Lets Get Glowing

Did you know that your kitchen has a secret? Several as a matter of fact, but today we are shedding some light on one of the most common products found in your kitchen.

OATMEAL

Just looking at it makes me hungry, yumm!

So what can this wholesome delicious-ness do for you skin?
I'm going to have to make this list short and compact because the list is MiGhTy long!

• Works as a natural exfoliator and anti-inflammatory agent
• Gentle on all skin types and especially recommended for problematic and sensitive skin types
• When used as a skin cleanser absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities leaving skin smooth, soft, and clean.
• As a mask, oatmeal deep cleans pores without irritating and drying out skin
• As a facial scrub, oatmeal gently but effectively removes dead skin cells to reveal softer, smoother looking skin.

Ive seen oatmeal work wonders on  cystic acne, eczema, rosacea, dry parched skin, and even help regulate oilier skin types.

No need to go out and spend your hard earned cash on expensive name brand, I honestly buy mine at the 99Cent store... no joke, I really do! Instead of buying one box of plain oatmeal I will buy two, one to eat, and the other for my beauty regimen!
Here is the brand I use, Ive seen this brand at the 99Cent stores as well as Big Lots... both stores always have them in stock.

The pouches are perfect portion size for my tummy and face.

Here is a simple DIY oatmeal cleansing paste that will honestly get your skin glowing in all the right ways.

You need:

• Oats
• Hot water/Milk (use milk if your skin is VERY dry and needs moisture)
• Chamomile Tea Bag
• Small bowl

Directions:

1. Heat up 1/2cup of water/milk either in microwave or stove top
2. Once liquid is very warm, steep chamomile bag into liquid and let it sit for about 3-4 minutes. Use spoon to squeeze out excess liquid from bag.
3. Place 1/2cup oats in small bowl and slowly mix in liquid mixture (in small quantities) such as you would when making oatmeal to eat. You want the oatmeal to have enough liquid to create a paste.
4. If you put too much water in the bowl just add more oats to help thicken it up and vise versa.
5. Once mixture thickens up, tie your hair up and back because this can be a mess if you have hair flying everywhere.
6. Spread mixture with clean hands using your fingertips as a brush using circular motions to help stimulate the blood on your face.
7. Don't be afraid to spend extra time spreading it on and giving your face a much needed massage... your face will thank you later :)
8. If you need alittle more moisture than usual go ahead and leave the oatmeal on your face for about 5-10 minutes.
9. If not, then you can proceed to cleanse off with warm water using circular motions when washing your face so that you are gently exfoliate your skin.
10. Pat skin dry and apply your favorite moisturiser, and ENJOY glowing skin!

This is how I feel afterwards, and you will too :)

Well ladies, hope you all enjoyed this segment of DIY skincare... until next time!

If you have any questions or special requests for DIY masks, cleansers, toners please don't hesitate to ask, the answers are only a blog post away <3



Gym Bag 101

Fact: Physical activity does wonders for your complexion

Fact: Sweat can cause skin irritation and even acne if not cleansed properly after workout.

Between my yoga, piyo, and pole fitness classes I am often looking for a small collection of products that have multipurpose solutions because I am all about simplicity and effectiveness.

I'm going to list a collection of products that have helped me keep clean, fresh, and keep my skin happy...

First we have what I call amazing-nesssss in a bag, Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes. These little babies can be found in the travel section for about $1.25 and have saved my skin on numerous occasions.

After a complete sweat session I use one to wipe my face and even body down.
Benefits:

• Free of Parabens, Phthalates and SLS
• Calms and soothes irritated skin
• Helps rebuild damaged cells
• Gently keeps skin well hydrated

Second we have Johnson's Baby Powder, perfect for those pesky little areas that collect sweat (between boobs and lady bit areas). I even use this on my feet on occasion when I get so sweaty I'm literally sliding all around the floor. In all, this stuff does the trick to soak up any super sweaty spots without having a yucky feeling afterwards, plus it smells so good too!

Next we have another daily essential, deodorant (brand is really on you because every body is different). I switch between Degree and Dove, my two Fav!

Next we have a lotion that wont quit on you, ever! EOS Active Care Hand & Body Lotion.
Benefits:

• Fast acting
• NON-Greasy
• 97%natural
• Oat extract, cucumber, Shea butter, and vitamins C and E

I slather this baby on after a workout (usually in the car or in the restroom) and I can say it never leaves a sticky residue and has a fresh scent so for the ladies on the Go, this is perfect.(plus you can also use a bit on your face to help rehydrate!)

