Homemade Chamomile Tea Toner

I'm obsessed with D.I.Y projects. I want to make stuff as much as possible (well except for stitching, haha!). But what I like doing most are different concoctions for skincare or for household use. For me it's a good way not only to save money but also to help in saving our deteriorating environment because you get to recycle stuff. Also it unleashes the creative side of me, which is cool. So in this particular blog post, I'm going to teach you how to make a chamomile tea toner for a healthy and brighter skin. It's very easy to make, believe me. ;-)

You will need a chamomile tea, witch hazel toner (Dickinson's brand or not), and a spray bottle. That's just it!

First step: Brew the chamomile tea and let it cool.

Second step: Pour witch hazel toner in the spray bottle until it fills 1/4 of the bottle (but you can still make some adjustments depending on your preference). This will serve as the astringent property of the homemade chamomile toner.

Third step: Pour the chamomile tea in the bottle until full. Shake the bottle and it's ready to use! You can either directly spray it on your face or on a cotton pad.

(Note: Don't waste the remaining chamomile tea because you can still drink it, besides it is also a source of antioxidants which fight free radicals!)

Chamomile has a lot of benefits when directly applied to the skin. It has healing properties--antiseptic and anti-inflammatory--meaning it is also good for treating acne problems. Not only that because according to some sources from the internet, chamomile can also lighten the skin. It is also said to sooth sunburnt skin and eczema and it may also speed healing and prevent bacterial infection. (source)

Who says you can only drink teas? This homemade chamomile tea toner is not only easy to make, but it is also free from harmful chemicals. You can find chamomile tea at any local grocery while the Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner can be bought at any Healthy Options branch. Good luck!

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Best Skincare Tips I Swear By

For the past few years, I've been experimental when it comes to choosing the right products in order to attain a blemish-free skin. And throughout those years, I believed in the notion that perfect skin could be achievable by those products commercialized in the market...but I was absolutely wrong. I did a lot of research when it comes to the different approaches in skincare. And I've come to the conclusion that having a healthy skin can be attained through "holistic approach", meaning our lifestyle and health greatly affects the appearance of our skin. So here are some tips that I've been doing for quite some time now and I definitely swear by it:

1.) Choose the MILDEST cleanser as much as possible.

Not because you are acne-prone skin doesn't mean that you should always use cleansers that are strong enough to dry out the face. It's not healthy plus it strips away the natural lipids of your skin. Remember we should maintain a pH balanced skin (5.5) in order to keep pimples at bay. You can start with Dove Cream Bars or Cetaphil which are mostly recommended by dermatologists. Then after cleansing, it's the time for you TO TREAT your acne by using medication such as salycilic acid.

2.) Use a gentle toner to balance the pH level of the skin.

There are plenty of toners out there in the market, but only few are gentle enough. I tried using Pond's Toner  and Eskinol before but it did no good for my skin. The alcohol content (and other chemicals) in it was rather drying, and I felt that it stripped away the natural lipids of my skin. I highly recommend Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner because its ingredient is nothing but witch hazel. It balanced the pH level of my skin while retaining its natural moisture, plus it is really affordable.

3.) Oily skin also needs some moisturizing.

Our skin produces oil in order to cope with moisture. If the sebaceous gland senses that the skin is dry from cleansing, it will produce oil (sometimes overproduce). Basically it is a defense mechanism of our skin. That's why we need to apply moisturizer after cleansing and toning to seal in the moisture of our skin so that it won't overproduce oil or sebum. I use Human Nature Day and Night Moisturizers because it is 100% natural and it is Filipino made. :-)

4.) Cleanse the face NOT more than 3 times a day.

Whenever we wash our face, we most likely strip away its natural lipids and that would disrupt the balance of our skin. That's why it is preferable that we only wash our face 2 to 3 times a day followed by toner and moisturizer.

5.) Use facial masks once to twice a week.

Facial masks are great for the skin in order to rejuvenate and to pamper it. As opposed to those facial masks  sold in the market, it shouldn't be expensive. You can just make it by using HONEY + RICE FLOUR. As simple as that! Leave it for 15-20 minutes (or more) then after rinsing it you will notice that your skin feels hydrated, radiant, and softer.

6.) Do not invest in expensive skincare products.

Unless you are really sure that the product suits your skin well. I remember buying a lot of skincare products in Korea without assessing if it suits my skin. And I tell you those products are not cheap. My skin became really bad after using those products that's why I end up giving it away so it wouldn't go to waste. Do a thorough research first (especially its ingredients) before purchasing a product or find a natural alternative as much as possible.

