As part of my "fight" for a clear skin, I research home remedies for the treatment of acne and blackheads. I have tried some of these remedies that I found online, and have been happy with the results. But ,it's just a lot easier squeezing a solution out of a tube, isn't it. (Thank's Paula)
Might be worth trying though and it's fun...
1. Put toothpaste on your pimple before you go to bed, should help reduce swelling overnight. Make sure it is the paste not the gel. One of the most popular acne home remedies.
2. Wash your face twice a day in warm salty water. This should leave your face oil free without aggravating the acne.
3. Extract juice of one lemon and mix with equal quantity of rose water. Apply this mixture on the face and let it stay for about half an hour. Wash the face with fresh water. About 15 days application helps cure acne, pimples and reduces blemishes and scars.
4. Apply fresh mint juice over the face every night for the treatment of acne, pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies, & other skin infections.
5. A couple of garlic cloves, crushed and dabbed on the face 1-2 times a day. One of the smellier acne home remedies!
6. Home face wash for acne: Mix together 1 or 2mls each of the following: witch hazel, tea-tree and sweet fennel essential oils, adding essential oil of geranium for women and essential oil of rosewood for men. Mix with 300mls of water. Shake before use, as the oils will float on top of the water during storage. Dab affected areas with cotton wool two or three times a day. The oils will clean and unclog giving antibiotic-like protection to the skin.
7. Apply fresh lemon juice on the affected area overnight. Wash off with warm water next morning.
8. Use 2-3 tsp. dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Cool, and apply with cotton ball. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and rinse it off.
9. Grind orange peel with some water to a paste and apply on affected parts. One of the best acne home remedies.
10. Clean face with cotton wool dipped in rose water 2-3 times a day.
11. Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon powder and apply on affected areas frequently.
12. Ice down the acne before bed, by morning it should be noticeably less swollen. Works best on larger pimples that have not yet formed a head.
13. Take vitamin B5 and zinc supplements daily to strengthen the skin's resistance to acne.
14. Mix mint juice with turmeric powder and apply on affected area. Leave for 15-30 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
15. Mix some vinegar and salt in a bowl. Pour a little bit in your hand and rub it on the pimples. Soak a face towel in it and dab it on the bumps. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse it off.
16. Blend cucumber and make a paste. Apply this as a mask on your face and leave it for 1/2 hour and then rinse. This refreshes your skin and prevents acne.
17. Mix corn flour with egg white and apply on your face. Let is dry completely for 1/2 hour. Dip your hands in warm water and massage your face and wash off. This when repeated regularly gives you a smooth skin.
18. Grind some nutmeg with milk and apply on affected area. Pimples disappear like magic without leaving a mark.
19. Make a mixture of lime juice and rose water. Apply on face and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.
20. Make a paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples at bed time and wash it off the next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.
21. Rub fresh garlic on and around pimples. Pimples will disappear without a mark with regular applications.
22. Mix 1 tsps groundnut oil with 1 tspn fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and pimples .
23. First wash face and then dab acne with cotton balls soaked in vinegar.
24. Apply juice of raw papaya (including the skin and seed) on swelling acne, pimples.
25. Apply ripe Tomatoes pulp on acne, pimples for up to 1 hour, then wash.
Very important: Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables should be included in your diet. All acne home remedies should include a healthy diet.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Facials are a "must"!
Pollution takes an extra toll on the skin and unfortunately products alone aren't enough, especially when you live in a city like Jakarta, which is probably quite high up the list of "most polluted cities in the world".At the very least, a good facial will clean up impurities, exfoliate, re-hydrate and soothes the skin, lighten skin discolorations and control acne breakouts and enhances the absorption of skin care and anti-aging products, for that more youthful looking skin that we are all after.
I've had a couple of facials over the past couple of months from 3 different salons/spa's in the attempt to sort out my breakouts.
Jamu Traditional Spa - The spa is a great place to relax and prices are very reasonable. The ingredients used for all treatments are natural, and there is a fantastic aroma of honey and nuts and other "au naturale" ingredients in the air. The Jamu experience was good and very relaxing. Note: A lot of people have facials as a pamper session, but I prefer a facial where I can feel my skin being deep cleansed; enzyme, glycolic peels, extractions, high frequency etc. etc. Facials from Rp.190,000 (approx. $20).
Miracle Aesthetic Clinic - Not recommended if you are after a "Spa" atmosphere!
This is a very well appointed clinic where they do facial treatments, laser therapy, aesthetic surgery and more.
I've had two vitamin enzyme facial over the past couple of weeks, which they recommended to help clear my breakouts. The treatments are a bit pricey, from Rp.500,000 (approx. $50) onwards, and they also have other special treatments like collagen eye masks, oxygen infusion treatments from Rp.100,000 (approx. $10) onwards.
I've heard a lot about the "wonder facials" which apparently gives Madonna her youthful looks. An oxygen facial is an amazing treatment that literally breathes new life into your skin by using pure oxygen and a unique rejuvenation serum.
Whether an Oxygen facial and an Oxygen infusion therapy is the same thing, I'm not entirely sure. But, when Miracle Clinic explained that they offer Oxygen therapy that will provide visible results to all skin types, and can continue to improve the overall health, texture, hydration and elasticity of the skin; I of course had to try it. I can't say that I noticed immediate results, but hey, it's worth a shot and my skin did look and feel great, especially around the eyes.Not that I will be doing it every week but F.Y.I. A weekly session over a course of six weeks is recommended for long lasting results.
Puri Santi - What a fabulous spa. Puri Santi is slightly more expensive than Jamu but still affordable and well worth it. They also use natural products from Bali but include equipment such as an extraction sucking tool, high frequency etc. which really made for the perfect facial experience. Facials Rp.250,000 (approx. $25)
Summary: I will alternate my facials between Puri Santi and the occasional more expensive treatments at the Miracle Clinic every 4 to 6 weeks (as recommended by the experts).
So, with my new facial treatment regime and Paula's Choice products that seem to work, I really hope my breakouts will be a thing of the past, in the very near future!
A Blemish Solution, that works!
As per my previous posts, I am happy with the results of my Paula's Choice products that I've been using for the past couple of months and I've decided to stick with it.
Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution has a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, considered to be the best over-the-counter ingredient for combating and killing acne-causing bacteria in the pores. It is a lightweight lotion texture contains no irritating inactive ingredients (such as alcohol and menthol) found in many acne-products.
I unfortunately still struggle with breakouts and I decided to try another Paula's Choice product, which had really good reviews online: 
Extra Strength Blemish Fighting Solution has a 5% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, considered to be the best over-the-counter ingredient for combating and killing acne-causing bacteria in the pores. It is a lightweight lotion texture contains no irritating inactive ingredients (such as alcohol and menthol) found in many acne-products.
I've been using the solution for about 6 days and "it works". I find it to be really effective on blemishes and I quickly saw great results.
Like with most acne creams and lotions, slight dryness and peeling occurs. I choose dry skin over pimples, any day though. I usually only use it ones a day, at night, and I apply a good night cream once the solution is dry, which solves that problem.
NOTE: You should always wear sunscreen anyway ;-) but if you do apply the solution during the day, remember to always wear sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Threading
What Is Threading Hair Removal?
Threading is a proven age-old form of facial hair removal practiced in India, China and Middle East. The procedure uses a 100% cotton thread which is twisted and pulled along the skin surface of unwanted hair, lifting hair directly from the follicle. As the facial hair is removed, only a slight pinch is felt.
I went with Marc to have his hair cut one day at a barber shop in Benmore Gardens, Sandton and I was quite intrigued and wondered what the Barber was doing with a roll off thread, holding one end in his mouth while moving up and down over a mans face. Naturally I had to ask, and the guy kindly showed me how he removed facial hair with this technique called "threading".
I never wondered about it again really, because I never heard anyone talk about it, or saw it done anywhere, until we moved to Asia. When we moved to India I suddenly saw threading being done everywhere and all my friends raved about this wonderful way to shape your eye brows. And I must admit, it is by far the best way to get rid of unwanted facial hair. I have never had such neat, perfectly shaped eye brows. I even started threading my upper lip and once I also had my chin done. It used to cost me about $1 to have my eye brows shaped.
