Natural ingredients for masks

So many good responses from my friends about the my last post on my skin care routine and it really makes me happy when you guys send me a message and telling me that you've followed my routine! =') I'll definitely be doing more posts on skin cares since there were good responses!

Masks for the face is probably one of the steps in your skin care routine! Lately, I've been into just making my own masks because I like the idea of using natural ingredients. I figured it would be cheaper anyway cause you can eat them after that if you're not going to use them for the skin, or the other way round, you can use them for your skin since you're not going to eat them. Lol. So I'm here to tell you what ingredients I use to make my masks!

1. Avocado

It's rich with vitamin E and everybody knows that vitamin E is very good for the skin. If it has vitamin E, it will definitely have moisturizing properties in it. Avocado has also antioxidants, which is also good for the skin, so that's another plus point to use it. It will sooth any redness on your skin as well. It's just basically very good for moisturizing the skin.

What I do:
I usually use half of an avocado at a time.  It definitely would be better to blend it to make it into a thick puree, but since I don't own a blender, I mash them with my fork.

2. Lemon

Filled with Vitamin C and citric acid, it can be used to whiten your skin. It helps in diminishing scars from acne, pigmentation or age spots. It works as a mild skin peel because of the citric acid, so it does help exfoliate the skin in a way. It removes the dead skin cells and leaves you skin brighter and smoother. Don't use too much or it can really dry up the skin and irritate it. It does sting the skin a little, so if you have sensitive skin, I suggest you add a little water.

What I do:
Half a lemon, remove the seeds and squeeze! Half a lemon is actually more than enough cause any more than that, your skin will sting. Trust me, I've been there.

3. Oatmeal

Yes, I'm a super big fan of oatmeal, I even use it in my normal skin care routine! It moisturizes the skin and it acts as a gentle exfoliator, removing the dead skin cells. Whitening of the skin is another benefit of using oatmeal. The plus point about oatmeal is it has anti-inflammatory properties so it helps reduce the redness, perfect for sensitive skin. I just found out that oatmeal contains saponins, a cleansing agent, so yes you can use it for a cleanser! It helps treat acne, eczema and rashes too!

What I do:
I run them under water and mash them, making them into a soft paste. Don't drain the milky water away, cause they are what that makes oatmeal wonderful for the skin. You can just throw in oatmeal without running it under water, but it is a little harsh on the skin and I prefer my method.

4. Yogurt

Another moisturizing ingredient! Since yogurt contains protein, it leaves your skin soft and supple after applying it. The lactic acid in it helps exfoliate the skin gently and the calcium helps your skin regenerate faster, leaving your skin glowing, don't you just love that? It also contains zinc, it they say that it helps reduce the redness which automatically makes it a whitening agent to me, I'm not too sure about the zinc but it does help with the redness. With all the vitamin Bs in yogurt, it can help aid acne. Oh, yogurt is soothing so it does help if you've got a sunburn.

What I do:
2 tablespoons of original yogurt. Don't buy the flavored ones! Just add it into your bowl or blender.

5. Olive oil

There is so much to olive oil than just using it for your pasta. One, it moisturizes. You can even use it to help with the stretch marks (I haven't tried using it for this purpose, but when I get more concerned about it) and acne scars. Two, you can even use it on other parts of your body. On your lips to prevent chapping, use it to soften your hands (the best way, I say a few table spoons into water and soak), and you can even strengthen your nails! Three, it's a make up remover! Think about it, most make up removers have oils, so we're just replacing this with natural oil. Haha.

What I do:
2 tablespoons would suffice.

6. Eggs

But what we want actually is the egg white. I think most of us know that egg whites is one of the most natural way to tighten up those pores and firm the skin. It really does work, I could feel my skin tightening up and it was so difficult to smile that I thought my face was going to crack.

What I do:
Crack the egg into two and separate the egg white. Keep the yolk and cook it, don't waste!

