Showing posts with label how to. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how to. Show all posts

Monday, May 14, 2012

fresh from your kitchen: soothing oat milk soak

This is a fabulously easy DIY spa recipe to start getting in shape to show some skin... sundresses & swimsuits are right around the corner!
 
soothing oat milk soak
1/4 C dry oatmeal
4T dry milk powder
2T coarse grain sea salt or epsom salt
4-6 fresh lavender sprigs- prep by removing buds from stem
pinch of mustard powder (optional: helps heal sore muscles)
15-20 drops of the essential oil(s) of your choice...
we recommend a 1 part lavender : 1 part neroli combo for this one!

 

directions

~combine the oats & lavender buds pulse and grind to a medium-coarse grain powder in coffee grinder or food processor
~add remainder of ingredients and mix well
~add to running bath water. hop in, relax and enjoy! Follow with an indulgent full body scrub and moisturizer for silky smooth skin.

 

what it does

milk contains a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid from lactic acid that exfoliates and renews the cellular surface of the skin, smoothing and softening.

oatmeal is a natural, soothing exfolliant known for it's calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has astringent qualities but is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It helps to draw oil and impurities out of the skin.

mustard seed gently stimulates while soothing achy muscles. Constricts and opens pores; tones skin.
 
lavender Lavender has so many amazing properties. It's calming, antiseptic, antibacterial and has been know to help treat acne, scarring, winkles, burns, sunburns, eczema and psoriasis.

Epsom salt detoxifies and helps rid the skin of impurities

20-30 undisturbed minutes soaking priceless! start to finish, this will take you only 25-35 minutes, is cheap and indulgent... so get going :)
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Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home monthly with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & mini spa treatments you can create at home with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the formulator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

join us Saturday for Scrub-apalooza at The Grapeseed Co.

Eco~ Beauty Classes at The Grapeseed Co. 
are a great way to customize your own product &
learn tricks and recipes to blend your creations at home! 

In this class you'll create 2 custom large scrubs and learn about the benefits of certain clays, herbs, essential oils, flowers and more! You'll make 2 different jars of scrub (10oz each) to take home plus simple DIY recipes for even more scrubs!

Register online for a spot:
date:
Saturday March 3, 2012
time: 4:00-5:30PM class with refreshments, chatting & fun!
 
location: The Grapeseed Company 201 W Carrillo St. in downtown Santa Barbara

~You may also call our store at (805)456-3655 to register. 
~Only registration reserves your spot and there are just a few left!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

upcoming Eco~Beauty Classes

Eco~Beauty Classes at The Grapeseed Company Store 
in Santa Barbara
D'Vine Valentine: Saturday February 11th 4-5:30pm
create your own scented soy & grapeseed candle and massage oil ~ sign up here*

Scrub-a-palooza: Saturday March 3rd 4-5:30pm
select your special concoction of herbs, clays, essential oils & antioxidants to create 2 different scrubs ~ sign up here*
*spaces are limited, only your purchase reserves a spot in the class. You may also visit us or call (805)456-3655 during store hours Mon-Sat 10:30-5:30 to purchase your spot.

can't make the class dates? contact us to book a private party with your friends
subscribe to our google calendar or newsletter to see when new classes are added 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Holiday Decor Grapeseed Style: DIY Grapevine Jingle Wreath

The store does not have the floor space for a proper tree this year, but we had a fun time coming up with other ways to decorate this holiday season! We created two beautiful wreaths for The Grapeseed Co. boutique today. First, I'll share directions for our Grapevine Jingle Wreath, created with upcycled grapevines, festive bells and a splash of creativity!

Grapevine Jingle Wreath
 You'll need:
bells (we used 2 different sizes)
a wire wreath frame
dried grapevines
decorative berries or beads
clear fishing line
scissors
DIY INSTRUCTIONS
~Wrap the grapevines around the wreath frame, weaving in and out for your desired shape and size. I worked on bending ours until it framed the Grapeseed Co. logo on our door perfectly. You can also buy a pre-made wreath created from dried grapevines at a craft store like Michael's.
~String the fishing line through each bell and attach in randomly spaced spots around the wreath.
~wrap the berries around the vines, filling in spots that look bare after adding the bells.
~Hang and enjoy! We love this on our entry door because it jingles every time a customer comes in!

