October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
This is a great time to start really learning what Breast Cancer is. Some people have the misconception that your chances of getting it are slim to none if it does not run in your family. In fact I myself thought that for a while but unfortunately we all are at risk on getting it.
The Myth
Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it. The Truth
While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.
-National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC
I had been hearing through the beauty grapevine about this product called Clarisonic. I made the investment leap and got one for myself:
What is Clarisonic? Answer: Clarisonic is a Skin Care System that uses sonic frequency that moves a gentle brush back and forth 300 times per second.
Now here comes the more important info we like to hear.
Clarisonic basically cleans your face better than the average wash by hand. It cleans what you missed (left over make-up) and clears out your pores, really getting into the nitty gritty. It reduces oily spots, dry skin patches, blemishes and also reduces pores and fine lines.
What is my review on this product? Answer: Yes, I was taken back from the price at first but I had heard so many great reviews on this product I just had to try it!
Now here comes the positive.
This product is GREAT! And well worth the money! It cleaned my face yet at the same time it was gentle. I at times have problems with black heads on my nose and Clarisonic takes care of those suckers. My pores are in great condition. I recommend this be added to your skin care regimen.
What is Paraben? I’m sure you seen or heard this term lately.
Parabens are synthetic preservatives also known as propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens can be found in make up, skin care products and personal products such as shampoos and deodorants. Parabens can cause allergic reactions, rashes and skin irritation. It’s been found that Parabens mimic the hormone estrogen.
Although there is ongoing debate whether or not products containing Parabens are safe, many companies have jumped on the bandwagon and introduced Paraben free skin care products. This is great for us consumers and not to mention very safe.
Why not take that extra step in reading the label and looking out for the words Paraben free.
I noticed for a while now that my brother has had this product in his medicine cabinet. So I asked him about it and he pretty much raved about it.
It is called Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave. His main compliment was that he has been getting a closer shave and has not suffered from nicks or cuts. He added that he does not experience razor burn anymore since he started using this product.
I personally like what it has in it:
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Glycerin
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Menthol
T.G.I.F and it’s time to go out and paint the town red! This is when we bring out our make up kits and do our face’s pretty and cute. But, and yes there is a but, let’s not forget that when we come back from having all that fun and showing off our pretty faces we must remove all that make up before we hit our pillows.
Using a make up remover is very important. Make up needs to be removed so your pores can be cleaned from the chemicals that are in make up. Your skin needs to breathe and be freed from all that film we put on our faces. If you wake up and your pillow looks like an imprint of your face, let’s just say it’s not so good.
Have fun tonight and don’t forget to make it a habit to come home from a fun day or night out and use some kind of make up remover.
A continuation of the Stila Smoky Eye Palette entry. I found a smokey eye tutorial video and the girl who does the smokey eye how to video uses the smokey eye make up by Stila. At the end of the video you can clearly see her smokey eye look.
For those who aren’t make artist experts, I found that it helps to see someone else use their own smokey eye technique or use someone else’s smokey eye tips and you will eventually get the smokey eye look to your own liking.
My friend who is somewhat make-up dyslexic told me about this palette called Stila Smoky Eye Palette. She raved about it and found it very easy to use. I checked it out and found it to be very useful, practical and finally an easy way to get that smokey eye look that has been famous for a few years now.
The cool thing about it is that this palette literally talks to you! Ok, let me explain, when you open the palette it has this button you can press and this voice walks you through the five steps on achieving a smokey eye look. How neat is that?
This smokey eye palette has four shades; Icy Champagne used for a base, Shade Slate a silvery gray for the lid, Shade Kettle a dark gray used to contour and Shade Ebony a smokey black brown to be used as a liner.
Summer is here and the sun is out even brighter. I’m sure you’ve heard it many times before and I bet it’s still something some of us don’t do.
You must apply sunscreen everyday especially on your face!
Here is a little known fact to get you started on making sunscreen a habit forming priority.
Sunscreen is the most important and easiest answer to preventing WRINKLES! (Ugh that word) Constant exposure to sunlight is also exposure to ultraviolet light which accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin wrinkles.
Some tips:
-Wear sunscreen that has at least SPF 15. I personally like wearing SPF 30 just to play it safe.
-It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be fully absorbed in skin. Try applying it 30 min before you head out in the sun.
-Do not be afraid to apply sunscreen liberally. Many people do not apply enough. It should form a film when initially applied
Here are some manicure Do’s and Don’ts for your nails.
DON’T use nail polish remover that is Acetone Based.
It strips away the natural oils that help keep nails flexible. DO use Acetone Free nail polish remover instead; it’s much gentler on your nails.
DON’T cut your cuticles.
You would be cutting away protection against bacteria that causes infection. DO soak your nails in warm water and gently push the cuticles back. If you have hard or ragged cuticles take it a step further and use some kind of cuticle treatment.
DON’T file your nails in a back and forth motion.
This sawing motion can cause a split and weaken nails. DO file in one direction and use a softer emery board.
This next one I found interesting
DON’T use nail polish that contains Formaldehyde and Toluene.
It has been found that Formaldehyde can cause squamous cell cancer in the nostril from repeated inhalation. Toluene can cause skin irritation and respiratory irritation. DO start buying nail polish that is Formaldehyde and Toluene Free.