So, if you've never had threading done, you should definitely try it. A warning though; some people might find it really painful. I had a friend that couldn't bare her upper lip being done but if you are used to tweezing or waxing, and you have a high pain threshold this is by far the best method of removing those unwanted facial hair.
The first time I went to the hairdresser in Jakarta I was upset that they didn't do threading. I went to three other salons in the Kemang area determined to find someone that does threading, but sadly they didn't even know what I meant when I asked if they did treading.
We drove past a Waxing Studio sign on Ampera Raya a couple of times but because the salon is off Ampera Raya and I could physically see it, I just didn't know what to expect and never actually took the time to check it out.
After another bad waxing experience since my post on waxing. I decided to check it out, still hoping to find a place I could go to for a good leg wax that won't cost me a fortune.
Having lived in Vietnam and India I got used to the typical Asian (under $10) spa experiences and I guess I have become rather spoiled. Naturally it pains me to have to pay $30-$40 for a facial which I used to pay about $10 for. I did pay high spa prices when we lived in SA and I of course really enjoy the occasional treat of going to a really nice candle lit, incense filled spa, wearing fluffy white robes and slippers while relaxing to background "inner peace" music. But, I am used to and are very happy going to more "local" salons.
STUDIO WAXING Poetré, on Ampera Raya, pleasantly surprised me. I walked into this small, no frills but neat and clean "local" salon. What I mean by local is that they clearly don't cater for expats, when you compare their IDR35,000 for a full leg wax to the IDR170,000 at the other "expat" salons around Kemang.
I was very happy with my wax and I was even happier to hear that they do threading.
Address: Jln ampera raya no.60 (depan pengadilan jakarta selatan)
Coming from Kemang - Drive down Kemang Timur (becomes Ampera), it is on the right hand side.
Look out for a sign board: STUDIO WAXING Poetré
Tel: 021-7813841 (only one of the girls speak some English)
Threading is a proven age-old form of facial hair removal practiced in India, China and Middle East. The procedure uses a 100% cotton thread which is twisted and pulled along the skin surface of unwanted hair, lifting hair directly from the follicle. As the facial hair is removed, only a slight pinch is felt.
I went with Marc to have his hair cut one day at a barber shop in Benmore Gardens, Sandton and I was quite intrigued and wondered what the Barber was doing with a roll off thread, holding one end in his mouth while moving up and down over a mans face. Naturally I had to ask, and the guy kindly showed me how he removed facial hair with this technique called "threading".
I never wondered about it again really, because I never heard anyone talk about it, or saw it done anywhere, until we moved to Asia. When we moved to India I suddenly saw threading being done everywhere and all my friends raved about this wonderful way to shape your eye brows. And I must admit, it is by far the best way to get rid of unwanted facial hair. I have never had such neat, perfectly shaped eye brows. I even started threading my upper lip and once I also had my chin done. It used to cost me about $1 to have my eye brows shaped.
So, if you've never had threading done, you should definitely try it. A warning though; some people might find it really painful. I had a friend that couldn't bare her upper lip being done but if you are used to tweezing or waxing, and you have a high pain threshold this is by far the best method of removing those unwanted facial hair.
The first time I went to the hairdresser in Jakarta I was upset that they didn't do threading. I went to three other salons in the Kemang area determined to find someone that does threading, but sadly they didn't even know what I meant when I asked if they did treading.
We drove past a Waxing Studio sign on Ampera Raya a couple of times but because the salon is off Ampera Raya and I could physically see it, I just didn't know what to expect and never actually took the time to check it out.
After another bad waxing experience since my post on waxing. I decided to check it out, still hoping to find a place I could go to for a good leg wax that won't cost me a fortune.
Having lived in Vietnam and India I got used to the typical Asian (under $10) spa experiences and I guess I have become rather spoiled. Naturally it pains me to have to pay $30-$40 for a facial which I used to pay about $10 for. I did pay high spa prices when we lived in SA and I of course really enjoy the occasional treat of going to a really nice candle lit, incense filled spa, wearing fluffy white robes and slippers while relaxing to background "inner peace" music. But, I am used to and are very happy going to more "local" salons.
STUDIO WAXING Poetré, on Ampera Raya, pleasantly surprised me. I walked into this small, no frills but neat and clean "local" salon. What I mean by local is that they clearly don't cater for expats, when you compare their IDR35,000 for a full leg wax to the IDR170,000 at the other "expat" salons around Kemang.
I was very happy with my wax and I was even happier to hear that they do threading.
Address: Jln ampera raya no.60 (depan pengadilan jakarta selatan)
Coming from Kemang - Drive down Kemang Timur (becomes Ampera), it is on the right hand side.
Look out for a sign board: STUDIO WAXING Poetré
Tel: 021-7813841 (only one of the girls speak some English)
Home made lip plump balm
As per my previous post on lip plumping home remedies, I have tried and tested the home made lip plump balm.
It was so quick and easy and I think, it really works. It is definitely a lot better than applying the 100% pure clove oil, that's for sure. I still wouldn't recommend kissing someone straight after you've applied it but at least it doesn't leave such a vile taste in your mouth and it definitely stings a bit less, but with the same, if not a better effect.
I actually had all the ingredients recommended for this home made lip balm, in my bathroom and kitchen cupboard's so it was really easy to concoct:
You will need:
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Ground Cinnamon spice
Ground Cayenne Pepper spice
Peppermint essential oil
Clove bud essential oil
Find an empty container to mix the lip balm in. Preferable something small that you can put in your handbag; a lip balm or even eye make-up twist off tin/container would work well.
I didn't have one so I used an empty cellfood bottle (small plastic squeeze bottle with a removable dropper bit).
I just mixed the balm in an old hair mask tub, which I keep in the bathroom cupboard for future mixing and I put some of the balm into the squeeze bottle. It was a bit of a messy, jelly finger business to get the balm into the bottle but I managed to fill it and it actually works very well; squeezing the balm onto my lips.
But, it of course doesn't look very nice, so I won't be applying my home made lip balm in public ;-).
How to:
STEP 1: One or Two teaspoons of Vaseline (depending on the size of your container)
STEP 2: A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil
STEP 3: Add a couple of drops of clove bud essential oil
STEP 4: Sprinkle or add a pinch of Cinnamon and Cayenne pepper and mix
Voilà...You will feel a tingling sensation, and should notice a difference almost immediately. If you don't, you may want to add a couple of drops of the essential oils and spices.
My lips after applying the home made plumping lip balm.
I definitely think it plumps my lips and it also makes them a very nice rosy pink colour.
It was so quick and easy and I think, it really works. It is definitely a lot better than applying the 100% pure clove oil, that's for sure. I still wouldn't recommend kissing someone straight after you've applied it but at least it doesn't leave such a vile taste in your mouth and it definitely stings a bit less, but with the same, if not a better effect.
I actually had all the ingredients recommended for this home made lip balm, in my bathroom and kitchen cupboard's so it was really easy to concoct:
You will need:
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Ground Cinnamon spice
Ground Cayenne Pepper spice
Peppermint essential oil
Clove bud essential oil
Find an empty container to mix the lip balm in. Preferable something small that you can put in your handbag; a lip balm or even eye make-up twist off tin/container would work well.
I didn't have one so I used an empty cellfood bottle (small plastic squeeze bottle with a removable dropper bit).
I just mixed the balm in an old hair mask tub, which I keep in the bathroom cupboard for future mixing and I put some of the balm into the squeeze bottle. It was a bit of a messy, jelly finger business to get the balm into the bottle but I managed to fill it and it actually works very well; squeezing the balm onto my lips.
But, it of course doesn't look very nice, so I won't be applying my home made lip balm in public ;-).
How to:
STEP 1: One or Two teaspoons of Vaseline (depending on the size of your container)
STEP 2: A couple of drops of peppermint essential oil
STEP 3: Add a couple of drops of clove bud essential oil
STEP 4: Sprinkle or add a pinch of Cinnamon and Cayenne pepper and mix
Voilà...You will feel a tingling sensation, and should notice a difference almost immediately. If you don't, you may want to add a couple of drops of the essential oils and spices.
