ESSENTIAL DAY+ NIGHT LIP CARE

 

(Source Google Image)

We have a hair care routine, feet care routine, and skin care routine (day+night) but how many of us have a lip care routine? In the Winter months your lips will take a lot of abuse because they lack natural protection. Your lips don't have any oils for sweat glands needed for protection from the cold and wind.They can become chapped, blistered, and sometimes even bleed from wind burn, Ouch! Let's show our lips some TLC this winter by following this routine. 

Start off by exfoliating your lips to get rid of all the dry skin that builds up over time. As you know I'm a DIY beauty concoction enthusiast( does that even make sense?) so of course I have a basic but effective lip scrub recipe to share with you:

LIP EXFOLIATING SCRUB

2 TBS Brown or White Sugar
1 TBS Organic Coconut or Almond Oil (I prefer Coconut)
1 TBS Organic Honey or Maple Syrup

Mix the sugar and coconut oil in a small bowl. Ensure they are mixed well as this will become the base of the scrub.Combine the honey or maple syrup to the bowl and mix well. Transfer the scrub into a small jar( a baby food jar will do). The lip scrub can be used 2-3 times a week and should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

After all the dead skin cells have been scrubbed off, you need to add some hydration back to your lips as they may feel a bit "parched". In the daytime you should use a lip balm that has at least SPF 20. I recently started to use Jack Black intense therapy lip balm with SPF 25 and I really like it. Maybelline Baby lips SPF 20 is also a really good product to use. 

In the night time I HIGHLY recommend using a product that will help your lips heal from the day's stress. I just started to incorporate a lip balm into my night time routine (by now my night time routine ends as the sun is rising...beauty is work!). On a recommendation from a dermatologist I started using Sally Hansen overnight lip recovery balm. The company states that " this product will revitalise and repair your lips as you sleep". It helps combat night time water loss so your lips stay super hydrated and plumped in the morning. I have to say I'm really happy with the Sally Hansen lip balm. It has surpassed my expectations as my lips in the morning not only feel super hydrated and smooth, but I noticed my lips are a brighter pink than usual. This may be because they are really hydrated. I love it and I'll definitely continue to add this balm into my routine.

If you wear lipstick during the day, you can still ensure your lips stay hydrated and smooth by using a moisturizing lipstick. A drugstore brand I really like is Rimmel London Moisture renew  is Estèe Lauder long lasting lipstick.

I hope you take my advice and add a day+night lip care routine, your lips will thank you in the morning :)

Maha 

xoxo

DIY After Sun Care Body Butter

Hi Beauties,

I hope you're all enjoying the last few weeks of summer! I know technically the last day of summer is the 23rd of September, but my kids go back to school in 2 weeks so for us summer ends then!
So far we've had a kick ass summer. Lots of outdoor activities, water parks, and picnics :) We've been outside so much that I actually developed my first sunburn in years. Ouch! My olive skin usually tans but this year I burnt!




So, of course, I headed straight to the kitchen to create a very simple and refreshing concoction to sooth my burnt skin. I found this recipe online a few years back and I've used it on myself and my family whenever we've had too much sun and our skin needed some TLC. This recipe is loaded with powerhouse ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, and Vitamin E. These all carry a high dosage of antioxidant properties. This body butter will not only treat your sunburn but also help with other skin ailments you may be experiencing ( dry, acne prone, aging). Aloe Vera is highly moisturizing and is used to soothe burnt skin instantly. Coconut oil is the holy grail of skin care repair! It's loaded with antioxidants so I slather CO on my face, body and hair before bed every night! Its moisturizing and seeps into your skin follicles quickly so you reap the benefits of CO faster. Vitamin E oil is used in many skin care lines to block free radicals from the body (bonus!) but here we are using it mostly for its anti-inflammatory benefits which help to calm and hydrate sensitive skin. You can also add essential oils to this recipe and it's your preference on what scent you would like to add. I personally love to use citrus oils. I just love smelling like a citrus fruit :). Go ahead and try this recipe and tell me what you think in the comments below :)

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp Shea Butter
• 2 Tbsp Coconut oil
• 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil
• 3 Tbsp Aloe Vera
• 1 Tbsp Avocado Oil (OR Olive, Jajoba or Almond Oil)
• 10-15 Drops of Essential oils of choice (optional)

Instructions

1. Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler. You can create this by putting the ingredients in a small, glass jar and then placing the jar in a pan of simmering water.
2. Remove from heat once melted and let the mixture cool until it's opaque (to speed this is you can put it in the fridge, but don't let it become solid.)
3. Next, add the remaining ingredients and the coconut/shea mix to a stand mixer bowl, and whip until ingredients are well combined, and the mixture is light and fluffy (about 5-10 minutes.) It's finished when the body butter can stick to a spoon when held upsidedown.
4. Transfer to an a small container or jar and store in a cool place.

( p.s. I dont' recall the source from which I found the recipe)

talk soon,
Maha