7. Aloe Vera

Yes I know it's disgusting, it's slimy and sticky but it's all worth it. Cooling, meaning it has anti-inflammatory properties and it works great as a moisturizer. It's generally perfect for oily skin because aloe vera gel doesn't leave a greasy feeling. Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria, making it suitable to treat acne. You can use aloe vera for treating burns (I know I burnt my palm and aloe vera treated it nicely, very soothing and cooling). With Vitamin C and E in it, it can help firm up the skin and help regenerate new skin cells! I hardly use aloe vera now cause I can't seem to find them anywhere here, but when I do head back to Malaysia, that's when I start using it. Just need to cut it from the garden.

What I do:
Skin the aloe vera and squeeze out the gel. Or, just throw the whole thing into your blender.

8. Cucumber

One of my favorite ingredients to use for my eyes and the skin. It helps with the swelling and the dark circles around the eyes, and with it being cool, it can relax your skin in a jiffy. I heard it's good to squeeze a little cucumber juice into your eyes too, but I've never tested it out. Apparently cucumber has the same level of hydrogen as our skin which makes it easier to mask out the problem areas. Cucumbers will soot hen and smoothen your skin, leaving it happy, radiant and glowing.

What I do:
Cut them up for eye pads. And the rest, you can just take the juice out by using a juicer or just mash or blend the entire thing.

9. Rice water

You've heard of SK-II, you've heard the word "Pitera". I personally haven't tried SK-II but I don't need it cause I can just get it from washing my rice. I do realize that rice water helps tighten up the pores and makes my skin smoother and softer. I don't know if it helps with dry skin but I've heard people saying that it does. Pitera revitalizes the skin's natural glow and makes your skin clear.

What I do:
Wash my rice and pour the water into a container and close it with a lid and refrigerate it. I usually use it on the day itself, I've never kept it overnight before. But from what I heard, 2 days max in the fridge. If it stinks, it has to go. Add it into your masks or you can just use it to wash your face or just use it by itself as a mask.



So these are the ingredients which I usually mix into my masks. Or you can use them individually and it gives you amazing results. The best thing about these ingredients are they aren't just for your face, you can use them for your hair too to make it healthy and shining.

Mix and match, depending on what you want. I don't add all of them into one masks cause with so many ingredients, I don't think my face is enough to finish it all. So mix and match, use them individually, have fun!

When I finish mashing the ingredients together, I like putting it in the fridge for about half an hour for it to cool so it feels good on the skin. Leave the masks on for about 20-30 minutes till it dries and rinse it off with warm water. Pat your face dry and just admire how your skin feels and looks.

So I've been making my own masks for about 5 months now, and I must say it's better than any of the masks I bought in stores. I would definitely prefer natural ingredients over chemicals. Have fun my dear readers, and just make your own masks!

DISCLAIMER: I am no skin specialist. I did my own research on what ingredients to use and all these ingredients were what I tested to use for my masks. Any allergies from the ingredients applies when you're using them to make a mask. You know your skin best, so if you know which ingredient works best for you, work with it.


Good luck! 

Skin Care Routine

Hello my lovelies, 

Lately I've been getting quite a few compliments on my skin and was asked questions on my skin care routine. So, I decided I would blog about what I did (I promise a video too, once I get rid of my nasal voice). A little history about my skin before I ramble on about my routine: I never had perfect skin. I had acne for 8 or 9 years, those who know me personally would know how much I went through. Right now, my skin ISN'T PERFECT as I would like it to be but it is in the best state it has ever been in 9 years. 

MORNING ROUTINE: 

1. Using the Eucerin's Gentle Cleansing Milk to cleanse the face in the morning. A simple and gentle cleanser,  leaving the skin feeling soft, clean and moisturized. You can also use it when removing make up, it works beautifully.
2. Moisturizing with either the Eucerin's Hydrating care or the Eucerin's Cream-Gel (I alternate). The Hydrating Care has a very smooth texture, leaving your skin as if you didn't put anything on, which is what I prefer because I don't like the feeling of a greasy face in the morning. The Cream-Gel is more of a moisturizer / pimple gel,  little more moisturizing but a little greasy at times. So I use this usually when my skin is really dry in the morning or if it's a really cold day (more so during the winter). 