Last item is a little gem, you can pick up a travel size from your local Planet Beauty or Ulta for about $4-5 bucks. I call this my bang for my buck secret weapon for my crazy after workout hair, my frizz is outta this world after a workout and this stuff makes it all ok and helps keep the sweat from completely penetrating into my long strands.

Little goes along way with this stuff, Ive had my bottle for about 3 months and I'm just now making a dent in the bottle. With a dime size amount for my long hair I can smooth out the unruly and keep those strands under wraps!
So ladies, these are just a few of my essentials you will find in my gym bag. I am more active now than ever and although its good for me, it can honestly wreck havoc on my skin, hair, and body. In total I probably spent around $20 on all my "goodies" but they last me forever and are all worth every penny.

Enjoy

It's time we have the talk.... about Mineral Makeup

Not going to lie, I am a real stickler when it comes to makeup because I have such sensitive revengeful skin when a product has too many "fillers" or "ingredients I cant even pronounce".
I'm a basics kind of gal and look for products that are versatile, well made, and don't have an enormous ingredients list that I have to google.

For 4 years now I have used Everyday Minerals, a small company in Texas that creates exceptional mineral makeup and has amazing makeup brushes for a reasonable price.

The company has 4 different formulas to choose from:

• Semi-Matte: Moisturizing silk to satin finish, full coverage and for all skin types
• Matte Base: Naturally matte buildable coverage, full coverage, for all skin types and shine free
• Intensive Base: Perfectly matte with extra coverage, for normal-oily types
• Original Glo: Luminous with light reflecting minerals, medium to full coverage, normal to dry skin types

I have tried every single formula and I switch from original glo (winter time) to Semi-matte (summer), the best part is you can use the mineral foundation just as it is and buff it on your face, or you can mix it with your moisturizer/sunscreen to instantly create a tinted moisturizer and or full fledged foundation (I have done both and love the customizable results).
They graciously offer $5 base sample kit

I mean really, this is a steal... right? I think so

When you order they are always sending you samples of items and are not stingy with samples either, most of their samples will last me a few months so I am all for free samples!

The website is easy to navigate and prices range anywhere from $5 to $20 dollars and to be honest the bang is very much so worth your buck. The only drawback about this company is you can only purchase on-line, but rest assured.. they have lightning speed shipping. I will place my order in the morning and that afternoon I receive e-mail notification my package of goodies is being shipped to me. 

So ladies, if your in the market or even curious about trying mineral makeup.. go ahead.. give this a whirl, it's definitely worth it.

Here is the promo of the week... all THREE for FREE with any $25 purchase. (I can guarantee you that these "travel" sizes will last you months)

To visit the site, please see the link for "Everyday Minerals" under the Holy Grail that is located to your left hand side under the about me section. :D

Sweat + Hair = Dry Strands that are NO Fun!

Working out 4-5 times a week takes a toll on my long strands and with every sweat session I walk out rushing to spray leave in conditioner on the ends of my hair. No longer needed! Why?

Awapuhi... Awapajuki WHa? Yes, I know it sounds like a tongue twister but trust me its a godsend.

Awapuhi Wild Ginger is a concentrated Keratin blend that delivers deep repair treatment as well as protection from environmental stresses and heat damage.

The actual treatment itself can only be done by a salon professional but will seriously save your hair. The treatment comes in two steps, first the concentrated oil that is applied and left in the hair for 20 minutes. Then you apply the conditioning treatment (black bottle) to seal in the concentrated treatment.

Maintenance: Very Low

Application: Once a week treatment mask applied in shower (black bottle)

Outcome: Hydrated, silky, manageable, soft hair

Awapuhi Complete 2 Step Treatment Service Price: $40 (this is my price, not salon price) Please contact me if you are interested in the treatment.

How the Intesive 2 Step Treatment works:

Have you tried this line? Anyone experience different or similar results? I want to hear about it!

Hello Gorgeous!

First off, thank you for stopping by! Here at the Beauty Bar you will find all things beauty related, from DIY facials, skincare tips, makeup reviews, and so much more.  I am a licensed Cosmetologist with various backgrounds in skincare, haircare, nails, and of course makeup.

So enough about me... lets get to the fun stuff!