My lips after applying the home made plumping lip balm.
I definitely think it plumps my lips and it also makes them a very nice rosy pink colour.
Paula's Choice - Skin Care
I picked up a Paula's Choice brochure and sample cleanser and moisturiser at one of the woman's club bazaars in May. I have never heard of Paula's Choice before and to be honest, the name Paula's Choice reminded me of the pick 'n pay "choice/no name" brand.
I tried the samples and I really liked the products. I did research on Paula's Choice and found the products to be very reasonably priced and the reviews looked good so I decided to try it. I bought a cleanser, toner and exfoliant, which cost approx. $60.
Paula's Choice Indonesia: (Call for delivery)
PT. Mitra Kurnia LarasatiJl. Raya Wolter Monginsidi No. 12B - Lt. 2Jakarta Selatan 12160Ph. (021) 720 8543 / (021) 722 0986Fax. (021) 722 3982
The skin balancing cleanser for normal to Oily/Combination skin is a 100% fragrance and colorant-free, mild foaming, water soluble cleanser that leaves my skin refreshed and removes all makeup, incl. eye make-up.
Skin Balancing Toner for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It soothes my skin and leaves it feeling revitalized, smooth and soft. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients which is great for controlling breakouts; reducing redness.
Exfoliating 2% beta hydroxy acid lotion for all skin types is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It exfoliates the skin's surface and inside the pore lining with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA) and a pH range of 3.2-3.6.
It has definitely helped smooth out my skin's texture and seem to have minimized my blemishes and blackheads.
I have always been very impatient, and usually change to a different product if I don't see results within a couple of weeks. The problem is that it actually takes a couple of months before you will start noticing a difference in your skin.
After nearly two months of using Paula's Choice I am very satisfied with the products and will definitely keep using it and hopefully I will notice an even bigger improvement in my skin, the longer I use it.
About Paula's Choice
Paula Begoun is the creator and innovative force behind Paula's Choice skin care and cosmetics. Paula Begoun is the author and publisher of several best-selling books on the beauty industry, including several editions of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, The Beauty Bible, and Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me. She has sold more than 2.5 million copies of her books and is also a syndicated columnist, with her “Dear Paula” column appearing in papers throughout North America. Her work as a nationally-recognized consumer expert for the cosmetics industry has led to repeat appearances on CNN, as well as programs such as Oprah, The Today Show, 20/20, Dateline NBC, The View, and Primetime.
I tried the samples and I really liked the products. I did research on Paula's Choice and found the products to be very reasonably priced and the reviews looked good so I decided to try it. I bought a cleanser, toner and exfoliant, which cost approx. $60.
Paula's Choice Indonesia: (Call for delivery)
PT. Mitra Kurnia LarasatiJl. Raya Wolter Monginsidi No. 12B - Lt. 2Jakarta Selatan 12160Ph. (021) 720 8543 / (021) 722 0986Fax. (021) 722 3982
The skin balancing cleanser for normal to Oily/Combination skin is a 100% fragrance and colorant-free, mild foaming, water soluble cleanser that leaves my skin refreshed and removes all makeup, incl. eye make-up.
Skin Balancing Toner for Normal to Oily/Combination Skin is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It soothes my skin and leaves it feeling revitalized, smooth and soft. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients which is great for controlling breakouts; reducing redness.
Exfoliating 2% beta hydroxy acid lotion for all skin types is 100% fragrance and colorant free. It exfoliates the skin's surface and inside the pore lining with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA) and a pH range of 3.2-3.6.
It has definitely helped smooth out my skin's texture and seem to have minimized my blemishes and blackheads.
I have always been very impatient, and usually change to a different product if I don't see results within a couple of weeks. The problem is that it actually takes a couple of months before you will start noticing a difference in your skin.
After nearly two months of using Paula's Choice I am very satisfied with the products and will definitely keep using it and hopefully I will notice an even bigger improvement in my skin, the longer I use it.
About Paula's Choice
Paula Begoun is the creator and innovative force behind Paula's Choice skin care and cosmetics. Paula Begoun is the author and publisher of several best-selling books on the beauty industry, including several editions of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, The Beauty Bible, and Don't Go Shopping for Hair-Care Products Without Me. She has sold more than 2.5 million copies of her books and is also a syndicated columnist, with her “Dear Paula” column appearing in papers throughout North America. Her work as a nationally-recognized consumer expert for the cosmetics industry has led to repeat appearances on CNN, as well as programs such as Oprah, The Today Show, 20/20, Dateline NBC, The View, and Primetime.
L'Occotane - Immortelle Very Precious Cream
I started my search for skin care products in May, and tried many different samples and did a lot of research; looking at reviews trying to decide on a product.
I wanted something that will help with my occasional breakouts but I also figured being 30 something, calls for a really good anti-aging cream. And though it is believed that products work better when you use the same range of products I decided to mix them anyway. I decided on the L'Occotane Immortelle products but when I saw the prices of the products I decided to only get the very precious cream and very precious eye serum, which set me back approx. $160 and to go for a less expensive Paula's Choice cleanser, toner and exfoliator for approx. $60
And the verdict is; I love the L'Occotane very precious cream and eye serum. Definitely money well spent.
The very precious eye serum seems to make the skin around my eyes more even-toned, smooth and firmer.
I wanted something that will help with my occasional breakouts but I also figured being 30 something, calls for a really good anti-aging cream. And though it is believed that products work better when you use the same range of products I decided to mix them anyway. I decided on the L'Occotane Immortelle products but when I saw the prices of the products I decided to only get the very precious cream and very precious eye serum, which set me back approx. $160 and to go for a less expensive Paula's Choice cleanser, toner and exfoliator for approx. $60
And the verdict is; I love the L'Occotane very precious cream and eye serum. Definitely money well spent.
The very precious eye serum seems to make the skin around my eyes more even-toned, smooth and firmer.
The very precious cream appears to eliminate my crow's feet and fine lines and leaves my skin soft and supple. This anti aging formula uses organic Immortelle oil which help stimulate cell metabolism, improve wrinkle reduction and skin firmness. It feels like the cream really nourishes and repairs and it gives my skin a healthy appearance.
It's a fact of life; we get older and our wrinkles prove it. We have to accept it but it doesn't mean we have to like it. Not that there is a rule as to how many laugh lines, crow's feet a 32 year old should have but I noticed mine after 30. I believe prevention is better than cure. I probably started using eye cream when I was 25 and whether or not it actually works, I don't know but I will always use an eye cream and very importantly apply sunblock, every day to try and fight those signs of aging. Aiming to grow old, gracefully.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
It works!
I am very happy to report that I've kept up the "health kick" regime, and I am reaping the benefits of my new lifestyle.
A green drink, 2 tablespoons of flax seeds, plenty of water and ensuring that I eat enough, fruit and veg and antioxidants foods everyday has definitely improved my overall look and feel.
I've been taking zinc and chromium supplements on and off for some time now. I started taking zinc about two years ago because someone suggested that it helps with problem skin and well, Chromium I think I started taking because someone said it is suppose to help speed up your metabolism and burn fat.
Unfortunately, it doesn't help only taking them every other day though. So, for the past month as a part of my "health kick" regime I've also been taking zinc, chromium as well as a 1000mg vitamin c drink, every morning.
The problem now is that I don't really know if I owe the difference in my skin and renewed energy levels and the 1 kg weight loss to the supplements, flax seed smoothies, antioxidants or the fruit and veg but I am really happy with the results and I am planning to keep up my new regime.
Click on the links to read more about the benefits of:
Zinc, Chromium, Vitamin C, Flax seeds and Antioxidants.
A green drink, 2 tablespoons of flax seeds, plenty of water and ensuring that I eat enough, fruit and veg and antioxidants foods everyday has definitely improved my overall look and feel.
