Category: Beauty

  • THE BEAUTY OF SHEA BUTTER

    We’ve heard that Shea Butter is good for us – well, it’s true!

    Shea Butter contains ingredients that balances oils on your skin (linoleic, palmitic, stearic, oleic fatty acid). It also contains Vitamins A, E, and F, including antioxidant vitamins that promote circulation and healthy skin cell growth. The fatty part of Shea Butter nourishes and conditions your skin. The waxy part conditions and locks in moisture.

    Here are a list of good reasons to incorporate Shea Butter in your daily routine:

    It MOISTURIZES.

    It’s great for ALL SKIN TYPES.

    It’s ANTI-INFLAMMATORY.

    It promotes STRONG ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY.

    It’s ANTIBACTERIAL.

    It’s ANTIFUNGAL.

    It may prevent ACNE.

    It boost COLLAGEN PRODUCTION.

    It helps promote CELL REGENERATION.

    It may help reduce appearance of scarring and STRETCH MARKS.

    It helps reduce WRINKLES.

    It offers added SUN PROTECTION.

    It can prevent HAIR BREAKAGE.

    It helps treat DANDRUFF.

    It may help sooth conditions like: ECZEMA, DERMATITIS, PSORIASIS.

    It helps with SUNBURN and insect bites.

    It may relieve ARTHRITIS and MUSCLE SORENESS.

    The endless benefits of Shea Butter. It is great for all skin types. So go on and add it to your life.

    xoxo

    culled from: healthline

  • FIVE SKINCARE ROUTINE EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW.

    Are you as frustrated as we are when you open Instagram and you see skincare experts applying a million products to their skin? You want the deets on their routine, but the messages fly off the videos too quickly and you are left with nothing. Don’t sweat it (literally), here’s 5 basic skincare routine everyone should know:

    CLEANSE: Wash your face with the right cleanser for your skin type. It gets rid of dirt, impurities and oil you gather on your face during your active hours. Be consistent. Cleansing should be a part of your daily skincare routine. No excuses. It takes care of breakouts, clogged skin and premature aging.

    EXFOLIATE: You should exfoliate twice a week. It’s a game changer. Exfoliating improves skin and makes it more radiant. It helps your skin absorb all other skin products because it gets rid of hardened dead cells blocking penetration.

    TONE: Toning balances the PH level of your skin. It helps get rid of bacteria with its active ingredients. You can glide through your face with cotton pad, or in some cases you spritz all over the face.

    MOISTURISE: Your skin loses its moisture when you cleanse and exfoliate, regain that moisture with the right product for your skin type.  Hydrating moisturizer for dry skin; a non-comedogenic and lightweight cream for oily and acne-prone and a soothing one for sensitive skin. Moisturise daily. Very important!

    PROTECT: Applying sunscreen is the most important skincare basics! Sunscreen saves your skin from harmful UV rays which can cause premature signs of ageing, sunburn and pigmentation. It also helps protect your skin from skin cancer. Ger a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Apply on face and neck. and repeat every three hours to protect you from sun damage.

    Stay healthy! xoxo

  • Skin Positivity, Not Skin Perfection

    I’ve had many women talk to me about their insecurities when it comes to their skin – from dealing with issues like acne or blemishes to not feeling confident about their skin color, the list is endless. It seems that now, more than ever, women are being forced to conform to certain standards the society has labeled as norms even though they are far from our realities. 

    This is what I think: the criteria for “good skin” and “bad skin” is purely subjective and doesn’t align with everyone else’s criteria all the time. And that’s OK! Girl…. breathe! 

    From skin to hair, and in general our identity, women need to encourage others to fully embrace themselves without judgment. Skin perfection is not attainable, but skin positivity is. Be positive about your skin at whatever place you find yourself. In order to overcome stereotypes about skin issues, we must start with our own mindset. My skin is a work in progress just like I am. As we go through life, our skin changes. It’s a journey. 

    So I encourage you to be kind to yourself. Take a moment to embrace the skin you’re in. Say to yourself: “You’re doing great”….light or dark-skinned, acne or no acne. You are beautiful.

     

  • 3 Simple DIY Face Masks You Should Try Today

    When it comes to skincare, I’m definitely here for natural products. You can get some of the best results to stubborn problems like dry skin and acne by simply mixing up some ingredients you already have in your kitchen!

