Nails of the Week
Sephora by OPI in "BYOBoy"These are actually a few days old and grown out. But I love this color for the cold season and had to share. I'll be posting a bigger/update post tomorrow!
Miss Monie
Thursday, January 31, 2013
NOTW
Sephora by OPI in "BYOBoy"These are actually a few days old and grown out. But I love this color for the cold season and had to share. I'll be posting a bigger/update post tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Sugar Mask
diy: Skincare Masks
Sugar Mask
Hello! As promised, here is my second mask post. I thought I would provide a sugar mask that is great for exfoliation and will leave your skin incredibly smooth. Although I prefer to exfoliate with just warm water and a wash cloth, I use this more often during the winter when my skin is dry. It is important to exfoliate as it keeps your skin brighter, softer, and glowing. Exfoliating is also great for buffing away dead skin keeping your pores clean and acne under control. Because it removes dead skin, it also helps with uneven skin tones and discoloration. After using this mask, you will see that your skin is much smoother, and moisturizers are able to soak into your skin easier.
What you will need:
Granulated SugarWarm WaterA small bowl or cup to put everything intoA washclothStep One:
Take two spoonfuls of sugar and place it into your bowl or cup.Step Two:
Add three spoonfuls of the warm water. An easy way to do this is to put your water in another cup, and transfer three spoonfuls into your sugar cup.Step Three:
Let most of the sugar dissolve and stir well. You should see specks of sugar in the final mixture. You may need to add more sugar if it has completely dissolved.Step Four:
Apply to your face and massage into your skin with your fingers. The finished mixture should be warm and easy to apply with your fingers. The mixture should also have pieces of the sugar being massaged on your skin. Massage your face for about 2-3 minutes. Focus on problem areas and dry patches.Step Five:
Rinse your face well and pat dry.Step Six:
Rinse your washcloth in hot water and squeeze out the excess water. The washcloth should be warm if not hot. Place washcloth over your face and remove after it cools. Your face should feel refreshed and smooth. Apply moisturizer to retain smoothness.Warnings:
I have heard you can exfoliate up to five times a week, however, depending on your skin's sensitivity, it will vary. I personally can only exfoliate once a week. Anymore than that will irritate my skin. Just pay attention to how your skin reacts to the exfoliation. Please, please, PLEASE do not substitute the sugar for salt! Salt will be a lot more harsh on your skin and can irritate it.
Miss Monie
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Aspirin Mask
diy: Skincare Masks
Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a fabulous week! This week I plan on sharing two of my favorite masks. I will be splitting it up into two different posts with my second mask being posted on Thursday. They are both very simple and can be done with a minimal amount of ingredients.
Non-coated aspirin
Honey (preferably organic)
Water
A small dish or bowl to put everything into.
Do not use this mask if you are allergic to aspirin!
Even if you are not allergic, please think about how you react to aspirin when you take it for it's intended purposes. Your skin will absorb some of the aspirin so please keep that in mind. Although it will not absorb 100% of it, do not exceed the suggested daily amount. I typically only use two to three pills that are 325mg each.
Do not use this mask more than once a week. As I have said before, it can be very drying due to the salicylic acid. Also, it will not be as effective if you use it too regularly. I would recommend only using it during especially bad breakouts to maintain it's effectiveness.
Please remember to use sunscreen afterward, especially if you live in a sunny location. The aspirin will leave your skin more vulnerable to the sun causing it to easily burn.
xoxo
Aspirin and Honey Mask.
This mask is very easy to do and great for controlling acne. I originally found this mask through MichellePhan and would love to share what I learned to you. Some people ask me "how does an aspirin mask even help with acne?" Aspirin actually is a form of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps with discoloration as well as helps to dissolve dead skin cells. Aspirin is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which helps reduce redness and the appearance of acne.
What you will need:
Non-coated aspirin Honey (preferably organic) Water A small dish or bowl to put everything into.
