Face it!

Winter really wreaks havoc with our skin! with heaters, aircons, the fireplace, and staying indoors, your skin barely needs free radicals to dehydrate and give us some serious insecurities, when our stuffy indoor air does it perfectly! Drinking your 6-8glasses of H2O just does not cut it!

From reading my prior posts, you know I am currently recovering (Alhumdulillah) from acne due to an allergy from a well known high end cosmetic product. I initially thought it was a food allergy until I used the product again, and lo and behold! my acne had cousins and distant relatives.

Now some scarring later, I used a number of items to get my skin back to its former clarity. I thought it would be a good idea to share them with you!

The only item that helped relieve the allergy and reduce the pimples were Cuticura ointment( available at any pharmacy or retail supermarket), another cream from Fordsburg (which I shall reveal soon), and ofcourse avoiding use of the culprit product. I have always used this ointment every night before bed on the insistence of my mother, and have her to thank for my good skin days! I have to include it in my routine again, the smell of the ointment is an acquired taste, but not too bad...I'd Say more medicinal. It is has a balmy consistency and looks oily on the skin when applied, so avoid use during the day unless you plan to stay indoors.

I also wanted to get rid of dehydration and acne scarring too, sooner rather than later. Swiitch beauty founder and owner Rabia handed me a precision pore cleansing pad at their booth at the Eid Shopping Festival. I have to say, I love it! and am so thankful she handed me a complimentary one, no strings attached! It is easy, practical and effective! I've put aside my sorbet cleansing brush until I'm no longer lazy enough to charge it. The precision pore cleansing pad is a simple silicone item, that requires no fussing over. It has a little grip at the back to hold between your fingers for ease of use and no batteries needed. To contact Swiitch beauty and get your hands on one..
click here: Swiitch Beauty their prices are so reasonable!

I use circular motions to wash my face with my favourite cleanser Neutrogena 2 in 1 wash or mask. For brightness, I team the cleansing pad with my Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme atleast once a week.

My skin is alot smoother as the pad proved effective in providing a gentle exfoliation. If you have particularly oily skin that's prone to acne, definitely give Vichy Normaderm gel cleanser a try...you will not regret it! Smells divine! My husband will vouch for the effectiveness of this product!

I decided to team my above regimen with Coconut oil for hydration, which I apply at night before I go to bed. The next morning my skin is noticeably brighter, smoother and more hydrated, and best of all the acne scarring has lightened quite alot and my makeup sets like a dream. I use the Lemcke brand in a white tub as featured below. Hey! if it's good enough to eat, it's good enough for my skin! I strongly suggest you give the above a try.

Another item or items that have made its way on my list are sheet masks from Shades of Mink store, the very first and specialists in bringing you sheet masks. Find them here:Shades of Mink Store

They are inexpensive (in fact the most reasonably priced at under R50...talk about value for moola!) yet utterly good for your skin and effectively hydrate, brighten, lighten, you name it...there's a sheet mask for it. Tip: you should buy more than 4, not only will you reap the amazing benefits, Shades of Mink rewards their clients! I need to get more! If you want to get some...Speak to Yasmin and she'll advise you, her service is brilliant!

As you can see, my huge Shades of Mink Haul

Your Face It list!:
1. Neutrogena 2 in 1 wash and mask / Vichy Normaderm Gel cleanser
2. Cuticura ointment
3. Lemcke Coconut oil
4. Swiitch beauty Precision Cleansing pads
5. Shades of Mink store Variety of specialised Sheet masks
6. Nimue Exfoliating enzyme


I have a ton of reviews lined up because I have been soo busy with work...I figured I owe it to you guys!
I will let you know about the Fordsburg Cream soon. In the mean time, don't forget to follow me on Instagram: https: Stylexplora on Instagram
and check out my latest Hijab tutorial on YouTube: Stylexplora on Youtube

Love and Salaams as always!
StyleXplora

If you love your skin, you are very aware of the ridiculous pricing of skincare products as well as the increased focus on products that are all natural and free of harsh chemicals.

We have such a wealth of products available these days targeting each skin or hair concern, it�s quite confusing, which product works and which one doesn�t and how many products are you going to use?. We pay a fortune trying out products in hopes that we would get the results promised eventually. When you find that wonder product, you stick to it and hope it doesn�t discontinue.