    NOTE: It is important to cleanse the face thoroughly before applying any kind of facial mask.

    BANANA
    You can use a banana as an all-natural, homemade face mask that moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer.

    1. Mash up half of a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste
    2. Mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey
    3. Gently apply it to your face and neck
    4. Let it stay for 10 to 20 minutes
    5. Rinse it off with cold water.

    EGG WHITES
    Egg white contains protein which has skin-tightening effects and absorbs excess oil from the skin.

    1. Add one egg white and the juice of half a lemon to a bowl.
    2. Whisk the mixture together thoroughly until the mixture becomes frothy.
    3. Apply a thin layer to the face using a clean facial brush or cotton pad. Avoid rubbing the mixture into the eyes.
    4. Leave on for 10 minutes.
    5. Rinse off with warm water.

    OATMEAL
    An oatmeal mask will help your skin stay young and smooth. The anti-inflammatory properties in the grains make it suitable for sensitive skin.

    1. Mix one tablespoon of dry oats with two tablespoons of honey 
    2. Add one tablespoon of milk to this mixture and apply onto your face and neck.
    3. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes
    4. Rinse with warm water.

    Have you tried any of these face masks? What other homemade masks do you like to use? 

  • Stephanie’s Tips: 10 Secrets For Great Skin

    Everyone wants glowing, flawless skin. But for many of us, it’s hard to get there, especially when you have , dryness, oily skin, and more. Today, I’m going to let you into 10 of my best secrets to healthy skin. Here they are:

    1. Exfoliate your skin regularly: Without help from scrubs, peels, or even a clean washcloth, dead skin cells can build up on your face and body, clogging pores, preventing products from penetrating, and making your complexion look dull.

    2. Take off your makeup every night: Never, ever go to bed with makeup on. No matter how exhausted you are or how late it is, don’t forget to take it off.

    3. Check your sleep routine: It’s not just about getting eight hours of sleep a night, your skin will also benefit from regularly using clean silk pillowcases. The material glides easily and prevents creasing and wrinkles.

    4. Moisturize: Most creams and lotions have key ingredients that create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture. Do this immediately after you get out of the shower. Because skin cools itself by evaporating water, you only have a few minutes before that hydration is gone.

    5. Eat healthy and drink lots of water: Keep a note of what you put on your plate. Eat fresh fruits, greens, sufficient protein and vitamins. A diet rich in vitamin C and low in fats and sugar promotes radiant skin. Consider a low-sugar diet, which can keep insulin levels down, allowing cells to maintain a healthy balance. Also, drink lots of water to naturally hydrate your skin.

    6. Clean your makeup brushes: If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes, that needs to change: As you use them, they quickly build up dirt, grime, and oil that can lead to breakouts. 

    7. Stop touching your face all the time: Leave that pimple/blackhead/bump alone. By constantly touching your face, you are unleashing germs and bacteria into your pores. Once you quit the habit, you might notice your face starts to clear up.

    8. Exercise regularly: Regular exercising has a positive effect on your skin as well as your mood and body. Boosting blood flow also ensures that your skin is getting the oxygen and the nutrients that it needs to be healthy.

    9. Avoid fatty foods: Research shows that a diet high in fats and carbohydrates causes more wrinkles. To keep your cells revved up and rejuvenated, stick to lean protein like fish, white meat poultry and beans.

    10. Invest in Quality Skincare Products: I’ve tried several skincare products in the past but none gave me the desired results until I discovered the anti-aging skincare called Rodan + Fields. Their range of skincare products bring out that radiant inner sparkle and keeps your skin healthy and glowing always. Trust me, this is life-changing skincare. To find the right regimen for your best skin, CLICK HERE or send an email to skincare@stephanielinus.com

  • Bring Out Your Inner Sparkle With Rodan + Fields Skincare Products

    My journey to great skin has been long, trying products too numerous to count, but none have worked until now. I’m pleased to announce that I have partnered with the dermatologists who created Proactiv on their billion dollar venture in anti-aging skincare called Rodan + Fields.

    Not only am I using all of these fabulous products, but R+F is now part of my expanding global business.

    Come along with me in the adventure towards your best skin. For product purchase and to join my skincare team, please see the contact details below. You can partner with me in this business endeavor. Be the CEO of YOU!

