do you know how easy it is to break out? its pathetically easy and sometimes we dont even know what we're doing wrong. there's always the emotional aspect of stressing out or being under too much pressure at one time, or even it just simply being our time of the month...but are there some things we can do to prevent other breakouts? why yes, there are.
Conditioning. it works wonders for your hair and i'd never recommend someone to go a day without it, but. did you know that conditioners contain emolients that clog pores? so always try to either wash your face and body after you rinse out your conditioner or be sure and rinse off your back and face before getting out.
Water Temps. Sounds crazy, huh? the temperature of your water when washing your face can affect your break outs? it can. the most effective way to wash is actually to begin by wetting your face with warm water, applying face wash, and rinsing with cool water. the warm water in the beginning opens your pores and the cooler water closes them back up. BUT tricky thing is that if you end with warm water too it can actually help bacteria to grow causing acne.
Wash Yo' Pillow. have you ever noticed waking up a little greasier than you went to bed? yeah, because everyone's bodies work all night long and as a result, you prespire. buut, your bed is the one that suffers it. and sleeping on your sheets and pillow repeatedly for long amounts of time will cause breakouts.
Cell Phones. Or any types of phone really. if you use it and talk on it frequently, you may start to see breakouts on one cheek or side of your face more than the other, its your phone. simply get rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball and clean that sucker up. personally i try to clean mine about once a week.
Moisture. did you know that drying your skin out can cause acne as well? its simple to fix ofcourse, just moisturize it. but be sure to look for oil-free products when looking, for your face you'll need to use face moisturizers because regular body lotions have too much in them and can also clog up your pores and cause breakouts.
Face Touching. Dont be a face toucher, no one likes a face toucher. its the most obvious way to cause breakouts. dont pick at your face and avoid touching your face with your hands ALWAYS.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Operation: Hydration
Colder weather means drier weather, especially out here in the west. I grew up next to the Great Lakes, and we didn't have dry weather. Ever. So this desert stuff is a whole new ball game for me. However, I have found a few products to beat this arid climate.
First off is Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Love this stuff.
This is a great all-over lotion. It is fragrance free, which is great for my sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn't leave an oily residue. I like to lotion up after I shower. Apply to damp skin to lock in the moisture. I also carry a tube in my purse for when my skin starts to feel a little parched. If you like to apply hand lotion throughout the day, make sure you give your cuticles and nails some love, too. They tend to dry out in the winter months also.
Another product in my arsenal is good ol' Vaseline.
I have a tube of Vaseline Lip Therapy with me at all times because I can't stand to have chapped lips. Vaseline also works really well on rough elbows and knees. I like to slather it on before bed. Use a terry cloth sweat band to cover your elbows if you like. That way, you will protect your sheets and give your elbows a better chance to absorb the Vaseline. This also works really well on cuticles. Cracked cuticles can be painful. Just rub a little Vaseline on your cuticles a few times a week, and you can avoid them cracking. Wear gloves to bed for extra protection. What about rough, cracked feet? Mine get that way sometimes, especially in the heel area. Rub some Vaseline on before bed, and pop on a pair of socks. By morning, you'll be in better shape.
For you contact wearers, dry weather can be hard on the eyes. I know when I first moved away from my beloved Midwest, I had a hard time keeping my contacts wet. Now that I've lived here for a few years, it's less of a problem. Nevertheless, I still carry eye drops with me.
Refresh Optive is where it's at. These eye drops are boss. They are safe for us contact wearers, but even if contacts aren't your thing, these drops will work for you. They keep your eyes moist no matter the weather.
Sometimes in the winter, my hair gets a bad case of dry-frizz. Ew. To combat this, I am a big believer in serums. Connie outlined pretty well what to look for in a serum (see here), but I'll tell you two products that have really worked for me. First, Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Serum, and second, Fantasia IC Olive Moisturizing Shine Serum Hair Polisher.
Both of these are bombspice. Just a little goes a loooong way. Add either one of these products to damp-dry hair, and say goodbye to the frizzies. Instead, your hair will be super-soft and lightly fragrant (both of these serums smell great). The Garnier Fructis serum might be a little easier to get your hands on, since it is sold at most drugstores or retailers like Walmart or Target. The Fantasia Hair Polisher might be available at those stores, too, but I definitely haven't seen it as often. If you can find it, snatch it up! I have been using my bottle for 2 or 3 years now, and I still have about a 1/3 of it left. I use it almost every day in the fall and winter, and a little less in the spring and summer. Just a few drops is all it takes to keep your hair hydrated.
One more quick tip for staying hydrated: drink water.
If you aren't drinking enough water, your skin will dry out unaided by the weather.
Well, that's all folks! Don't let dry skin, nails, or hair get you down this winter!
First off is Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Love this stuff.