Step One:
Take two to three of the non-coated aspirin and place it into your small dish.Step Two:
You will place one spoon full of water into the bowl fully submerging the pills. Let dissolve. It is easier to use non-coated aspirin. If you only have coated aspirin, you can begin to dissolve then peel away the coating.Step Three:
Once the pills are nearly dissolved, add half a spoon of honey. Stir until everything looks like a watered down paste.Step Four:
Apply to your face. This amount of mixture is more than you need but you can apply the extra to especially problem areas. Try putting the excess mixture on pimples that haven't come to a head. It will typically speed the process and go away within the next day. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.Step Five:
After 10 to 15 minutes, rinse face. Salicylic acid can be very drying so apply a moisturizer afterward.Warnings:
Please read your bottle of aspirin for a full list of disclosures and warnings. Any warnings will be listed on the bottle itself. These are just a few that I would like to point out: Do not use this mask if you are allergic to aspirin! Even if you are not allergic, please think about how you react to aspirin when you take it for it's intended purposes. Your skin will absorb some of the aspirin so please keep that in mind. Although it will not absorb 100% of it, do not exceed the suggested daily amount. I typically only use two to three pills that are 325mg each. Do not use this mask more than once a week. As I have said before, it can be very drying due to the salicylic acid. Also, it will not be as effective if you use it too regularly. I would recommend only using it during especially bad breakouts to maintain it's effectiveness. Please remember to use sunscreen afterward, especially if you live in a sunny location. The aspirin will leave your skin more vulnerable to the sun causing it to easily burn.
Miss Monie
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
tips to clear skin
How I keep my skin clear of acne
Growing up, I always felt lucky to be acne free. I never paid attention to my skin nor did I take care of it. It wasn't until I turned 22 did I start dealing with acne that formed on my forehead and hollows of my cheeks. I won't lie, I started to panic. I knew I had to start taking better care of my skin and pay attention to what I have been doing. Today, I have the clear skin that I used to have and couldn't be happier. I thought this would be a helpful post for all girls who have (or had) problem skin. Please note that these tips are what I use to clear my skin and keep it clear to this day.
Sometimes drinking this amount of water is hard. I honestly only like to drink water but even I found it hard to drink this much! When I first started drinking my daily minimum, I had to keep at least four water bottles (each water bottle is 16-ounces) out in the open so I knew what I needed to drink for the day. Eventually, I was drinking the minimum amount without thinking about it. I started to crave water and now I drink well over the minimum amount.
For someone who is ditching the sugary drinks, this process may be harder. Many people think water is flavorless but you can always add some flavor by adding fruits into plain water. Strawberries and raspberries work great for adding a little extra flavor, not to mention some awesome color. Many people put lemon or lime in their iced waters. I have even seen someone add cucumber, mint, and lime. The possibilities are endless. I recommend having frozen dried berries so that they last longer and you can buy in bulk.
Try avoiding sweets high in sugar and high carbohydrates. This will only promote bacteria. When you start eating a lot of sugar, your body will produce insulin to combat it. However, excess insulin promotes bacteria.
Avoiding dairy products and red meats (beef) is also crucial. These both promote inflammation. Remember, without bacteria and inflammation, acne doesn't stand a chance.
Chocolate is the killer as it promotes both bacteria and inflammation. I am someone who doesn't like chocolate, however, when my period is about to start, I'm a chocoholic. I'll be the first to order a double chocolate cake with a scoop of ice cream. However, no matter what the urges are, try not to over indulge. Maybe share that cake. It's okay to eat these certain foods in moderation but for the best results, try to avoid them.
On days you don't have to be anywhere, don't bother putting on makeup. On days you need to wear it, take it off as soon as you get home. Of course, the best option is to just stay makeup free until your skin has cleared up. Most cases after you have remained makeup free, you will need a lot less product to cover problem areas.