I've been taking zinc and chromium supplements on and off for some time now. I started taking zinc about two years ago because someone suggested that it helps with problem skin and well, Chromium I think I started taking because someone said it is suppose to help speed up your metabolism and burn fat.
Unfortunately, it doesn't help only taking them every other day though. So, for the past month as a part of my "health kick" regime I've also been taking zinc, chromium as well as a 1000mg vitamin c drink, every morning.
The problem now is that I don't really know if I owe the difference in my skin and renewed energy levels and the 1 kg weight loss to the supplements, flax seed smoothies, antioxidants or the fruit and veg but I am really happy with the results and I am planning to keep up my new regime.
Click on the links to read more about the benefits of:
Zinc, Chromium, Vitamin C, Flax seeds and Antioxidants.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Here's to good health!
It's been nearly 3 weeks since I started my new health kick. Notice that I'm not calling it a diet... In fact I've given up trying to loose the extra 4kg that I've been carrying around for probably the past 5 years, looooong ago. I tried and tried, but I've just don't seem to get my weight down, and that's ok.... It's of course good to know how much you weigh and to try and always keep your weight within 2kg of what I call your "happy weight". There is nothing worse than trying to shed 5-10kg (been there, done that got the T-shirt and definitely aint going back) but 1 or 2kg are easily manageable. Just a week of being "GOOD" and you're back!!!
But more than just the weight on the scale, I think your clothes are a pretty good gage for determining whether or not you have gained weight. Just pull that old pair of "skinny" jeans/trousers out of the closet from time to time and when they shout "O no" even before you get them over your knees you will know to order a salad instead of fries with your meal. Also, don't buy a size bigger when you go shopping - If it doesn't fit, don't buy it.
Prevention is better than cure:
I try to stick to my rule that "treats" (only when I crave it) ice-cream, chocolates, crisps etc. are only allowed on weekends. Unless it is a special occasion.
And when I feel that my favorite pair of pants are a bit tight I just cut my carb and sugar in take and try the NO carbs after 4pm rule for a week.
Having said that, it shouldn't only be about managing those unwanted kilograms. We have heard it all before...."eat more vegetables and fruit, drink water, consume less alcohol, don't smoke and the list goes on. There are so many books and internet sites dedicated to educating us about "what you put in is what you get out". And over the years I have read it all and tried it all. I've tried special supplements, received many different expert opinions, from online health plans to dietitians personalised diets, all attempts to achieve optimum health.
I am by no means an expert in any of this. But I have decided to go back to basics:
If there was something called "Good Health for Dummies" I would imagine that the fist thing they would teach you would be that you should eat 2 fruit and 5 vegetables per day. Now I know nutrition is a lot more complicated than "an apple a day keeps the Dr. away" . I have decided to try (very seriously this time) to change my lifestyle by just eating the required portions of fruit and veg. per day, rich in antioxidants and all the other good stuff that my body needs.
The problem with eating healthily is that it isn't always convenient. It is one thing grabbing an apple or banana but you can't exactly run out of the house with a bunch of spinach in your hands. And the leafy greens are what we need to eat more of. For a long time my vegetable in take consisted of capsicum, onions, zuccinni, eggplant, tomato, cucumber, lettuce and definitely not 5 portions per day, more like 5 portions per week.
I have been very good the past 3 weeks. I've been making sure that I always have fresh veg and fruit in the fridge, which forces me to use it before it goes off. Snacking on raw carrots and celery and making juice, blending carrots, celery and apple together.
After watching an episode of Oprah I decided to try the Dr. Oz green drink and I love it. There are a couple of different recipes on the internet but this is how I made it.
Green Drink (enough for 1 glass):
Blend together a hand full of Spinach, a celery stick, half a peeled apple and cucumber, fresh ginger and lemon to taste, add water and ice and voila you have a refreshing juice and you can actually taste the goodness.
TRY IT!
According to the experts, eating your fruit and veg holds a promise of improved health and is also the best anti-aging prevention approach.
Take this quiz to find out if you are eating enought fruit and vegetables!
But more than just the weight on the scale, I think your clothes are a pretty good gage for determining whether or not you have gained weight. Just pull that old pair of "skinny" jeans/trousers out of the closet from time to time and when they shout "O no" even before you get them over your knees you will know to order a salad instead of fries with your meal. Also, don't buy a size bigger when you go shopping - If it doesn't fit, don't buy it.
Prevention is better than cure:
I try to stick to my rule that "treats" (only when I crave it) ice-cream, chocolates, crisps etc. are only allowed on weekends. Unless it is a special occasion.
And when I feel that my favorite pair of pants are a bit tight I just cut my carb and sugar in take and try the NO carbs after 4pm rule for a week.
Having said that, it shouldn't only be about managing those unwanted kilograms. We have heard it all before...."eat more vegetables and fruit, drink water, consume less alcohol, don't smoke and the list goes on. There are so many books and internet sites dedicated to educating us about "what you put in is what you get out". And over the years I have read it all and tried it all. I've tried special supplements, received many different expert opinions, from online health plans to dietitians personalised diets, all attempts to achieve optimum health.
I am by no means an expert in any of this. But I have decided to go back to basics:
If there was something called "Good Health for Dummies" I would imagine that the fist thing they would teach you would be that you should eat 2 fruit and 5 vegetables per day. Now I know nutrition is a lot more complicated than "an apple a day keeps the Dr. away" . I have decided to try (very seriously this time) to change my lifestyle by just eating the required portions of fruit and veg. per day, rich in antioxidants and all the other good stuff that my body needs.
The problem with eating healthily is that it isn't always convenient. It is one thing grabbing an apple or banana but you can't exactly run out of the house with a bunch of spinach in your hands. And the leafy greens are what we need to eat more of. For a long time my vegetable in take consisted of capsicum, onions, zuccinni, eggplant, tomato, cucumber, lettuce and definitely not 5 portions per day, more like 5 portions per week.
I have been very good the past 3 weeks. I've been making sure that I always have fresh veg and fruit in the fridge, which forces me to use it before it goes off. Snacking on raw carrots and celery and making juice, blending carrots, celery and apple together.
After watching an episode of Oprah I decided to try the Dr. Oz green drink and I love it. There are a couple of different recipes on the internet but this is how I made it.
Green Drink (enough for 1 glass):
Blend together a hand full of Spinach, a celery stick, half a peeled apple and cucumber, fresh ginger and lemon to taste, add water and ice and voila you have a refreshing juice and you can actually taste the goodness.
TRY IT!
According to the experts, eating your fruit and veg holds a promise of improved health and is also the best anti-aging prevention approach.
Take this quiz to find out if you are eating enought fruit and vegetables!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Still on the lip plumping...
I have been doing a bit of research on lip plumping products. There are of course many different lip pluming products on the market, incl. the wonderful lip fusion that I wrote about in one of my previous posts.
If you've ever used any of these lip plumping products, you would have realised that most of them contain either Cinnamon, Clove, Cayenne pepper or a combination of these spices. I decided to do a bit of research on "home remedies" for plumper lips.
I came across a lot of different tips: From, rubbing you lips with a wet cloth, scrubbing them with sugar and even recipes for making your own plumping lip balm by just mixing cinnamon, cayenne pepper into a bit of Vaseline.
I've decided to go with the easier suggestion of just rubbing clove oil onto your lips. I bought a small 10ml Clove bud essential oil from a pharmacy for approx $3.
Be WARNED though...in this case it is really painful to be beautiful!
Yes, it actually does work. So, for those of you with a high pain threshold, no taste buds (because it really tastes vile) go ahead and try it. It will definitely give you fuller lips.
So, if you are brave enough to try it, I would advise you to wait about 30 minutes for the oil to be absorbed, before you drink or eat anything and especially before you kiss anyone. Most men generally don't like to kiss us with stuff on our lips. So your man will definitely not appreciate a kiss that leaves him with a bad taste in his mouth and stinging lips.
Next I will try mix up my own lip balm, so watch this space for a post on that.
