedrooms in the plan along with all bathrooms. Be sure to have stacks of fresh clean towels, washcloths, soaps or gels.

Present your guests with a new freshly laundered Spa Robe Gift as they enter your party, or ask that everyone bring their own robe and slippers.

Have at least one vase full of fresh flowers and more if possible. If your party is themed or around the Holiday season, you may like to decorate; a touch of sparkle here and there creates a festive and warm feeling.

Dim the Lights. Light candles even if the event is during the day, the glow of a candle(s) relays warmth and beauty.

Set pretty dishes of potpourri in all rooms being used.

Potpourri Recipe

1 cup pink rose petals
1/2 cup red rose petals
1/2 cup white rose petals
1/4 cup chamomile fs
1/2 cup crushed statice (blue or white)
1/4 cup eucalyptus leaves
1/4 cup oakmoss
20 drops rose oil

Gently combine petals and leaves in a large bowl. Scatter drops of rose oil over the mixture using an eyedropper. Stir gently. Place mixture in a brown paper bag lined with wax paper. Fold and seal the bag with a paper clip and leave in a dry, dark, cool place for 2 weeks. Every other day, stir the contents gently to blend and disperse ingredients and scents. Place in glass bowls or candy dishes. Top with small white or pink rose buds.

Select relaxing/nature music CD’s, and have beautiful music flowing from beginning to end.

Take this opportunity to lavish and spoil your guests, and I don't mean by spending a lot of money on them, but by showing them how much you care by doing the little things that truly shine through. Make a toast to them and let them know how wholeheartedly happy you are that they could all come together to share and experience this time with you. Make this one afternoon or evening a time to remember. Relax, unwind and above all, enjoy!

Gifts for the Guests

Handmade Beauty Gifts for your Guests are a great personal touch at the end of the Spa Day. Or pick a special moment during your event to hand each guest their gift. Wrap up individual gifts in pretty papers or snuggle items together in a spa or fabric bag.

Great Gift Ideas

Bath Teas

Purchase quality organic Dried Herbs from your local Herb Shop to make Relaxing and Beautiful Bath Teas.

Ingredients

Lavender Buds
Rose Petals
Chamomile Flowers
Lemon Balm
Pre-cut sheer tulle circles
Raffia or Ribbon
Essential Oils-optional

Directions

In a large bowl, mix all the dried herbs, and a few drops Essential Oils if you prefer. Put a scoop of the mixed herbs in the center of each tulle circle, gather the tulle up around the herbs snugly, and tie with a piece of raffia or ribbon. You can include a homemade tag for your Bath Tea with directions to toss in the tub and enjoy a relaxing stress-less bath.

Cranberry Lip Gloss

Every girl should have a pot of yummy lip gloss with her at all times! Protect sensitive lips from the drying elements with this simple yet rich lip balm. Delightful to wear alone or on top of your lipstick for extra shine!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
10 fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon honey
1 drop of vitamin E oil

Directions

Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for a couple of minutes or until the mixture just begins to boil. (Bowl may also be heated in a pan of water on a stove top). Stir well and gently crush the berries. Cool mixture for five minutes and then strain through a fine sieve to remove all the fruit pieces. Stir again and set aside to cool completely. When cool, transfer into a small portable plastic container or tin. Apply a small amount onto your lips and remember to smile!

Lavender Sachets

Fill small muslin drawstring bags with dried lavender buds; make a little tag and your done. You may like to make several for each guest, do this by making four sachets for each guest, stack them on top of each other and secure with a pretty ribbon or raffia. You could also put them in a clear cello bag with a ribbon bow. Use your imagination and have fun with the gifts!

Raspberry Vanilla Bubble Bath

8 ounces unscented liquid soap
2 ounces distilled water
8 drops vanilla fragrance oil
6 drops raspberry frangrance oil
2 drops red food coloring

Mix together and store in a container. Pour in running bath water to use.

Here's another article if you're interested: http://www.savvy-spa.com/wellness-articles/plan-a-home-spa-party/

Has anyone ever done this? Are you thinking about it now?