Everyone is different and face washes and moisturizers change from person to person. I recommend staying away from anything with a strong fragrant as it may further irritate your skin. In my experience, it seemed like all facial cleansers have just irritated my skin even more. My skin is very sensitive and dry. I found that using Touch of Mink as a face wash has really helped my face stay clean without drying it out. As for moisturizers, I need to use Eucerin since I have eczema around my eye area. Both work great for dry, sensitive skin.
I would also recommend exfoliating once a week. I just use a warm and wet wash cloth to gently rub around my face. Again, since I have sensitive skin, doing anything other than this only irritates my skin further. This is probably one of the least abrasive things you can do for exfoliation.
Once your skin is nice and clean, you don't want to be touching it. People tend to unconsciously touch their face. Unfortunately, fingertips are often oily and dirty. Doing this, especially when you're touching your acne, can promote breakouts. Try to not do this and be aware of what your hands are doing.
Even if you wash your face every night, there may be nights when you're lazy and either forget, are too tired, or just use makeup removal wipes (I'm guilty of this). It is important to change your pillow cases to help avoid breakouts. You should change your bedding once a week but sometimes we can't always do this. At the very least, have an extra pillow case so you have a fresh place to rest your head.
xoxo
Drink lots of water.
It is a well known fact that your body is mainly composed of water, so why deprive yourself of it? Everyone should be drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. This does not include soda, coffee, or even juice. There are many benefits of water but in our case, it helps keep your skin looking nice! Not only does it create a layer to slightly fill unwanted wrinkles, but it helps keep skin hydrated by retaining moisture. It also helps by flushing out the bad toxins in your body thus help keeping your skin clear.Sometimes drinking this amount of water is hard. I honestly only like to drink water but even I found it hard to drink this much! When I first started drinking my daily minimum, I had to keep at least four water bottles (each water bottle is 16-ounces) out in the open so I knew what I needed to drink for the day. Eventually, I was drinking the minimum amount without thinking about it. I started to crave water and now I drink well over the minimum amount.
For someone who is ditching the sugary drinks, this process may be harder. Many people think water is flavorless but you can always add some flavor by adding fruits into plain water. Strawberries and raspberries work great for adding a little extra flavor, not to mention some awesome color. Many people put lemon or lime in their iced waters. I have even seen someone add cucumber, mint, and lime. The possibilities are endless. I recommend having frozen dried berries so that they last longer and you can buy in bulk.
Avoid certain foods. Especially during a bad breakout.
There are certain foods that actually promote acne! I'm sure many people have those times where they are more prone to breakouts. For me, I am at my worst before and during my period. Knowing what foods to avoid (or at least eat in moderation) will help prevent breakouts from getting out of control. There are two things that cause acne, bacteria and inflammation. Being able to stop at least one will help prevent acne.Try avoiding sweets high in sugar and high carbohydrates. This will only promote bacteria. When you start eating a lot of sugar, your body will produce insulin to combat it. However, excess insulin promotes bacteria.
Avoiding dairy products and red meats (beef) is also crucial. These both promote inflammation. Remember, without bacteria and inflammation, acne doesn't stand a chance.
Chocolate is the killer as it promotes both bacteria and inflammation. I am someone who doesn't like chocolate, however, when my period is about to start, I'm a chocoholic. I'll be the first to order a double chocolate cake with a scoop of ice cream. However, no matter what the urges are, try not to over indulge. Maybe share that cake. It's okay to eat these certain foods in moderation but for the best results, try to avoid them.
Take fish oil.
Fish oil will actually help your skin stay clear. Fish oil promotes anti-inflammation, again reducing the chances of acne.
Give your skin a break.
There are many girls who can't live without their foundation, concealer, or even bronzer. I love my bronzer and blush, however, I knew I had to give it up. Sometimes you just need to let your skin breathe. Makeup can clog pores often making acne worse so going product free can feel great for your skin.On days you don't have to be anywhere, don't bother putting on makeup. On days you need to wear it, take it off as soon as you get home. Of course, the best option is to just stay makeup free until your skin has cleared up. Most cases after you have remained makeup free, you will need a lot less product to cover problem areas.