This is why I would always take a family or friends word on the results of a product over any marketing ploy or packaging ingenuity�.I want something that works like it says it does, if not better!

So I decided to do this post with my health and budget conscious readers in mind�which is pretty much all of us these days, and I wanted to make good on a promise in an older post to deliver DIY beauty recipes that are tried, tested with great results and best of all, no chance of being discontinued. I will also include posts on products that many of you swear by, so be sure to drops your suggestions in my mailbox, it would be greatly appreciated! waseema561@yahoo.com

So here goes�.we will be looking at creating your very own:

Face Masks

Face and body exfoliators or Body scrubs

Bath Oils

Bath Salts

Hair treatments

None of them contain alcohol, how awesome is that?? Ingredients good enough to eatJ

Face Masks:

Single application only.

For : removing blackheads, deep cleansing clogged pores, and tightening loose skin (anti-ageing)

Peel off mask

Mix:

1 egg yolk

1 tbsp gelatin

2 tbsp milk

Heat on low for 1 minute.

Keep stirring to make a smooth paste. Let it cool.

Apply on the face and let it dry, around 5-10 minutes. After drying, peel off gently with fingertips. Rinse off with cool water.

For : Exfoliating or sloughing off dead skin cells and brightening your complexion, all skin types

Yoghurt and Honey Face Mask

Mix:

1 tblspoon honey

1 tblspoon yoghurt

pinch nutmeg

pinch cinnamon 

Apply and leave on for 5mins, then rinse off.

For: Nourished, hydrated, soft skin and to combat free radicals, recommended for normal skin types

Chocolate Face Mask

Mix:

1/3 cup cocoa (packed with antioxidants)
3 tablespoons of heavy cream
2 tsp. cottage cheese
� cup honey (a natural humectant)
3 tsp. oatmeal powder (whole oats are ok too)

Apply and leave on for 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

For: Oily skin, cools skin and combats oiliness, reduces blemishes

Cooling Face Mask

Puree:
1/2 cucumber
1 egg white
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried mint flakes

Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Apply and leave on 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

In case you were wondering, Health Benefits of:

Dark Cocoa Powder: high level of antioxidants that promote cell repair,

helps firm & prevent wrinkles, high vitamin & mineral content, increased hydration, decreased skin roughness, increased defense of UV damage

Plain Yogurt: contains lactic acid that dissolves dead skin cells, natural antibiotic that kills bacteria, zinc which aids in clearing zits

Salt: shrinks pores, helps exfoliate dead skin cells

Coconut Oil:vit E & K, polyphenols are anti-aging and fatty acids

Body Exfoliator/ Scrubs:

Massage body scrub onto dry skin before you shower using circular motions working from feet upto heart and then hands upto heart and rinse off only, and donot wash off, for maximum moisturisation from the oils. 

These are so hydrating, you can skip the lotions after you shower. Recipe Amounts are for more than 1 application, so store it any air tight container or glass jar to preserve its qualities. You can also swop base oils for your favourite type such as almond, olive, grape seed, coconut or jojoba.

Why should you be using a body scrub? To get rid of dead skin cells, and encourage healthy skin renewal and to really experience the benefits of the products you use on your skin such as oils and lotions, instead of it just sitting on the uppermost layer or epidermal layer of your skin.

Results?Smoother, moisturized and softer skin�I am speaking from experience, I love body scrubs, been using them since high school and they make your skin feel amazing.

For: soft smooth lips or to combat chapped, peeling, dry lips (donot use if your lips are sore, bruised or cut)

Citrus Lip Scrub 

Mix:

2 tsp sugar with few drops vitamin E oil

Add 2 tsp coconut oil

Few drops fresh orange juice including pulp

Massage lips with the scrub gently and then remove with damp cloth

Apply your favourite lip balm or my favourites cuticura ointment or plain old Vaseline (no, it does not make your lips dark!)