Next week I'll share instructions for wreath #2.... 
 Lucinda turned a traditional green wreath into a 2-sided window display that looks beautiful outside the window and inside the shop!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

fresh from your kitchen: milky oat bath

This month's Fresh From Your Kitchen feature is an all-over skin smoothing (and soothing) soak! Super easy and quick to make, you just need to make sure you can set aside time to soak and relax in the tub. Enjoy!

MILKY OAT BATH
1/4 cup oats 
(mill the oats in a blender or coffee grinder)
2T organic powdered milk
3T epsom salt
20-30 drops of essential oil(s) of your choice, my pick lately has been a lavender, rose, neroli combo!

Directions
1. mix all ingredients together except the EOs. 
2. add to bathwater as it's running, then add EOs to running bathwater.
3. soak, relax, breathe deep, be present, enjoy.

What it Does
milk contains a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid from lactic acid that exfoliates and renews the cellular surface of the skin, smoothing and softening.

oatmeal is a natural, soothing exfoliant known for it's calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has astringent qualities but is gentle enough for sensitive skin. It helps to draw oil and impurities out of the skin.

epsom salt detoxifies and rids the skin of impurities

20-30 undisturbed minutes soaking priceless
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Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the formulator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

fresh from your kitchen: solar infused rose water toner

Last month we shared a fun summertime DIY skin care recipe to get your bod in shape for the beach. This month we have a great, simple refreshing skin treat to beat the dog days of heat that often come with August. Check out the cooling tip at the end; it's heaven on a hot day!
  
Solar Infused Rose Water Toner
You've heard of making sun tea, right? This is a fun spin on that concept.

ingredients
8oz distilled water
2oz rose petals
(you can use fresh or dried)

other tools you will need handy:
glass canning jar
tea strainer
funnel
spray bottle

directions
Combine the 2 ingredients in the glass jar. Make in the morning and place the jar in direct sun for 6-8 hours. Transfer contents of jar to spray bottle with the use of a funnel and small tea strainer, catching all the rose petal particles as you pour to the bottle. Add spray top, and chill in the fridge.

what it does for your skin...
Rose is a natural emollient and fabulous for toning and balancing the complexion. Spritz on your skin throughout the day to tone, cool, condition and refresh. You may even substitute this for a light moisturizer if it's especially hot and sticky out!

Learn more about the history and benefits of roses in skin care here.
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Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes and treatments you can create at home with a trip to the grocer or health food store! Direct from the formulator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

fresh from your kitchen: summertime tea skin buff

An excellent emollient and exfoliant to buff your skin into shape for summer! Summertime tea skin buff combines the natural powers of green tea with a slice of lemon and gentle scrubbing powers of brown sugar and yogurt to create a home spa-treatment ideal for shorts and swimsuit season. As always, the ingredients are easy to find organic staples in your local grocer or health food shop.

ingredients:
1C brown sugar
1/4c sunflower oil
1/4c plain yogurt
1 bag green tea
15-20 drops citrus essential oil (EO) of your choice

directions:
~rip open tea bag and mix with brown sugar in a small bowl with a spatula
~add yogurt, oil and EO, blend until smooth
~massage your body from the feet up with gentle, upward circular motions
~rinse
~apply a light, quick absorbing and hydrating moisturizer like our lavender infused grapeseed oil
~any remainder can be saved in the fridge for up to a week

what it does:
brown sugar is softer and fluffier in texture than traditional white sugar, making it an ideal choice for exfoliating sensitive skin. It's also a great source of vitamin B due to the molasses content of the sugar.
sunflower oil like grapeseed oil, sunflower oil is rich in polyphenols. It's a terrific choice for sensitive skin and gentle enough for use on babies. It's rich in omegas, oleic and linoleic acid in addition to beta carotene which provides renewing nutrients to the skin
green tea is an antioxidant powerhouse found in many anti-aging skin care products
yogurt contains a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid from lactic acid that exfoliates and renews the cellular surface of the skin
citrus EOs many citrus essential oils like tangerine, sweet orange, lemon, pink grapefruit, red mandarin and others we carry are known for their uplifting effects in addition to smelling juicy, ripe and fresh. Check out The Grapeseed Co. entire steam distilled EO collection.
learn some cool facts we bet you don't know about lemons... they're good for more than just a slice in your ice tea!

Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the creator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions.  

Thursday, May 5, 2011

you're invited to our pamper mom special event Saturday!

You're invited to The Grapeseed Co.'s
Pamper Mom
Special Event this Saturday!

pinotherapy™ bath salts 
what:
shopping specials
foot treatments with our new pinotherapy™ bath salts!
 
custom blend a scent with our formulator from 10:30-2:30
free gift wrap for mom!
food & fun
when:
this Saturday May 7th
10:30-5:30
where:

The Grapeseed Co. Boutique & Scent Bar
201 W Carrillo St (at de la vina) 

Santa Barbara

Wrap your Pamper Mom gift for FREE
get this adorable, 100% recycled (from the bag to the tissue!) 
gift wrap for FREE with any $20+ purchase!
*Valid daily in our store and online through May 8 
with code: lovemom

Have you heard about our freebie Friday specials?
Hear about insider promos by liking us on 
 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

fresh from your kitchen: smoothie facial

Some of the same standby ingredients you may use to whip up a delicious smoothie drink are incorporated into this facial smoothie recipe. You'll need a blender to mix this the same way you would a smoothie drink.

Ingredients
3/4 C plain yogurt
1 T honey
2 strawberries
1 orange

Directions
Add the yogurt and honey to your mixer. Using a micro blade, zest the rind of the orange and add half to the blender. You can squeeze the orange for juice or eat it while your making your facial smoothie :) cut the strawberries in half, toss them in, cap the blender and mix at a high setting until the smoothie has a creamy, smooth consistency.

Apply to your face in gentle, upward circular motions. Relax for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Follow with Lavender Rose Toner and Chamomile Grapefruit Moisturizer or Rose & Grape Serum. If your skin is dry, sun damaged or mature, try layering the serum under the moisturizer for maximum benefits. Share with a friend or save for up to a week in the fridge and double-down on this yummy, nourishing facial treatment!

What the Ingredients Do
yogurt: is nourishing, calming and hydrating to the skin. It contains a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid from lactic acid that exfoliates and replenishes the cellular surface of the skin.
strawberries: are chock full of vitamin C and contain little round seeds that gently exfoliate the skin, naturally. They are rich in polyphenols, alpha-hydroxy which help protect, tone and soothe the skin.
honey: this sweet treat helps attract dirt, oil and clean skin with breakouts. Bees release a glucose enzyme when creating honey that is a natural antiseptic and has antibacterial properties. When applied topically, it draws body fluids and nutrients to the area assisting in cell growth and scar prevention. Learn more here. 
orange: contains citric acid which exfoliates and tones the skin, helping to give a glowing look to your complexion.
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Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the formulator of The Grapeseed Co.'s stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions!    

Thursday, March 31, 2011

eco-beauty class is back in session this April!

I'm thrilled to announce that we're bringing back our sold-out Scentual Blending class, where you and a friend can Create Your Own Perfume and Massage Oil, then nosh on yummy treats for just $35 a person! We had a waiting list for this class when we ran it in October, so reserve your spot here.
Space is limited and only registration grabs you a seat in this interactive, hands on class taught by The Grapeseed Co. founder & formulator, Kristin Fraser Cotte
Register online or call the store (805)456-3655 for a spot! 

date:
Saturday April 16th, 2011
time: 4-5:30PM
 
location: The Grapeseed Co. store
201 W Carrillo St. in downtown Santa Barbara, CA

Scentual Blending: Create your own signature scent with natural essential oils or phthalate free fragrances. You'll learn about blending scents and take home a roll-on perfume in a beautiful cobalt glass container and a massage oil, complete with your own creative name on the label!  Bring a friend and enjoy yummy refreshments after we create our signature scents.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

fresh from your kitchen: luscious lavender almond honey facial

luscious lavender almond honey facial
This is a wonderfully nourishing, gentle exfoliant & mask... you can whip up, apply & complete the entire DIY spa treatment in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients
1 1/2T almond meal
1tsp lavender buds
1tsp honey (I tried a local avocado blossom honey)
1 1/2-2 tsp grapeseed oil (I used our new lavender infused grapeseed oil)
5-10 drops of lavender essential oil