7.) Make slathering sunscreen a daily habit especially when you're on the go.
Ultraviolet rays are everywhere even in cloudy days. Make sure to slather sunscreen (spf 30 or up is still preferable) in order to protect your skin from UVA which can cause AGING and UVB which can cause BURNING. I recommend Celeteque Dermoscience Sun Care Matte Moisturizer with spf 30--hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, oil-free.

8.) Exercise and drink plenty of fluid to flush out toxins.

Drinking green tea is not only beneficial to our skin, but also to our body as a whole. It is rich in antioxidant which combats free radicals for prevention of cellular damage. Whilst drinking water everyday will flush out toxins from your body. But in order to optimize the release of toxins, we should exercise more often and sweat a lot! A simple morning jog will do.

9.) Take Vitamins C and E for a youthful skin.

These two vitamins are essential in keeping our skin healthy and youthful looking. Vitamin C is not only good to strengthen our immune system but also it helps in producing collagen which gives our skin firmness, strength, and resilience. On the other hand, Vitamin E is also rich in antioxidant and can also help in preventing skin cancer. I suggest you take the Vitamin C in the morning after eating breakfast and Vitamin E before going to sleep.

10.) Eat good food.

Apparently this tip is self-explanatory. Veggies and fruits are the best in maintaining a healthy skin because it is packed with vitamins and all the goodness that our body can benefit. Since those food are rich in fiber, it will help us to release toxins daily through defecation (or pooping!).

11.) Do not stress yourself, have a good sleep.

According to Total Beauty, stress causes our sebaceous gland to produce excess oil which can lead to clogged pores and eventually acne. It also slows down the healing process of it that's why we need a good rest. 8 to 10 hours of sleep is what our body requires. When we sleep (preferably by 10 pm) our body starts to repair and rejuvenate its system. A good night sleep will not only give us that radiant skin, but also a well being.

Challenge yourself and do these tips for a month and you will definitely see a result. You'll not just have a healthy radiant skin, but also a healthy mind and body. These tips will keep you from visiting your dermatologists or aestheticians every now and then. It will also save you a lot of $$$. Achieving a healthy beautiful skin should not be expensive. You just have to be smart, disciplined, and dedicated to this endeavor. Good Luck!

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Skin Care Revolution: KONJAC CLEANSING SPONGE

I don't usually write product reviews for my blog, however this particular product called the "Konjac Cleansing Sponge" is such an incredible skin care product that it deserves to be on the spotlight.

I've discovered this product not long ago when I was browsing some stuff at Landmark. I thought it was interesting because it claims to cleanse the face even WITHOUT a facial cleanser, just using it as is. It even has a lot of uses according to its packaging. What's more appealing to me is that it can also balance the pH level of your skin which is important in maintaining a healthy skin (check article by Sesame of vivawoman.net). Also, I've read some reviews that it is originally designed for babies.

At first, I was skeptical about using this product because when I saw this it looked like a hardened sponge--nothing so special about it. I also feared that it might just scratch and irritate my skin judging by its appearance. I followed the instructions upon using it and it eventually transformed into a soft, squishy, and slippery sponge. I thought it would still be scratchy to use but it's not; rather it is very gentle. After using this product I hang it at the back of our fridge to dry.

MY VERDICT:

I was surprised by the result because it can really cleanse the face! Unlike using a foaming facial cleanser, it didn't strip off the natural lipid of my skin thus it is not drying and irritating. It has also made my skin radiant and moisturized. I also noticed that the tiny bumps (or pimplets as I call it) I had on my face start to disappear. And since it has the capability to balance the pH level of the skin, I guess I can cut off using toner.

Typically my skin care routine would be cleansing with a mild cleanser (Dove Unscented for Sensitive Skin), followed by a toner (Dickinson's Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner), and lastly using a moisturizer (Human Nature Day & Night Moisturizers). But with the Konjac Sponge, it's like you're using 3-in-1 products already for it can cleanse, balance the pH level, and moisturize the skin. More importantly, it's very convenient and easy to use especially for those who are lazy when it comes to cleansing their face. It's really recommendable!

Price: 59.75 Php at Landmark; good for 3-4 months depending on how you take care of it.

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A Pore-fect Solution!

I bet most of us hate clogged pores, right? It looks really disgusting and it can lead to the development of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, etc.