Hydrating Care, Cream-Gel and Gentle Cleansing Milk

Super short morning routine. No make up on and I hardly put on sunscreen, which I know I should but I start using it when spring comes.

NIGHT ROUTINE:

1. I alternate between two cleansers, the Eucerin's Dermo Purifyer Cleanser or Oats. The liquid cleanser deeply cleanses the face without stripping the oil off the face which doesn't leave the face squeaky and shiny. I have been using the Eucerin's Dermo Purifyer line for years, and I must say, this was the very first product that really helped me controlled my acne.
   
   OATS: I know some of you are just reading this and just giving weird faces. But Oats has definitely changed my skin care routine. I started using this a year ago after I watched Saaamage's Skin Care Routine and also Bubz Beauty. I use this almost every night, more than my liquid cleanser because it honestly has changed my skin for the better. Oats reduces redness, dryness and minor irritations. It cleanses your face, moisturizes it and also performs as a really gentle exfoliant. Another plus point, if you want to be fairer, oats apparently helps you lighten your skin.
   
   So ever since I've been using oats, my skin is fairer, complexion has definitely improved and it is surprisingly very refreshing to wash your face with oats. My face feels soft, moisturized, hardly any redness and it's not as dry and flaky as it used to be. The best part of using oats is it's natural and there's no harsh chemicals! Sometimes I even shower with oats. If I were to give a recommendation on which cleanser to use, I would say oats would be the best.
   
   Just take a handful, run it under water, mash it until it becomes a paste and just apply it to your face like how you would cleanse your face and wash it off! Simple!



Differin 0.1% & Topicil 



2. Medication for acne! I use Topicil first, just dabbing onto the pimples and just let it dry. And then applying a thin layer of Differin 0.1% over the affected parts. You can't apply too much of Differin cause it's really harsh and it might make your skin peel and also, you can't use it during the day either cause it irritates your skin. Both products are pretty harsh because they both contain antibiotics for the skin and it's mainly for severe acne. I have been using Topicil for about 5 years, alternating between other medications as well and Differin for about 9 months now. Both seem to work very well for me.
   
   
   

   

   Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

3. Applying a thin layer of Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex all over the face! You don't really need a lot of the product, just one or two drops would cover it. I purchased the 50ml just recently for a whopping RM330 (always ask for freebies!!!). Though it may be pricy, this product is the best thing that ever happened to my skin. It lightens the dark spots and helps the healing of the acne much quicker. I wake up in the morning feeling my skin super soft and supple and smooth! I would definitely recommend anybody to use this product!
   
   

   

   Estee Lauder Hydrationist

4. It's like a moisturizer, but I apply a very thin layer to my skin after the serum. I got it as a freebie, so I've been using it for about a month now.
   
   
   

   

   Vaseline's Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Body Lotion

5. My skin tends to get very dry at night because it's really cold during the winter and somehow my normal face moisturizers aren't doing any good for me. I would wake up with flaky skin in the morning and it just really annoys me. So I decided to switch it up to my normal body moisturizer. Here comes the stares and gasps. Not many of you would agree with me on this and I get it, but I needed a lotion that could help the healing of dry skin and this Vaseline Intensive Rescue body lotion just did the trick! I take a small pump, rub it on my palms and just dab it onto my face. My skin isn't dry in the morning anymore and it really helps during the night because the air is really dry. 

ONCE A WEEK:

I would use the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Exfoliator, just to thoroughly cleanse my face. It has microbeads in it, though still gentle, a really really nice grapefruit scent. I have been using this for over a year and a half, and I works wonderful for me.