Directions
Mill lavender buds in a coffee grinder or herb mill and add almond flour, mix. Add honey, oil and essential oil and mix thoroughly. Add a bit more grapeseed oil to thin the mask if needed. Drape a wash cloth soaked in hot water on your face for 1 minute. Remove and apply mixture evenly, like a mask. Relax for 10-15 minutes. Gently massage into your skin in upward, circular motions for 1-2 minutes over your entire face. Rinse thoroughly. Follow with a anti-aging moisturizing treatment like  rose & grape serum.
 
What the Ingredients Do
honey: this sweet treat helps attract dirt, oil and clean skin with breakouts. Bees release a glucose enzyme when creating honey that is a natural antiseptic and has antibacterial properties. When applied topically, it draws body fluids and nutrients to the area assisting in cell growth and scar prevention. Learn more here.
lavender: Lavender has so many amazing properties. It's calming, antiseptic, antibacterial and has been know to help treat acne, scarring, winkles, burns, sunburns, eczema and psoriasis.
grapeseed oil: our ecologically sound grapeseed oil is expeller pressed to retain the purest quality and highest amounts of  antioxidants, vitamins and resveratrol. Learn more here.
almonds: sweet almonds are rich in vitamins A, B & E and often used in skin care for sensitive skin for its strong emollient and gentle softening properties. Almond meal is like a flour made from the nuts; it's easy to find at Trader Joe's or your local health food store.
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Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the formulator of The Grapeseed Co.'s stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions!  

Monday, January 17, 2011

fresh from your kitchen: breathe relief rub

I don't know about you, but I always get sick when I finally get time off. I may have overbooked a bit the last few months of 2010. Being new to the whole retail scene during the holiday season, I knew traveling to visit family in Boston was out of the question this year with our new store... so I had the brilliant idea to host both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our families were up for it and traveled from the East coast to be with us in Santa Barbara, which was wonderful. What was not so wonderful was the killer cold that set in the first minute I sat down, stopped working and relaxed. I collapsed on the couch, sinus pressure set in followed by the usual suspects: a hacking cough, mild fever, congestion and overall feeling like crap. Luckily, my husband ran down to The Grapeseed Co. store and grabbed some essential oils for me to work some cold relief magic with. I whipped up my standby cold care steam recipe I've shared with you before, and made a batch of my special breathe relief rub to kick that cold to the curb.

Breathe Relief Rub
Remember that petroleum based Vick's Vapo Rub mom rubbed on your chest as a kid? I make a natural version with 3 simple ingredients:
2 oz 100% pure grapeseed oil (our travel size bottle is perfect to mix essential oils in and easily fits in a bag or purse to take with you and reapply as necessary)
15 drops eucalyptus EO
10 drops peppermint EO
 
directions:
Unscrew the lid to your travel grapeseed oil bottle. Carefully add the essential oils.
Cap the bottle and shake vigorously.
Apply as needed to your chest and breathe deep.

how it works:
Grapeseed oil is a perfect choice for all skin types and absorbs quickly into the skin, carrying the essential oil (EO) mixture with it. Eucalyptus and peppermint oils are known to help clear the respiratory system and ease breathing.

All ingredients are available by clicking on the links in the recipe above.  My resolution in 2011 is to slow down a bit, rest more and take better care of myself so I don't get sick! 