Every time I do my skin care regimen in front of the mirror, I'm always bothered by the appearance of my pores, especially on the nose area--big and gunky! That's why I end up squeezing it using my fingers or sometimes with a comedone extractor to get rid of the "gunk" or whiteheads that has clogged my pores, which is really not a good idea since it can damage our skin. Sadly it became a habit for most us (yeah, even I am guilty of that).

Ever since I noticed how it has damaged my nose area (broken capillaries, unrefined pores, etc.), I realized that it's time to visit my dermatologist. She recommended me some kind of a peeling treatment in order to get rid of the gunk and refines pores, however I just can't afford it! It's way to expensive for me. Thus I just did my own research of how to take good care of our pores and avoid getting it clogged up.

First of all, let's condition our minds NOT to squeeze our noses so that the gunk would forcefully come out. Using our fingers may also cause infection if not clean. Comedone extractors are for professional use because if it's not used correctly, it can further damage the skin.

Always be mindful of our hygiene. It is advisable to wash the face twice a day with a cleanser suitable for our skin type. The gentler, the better (try Oatmeal Cleanser). This is to remove excess oil and dirt that has accumulated throughout the day, which can clog up the pores.

Exfoliate the skin once to twice a week. There are many ways to exfoliate the skin--physical or chemical. Physical exfoliation would include scrubs (such as apricot scrubs), while chemical exfoliation would include salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid, etc. This removes the dead skin cells which can block the pores.

Use a toner to refine pores. I suggest using an alcohol-free toner for it may be too drying for the skin. Toners are not only used to refine pores, but also to remove dirt and control excess oil, and balance the pH level of the skin. Some toners such as the Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner has also the ability to lock in the moisture.

But if gunk is still present, using Baking Soda will help a lot. I've tried using it already and in an instant, it has removed the gunk and smoothened my skin on my nose area! The principle behind it is that baking soda has small particles, which can penetrate deeply on the pores, cleaning it thoroughly. Simply create a mixture of water and baking soda in a pasty consistency, massage it on the area, and rinse with tepid water.

If the appearance of the pores still bothers you because it's large and very noticeable, there are products that are out now in the market which helps to conceal the pores. I personally use Z-Pore by GoodSkin Labs. It's made in Belgium and it is available in Watsons, Mall of Asia branch. It really does a good job in concealing the pores, making your skin look pore-less! It's a bit pricey (1,000+ Php), but it can go a long way for you only need to use point-size of it to cover the whole nose area.

Images got from:
* http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/510539-2878-8.jpg
* http://rosacea-support.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/rosacea-red-nose-3.jpg
* http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1538/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1538R-56998.jpg
* http://images.brighthub.com/7a/e/7ae1b945156f43b2bf41b792d7cf73512a0125a1_large.jpg
* http://static.weloveshopping.com/shop/client/000050/beauty_dd/GS002.jpg

Oatmeal as Facial Cleanser? SIMPLY AMAZING!

Just recently I talked about how to achieve a clearer and healthier skin by using natural products which include a toner, facial spray, and moisturizer (click to read). Then I realized that I forgot to discuss one thing...what about facial cleanser?

Months ago I have used Liquid Neutrogena Pure Mild Facial Cleanser as my everyday cleanser. Even though it claims to be a gentle cleanser since it is hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, it still dried out my skin. I also had tiny bumps (or pimplets as I call it) all over my forehead and cheeks. So I did a little research about the product's ingredients via cosdna.com, and found out that one of its ingredients called triethanol amine has an irritation level of 4 out of 5 (check analysis here). Thus, I stopped using it.

As I was researching about natural alternatives, I came across bubzbeauty's youtube video entitled "Beautiful Skin Remedy" (here's the link). She talked about using oatmeal as an everyday facial cleanser. Oatmeal, according to Bubbi, is really beneficial for the skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes itchy skin. Not only that, it also has the ability to cleanse and brighten skin. And most importantly, it's free from chemical and doesn't not strip off the natural moisture of the skin. 

(This brand's my favorite!)

I've been using oatmeal for almost 3 months now (I started using it last November). Unlike Bubbi's tutorial, I'm very much practical using it by just scooping 1 tablespoon of oats mixed with 3 tablespoon of warm water or green tea. I personally chose "instant" oatmeal so that it won't be too scratchy, but rather smooth and has this "cetaphil-feel" when massaging onto the face. Anyhow, it doesn't matter what type of oatmeal you use as long as it's not flavored.

So after some months, here's the result of my attempt to use oatmeal instead of any regular facial cleanser out there in the market.