Another product in my arsenal is good ol' Vaseline.
For you contact wearers, dry weather can be hard on the eyes. I know when I first moved away from my beloved Midwest, I had a hard time keeping my contacts wet. Now that I've lived here for a few years, it's less of a problem. Nevertheless, I still carry eye drops with me.
Sometimes in the winter, my hair gets a bad case of dry-frizz. Ew. To combat this, I am a big believer in serums. Connie outlined pretty well what to look for in a serum (see here), but I'll tell you two products that have really worked for me. First, Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Serum, and second, Fantasia IC Olive Moisturizing Shine Serum Hair Polisher.
One more quick tip for staying hydrated: drink water.
Well, that's all folks! Don't let dry skin, nails, or hair get you down this winter!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
heads up!
Hello, friends! I don't know about you, but I love me some Sephora. There is a giveaway over at Recipe Girl, so head on over for a chance to win a $75 gift card.
You can thank me later.
Also, what are some topics you would like to see here on Girly Girls? Don't be shy. Give us a shout-out!
You can thank me later.
Also, what are some topics you would like to see here on Girly Girls? Don't be shy. Give us a shout-out!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
costuming
Halloween is right around the corner! If you are doing the last minute scramble, don't fret. As long as you are willing to get creative, a great costume is at your fingertips.
First, consider what you already have. Most of my costumes in the last few years have been comprised of stuff I found in my apartment.
Example 1: I was a Greek Goddess three years running. (I move a lot: new place/new people...it's like it was a whole new costume.) I found a bed sheet in my room and paired it with a bit of leaf garland that was adorning my apartment.
Rad every time.
Example 2: Last year, I got a hand-me-down green organza skirt. I knew I wanted to wear it in some capacity for Halloween. So I brainstormed. I came up with a few ideas, but I ended up going with Mother Nature. I wore the green floor-length skirt and wrapped myself in some leaf garland (are you sensing a pattern here?). I topped off my look with green glamour eyes.
Not a flattering pic, but you get the idea.
Example 3: Lady Gaga. Love her.
Not my best work, but if you'll forgive me for that and my slouchy pose, I'll forgive you for not having a costume yet. Oh snap!
Next, think about what you can borrow and who you can borrow from. My costume this year is made up of clothes I'm borrowing from someone else. Was it a bit awkward asking a boy if I could wear his pants? Yes. But sooo worth it. Didn't cost me a cent, and it turns out he was more than willing to loan me his clothes.
Since I don't have a picture of this year's ensemble yet, here is another costume that I borrowed:
I know what you are thinking: Best. Costume. Ever. Borrowing is boss.
Third, take a look at thrift stores. Thrift stores tend to have awesome finds for cheap. Don't be afraid to venture into sections you normally wouldn't. A male friend of mine found a purple blazer in the women's section that perfectly completed his rocker outfit. I also found a great 80s-style dress at a thrift store for the low low price of $8. I might even wear it to one of the Halloween shindigs I attend this year. What an investment.
We. Are. Hot.
If you are still coming up empty, get punny. Clever costumes are memorable. In high school, I dressed as a cereal (serial) killer for the annual Boo Ball. I glued plastic knives to mini boxes of cereal, then attached the boxes to myself. A little corny, but it was definitely unique. I've also seen men dress up as "God's gift to women" more than a few times. Simply wrap yourself as a present labeled "To: Women From: God." At least you'll get a chuckle.
My personal favorite:
If all else fails, I suppose you can go buy a costume. But where's the fun in that?
First, consider what you already have. Most of my costumes in the last few years have been comprised of stuff I found in my apartment.
Example 1: I was a Greek Goddess three years running. (I move a lot: new place/new people...it's like it was a whole new costume.) I found a bed sheet in my room and paired it with a bit of leaf garland that was adorning my apartment.
Example 2: Last year, I got a hand-me-down green organza skirt. I knew I wanted to wear it in some capacity for Halloween. So I brainstormed. I came up with a few ideas, but I ended up going with Mother Nature. I wore the green floor-length skirt and wrapped myself in some leaf garland (are you sensing a pattern here?). I topped off my look with green glamour eyes.
Example 3: Lady Gaga. Love her.
Next, think about what you can borrow and who you can borrow from. My costume this year is made up of clothes I'm borrowing from someone else. Was it a bit awkward asking a boy if I could wear his pants? Yes. But sooo worth it. Didn't cost me a cent, and it turns out he was more than willing to loan me his clothes.
Since I don't have a picture of this year's ensemble yet, here is another costume that I borrowed:
Third, take a look at thrift stores. Thrift stores tend to have awesome finds for cheap. Don't be afraid to venture into sections you normally wouldn't. A male friend of mine found a purple blazer in the women's section that perfectly completed his rocker outfit. I also found a great 80s-style dress at a thrift store for the low low price of $8. I might even wear it to one of the Halloween shindigs I attend this year. What an investment.