EVERY FORTNIGHT OR 3 WEEKS:

Nose pore strips! Just to remove the blackheads. I have tried a couple of brands but so far this one Biore works the best for me. It really removes the blackheads and you can see the strip how disgusting your pores have been.

ONCE A MONTH:

So many raves on this product. FrmHeadToToe did a mini review of it. So once a month, I would just use this product to just remove all the dead skin and it's kind of cool yet disgusting to see all your dead skin being removed. LOL. I dont do this too often because I already exfoliate my skin once a week so I can't strip my skin too much or it'll easily get irritable.

DISCLAIMER: I am no skin specialist. I am just letting all my readers know what I did for my skin to get it into its current condition. And all the products I have mentioned above are products that I have tested over the years to know which works best for my skin. You know your skin best, so if you have a product which is working good for you, I suggest you continue using it.

There are other things I do as well besides a skin routine:

1. I do my best to stay away from certain food. I don't completely stay away from them, once in awhile is fine, but if I can, I won't eat them. Seafood (especially prawns for me), spicy food, alcohol and deep-fried stuff.
2. Drink a lot of water. A LOT.
3. Sleep early for at least 8 hours. There's a reason why it's called beauty sleep!
4. Don't wear too much make up. How ironic when I love make up. I don't wear it everyday, but if I do, I double cleanse. I would wash my make up off with make up remover and then use a cleanser to wash my face. It's very important to remove your make up before going to bed! 

Well, basically that is it. This is what I've been doing for the past few years and it has finally, FINALLY paid off! It's not only the skin care routine that counts, it's also your daily routine and discipline. I'm pretty anal when it comes to my skin so I forced myself into this routine I've showed you and I'm very happy with the result. You know your skin best, so work out your own routine. 

No make up with flash! 

Good luck! 

March Hits and Misses

Hello once again! I'm doing my best to getting used to the filming and editing and the whole lot (who knew it could be really tiring?). But I'm love that I'm doing all this! Here's a video of my march hits and misses!

Sorry, for the abrupt ending though. I couldn't fit my ending footage because it was more than 15 minutes already and I had to cut out a lot of footage out, that's why it took longer for me to edit. =S

Swatches (L-R): Lollipop, Sweet Tart, Berry Smoothie and Tutti Frutti

Love these!! If I can them more of them and more colors, I definitely would. They are my everyday go-to lip products in the morning and I can wear them until at night. One of the BEST products I've ever used.

It still looks white to me. It's not what I wanted, it takes quite a lot of pressure to get the product onto my skin so it definitely hurts on my waterline. And it's been a couple of days now and I tried using it on my waterline, it doesn't even really apply evenly. It makes my whole eye make up look weird cause there are shimmers in only some parts of the waterline. It claims to last for 16 hours. Well, as if I don't already dislike it, it doesn't help that it only lasts for an hour. I don't even bother reapplying it because I'm happy it goes off. Doubt I'm going to reach for this product anytime soon.

In the video it looks brighter and trust me it's usually THAT white. The picture above has already been oxidized and it does not work well with my BB creams and it causes streaks because the formula itself is very thick. And it is really difficult to blend into my skin, it makes me look white, I just don't like this product. It is definitely a miss for me.

Am in LOVE with the mascara. I know in the video I said I don't like the brush because it is kind of big but I really don't mind it because of it's amazing things it can do with my eyelashes! I hardly use falsies because I'm just too lazy to put them on unless it is for a special event. But these are wonderful. There are no clumps (probably because of the big brush), application is pretty even, formula is wonderful, loads of volume and length and it holds my curls the whole day!

My current favorite moisturizer because of the ambivalent weather. Super intensive, and it really moisturizes those dry areas and it really helps in the morning. Whenever my skin starts to itch, I put this on immediately and it stops itching because it's very soothing and it becomes all better after an hour. Plus point, it is a hypoallergenic lotion. So that means, those of you who have really sensitive skin or who are more prone to allergic reactions can use this baby. Though a little sticky at first, it is worth it because the end result is beautiful, soft and supple skin!