Friday, June 6, 2008
ALWAYS remove your make-up
The first rule we all learned (should have learned ;-) about wearing makeup is...to take it off! I can honestly say that I can only count the times I woke up looking like Marilyn Manson, gone bad, on my one hand. I have always been very good with that and it doesn't matter how late it is, I can't sleep without washing my face.
The "Ultimate beauty tool" commonly known as Q-Tip, Cotton Swab, Cotton buds or just plain old ear buds are of course the best thing you can use, to ensure you remove all the make-up from your eyes.
I've been using AVON Conditioning eye make-up remover for the past couple of months and it really works well. Another product that I really dread "finishing" because I probably won't find it here. Sniff, sniff...
If you are guilty of doing this I would strongly advise you to STOP! Make a point of ALWAYS removing your make-up, especially your eye make-up. By removing your eye makeup daily you can actually avoid those early signs of aging. Leaving make-up on will result in those unwanted lines and wrinkles and can even cause blemishes/blackheads and impact your complexion.
Removing your eye make-up:
As I've mentioned in one of my earlier posts, you have to be very gentle when you remove your eye make-up, as that can also cause lines. 
The correct way to do it is to remove your eye make-up first, using a eye make-up remover and a cotton ball/pad. Then cleanse your face, avoiding the eye area. Unless your cleansers is suitable for the eye area. Have you ever checked that? Most cleansers are to harsh and dries the skin around the eyes out and that, (yes you guessed it) can also cause lines.
The correct way to do it is to remove your eye make-up first, using a eye make-up remover and a cotton ball/pad. Then cleanse your face, avoiding the eye area. Unless your cleansers is suitable for the eye area. Have you ever checked that? Most cleansers are to harsh and dries the skin around the eyes out and that, (yes you guessed it) can also cause lines. 
The "Ultimate beauty tool" commonly known as Q-Tip, Cotton Swab, Cotton buds or just plain old ear buds are of course the best thing you can use, to ensure you remove all the make-up from your eyes. If you don't use Q-tips, why don't you do a little test:
After you've cleansed your face like you usually do, take a Q-Tip and put a little bit of eye make-up remover (some people prefer to use good old Vaseline, lotion or baby oil, which also works) and just trace your lashes and spin the Q-tip over your lashes and underneath your eyes. You will be surprised how much make-up still comes off! The best thing about using Q-Tips is that it is really gently on the eye and there is no pulling or hard wiping.
I'm sure we are all guilty of doing this too, but the next time you jump in the shower and start lathering up the face wash, washing and scratching under the eyes to get all the make up of, rather reach for the trusty Q-Tips, they really are the best!
Product Recommendation:
I've been using AVON Conditioning eye make-up remover for the past couple of months and it really works well. Another product that I really dread "finishing" because I probably won't find it here. Sniff, sniff...Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The wonderful world of Make-up
When I was researching waterproof vs. normal mascara I came across a couple of forums that discussed this as well as the topic "why we wear make up, at all" and it got me thinking....This is my thoughts around it:
Even though I admit to being a "product junkie" I have never been one for a lot of make-up. I guess I owe that to my mom. My mom is a beautiful woman and she has never really needed to cake on the make up. A little bit of mascara and lipstick was all she ever needed. Even now at the age of 53 my mom hardly ever wears foundation or heavy eye make up.
Left: My mom (Christa) with only mascara and lip gloss Right: More make-up
Having said that, I also remember my mom telling me that they used to use shoe polish as mascara when they were younger. I used to love watching my mom "doll up", doing her evening make-up, thinking and commenting on how amazing she looked with make-up. And like most little girls I also remember playing dress up and using my mom's make-up, even doing her make-up for her (okay, so she probably re-did it in the end). And then of course the very important milestone in any young girls life, the first time I got to wear make-up to a school dance.
Make-up has been around since the time of the Ancient Egyptians. "Everybody else is doing it, so why can't we" right? It is just one of those things we learned to do, just like brushing our teeth, cutting our nails or cutting our hair. And it has become something that most women (and even some guys) just can't live without.
I remember being so shocked when I found out that one of my friend's, (then) boyfriend had never seen her without make-up on. But then again, I don't think anyone ever did. This was more than 10 years ago and I haven't seen her for years, but I really hope she doesn't still do this. It isn't just bad for your skin but also very sad that someone can be so insecure and unhappy with themselves, that they end up hiding behind a mask, and that no one ever really knows what they really look like.
Another friend of mine once visited a mutual acquaintance of ours in hospital and when she walked into the ward she looked around the room but couldn't see her friend. She thought she had the wrong room so she went back to the nurses station to check but as it turned out she was in the right ward. The friend must have seen her walk out because when she went back in, she of course said "hey, why did you walk out, everything okay"? Truth is, she didn't have any make-up on and because my friend had never seen her without make-up (and she used to wear a lot), she looked straight at her but didn't recognise her.
Make-up sure is a wonderful thing though and I would hate to live without it. But, it should be used to enhance our features and not become a mask we hide behind. I prefer the "Al natural" look during the day.
"Less is more"
If you have to choose only 2 make-up products that you absolutely can't live without, let it be your mascara and a lip balm/gloss. And if you (like me) have the occasional blemish or 3 to try and disguise, try using a concealer rather than foundation.
Foundations, Powders, heavy eye liners, eye shadows, mascara and that kind of 'face painting' is only really required in the evening.
Even though I admit to being a "product junkie" I have never been one for a lot of make-up. I guess I owe that to my mom. My mom is a beautiful woman and she has never really needed to cake on the make up. A little bit of mascara and lipstick was all she ever needed. Even now at the age of 53 my mom hardly ever wears foundation or heavy eye make up.
Left: My mom (Christa) with only mascara and lip gloss Right: More make-up
Having said that, I also remember my mom telling me that they used to use shoe polish as mascara when they were younger. I used to love watching my mom "doll up", doing her evening make-up, thinking and commenting on how amazing she looked with make-up. And like most little girls I also remember playing dress up and using my mom's make-up, even doing her make-up for her (okay, so she probably re-did it in the end). And then of course the very important milestone in any young girls life, the first time I got to wear make-up to a school dance.
Make-up has been around since the time of the Ancient Egyptians. "Everybody else is doing it, so why can't we" right? It is just one of those things we learned to do, just like brushing our teeth, cutting our nails or cutting our hair. And it has become something that most women (and even some guys) just can't live without.
I remember being so shocked when I found out that one of my friend's, (then) boyfriend had never seen her without make-up on. But then again, I don't think anyone ever did. This was more than 10 years ago and I haven't seen her for years, but I really hope she doesn't still do this. It isn't just bad for your skin but also very sad that someone can be so insecure and unhappy with themselves, that they end up hiding behind a mask, and that no one ever really knows what they really look like.
Another friend of mine once visited a mutual acquaintance of ours in hospital and when she walked into the ward she looked around the room but couldn't see her friend. She thought she had the wrong room so she went back to the nurses station to check but as it turned out she was in the right ward. The friend must have seen her walk out because when she went back in, she of course said "hey, why did you walk out, everything okay"? Truth is, she didn't have any make-up on and because my friend had never seen her without make-up (and she used to wear a lot), she looked straight at her but didn't recognise her.
Make-up sure is a wonderful thing though and I would hate to live without it. But, it should be used to enhance our features and not become a mask we hide behind. I prefer the "Al natural" look during the day.
"Less is more"
If you have to choose only 2 make-up products that you absolutely can't live without, let it be your mascara and a lip balm/gloss. And if you (like me) have the occasional blemish or 3 to try and disguise, try using a concealer rather than foundation.
Foundations, Powders, heavy eye liners, eye shadows, mascara and that kind of 'face painting' is only really required in the evening.
Normal vs. Waterproof Mascara
I need new mascara and have been looking for my L'Oreal Double Extention Mascara which I've been using for some time now.
I really like this product. It actually does extend your lashes and it feels soft and looks natural. I do find that it works better when it's new though. Don't know if it's just me but once you've used it for a while, even if you make sure not to use the extender side with the white mascara over the black and making sure that you wash all the mascara off before you re-apply, it still somehow gets discolored after a while and for some reason doesn't extend as well as a brand new one.
