Healthy Skin

So, recently I wrote that I would be wearing less makeup and giving my skin a chance to breathe! And I've been sticking to my resolution! But its not just going without makeup that will heal my skin, I have also been moisturizing, toning, and cleansing vigorously. So, here are a few helpful products that I have been using, and if you're not already using I suggest you invest in:

Cleanser.
I like face wash with scrubbing beads in it, and that doesn't leave a soapy feel, as my skin gets dried out very easily.

Toner.
I currently use Target brand, but really any brand works. Watch out though, they have different types of toner, so pick one that more accurately contains what you're looking for.

Acne Control.
I have a small sample bottle of Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control, and it's been working great!

Moisturizer.
I use moisturizer twice a day, right after using toner. I alternate between Neutrogena and Jergens to give my face a little glow, even without makeup.

Face Masks:
I like trying different homemade facemasks occasionally (never doing egg whites again, disgusting) but right now I have a store bought black sugar and charcoal scrub that I'm really enjoying. It leaves the skin super soft.

This one!

So that's my daily routine! You guys had great suggestions for different products in my first post, and I would still love to hear any recommendations you have!

Healthy Hair by Summer

My hair used to be disgusting. It was brittle at the ends, and stayed pretty short, because it needed to be cut so often.
I was the only person to blame for the condition of my hair, as I straightened it almost everyday, and did lots of other torturous things to it.
About a year ago, I decided I had had enough of my sickly hair, and went on a mission to cure it. Slowly but surely, my hair began to shine and grow again, and now, it is the smoothest and longest it has ever been, and its been almost 5 months since I got it cut, and there are no signs of needing a trim anytime soon.

My tips to curing your hair:

• Only shampoo the roots 

        Washing the rest of it will only dry it out. The soap suds running down your hair while you rinse it will be enough. Let conditioner soak while your doing all your other cleansing. I let the conditioner soak into my hair for as long as possible. If you find this leaves your roots too "shiny," try starting the conditioner lower on your hair, not putting it directly on your scalp. And, if you don't already use conditioner, START USING IT!

• Smoothing gel

      I rub straightening or smoothing gel through my hair while it's still wet, even if I'm not planning on straightening it.

• Moroccan oil

      This stuff is a miracle. Just run it through your damp hair, focusing especially on the roots. You can run it through once its dry to, just start lightly as not to overdo it and give yourself too "sleek" of a look.

• Only blow dry the roots

      obviously you may need to cheat once in awhile on this one, that's no biggie. Just keep this as a basic principle.

• Avoid hot irons as often as possible

     This one's a well known one: you're basically burning your hair.

• Don't wash it everyday.

         There are natural oil in your hair that are good for it. Washing it too much can actually strip your hair of those oils and cause your hair to become even greasier.

It may take awhile, but in time you will see healthier, happier hair!