That's all for this post! I hope you enjoyed the video, I'll see you guys soon.


Toodles,
Alanna

Haul - Priceline

Hey darlings,

I have been busy with coming back to Melbourne, settling down with school and touring around Australia with the family. So I am back with more stuff to review and guess what? A video I shot yesterday. Forgive me for the long break? =D

Also, I don't know why my video was like compressed. My face looks so elongated. =.=

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Hardener - $10.20

Nail beds getting shorter, chipping, peeling, how my nails have suffered after doing house chores. It's a simple base coat as I mentioned in the video, so hopefully this will come to my nails' rescue, for they need to grow badly.

Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish in 660 Grape - $15.95

See the chips? 

 It dries fast, but it can't handle heavy duty chores. I'm pretty sure it'll last longer if I wore gloves when doing house chores. But as far as the top speed drying, yeap, it definitely dries super fast. Give it a good 10 minutes, it'll be done in a jiffy! Also, I love the colors they had. I wish they had the silver metallic ones in the Top Speed range though. But the colors are still limited in the range, but I'm sure they'll be bringing more colors out!

OPI An Affair in Red Square - $19.95

I have been searching high and low for this color, and I finally got my hands on this baby. I will definitely show you guys the swatches as soon as I change my nail polish color from the Revlon one! I can't wait to paint my nails red with this one.

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Blackest Black - $16.95

I have never tried Gel Liners before and I was waiting for my liquid liner to finish. So after hearing raves on gel and I finally finished my liquid, I bought this. And I must say, I now understand why people have been going mad about it. I was there were cheaper alternatives in Priceline, but I was thinking I wanted something which would give me a good experience and impression on gel liners, so I chose Maybelline. I don't think I'll be going back to liquid eyeliners for a while. =)

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 645 Red Revival - $16.95

 Most of the lipstick packaging are starting to look quite similar, don't you think? Like I said, if I wanted to test out a new item, the first brand I would go for is Maybelline. It's affordable and their products are not too shabby. I love how the red looked on me and it had a really nice sweet smell to it. Plus, it was creamy on lips and they lasted for so long. I only had to reapply them after eating but even that, the color was still there just a little faded out. My lips didn't dry out and I felt really comfortable wearing them. Best lipstick I own, I must say. The Revlon Lip Butters are different cause they are like lip balms. Different category.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Liner - $8.50

First lipliner I've ever owned because I didn't see the purpose of getting one for the other colors cause they were pretty light. So since I got a red lipstick, I knew I needed a lipliner to outline and define the lips. Creamy, it doesn't pull the skin much, glides on smoothly.

Manicare Eyelash curler - $ 11.99

I didn't expect much out of this. It did it's job, curling my lashes, better than the one I previously had. It also comes with an extra refill pad.

Manicare Dual Cosmetic Sharpener - $8.99

 I bought this because the lipliner reminded me I needed one to keep it sharp. I also have a couple of NYX jumbo eye pencils that needed to be sharpened, so I got the dual hole one.

Schwarzkopf Heidi's Heat Styles Heat Protectant Spray - $6.99

Every girl probably needs one of these. To protect our hair from all that heat we put our hair through just to achieve beautiful hair. Gonna try this out when I curl my hair next time. I can't wait to use this! Will do a review on this!

So, my first video, a long post, I hope you guys enjoyed it! I've done another video, so please stay tuned!

Lots of love,
Alanna

USA Haul

Greetings once again! Back with more lovely cosmetics to share with all of you! I ordered these about two months back and I finally got all of them, so here it goes! 

First of all, hitting it off with the Wet and Wild Coloricon Eyeshadow Collection Palettes! I asked my friend to get anything she could find cause one, I was undecided about which palette to buy, two, most of them were sold out. The Collection palettes seemed to be a better choice anyway, two looks in one palette, that's good! I was honestly very excited about these babies because almost all the Youtubers had them and there was just so much hype about it. 