Keep your skin clean.
Keeping your skin clean will help it clear itself. However, remember not to over clean it causing it to dry out. The best thing to do is find what facial cleanser and moisturizers work for you.Everyone is different and face washes and moisturizers change from person to person. I recommend staying away from anything with a strong fragrant as it may further irritate your skin. In my experience, it seemed like all facial cleansers have just irritated my skin even more. My skin is very sensitive and dry. I found that using Touch of Mink as a face wash has really helped my face stay clean without drying it out. As for moisturizers, I need to use Eucerin since I have eczema around my eye area. Both work great for dry, sensitive skin.
I would also recommend exfoliating once a week. I just use a warm and wet wash cloth to gently rub around my face. Again, since I have sensitive skin, doing anything other than this only irritates my skin further. This is probably one of the least abrasive things you can do for exfoliation.
Once your skin is nice and clean, you don't want to be touching it. People tend to unconsciously touch their face. Unfortunately, fingertips are often oily and dirty. Doing this, especially when you're touching your acne, can promote breakouts. Try to not do this and be aware of what your hands are doing.
Even if you wash your face every night, there may be nights when you're lazy and either forget, are too tired, or just use makeup removal wipes (I'm guilty of this). It is important to change your pillow cases to help avoid breakouts. You should change your bedding once a week but sometimes we can't always do this. At the very least, have an extra pillow case so you have a fresh place to rest your head.
Miss Monie
All photo credits can be found through clicking the photo.
Hello!
I'm Simone, 23, and a lover of beauty and fashion.
I'm Simone, 23, and a lover of beauty and fashion.
Ever since I can remember, appearance has been very important to me. This can be from make-up and hair, to which shoes go with what outfit. It was always something that peaked my interests. Even at the age of four, I'd change my outfits at least three times a day. I was always experimenting with style and make-up, searching for what is really "me".
Eager to explore the possibilities, I stumbled upon the YouTube beauty community in 2007. PurseBuzz and MichellePhan were just the first to really introduce me to what YouTube had to offer. Over the years, I was able to learn more and more. With the help of the videos of several different beauty gurus, I found what was "me". It was the videos of the beauty community that inspired me. This inspiration allowed me to incorporate what I have learned into what I'm interested in and who I am today.
Over the last three years, I am constantly sharing my knowledge with others. Recently, I noticed that I'd be asked the same questions repeatedly. I would always tell friends and family "oh I'll make you a video" or "I'll type you up something." Instead, I never followed through completely forgetting my promise to them until someone would ask the same question beginning with "how do you do this..."
This 2013, I want to change. I am no longer going to be making empty promises. I want to follow through with everything I am asked, giving the proper advice and tips. I want to share what I know and what I have learned with others. I want to inspire them as many beauty and fashion gurus have inspired me. I hope everyone is ready because Miss Monie Beauty is now up and running.
xoxo
Eager to explore the possibilities, I stumbled upon the YouTube beauty community in 2007. PurseBuzz and MichellePhan were just the first to really introduce me to what YouTube had to offer. Over the years, I was able to learn more and more. With the help of the videos of several different beauty gurus, I found what was "me". It was the videos of the beauty community that inspired me. This inspiration allowed me to incorporate what I have learned into what I'm interested in and who I am today.
Over the last three years, I am constantly sharing my knowledge with others. Recently, I noticed that I'd be asked the same questions repeatedly. I would always tell friends and family "oh I'll make you a video" or "I'll type you up something." Instead, I never followed through completely forgetting my promise to them until someone would ask the same question beginning with "how do you do this..."
This 2013, I want to change. I am no longer going to be making empty promises. I want to follow through with everything I am asked, giving the proper advice and tips. I want to share what I know and what I have learned with others. I want to inspire them as many beauty and fashion gurus have inspired me. I hope everyone is ready because Miss Monie Beauty is now up and running.
Miss Monie
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