For: Smoother, nourished skin

Vanilla Almond Body Scrub

Mix:

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup white granulated sugar

about 1 cup almond oil (depending on consistency wanted)

vanilla essence

mix till smooth

transfer to a glass jar for storage

For: Softer and smoother skin, gives skin a boost

Citrus Body Scrub

Mix:

2cups Epsom salt

1 cup olive oil

orange and lemon zest for fragrance and colour,

or use citrus essential oil

For: Moisturised, smoother skin infused with antioxidants

Luxury Chocolate Body Scrub

Mix:

1 cup brown sugar

1-2 tsp cocoa powder

1 cup olive oil

Peppermint Foot scrub

For: Energises and softens tired feet

Mix:

1 cup granulated sugar

slowly pour in warmed coconut oil to reach desired consistency

add few drops of peppermint essential oil or extract

Bath and Body Oils:

To make a bath oil containing essential oils, you will require a base or carrier oil such as Sunflower, castor, coconut, almond or olive oils and strict use on essential oils as they are stimulating (low dosage).

Quick reference guide on essential oils:

10 Best Essential Bath Oils

Bergamot for depression

Chamomile for insomnia or itchy skin

Frankincense for sedative, calming and mood upliftment

Geranium for relaxing yet uplifting and energising

Jasmine for apathy, stress or fatigue

Lavender positive, soothing and relaxing

Neroli for hypnotic with antidepressant properties

Patchouli for energising and invigorating

Rose for mood upliftment, romantic

Sandalwood sensual and mellowing a good aphrodisiac

For: warmth and to combat feelings of dreariness

Get Happy Bath Oil:

Mix:

4 tblspns of Almond oil (or your choice of carrier oil) combined with:

10 drops Sandalwood

5 drops Jasmine

5 drops Rose

5 drops Bergamot

Fragrant Rose Bath oil

For: hydrated, nourished and softly fragranced skin, no essential oils included

Warm 1 cup coconut oil

Add Rose water until softly scented (1tblspoon rose water or less)

Fresh rose petals

Use in shower or bath

For: stimulates blood circulation and fresh hydrated skin

Peppermint Body Oil

Mix:

� cup coconut oil,

� cup jojoba oil,

� cup grape seed oil,

few drops peppermint essential oil

For: soothing aching muscles and calming the mind

Lavender Bath Salts

Mix:

2 cups Epsom salt

1 cup sea salt

lavender essential oil

dried lavender sprinkled

Hair Masks:

For: Repaired, Rejuvenated and Soft Hair

Ultimate DIY Damage Repair Hair Mask:

Mix:

1 Egg (protein & moisture)

1 Avocado (moisture full of nutrients)

3 tblspn Olive oil (shine & strength)

1 tblspn Honey (natural humectant which attracts and locks in moisture)

Apply for 15 mins from scalp to hair ends massaging well�then rinse off. Once or twice a week.

For: Hair Growth

The raved about Mustard Hair Mask:

Mix:

2 tblspn dry mustard powder

2 tblspn hot water

1 egg yolk (beaten)

2 tsp Castor oil

2 tsp sugar

Apply from roots to tips, cover with a shower cap and leave on for 15 mins or until you tire of the heat. Do twice a week.

For: Shiny, Healthier looking hair

Banana-riffic Hair Mask

Mix:

1/2 banana

1 tsp honey

1 tbsp olive oil

1 egg

1 tbsp mayo

pinch cinnamon

1tsp lemon juice.

 Apply and leave on for 20 minutes!

For Nourished deeply hydrated and soft locks

Avo and Mayo Sublime Hair Mask

Mix:

 1/2 ripe avocado

� cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp each of coconut oil, olive oil and honey

4 tbsp water

Work the mask into your scalp to soothe dryness, then massage it in from roots to ends to maximize all-over shine.

Did you know?That shampoos are basically detergents to get grit of your hair but they also strip your hair of all natural oils, which are good for you.

Hair Wash:

Mix:

1 tsp  of baking soda or bicarbonate of soda

with water to make a paste and use this to wash your hair.

Don�t overdo the bicarb, 1 tablespoon per 1 cup of water if you want to store it is more than enough,(try 4cups water with 4 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda in a glass bottle and use a little like shampoo to wash your hair). It will keep your locks squeaky clean.

Hair Rinse:

For a hair treat, you can try rinsing the above off with

Mix:

1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to

1 cup water

to promote shine and strength

Consider making these diy recipes as gifts for family and friends, packaging them uniquely and creatively or using them at the next bridal shower or a ladies spa night....whatever you do, try them out and be consistent to experience the best results;)

Enjoy!!!