I have used other brands of more expensive mascara's like Almay, Estee Lauder etc. but found that L'Oreal, Maybellene and Revlon was just as good. But to my frustration I can only find waterproof mascara here (at least in all the shops I went to) and I HATE waterproof mascara.
I was in the shop again today and I was very tempted to just buy a waterproof one but I decided against it. I will first go to the mall where they sell the big houses like Clarins, Este Lauder, Clinique etc. and hopefully they will have normal mascara.
I did a bit of research on the Internet about whether or not waterproof mascara is actually good for you. I was happy to find out that I'm not the only person that doesn't like it (clearly the Indonesians love it though).
Why I don't like using waterproof:
Though I don't believe waterproof mascara is necessarily bad for your eyelashes I just find that it is a real mission to remove, even with a good eye makeup remover, you might think you do but, you never get it all off and your lashes are left dry and worse of all, I found that my lashes fell out.
After reading up on some tips and comments about using waterproof mascara I realise that I wasn't gentle enough and probably pulled them out, rubbing to hard, trying to get it all off. And that, I also believe causes wrinkles. The area around your eyes are super sensitive and you should never pull, rub or wipe to hard around your eyes. That is also why you have to use your ring finger to dab and not rub your eye cream in.
But like most things in life, it is a personal choice. But, I do believe that if you've always used waterproof you should perhaps just try using normal once. You will really feel the difference and I even believe you might decide to change to normal or at least only wear waterproof when you know you'll need it.
Because really: Unless your job is reviewing tear jerker movies, why would you need to wear waterproof every day?
I really like this product. It actually does extend your lashes and it feels soft and looks natural. I do find that it works better when it's new though. Don't know if it's just me but once you've used it for a while, even if you make sure not to use the extender side with the white mascara over the black and making sure that you wash all the mascara off before you re-apply, it still somehow gets discolored after a while and for some reason doesn't extend as well as a brand new one.I have used other brands of more expensive mascara's like Almay, Estee Lauder etc. but found that L'Oreal, Maybellene and Revlon was just as good. But to my frustration I can only find waterproof mascara here (at least in all the shops I went to) and I HATE waterproof mascara.
I was in the shop again today and I was very tempted to just buy a waterproof one but I decided against it. I will first go to the mall where they sell the big houses like Clarins, Este Lauder, Clinique etc. and hopefully they will have normal mascara.
I did a bit of research on the Internet about whether or not waterproof mascara is actually good for you. I was happy to find out that I'm not the only person that doesn't like it (clearly the Indonesians love it though).
Why I don't like using waterproof:
Though I don't believe waterproof mascara is necessarily bad for your eyelashes I just find that it is a real mission to remove, even with a good eye makeup remover, you might think you do but, you never get it all off and your lashes are left dry and worse of all, I found that my lashes fell out.
After reading up on some tips and comments about using waterproof mascara I realise that I wasn't gentle enough and probably pulled them out, rubbing to hard, trying to get it all off. And that, I also believe causes wrinkles. The area around your eyes are super sensitive and you should never pull, rub or wipe to hard around your eyes. That is also why you have to use your ring finger to dab and not rub your eye cream in.
But like most things in life, it is a personal choice. But, I do believe that if you've always used waterproof you should perhaps just try using normal once. You will really feel the difference and I even believe you might decide to change to normal or at least only wear waterproof when you know you'll need it.
Because really: Unless your job is reviewing tear jerker movies, why would you need to wear waterproof every day?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Flax Seeds - It really does work!
I've never watched it before but 2 weeks ago I watched an episode of Nip Tuck when a beauty obsessive woman (I think they all are in this series) said that she had a new beauty secret, Flax seeds and that she cancelled her last appointment at the beauty salon because her skin has never looked better.Being a beauty obsessive myself, I did some research and started taking flax seeds almost 2 weeks ago. I bought a packet of whole seeds which I asked them to mill for for me. I take 2 tablespoons of the milled flax seeds a day, either in yogurt, juice or sprinkled over my cereal. NOTE: Remember you should drink plenty of water after consuming flax seeds.
I can really notice the difference in my skin. I have less blemishes and my last break out (which usually happens once a month) was definitely a lot less.
I have also used flax seeds as a facial mask. Which is a natural way to cleanse the skin by normalizing oily, dry or blemished skin. My skin was soft and smooth.
Flax Seed Facial Mask
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. (30 ml) ground roasted flax
1 Tbsp. (15 ml) honey
2 Tbsp. (30 ml) wheat bran
¼ cup (50-60ml) hot water
Directions
Moisten face with luke warm water. Gently massage the mix on your face with a circular motion. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes. Ground flax works to lubricate the skin and relieve dryness. Rinse your face with water.
Besides the obvious "beauty benefits" of flax, nourishing the skin, hair, and nails, there is a lot more to these little brown seeds.
Flax, dubbed the "forgotten oil" has been rediscovered as true health food. Those who are nutritionally in the know continue to rank flax high on the list of "must have" foods. Besides being the best source of omega 3's, flax is a good source of omega 6, or linoleic acid (LA).
Flax seeds contain a high quality protein. Flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber. The combination of the oil and the fiber makes flax seeds an ideal laxative. Flax seeds contain vitamins B-1, B-2, C, E, and carotene. These seeds also contain iron, zinc, and trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin E and carotene, two nutrients which aid the metabolism of the oil. Flax seeds contain over a hundred times more of a phytonutrient, known as lignin, than any of its closest competitors, such as wheat bran, buckwheat, rye, millet, oats, and soybeans. Lignins have received a lot of attention lately because of possible anti-cancer properties, especially in relation to breast and colon cancer. Lignins seem to flush excess estrogen out of the body, thereby reducing the incidence of estrogen-linked cancers, such as breast cancer. Besides anti-tumor properties, lignins also seem to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Friday, May 30, 2008
I want more Lip Fushion
I am wondering what I'll do without my Lip Fusion colour shine. This is definitely the best plump, lip gloss I've ever used. My cousin used it and after trying it, I just had to have it. (Thanks Amori ;-).It really does give you a perfectly plump, full-out pout. I've been using it very sparingly over the past 6 months, but I'm afraid it is not going to last much longer.
I paid R300 (approx $37) in South Africa which is also why I use it sparingly. "The most expensive lip gloss I've ever owned". But so worth it.
Here is proof that it does work:
Left: My lips with Lip Fusion on Right: Without
Can you see the difference?
Unfortunately I haven't seen it in Jakarta so I'm hoping my friend, going to SA soon can bring me one. But this is one product that I just have to have!!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Time for a wax
Waxing - Something we all loath but can't live without doing. I still think the laser hair removal sounds like the perfect solution to the "hairy problem" but of course it is pricey and there are a lot of other things I'd rather do with the money. Hopefully, one day!
So until then I have to, like most women put myself through the painful and in my opinion demeaning waxing episodes at least every 4 weeks. I always thought that a gynecologist would be the only person that would ever see me in such a compromising position. But like most girls will attest a bikini wax is right up there with a visit to the gyne as far as embarrassment goes (well, for me at least). "Can I use that towel to cover my face with rather, pleeeeeeease"? And, "no...it doesn't burn so you can please stop blowing on it now"! LOL! Will never forget that, Edith!
Philips Epilator
Over the years I've been for many waxes but I have also been using an epilator in between. Many of my friends ask if it isn't painful to use, but I really don't mind it. I do think that a wax is a lot better and leaves my legs a lot smoother but, I figured that it's not always convenient to go to the salon and when needed I quickly do a 10min epilator job and I'm good to go for another week or so. I even use the epilator under my arms...I know, I'm mad! It really works though. The 1st time is very painful but once you've done it once and keep doing it, it is actually not that bad. You just shouldn't shave in between because that makes the hair grow back coarse which of course hurts like hell when you epilate after that. I can go for up to 2 weeks without epilating under my arms. The hair grows back soft and has become a lot less over the years. I would definitely recommend it to those of you with a high pain threshold.