If you are still coming up empty, get punny. Clever costumes are memorable. In high school, I dressed as a cereal (serial) killer for the annual Boo Ball. I glued plastic knives to mini boxes of cereal, then attached the boxes to myself. A little corny, but it was definitely unique. I've also seen men dress up as "God's gift to women" more than a few times. Simply wrap yourself as a present labeled "To: Women From: God." At least you'll get a chuckle.
My personal favorite:
If all else fails, I suppose you can go buy a costume. But where's the fun in that?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Penny Pingleton, I Love You!
Hokay, so Halloween. you know the classic musical turned movie "Hairspray!"? :D great one huh? well personally my favorite character is Penny Pingleton! shes fun, funny, quirky and cute. SO, she's ofcourse known most for her hair..
so how do you get her fabulous do? lemme tell ya.
i first started with straight hair parted down the middle, and your hair doesn't have to be perfectly flat ironed or anything, just smoothed out.
the next step can be done one of two ways. first remember to leave some of your bangs down to frame your face..but to create the beehive on top of your head you can either tease your hair using hairspray and a comb or use a BumpIt (i recommend a BumpIt because this is considerably less damaging to your hair) and after you've pulled your hair about half up into a bump, secure in back with a discreet rubber band.
now, easily pull the remainder of your hair into two high piggietails and get your curling iron/curlers or curling instrument of choice ready because you're almost done!
lastly curl your piggie tails in sections, i did two curls in each one..but feel free to do as many as you want! and also, if you want you can grab a small piece of hair from the bottom of the piggy tail to wrap around and bobby pin to hide the elastic you used to secure your hair.
and voila! your done!
so how do you get her fabulous do? lemme tell ya.
i first started with straight hair parted down the middle, and your hair doesn't have to be perfectly flat ironed or anything, just smoothed out.
the next step can be done one of two ways. first remember to leave some of your bangs down to frame your face..but to create the beehive on top of your head you can either tease your hair using hairspray and a comb or use a BumpIt (i recommend a BumpIt because this is considerably less damaging to your hair) and after you've pulled your hair about half up into a bump, secure in back with a discreet rubber band.
now, easily pull the remainder of your hair into two high piggietails and get your curling iron/curlers or curling instrument of choice ready because you're almost done!
lastly curl your piggie tails in sections, i did two curls in each one..but feel free to do as many as you want! and also, if you want you can grab a small piece of hair from the bottom of the piggy tail to wrap around and bobby pin to hide the elastic you used to secure your hair.
and voila! your done!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Halloween How-To's: Glammed-Out Eyes
I don't know about you, but I love halloween. I actually love all holidays. I just love a good excuse to get excited, really. At halloween-time I not only get to decorate (which is oh-so-fun), but I have the added bonus of dressing up! (insert little-girl squeal)
It probably reveals too much about me that I thoroughly enjoy covering my face in shimmery makeup one day a year, but boy-oh-boy do I enjoy it. Here's the great part: glammed-out makeup is something you can add to almost any costume. Since eye makeup is my favy-fav, I'm going to show you how to do my special glammed-out eyes.
You will need:
-shimmery eye shadow, neutral in color (I'll be using white)
-eye shadow, in the color(s) of your choice (I'll be using green)
-glitter, optional
-eye liner, liquid or felt-tip recommended
-mascara
***I apologize in advance for my poor photography skills. These pictures do NOT do this look justice. To get a better look, just click on any picture. Be careful, though, since you might not want to see a close-up of my face.***
You'll want to start with a face devoid of eye makeup. Foundation and concealer are okay.
I like to prep my eye area with white shimmer powder to start with. This makes it easier to blend colors. I also just like shimmer. I'm a go-big-or-go-home kind of a girl, so I apply shimmer all the way above my eyebrows (just a little above) and down until just above my cheekbones. You can include the bridge of your nose if you would like (I like), and then all the way out to the edge of your face.
On the outer edge of your eye, apply your color. Blend in toward the bridge of your nose, using the white shimmer powder to make a sort of gradient.
Last step: eye liner and mascara. You can even apply false lashes if that's your pleasure. Since it's halloween, you can be bold.
If you like, you can add glitter to this ensemble.
You can also try this with other colors. Or even multiple colors, like purple, white, and blue.
You can also keep it simple with just white shimmer and perhaps some glitter.
I have used this makeup style to accompany several costumes, including a Greek Goddess, Mother Nature, and a Fairy Princess (I know, I'm like 5). A friend of mine did something similar with yellow and gold to go with her Bumble Bee costume. The possibilities are endless!
Whatever you choose, have fun with it. Happy Halloweening!
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