NOVEMBER

You will notice the small bumps (or pimplets) around my left cheek.

Texture's not really that fine.

DECEMBER

Bumps are starting to disappear, but spots are still present.

JANUARY

This is my skin now. You will notice how clear it is now. (YEY!)

Now I won't trade my oatmeal for any expensive facial cleansers! It has definitely helped me a lot. My skin has gotten brighter and clearer. I'm not having bad breakouts anymore. I have even consulted my new "natural skin care regimen" to my dermatologist, and she was happy by how my skin has improved a lot. She told me to continue using it together with my homemade green tea and apple cider vinegar toner and extra virgin olive oil moisturizer.

So I suggest you give it a try (besides it's really affordable!), and enjoy a blemish-free skin that will surely boost your self-confidence as well as your self-esteem. Bubbi's indeed a life-saver b(^_^)d! Good Luck!

Skincare 101: Easy-to-make and All Natural "Golden Liquid"

I once encountered a saying that "There are no ugly people in this world, only lazy ones." And I somehow agree with that because in order to look and feel beautiful, one should definitely exude more effort in doing so. And it all starts by being comfortable with our own skin...literally. 

I've always been in search of skincare products suitable for my skin from the most expensive down to those which are affordable. I've tried many products but unfortunately, I felt that they weren't healthy for my skin because of its NUMEROUS CHEMICAL CONTENT which may lead to dryness, itchiness, and worse, more breakouts! That's why it is a must for you to know your skin type first before trying any skincare products because different skins have different needs.

I got really tired of finding the right products for my skin because there was no improvement at all, that's why I resorted to natural products which surprisingly can be found in anybody's kitchen -- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Green Tea, and Apple Cider Vinegar, which I called the "GOLDEN LIQUID" not only because of its color, but because for me it was a precious discovery.

(Homemade toner, moisturizer, and facial spray)

My skin has never looked this better. It's blemish-free, radiant, and healthy. All thanks to these homemade skincare remedies. Plus, it is free from those harmful chemicals.

The rule in a basic skincare regimen is you cleanse, tone, and moisturize. The following are some D.I.Y tutorials for your own natural toner, moisturizer, and facial spray:

As for the toner, you will need green tea (brewed for at least 30 mins), apple cider vinegar, and a container. Green Tea is said to be rich in antioxidant which is good for your skin, while the Apple Cider Vinegar, which is made from apples, has a cleansing properties that detoxifies and purifies your skin. It also balances the pH level of the skin as it heals blemishes such as pimples (you can even use it as a spot treatment). What I do is that I pour 1/6 ACV in a container and 5/6 Green Tea. If you have oily skin, you can add more ACV depending on your preference. Refrigerate to prolong its lifespan. You can use it for 2-3 weeks.

After toning, you should moisturize. As for the moisturizer, you will need extra virgin olive oil (the least processed of all olive oils), and vitamin E gel capsule (1 piece), and an airless pump bottle. Extra virgin olive oil or EVOO will provide a long-lasting shield of moisture, making your skin glowing, smooth, and supple. In ancient times, Cleopatra is believed to have used olive oil to massage her face. Don't worry, according to Journal, it is an essential oil that doesn't clog your pores. Pour the EVOO in a container. Prick the gel capsules and put the vit. E oil in the container, and voila! It's kind of heavy for a moisturizer that's why I only use it during the night. What I do is I pump the bottle once and rub it between my palms to warm it up. Instead of rubbing it on my face, I gently pat and slap it to stimulate my skin. Other people use it to massage their faces as well.

And lastly for the facial spray, you will only need green tea and a spray bottle. What I usually do is I use the remaining brewed tea after making the toner so that it won't go to waste. I just put it in the spray bottle and refrigerate it to prolong its lifespan. Use it anytime and anywhere you want to be refreshed. Green tea is also proven to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. 

These homemade skincare remedies are really some treasure. I have been using this for a week now, and I'm just wowed by the results. If you feel like nothing works for your skin, you only need some time and effort to look for these great ingredients in the supermarket. It's safe, easy-to-find, affordable, and most importantly, it works! \(^o^)/

Good Luck!

Skin Talk

I'm really obsessed of having a great skin not just because I'm vain (who says that guys can't be vain too? lol!), but also because we, as future front liners, are expected to look really good in front of our clients. Here's a proof:

(Philippine Airlines cabin crew qualifications)

Now, see what I'm talking about? I'm not really going to talk about FA's and stuff this time, but instead I'm going to share my "own ways" of achieving a healthy and clear skin.