So back to the waxing and the embarrassing bikini waxes. I have actually been waxing my own bikini line for some time now. It is not just because I feel uncomfortable, I also just figure, why pay someone to hurt you! I'd much rather use that money for a different spa treatment that I actually enjoy :-)
I used hot wax and paper strips for the past 2 years and even brought the wax pot (thanks Jacqueline) with me to Jakarta. Many different kinds of waxes were available in India and it was really cheap. About $1.5 for a pot that would last you about half a year.
I've been to a lot of Apoteke's (pharmacies), health and beauty stores in the South of Jakarta but I haven't been able to find any wax or wax strips.
I finally decided to just go for a wax. There are many beauty salons in Jakarta and I decided to try Puri Santi in Cipete.
It is a lovely salon and I will definitely go back to try one of their other treatments but definitely not for a wax!
I asked for a full leg wax and said that I will decide if I want a bikini (Luckily I've learnt). Long story short, she started waxing (luckily she didn't start with the bikini) and I realised that there was no way I could put myself through an hour of what I can only call a amateur "patch work" wax. I apologised for perhaps being rude and explained that if it's alright I'd rather not carry on with the wax job. I just couldn't get myself to pay $25 for a wax (legs and bikini) that I could do better myself.
Note: I hope to have more positive reviews about their other services soonest. Watch this space!
The only problem was that I still didn't have any wax to do it myself. I did one of my quick epilator jobs on my legs and I managed to find:
Sally Hansen Extra Strength Brazilian Bikini Waxing & Shaping Kit
I ended up spending $20 on the kit which I should get at least 3 bikni waxes out of. "Still not sure what the mirror is for" LOL ;-)
It worked well. Like with a lot of products it doesn't work exactly like the instructions indicates though. I had to microwave it for longer than the indicated 20 seconds and 3 times during the wax as it goes thick again quickly. I still prefer the bekini strip wax though but beggers can't be choosers. Over all this product is actually very good. It got rid of the hair easily and left my skin feeling soft and smooth and didn't irritate or leave my skin red at all.
So until then I have to, like most women put myself through the painful and in my opinion demeaning waxing episodes at least every 4 weeks. I always thought that a gynecologist would be the only person that would ever see me in such a compromising position. But like most girls will attest a bikini wax is right up there with a visit to the gyne as far as embarrassment goes (well, for me at least). "Can I use that towel to cover my face with rather, pleeeeeeease"? And, "no...it doesn't burn so you can please stop blowing on it now"! LOL! Will never forget that, Edith!
Philips Epilator
Over the years I've been for many waxes but I have also been using an epilator in between. Many of my friends ask if it isn't painful to use, but I really don't mind it. I do think that a wax is a lot better and leaves my legs a lot smoother but, I figured that it's not always convenient to go to the salon and when needed I quickly do a 10min epilator job and I'm good to go for another week or so. I even use the epilator under my arms...I know, I'm mad! It really works though. The 1st time is very painful but once you've done it once and keep doing it, it is actually not that bad. You just shouldn't shave in between because that makes the hair grow back coarse which of course hurts like hell when you epilate after that. I can go for up to 2 weeks without epilating under my arms. The hair grows back soft and has become a lot less over the years. I would definitely recommend it to those of you with a high pain threshold.So back to the waxing and the embarrassing bikini waxes. I have actually been waxing my own bikini line for some time now. It is not just because I feel uncomfortable, I also just figure, why pay someone to hurt you! I'd much rather use that money for a different spa treatment that I actually enjoy :-)
I used hot wax and paper strips for the past 2 years and even brought the wax pot (thanks Jacqueline) with me to Jakarta. Many different kinds of waxes were available in India and it was really cheap. About $1.5 for a pot that would last you about half a year.
I've been to a lot of Apoteke's (pharmacies), health and beauty stores in the South of Jakarta but I haven't been able to find any wax or wax strips.
I finally decided to just go for a wax. There are many beauty salons in Jakarta and I decided to try Puri Santi in Cipete.It is a lovely salon and I will definitely go back to try one of their other treatments but definitely not for a wax!
I asked for a full leg wax and said that I will decide if I want a bikini (Luckily I've learnt). Long story short, she started waxing (luckily she didn't start with the bikini) and I realised that there was no way I could put myself through an hour of what I can only call a amateur "patch work" wax. I apologised for perhaps being rude and explained that if it's alright I'd rather not carry on with the wax job. I just couldn't get myself to pay $25 for a wax (legs and bikini) that I could do better myself.
Note: I hope to have more positive reviews about their other services soonest. Watch this space!
The only problem was that I still didn't have any wax to do it myself. I did one of my quick epilator jobs on my legs and I managed to find:
Sally Hansen Extra Strength Brazilian Bikini Waxing & Shaping Kit
I ended up spending $20 on the kit which I should get at least 3 bikni waxes out of. "Still not sure what the mirror is for" LOL ;-)
It worked well. Like with a lot of products it doesn't work exactly like the instructions indicates though. I had to microwave it for longer than the indicated 20 seconds and 3 times during the wax as it goes thick again quickly. I still prefer the bekini strip wax though but beggers can't be choosers. Over all this product is actually very good. It got rid of the hair easily and left my skin feeling soft and smooth and didn't irritate or leave my skin red at all.
Products with Coconut oil
I've always known that coconut oil is very good for your hair and skin and I have used a lot of different products containing coconut oil. Having lived in India coconut oil hair treatments with a Indian head massage was available at all the salons and were of course very popular an very inexpensive. O, how I miss that.
I used (still have one bottle) the Parachute Advances coconut hair oil occasionally.
The great thing about this product is the price. It is no more than Rs.80 (approx. $2).
It was recommended to leave it in over night, which I did and it definitely made my hair shiny. However I found that it took a while until it felt like I had washed all of it out of my hair. It left a residue and my hair felt heavy and not really soft at all.
My first week in Jakarta I attended a bazaar and naturally (being a product junkie) I went home with guess what.........another coconut oil product.
Cocona, Virgin Coconut oil - Hair SPA Nourishment
I may well have found a replacement for my L'Oreal absolut repair masque, and it is a lot cheaper ($5). I love this product. So much so that I actually purchased another tub (the big one this time) and I've only been here for 4 weeks.
This really does: revitalize and penetrates to the roots providing nourishment and hydration for silky, shiny, strong and manageable hair.
I haven't tried any of their other products yet, but they also have a Face care range, Mark Solution, Foot Scrub and more which I will have to try next time.
Contact: PT. Trimatari Bio Persada Recovery
Jl. RS. Fatmawati 39,
Jakarta
Tel: +62-21-7590 6715
e-mail: trimatari@dnet.net.id
I used (still have one bottle) the Parachute Advances coconut hair oil occasionally.
The great thing about this product is the price. It is no more than Rs.80 (approx. $2).It was recommended to leave it in over night, which I did and it definitely made my hair shiny. However I found that it took a while until it felt like I had washed all of it out of my hair. It left a residue and my hair felt heavy and not really soft at all.
************************
My first week in Jakarta I attended a bazaar and naturally (being a product junkie) I went home with guess what.........another coconut oil product.
Cocona, Virgin Coconut oil - Hair SPA Nourishment
I may well have found a replacement for my L'Oreal absolut repair masque, and it is a lot cheaper ($5). I love this product. So much so that I actually purchased another tub (the big one this time) and I've only been here for 4 weeks.This really does: revitalize and penetrates to the roots providing nourishment and hydration for silky, shiny, strong and manageable hair.
I haven't tried any of their other products yet, but they also have a Face care range, Mark Solution, Foot Scrub and more which I will have to try next time.
Contact: PT. Trimatari Bio Persada Recovery
Jl. RS. Fatmawati 39,
Jakarta
Tel: +62-21-7590 6715
e-mail: trimatari@dnet.net.id
L'Oreal Serie Expert
Let me start by reviewing some of my products that I am currently using:
The first thing is L'Oreal shampoo, conditioner and masque. I switch between:
L'oreal Professionnel Serie Expert - Shine Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner
This is an excellent product to eliminate yellow from highlighted hair. I couldn't live without it. The only thing I found is that you have to leave it on for the desired time or you won't really notice the difference. Also, be careful not to leave it in for too long as it may turn the highlights a little purple, which results in the hair looking a bit dull.