So I got all three palettes which are Petal Pusher (purples), Comfort Zone (browns), and Blue Had Me At Hello (blues). They all come with a double ended sponge and brush and they each cost me about RM 16, which I thought was amazingly cheap compared to the normal drugstore palettes we pay for in Malaysia. 

Let the swatches begin!

W&W 736 Petal Pusher

A-D belongs to the left column and E-H belongs to the right

A - a slight pinkish white
B - shimmery lilac
C - satiny dark purple
D - shimmery medium purple
E - sheer baby pink
F - brownish purple with pink shimmers
G - heavy dark brown undertone with red shimmers
H - black with fine glitter

W&W 738 Comfort Zone

A - very light champagne colour
B - medium satiny copper
C - shimmery copper colour
D - dark brown undertone with pink shimmers
E - satiny moccha taupe-ish
F - shimmery olive green
G - shimmery greyish brown
H - brown duochrome with slight green

W&W 737 Blue Had Me At Hello

A - shimmery pearl white
B - shimmery silver
C - black undertone with blue shimmers
D - matte-ish black (it has very very fine shimmers but it comes out mostly matte like)
E - satiny slight mint green
F - bright satiny turquoise
G - blue duochrome with grey
H - black with glitter

The colours were fairly well pigmented and it had a really nice texture, pretty impressive for a really affordable drug store cosmetic. I was just really irritated at all the 'A' colours. I didn't like the texture one bit, it was like dusty and the colour just did not turn up well, not even on my eyelids. The rest were just wonderful. Overall, I really like the palettes! I've been using a lot of the Comfort Zone palette and it's slowly working it's way up to be favourite. Nothing can beat my Urban Decay Naked Palette though.

Next up, Benefit products! I don't think we need an introduction over here. I got Pore-fessional and That Gal, two of the best selling items within the brand. I know we have Benefit in Malaysia but I didn't want to get them over here cause I could get it for a cheaper price in US. I paid US$29 (RM 96) for each of the products instead of RM 129.

The picture says it all. It minimizes the appearance of your pores. So say hello to flawless complexion! A small bit goes a long way so I don't use much. I only use them on certain areas anyway like the nose and the inner cheeks where my pores are most horrible looking. I pat them on and blend them. It has a very nice matte feeling and it keeps the oil control, which I love!

It's a brightening face primer. I first tried this in Melbourne. The Benefit salesgirl insisted on putting this on me and well, it was free so, what the heck. Ever since then, I just knew I had to get it. It brightened the whole face up and it acts as a primer. You can wear it alone or under your make up or over your make up! This is beautiful! I don't regret purchasing this at all. It keeps the oil controlled as well!

My final products for today are my Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-wear Blush. I first saw this on FrmHeadToToe, Jen was just going on about this blush and how amazed she was at this, you can check out her haul video here. I was looking for new and natural looking blushes anyway, so since my friend was there I got two blushes! One in Tipsy and another in Exposed. Both US$25 (RM 83) each, yes pricy I know. But honestly, I don't know if I was somehow influenced by Jen but honestly, ONE OF THE BEST BLUSHES I'VE EVER OWNED.

Tipsy and Exposed

Tipsy and Exposed

Tipsy is a very coral pinkish colour, perfect for spring or summer looks. It has that nice, well, tipsy colour. Exposed is a very natural colour, good for natural looks to give the cheeks a nice glow or a light tan. Both colours are matte, which I prefer because it just looks more natural in the daytime. The blushes are supposedly to last for 12 hours. I didn't test it for THAT long but I will say that they do last throughout my day. My favourite one is Exposed and I think it's going to be pretty difficult to put it down to use other blushers cause it just looks so natural and healthy. Favourite blush of all time, hands down.

So I hoped you like the post! I'll be back with more items to come.


Toodles with love,
Alanna