November 11, 2013

beauty regimine

Every so often, I get questions about the coconut oil regimen I swear by (mostly on Instagram). First and foremost, I absolutely believe that EfaGold pure extra-virgin is the only way to go (for cooking too). I often buy a big jar of it on Amazon unless it's on sale at Sprouts. I have a small glass jar that I keep on my counter and refill as needed. Here are a few ways that I like to use coconut oil for skin care:
skin care rule #1: NEVER sleep in your make-up
1. Make-up remover: before washing your face, you can rub a bit of coconut oil on your eyes and it will loosen your eye makeup. It won't completely remove it, but if you wash it off after that it will keep your skin soft and also remove the makeup.
2. Shower moisturizer: put on a thick layer of coconut oil on your skin while you shower. I do a quick rinse off of my face just before getting out of the shower. The hot water and steam really open up your pores and let the coconut oil soak in. I only do this if I'm showering at night because I've found that with my skin, my makeup doesn't stay on very well after doing this in the shower.
3. Night cream: every night, I take about a dime size amount and rub it in my hands until it's liquid and rub it onto my face. Some people that have really oily skin might need to spend a lot of time rubbing it in completely. I have combination skin and live in a dry climate, so I haven't needed to do that.
I also have recently received some questions about how I do my hair. I'm so embarrassed to post about this because I have no idea what I'm doing so I probably shouldn't give my advice but here it is... My hair has fallen out in droves since having my kids. It makes me feel sad (in a most ridiculous, first-world way) cause I feel a little bit like Jo March when it comes to my hair. I have fine hair but a lot of it and it has a pretty nice wave to it that I like but since I've had kids, it keeps falling out from my cycle of pregnancy, nursing, pregnancy, miscarriage, pregnancy, nursing.

1. Bio-Sil: after having my boys and losing weight really quickly, my body went through a lot of stress and hormone changes which caused my hair to fall out (see above). It is significantly thinner than it used to be and around my hairline is especially pathetic. My hairstylist suggested that I try Bio-Sil and it really does work - so much better than regular biotin supplements.
2. Use a heat protectant: if you use a blow dryer, curling iron or straightener, you need to use something to protect your hair from the heat. My hairstylist recommended this finishing texture spray for texture and also to protect my hair before I curl it. I really like it and it has lasted me a long time! It's a great finishing spray too. 
3. Only wash your hair every few days: I have heard two things over and over again when it comes to washing your hair. First (from hairstylists), that you should wash your hair only every few days. Second, I hear people say, "I could never do that! My hair is soooo oily!" I totally understand. Before I started washing my hair only a couple of times a week, I said the same thing. I was determined to try though, so for the first month I used dry shampoo (this one is my favorite for my fine hair to give it some volume) but after about a month, I didn't need it anymore.

One of my friends actually never washes her hair with shampoo. Sounds crazy but she is very clean and she has beautiful hair. She just rinses it with water and some baking soda and sometimes mixes the baking soda with conditioner. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds interesting.

A few other favorite beauty products that I use:

- R.E.M. Spring Hair Remover: I admit it. I sometimes have facial hairs. Fair skin really kills me when it comes to any little hairs on my face and because I'm so white, waxing irritated my skin and made it look red and splotchy (plus made me break out). So, when Lela told me about this thing, I was hooked. It is so easy to use and doesn't hurt nearly as bad as waxing!
- Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse: this is a new product to me but I really like it. You hardly need any and it really helps give my hair some thickness.
- Bumble and bumble Surf Spray: for the days that I need some grit (usually on the days I wash my hair) I use a bit of this. Works great for tousled, beach-day hair.
- MAC Studio Fix: I have been using this for at least 10 years and I will never use anything else. This is the best product in my arsenal as far as I'm concerned. The best coverage - not too much and feels so great on my skin.
- LiLash: the jury is still out on this one - this is a newer thing for me so I can't completely give my opinion yet, but so far it's been good! I've been using it for about a month and have seen some growth, for sure.

*slow clap to anyone who read this whole thing... 
What are your favorite beauty products that you can't live without?

3 comments:

  1. I am goign to try the baking soda hair trick...tfs! Donna from the Canton MA area! (wink)

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  2. I'm really intrigued by the coconut oil... I might have to try that :)

    Re: Lilash, I LOVE it. My eyelashes seemed like they were reacting well, and then around the 8 week mark - BAM. No doubt about it. I bet you'll see more dramatic results in another few weeks. :)

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  3. Coconut oil doesn't work well for moisturizing for me. I *want* it to, but it just doesn't. It smells wonderful and I know it's good for hair and skin and food/cooking but as a moisturizer, it's just messy and I don't feel ... moisturized! :(

    I use Latisse. How is Lilash different? Love having lashes!

    Only wash hair twice a week too. I love Bumble and Bumble Tonic spray on wet hair, before styling, and Moroccan Oil, to smooth it. My hair is thick and wavy. The Surf spray sounds fun!

    I use lots more but let's keep it simple, here. Lol.

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