L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert - Absolut Repair Shampoo
This is a really good product for color treated hair and it does leaves hair feeling silky and soft. However, unlike some other products, where a little goes a long way, I find that I have to use a lot of shampoo to actually feel like I'm washing my hair. For some reason it lathers up a bit better with the 2nd wash (meaning: wash and rinse and then wash it again). Maybe it is because my hair is long but it doesn't foam (maybe it's not suppose to) but it just doesn't feel like I have anything in my hair which results in using a lot more, so it doesn't last me very long.L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert -Absolut Repair masque for very damaged hair
This is a fantastic hair masque and I could see the difference after the 1st wash. My hair was silky soft and shiny and more manageable. I also think that the condition of my hair has improved since I've started using this product. I do think that leaving it in for only 2-3 minutes as recommended doesn't really help though. I use it once a week and leave it in for about 30min. I know, it is of course not always practical as people don't have the time but if you can set aside some "me time", you will definitely notice the difference. Why not start blogging about it...
It is not just now, I realize that this has been an eternal search with me. I am always looking for the next best beauty buy and this has been going on for years. If it’s not skin care products, it’s hair products (which silicone, anti-frizz, putty etc. will give Jennifer Aniston hair), make-up (which lip plump lip gloss gives the perfect pout, which Mascara lengthens and thickening, but not curl the lashes) and while I know I’m probably a fool believing that any of this stuff actually works (or does it?), I love it and I can’t wait for the next new soft skin scrub, anti water retention gel and other delicious beauty products to appear on the shelves of my favorite stores.
I’ve been blogging for 2 years now and besides the blog (www.marcadele.blogspot.com) being a journal of sorts it has also become a travel review blog, reviewing places we’ve stayed, restaurants etc. over the past 2 years.
The skin care product predicament I’m in, made me realized that I’m a “product junkie” and I’ve decided to start blogging about it.
Beauty is subjective, but "citizen journalism" is definitely something we all do every day without realizing it. Think about the last time you recommended your favorite restaurant or store to someone, letting them know about your good and/or bad experiences and a good or bad deal. All of us endorse products or places we love and advise against the ones we don't.
This is a product review blog, sharing opinions about matter "in the eyes of the beholder. In this case a true Health/Beauty obsessive "product junkie". I will review Make-up, hair products, skincare, salons, spas, lifestyle products, health and wellness approaches etc.
In addition to reviewing products I have decided to also review and recommend stores (where to find what e.g. food stuff, shoes, clothing – “bule” size pants, if I can find any), Spa’s/Salons (which spa is good for which service, price comparisons etc.) and other stores, services of interest around Jakarta.
Watch this space!
I’ve been blogging for 2 years now and besides the blog (www.marcadele.blogspot.com) being a journal of sorts it has also become a travel review blog, reviewing places we’ve stayed, restaurants etc. over the past 2 years.
The skin care product predicament I’m in, made me realized that I’m a “product junkie” and I’ve decided to start blogging about it.
Beauty is subjective, but "citizen journalism" is definitely something we all do every day without realizing it. Think about the last time you recommended your favorite restaurant or store to someone, letting them know about your good and/or bad experiences and a good or bad deal. All of us endorse products or places we love and advise against the ones we don't.
This is a product review blog, sharing opinions about matter "in the eyes of the beholder. In this case a true Health/Beauty obsessive "product junkie". I will review Make-up, hair products, skincare, salons, spas, lifestyle products, health and wellness approaches etc.
In addition to reviewing products I have decided to also review and recommend stores (where to find what e.g. food stuff, shoes, clothing – “bule” size pants, if I can find any), Spa’s/Salons (which spa is good for which service, price comparisons etc.) and other stores, services of interest around Jakarta.
Watch this space!
Let the search begin
I’m looking at purchasing new skin care products but I’m not sure what to get. As you know, good products are not cheap. I have used so many different products over the years. I of course started with the less expensive ranges way back then, like Johnson & Johnson, Ponds, Nivea, L’Oreal, Garnier etc. etc. then through the years, moved on to Environ, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Clarins, Dermalogica, Neutrogena, Shiseido, Uriage…You name it, and I’ve probably tried it.
The older one gets it definitely becomes more expensive, I guess because you no longer just buy skin products to keep your skin clean but you start investing in your skin by purchasing more expensive night repair creams, day moisturizer, serums, eye creams, sun screen etc. I guess one can argue that you don’t really need all this stuff, so let me rephrase…I have to have it. Vanity is a terrible thing, I know but I just love it. Call it my Fetich. And even though I’m all for growing old gracefully I also believe prevention is better than cure.
So the quest for my over 30’s miracle creams have begun, yet again. After many years of trying all these different products I can’t say that I’ve found something that has made a dramatic difference. Beauty houses always advise consumers to not to mix products. So what I find often happens is that you buy the range of products and then find that the toner burns your skin, but you are happy with the moisturizer. It is a chance you take, the luck of the draw, as you don’t really know how your skin will react to specific products.
All the well known products are available in Jakarta; Lancome, Shiseido, Kanebo, H2O, Biotherm, L’Occitane to name a few. These products are all high-end and come at a price. I don’t like the idea of spending money on yet another expensive product and then complain that the moisturizer makes my skin oily (especially in this climate). I went to all the cosmetic counters at one of the big malls in Jakrata hoping to get some info on which product will best suite my skin type and pocket. But unfortunately most of the Beauty consultants couldn’t speak English so besides just managing to get the prices they couldn’t really consult with me to try and establish which range of the specific house is best for me. Some of the houses did provided me with samples but most of them don’t hand out samples. And even with a cleanser sample, I would still use a different toner and moisturizer which mean I won’t really feel/see the full effect.
I’ve been researching the different products on the internet, hoping to find some reviews that will help me make up my mind on which products I should buy. But, alas no luck. I am on the last of my Uriage, Hyséac products that were prescribed by a dermatologist in Bangalore (hasn’t really worked for me) and have finished all the samples so I should decide quickly.
Any recommendations, reviews on any of the above products will be helpful!
The older one gets it definitely becomes more expensive, I guess because you no longer just buy skin products to keep your skin clean but you start investing in your skin by purchasing more expensive night repair creams, day moisturizer, serums, eye creams, sun screen etc. I guess one can argue that you don’t really need all this stuff, so let me rephrase…I have to have it. Vanity is a terrible thing, I know but I just love it. Call it my Fetich. And even though I’m all for growing old gracefully I also believe prevention is better than cure.
So the quest for my over 30’s miracle creams have begun, yet again. After many years of trying all these different products I can’t say that I’ve found something that has made a dramatic difference. Beauty houses always advise consumers to not to mix products. So what I find often happens is that you buy the range of products and then find that the toner burns your skin, but you are happy with the moisturizer. It is a chance you take, the luck of the draw, as you don’t really know how your skin will react to specific products.
All the well known products are available in Jakarta; Lancome, Shiseido, Kanebo, H2O, Biotherm, L’Occitane to name a few. These products are all high-end and come at a price. I don’t like the idea of spending money on yet another expensive product and then complain that the moisturizer makes my skin oily (especially in this climate). I went to all the cosmetic counters at one of the big malls in Jakrata hoping to get some info on which product will best suite my skin type and pocket. But unfortunately most of the Beauty consultants couldn’t speak English so besides just managing to get the prices they couldn’t really consult with me to try and establish which range of the specific house is best for me. Some of the houses did provided me with samples but most of them don’t hand out samples. And even with a cleanser sample, I would still use a different toner and moisturizer which mean I won’t really feel/see the full effect.
I’ve been researching the different products on the internet, hoping to find some reviews that will help me make up my mind on which products I should buy. But, alas no luck. I am on the last of my Uriage, Hyséac products that were prescribed by a dermatologist in Bangalore (hasn’t really worked for me) and have finished all the samples so I should decide quickly.
Any recommendations, reviews on any of the above products will be helpful!
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