Stay healthy :)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

fresh from your kitchen: honey brown sugar lip scrub

We're getting into that time of year where cold, dry weather starts to do a number on our skin. Your lips actually have some of the thinnest skin on your entire body, which is one of the reasons they are prone to getting dry and flaky in the winter. This simple recipe can help to smooth and nourish chapped lips and will keep for a few months in a small container for repeated use.
ingredients:
1 T brown sugar
1 T oil (try olive, grape seed or sunflower)
1 t honey
A few drops of baking flavoring if you desire (like vanilla, peppermint, orange or almond extract)

directions:
~mix ingredients together in a small bowl with a spoon
~scoop into a small container for future use
~apply to your lips with finger tips or a soft toothbrush with gentle, circular motions
~rinse
~follow with a natural butter and oil based lip balm like sweet lips or hot lips

Viola, smooth, moisturized lips! Remember to apply lip balm regularly to help keep them that way.

Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the creator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions.  

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

fresh from your kitchen: coco~banana deep conditioner

This moisturizing, nourishing pre-shampoo deep conditioning hair treatment is great for dry, damaged hair. I try to do it every couple of weeks to combat the salt and sun my hair is exposed to by surfing.

coco~banana 
deep conditioner
1/2 a ripe banana
1/4-1/3 cup coconut oil
(depending on hair length- go 1/3c if your hair is super long & thick)
1T shea butter
12-20 drops Essential Oil (EO) or scent of your choice

Essential Oil Recommendations
Rosemary EO:
clarifying
Lemon EO:
brightening for blonds
Lavender & Geranium EOs:
moisturizing
or 
just give it a tropical, yummy scent with phthalate free coconut creme fragrance oil

Directions:
Mash the banana or puree in a blender or food processor.
Gently melt the coconut oil in the microwave in 45 sec bursts. When it's almost all liquid, remove and stir in the shea butter.
Add to pureed banana and whip.
Let cool for 10-15 min before applying to dry hair.
When mixture is warm to touch but still liquid, apply to your hair from scalp to ends of strands.
Wrap hair in shower cap or plastic wrap for up to 20 min.
Wash and rinse thoroughly.
Enjoy!

Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the creator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions.  

Thursday, September 30, 2010

fresh from your kitchen: grapes of bath champagne soak

Grapes of Bath Champagne Soak 
1c champagne
1T honey or honey powder
1c powdered milk 
1/2c epsom salts
fresh rose petals from 1or 2 roses

directions: 
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, add champagne and honey, stir. Pour into running bath water. When the tub is full add rose petals, hop in, soak & relax! 

note: honey powder is available at most health food stores and will dissolve in warm water. If you cannot find honey powder, warm the raw honey in the microwave for 30 seconds before adding to the mixture. 

benefits: 
Champagne helps to detoxify the skin. The carbon dioxide (or bubbles) in sparking wine aids in tightening and constricting pores. Epsom salts aid in detoxifying, cleansing and relaxing sore, tight muscles. Honey, milk and rose soothe, moisturize and tone the skin while you soak and unwind.

Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the creator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions

Thursday, August 12, 2010

green DIY project: new life for lamp shades

As I've mentioned, we're in the process of opening the first Grapeseed Company store in downtown Santa Barbara! My sister-in-law, Maria, came out to visit this past weekend from and help out. Maria has the amazing (and rare) background of being an engineer with an MBA who is super creative, loves craft projects and to top it off, is a mom of 4. She was full of great ideas and helpful advice with setting up the store.

I needed to do something about the three cool chandeliers with gross, old stained lampshades hanging above our heads. I priced out replacing the shades and that was a bit too expensive for the custom size, so we sought out alternative options! I managed to save some major $green$ with this simple DIY project by recovering the 12 old shades on the funky chandeliers. We brainstormed ideas for little girl birthday, bachelorette and other parties and classes that will start up this September while doing this fun, easy project. I love they results, and you can't beat the price...supply cost was only $25!!

side note: I own the items below with *, it will cost a bit more if you need to pick up the rotary cutter supplies.

you'll need:
~decorative paper, rice paper or some pretty handmade paper (try a craft or fine paper store)
~rotary cutter*, board* and large ruler*
~scissors*
~measuring tape*
~spray adhesive
~tacky glue
~ribbon or some type of edging material (we used raffia)
~old lampshade(s)

directions:
First, we removed the stained rippled sheer overlay fabric, stripping the shade down to liner and frame.