    I’d love to have you on board!

    Contact Info
    Phone: +1-310-498-8806
    Email: skincare@stephanielinus.com
    Website: http://stephanielinus.myrandf.com

  • Ladies, do you know these 3 beauty hacks?

     Hi Ladies,

    Let’s discuss beauty today, shall we?

    Not every lady is a pro when it comes to makeup application, that’s why it’s good to know a few tips and tricks to achieving a great look always. Here are 3 beauty hacks which always work for me:

    #1
    Apply foundation at the center of your face and blend out. If you apply a lot of foundation around your jawline or hairline, you’ll look like you’re wearing a mask. If you start at the center, the product will fade out around the edges for a more natural look.

    #2
    Use a business card or note card to get the best mascara line. Hold the card so it’s hugging your eyelid, and then apply your mascara like you normally would. As you sweep the mascara wand against your lashes and back of the card, watch as the residue coats the back of the card rather than your skin.

    #3
    Keep makeup remover next to your bed so you have zero excuses not to take off your makeup before you go to sleep. Sleeping with your makeup on can cause breakouts and infections. So on nights when you’re exhausted and can’t imagine standing at the sink for longer than 30 seconds, you’ll be thankful to have this stuff stashed next to your bed.

    I’d love to read yours. What beauty tricks do you use to achieve a great look always?

    xoxo
    SL

     

    *Photo courtesy MAKE ME FABULOUS TV Show

  • Smart Ways to Include Egg Whites into your Beauty Routine

    There are many health benefits of using natural products rather than chemical products. I am always careful about what I use because the skin is the largest organ and absorbs almost everything you put on it! Besides the fact that natural or homemade products are healthier, they are also cheaper and more accessible.

    Today I would be sharing 5 useful tips on how to use one ingredient that everyone can find in their kitchen – Egg Whites. Egg whites are rich in protein and albumin that have skin toning properties and promote wrinkle free skin. They are especially good for oily skin and hair since they help tighten large pores and hair follicles that secrete too much sebum.

    Here are 5 beauty benefits of Egg Whites over chemical products:

    1. Tightens and shrinks large pores: Egg whites have astringent properties that help can help close up the skin pores by tightening the skin. To get the best results, mix 1 teaspoon of egg white and 1 squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Apply this onto your whole face or large pore affected areas. Wait for 15 minutes before rinsing off with tepid water. Pat dry with a soft towel and continue this treatment at least twice a week.

    2. Reduces oily skin: Egg whites are especially great for those with overly oily skin. Before applying, rinse your face gently with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Coat your face with a thin layer of egg white and let it dry up. Once it has dried, remove the mask by rinsing with cold water.

    3. Treats puffy eyes: Lack of sleep, long hours behind a computer screen, and too much stress can cause puffy eyes. Nobody likes to have puffy eyes and egg whites offer the easiest solution for this! Simply apply a thin layer of whisked egg white under your eyes and allow it to dry for ten minutes. Rinse it off with a cotton ball soaked in warm water and apply coconut oil. Follow this routine every other day to achieve the best results.

    4. Treats acne: Acne is a very common and sometimes difficult skin problem that can be prevented with egg white. The protein in the egg whites has the ability to absorb excessive oil from the skin and also has a deep cleansing effect. Take one egg white, whisk it and then add one teaspoon of honey to it. Apply this mixture on the affected skin area, allow it to dry on its own and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Follow this simple treatment once daily until the acne has vanished completely.

    5. Treats wrinkles and fine lines: Egg whites are very useful in delaying premature aging caused by fine lines and wrinkles. Simply apply white egg face mask on your face in upward motion. Leave it to dry and rinse off after 15 minutes. Do this twice a week to achieve the best results.

    So get into your kitchen and start making magic with egg whites!

  • Common Skincare Mistakes You’re Probably Making

    Hey SL Fabz,

    Let’s talk about our skincare today!

    Whether you spend just 30 seconds every morning or have a dedicated pre-bedtime ritual, practically everyone has a skincare routine. Everybody wants to have a beautiful skin because it has always been an indicator of our inner health. 

    If you haven’t noticed any improvement in your skin’s condition despite your best efforts, you may want to consider these common skincare habits that could be keeping you from having the smooth, radiant skin you want.