Then we measured the width and circumference of the shades and cut 12 pieces of paper to the exact shad size. Then, we lightly spayed sections of the shade frame with spray adhesive, and laid paper down in small sections, trying to prevent wrinkles. Luckily I chose a pattern that worked well with a few wrinkles since this was our first attempt at this project!


Next, we applied raffia edging with tacky glue to the bottom and top of the shade to give it a finished, natural look.

After the shades were dry, I hopped on a ladder and popped the new shades into place! I love how they tie together with the wood floor refinish and the bamboo display wall while giving a pop of color.


We're just getting started with the displays, which is the fun part! More pics of the store are coming soon, Join us on twitter @grapeseedco or facebook/thegrapeseedcompany to follow updates. We're gearing up to open our doors... our Grand Opening party will be Sat. 8/28/10 at 201 West Carrillo Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

how to look fab on little shut eye

In an ideal world, we'd all be logging 8 blissful hours in la-la land every night. In the real world, we're students, travelers, parents, entrepreneurs, business men and women, friends, family and oh so much more. Sometimes these things prevent that ideal, uninterrupted pillow time we only dream about! Here are five quick tips to fake it 'til ya make it... 
and best wishes for a long and restful night sleep; that combined with these tips will make you look smokin'! 
cheers,

1. melt the bags!
Keep 2 spoons in your freezer. Lie down. Place 1 spoon, cup side down, on each eye and relax for a few minutes. This will help reduce puffiness.

2. eye cream. the savior product for anyone 30+
I just turned 34 a few weeks ago. I spent age 32-34 developing and launching our DiVine Eyes anti-aging eye cream with eyebright. The unscented, 80% organic formula is rich in antioxidants that plump and smooth the delicate skin around your eyes. Nourish, then conceal (see #3).

3. hey dracula, my circles got yours- hands down!
The dreaded dark circles. The #1 complaint both men and women had for issues around their eyes when we surveyed on our facebook page and twitter a few months back. I have discovered the miracle cure ladies and gents, it's a yellow toned mineral makeup/concealer. Yes I said gents. Blended correctly, you too can pull it off. Most mineral makeup companies make one, the key is the yellow tone neutralizes the bluish purple and the proper application brush. Blend gently, blend well.

4. a brush o'bronze
Yup, the sun-kissed glow perks up your tired, sallow, "my baby was screaming all night and we're ferbering" look all my friends have been talking about. Get a quality mineral based bronzer and brush all over your complexion for an instant perk me up. Guys, what I said in #3 applies here too many brands make a matte version, no shine or makeup-y glow. (side note: I really can't believe I'm suggesting man makeup, but desperate times call for desperate measures)

5. coffee
How could I leave out the obvious essential?

Monday, April 26, 2010

how to apply eye cream for maximum benefits

The skin around your eyes is very delicate and thin; thus explains why fine lines, puffiness and dark circles are common issues. While nothing can substitute for a good night sleep, an antioxidant rich eye cream can do wonders if used properly to help you look fresh and well rested. Here are a 5 key tips on how to make the most of your eye cream.
 1. The Basics
Apply to freshly cleansed skin; make sure all eye makeup has been thoroughly removed.  Use less than a pea size amount and apply with your ring finger or pinkie finger.  Pat the cream on the corresponding ring or pinkie finger. You will use less pressure with these fingers when applying to your delicate eye area.

2. Gentle Touch
gently tap the cream soaked pad of your fingertip on the skin under your eyes working from the inner corner to the crease, where so many of us get crow's feet. Gently work into crows feet area as well. Be super delicate and do not rub, tug or pull on the skin.

3. Soak in the Benefits
Let your eye cream really soak in (a good 5-10 minutes) before applying any under eye concealer or makeup.

4. Consistency 
Make applying eye cream a part of your skin care routine morning and evening for best results! I've been learning first hand this is especially important in your 30s :)

5. Don't Stop at Your Eyes
Eye creams often contain potent vitamins and antioxidants that help plump and nourish the skin. The Grapeseed Co. eye cream, DiVine Eyes™ anti aging cream with eyebright, can also be used in crease areas around the mouth (aka laugh lines) or forehead to help target and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. I've got a little 'furrow of the brow line' above my nose I use DiVine Eyes™ on daily.