    Here are 10 common skincare mistakes I’ve been guilty of at one time or another. I hope we can all learn from them and make the necessary adjustments.

    1. Leaving Your Makeup On
    When you’re exhausted after a long day at work, you might be tempted to curl up in bed and skip the whole makeup removal routine. This means you could end up with clogged pores and irritated skin. When you put makeup on, oil and dirt can become trapped in your skin throughout the day. Taking the time to remove all traces of makeup before going to bed helps keep your skin clean and lowers the risk of getting blemishes.

    2. Not cleaning your cell phone regularly
    Think about how many times a day you touch your cell phone. Wipe down the screen at least once a week if not daily. Household cleaners can damage your phone’s screen, so look for a phone-friendly cleaner.

    3. Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase
    Switch to silk. Satin or silk minimizes permanent creases and complexion issues on your face. Persistently pressing your face into a pillowcase causes trauma to the skin. Over time, this trauma aggravated by the friction of cotton can cause permanent creases as our collagen breaks down.

    4. Overusing scrubs
    The more you scrub, the more damage you’re likely causing your skin.
    Even if you don’t see any redness after your exfoliate, you could be harming skin below the surface. Over time, rubbing and scrubbing too hard can lead to wrinkles, especially within the delicate skin surrounding eyes. If you’re unsure of whether or not you should be exfoliating your skin, it can be a good idea to check with your dermatologist or other skincare professional.

    5. Cleansing with bar soap
    Solid bar soap might seem like a standard skincare habit, but in reality, these soaps can leave a film on your skin that may lead to dryness or irritation. Instead, try a gentler liquid or even lotion-based face wash that can even help to moisturize your skin while cleansing it.

    6. Washing the face with water that is too hot or too cold
    Water that is too hot or too cold is no good for your skin. Wash your face with slightly warm water. It will cleanse your face perfectly and won’t harm your skin.

    7. Not drinking enough water
    A common skin mistake we make is not drinking enough water. It’s the easiest thing we should be doing, daily. Water is the best moisturizer you can gift your skin. If you are not drinking enough water you might notice blotchy and dehydrated skin. Doctors advise having minimum 2 liters of water everyday.

    8. Forgetting to moisturize
    By applying moisturizers within minutes of getting out of a shower, you can combat everything from dry skin to more serious skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Moisturizing is very important and helps ensure that dry air and wind doesn’t pull moisture out of the skin and leave it flaking and cracking. 

    9. Not using products formulated for your skin type

    The reason you may not see improved results with your skincare products is that they aren’t suited for your skin’s unique needs. Find out what type of skin a product is formulated for. If you’re truly looking for results, it’s important that you use products exclusively formulated for the unique needs of your skin.

    10. Applying too much face powder
    Many ladies tend to over-powder their faces when the weather is hot. Yes, face powder prevents you from looking too shiny, but it also clogs the pores. Too much powder only harms your skin. It’s better to use blotting papers, because they instantly soak up excess oil and remove shine from the face.

    Do you have any other common skincare mistakes to add to this list?

  • How To Make Coconut Oil Lip Balm

    Hi dearies,

    When it comes to beauty products, sometimes, natural and home made stuff are just the best.

    As ladies, the first step to taking good care of our lips is by giving it the moisture it deserves. I recently saw this video by Buzzfeed on how to make your own lip balm, and believe me, its straight forward and very easy to make.  I particularly like the fact that the texture is creamy, it is 100% natural and doesn’t contain any thing harmful.

    This homemade balm is designed to help seal in moisture and not just dry up and off, but actually sink into your lips. You’d need the following ingredients:

    • Coconut Oil
    • BeesWax
    • Honey
    • Vitamin E
    • Vanilla Extract (Optional)
    • Essential Oil (Optional)
    • Preferred Container(s)

    How To Make It
    1. First you grate the beeswax and pop it in the oven to melt down to liquid form.
    2. After this you take it out of the oven and add the other ingredients to the melted beeswax. Then mix it together till you have a smooth paste and place it back in the oven.
    3. Be sure to check it at 30-second intervals and mix it til its completely melted.
    4. Take it out of the oven and pour into the preferred containers and let set until solid.

    Watch the short video and try it out yourself!