Many people have complimented me for having such a nice skin. A relative even told me that I have a flawless skin which I think is not the right term to use because I believe that for every individual, there will always be some imperfection when it comes to our skin (even I). Genes are said to be one of the contributing factors that will dictate what our skin conditions will be like when we reach the adolescence stage (now go and check the skin of your parents! lol!). According to a skin care expert in a seminar that I've attended, 70% of our skin condition is because of our parents' genes and 30% is because of our lifestyle. So if you believe that you have a terrible skin just because of your parents' genes, have you checked out your lifestyle yet? Are you living it healthily?

I admit that I'm somewhat a health freak. As much as possible, I avoid eating junk foods, softdrinks, and fast foods (which is way too oily!). The idea of putting junk inside my body seriously disgusts me that's why every time I eat those kinds of food, I make it a point to drink lots of water. Yep! I drink plenty of water because it makes me feel cleaner inside as it replenish my body. I also love drinking green tea everyday because it has high level of antioxidant (whatever it is!) which is said to be healthy for the skin while detoxifying our body (now that reminds me of my favorite green tea frappe from Starbucks. *drool*). And not only that, I also eat fruits and veggies whenever it's available. I also exercise (jogging or brisk walking in a park) whenever I can and sleep at least 7 hours everyday (very important!). Trust me, those will help you achieve not only a healthy-looking skin, but also a healthier body and a better life.

(I usually drink this green tea by Lipton which is in a tea bag form,

and it is locally available in supermarkets)

Apart from that, I have my own skin care regimen to better enhance my skin better. As I've said earlier, I'm super vain that I try different skin care products. For me, choosing the right product is like a trial and error process where you really have to try it out and see for yourself if it suits your skin without any irritation. I've been doing that for so many years and I've experienced major breakouts! The worst was few months ago when I used some products I bought in THEFACESHOP in Seoul. These products which I didn't like caused me "super mild acne" (if there is such):

(Charcoal cleanser with Phyto Powder and Clean Face Acne Solution Cleanser & BB Cream)

(THEFACESHOP in Seoul, Korea)

It just did not work for me. I had tiny bumps around my forehead, temple area, and upper cheeks. That's why I opted to just give it to my brother and fortunately his skin did not have any bad reactions by using these cleansers. 

On the contrary, what I like in THEFACESHOP is the Classic Homme White Skin Brightening. It's not really a skin whitening product, but it does brighten your skin. It also helps to make the skin smoother and finer. It smells like a man's perfume (somehow strong) that's why I won't be needing a perfume anymore (kidding!). And most importantly, it doesn't cause me any breakouts.

(One of my faves! lol!)

Going back, when I consulted my dermatologist, she said that it's probably not pH balanced, which caused my skin to irritate so she recommended me Dove cream bar together with hydrocortisone micronazole, acne day cream, and tretinoin, all in cream form. It did wonders to my skin and I got my clear skin back after 7 months of using those. I tried switching to Dove sensitive bar unscented. At first it was really doing well, but after some time, it made my skin super dry to think that I have an oily skin. I tried hydrating products like the Celeteque Hydrating Toner (alcohol-free) and moisturizer. BUT I didn't like it! It caused me to breakout once more! It was devastating in my part because those are not cheap products. So instead of wasting it, I'm still using it not in my face, but in my neck.

(I've read other reviews saying these are really good products.

Well, not for me.)

Hence it lead me to search and try another product until one day, I came across this product: Liquid Neutrogena Pure Mild Facial Cleanser. What can I say? I really like the product! C'est parfait (It's prefect)! It's for all skin types, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (won't clog your pores), fragrance-free, and it's not really that drying. After a week of using it, I've regained again the natural flora of my skin. I recommend this because it's really gentle to the skin.

(Yey for this product! I rate this ★★★★)

Apart from all of these products I've been using, I'm using oatmeal as a cleanser twice a week to exfoliate my skin and for a brighter-looking skin (got the idea from Bubzbeauty). I also use Daiso Charcoal Nose Pack (only 85.00 Php from Saizen) and Purifying Egg White Pack (from THEFACESHOP) once a week for tighter pores. And Vitamin E Oil from a regular gel capsule (I prick it and I spread the oil evenly on my face) after removing the peel-off packs from my face.

(Peel-off packs which I use)

Whenever I go out, I make it a point to protect my skin from the sun. I use products with Sun Protection Factor or SPF for my face and for the rest of my body. Sunblock is really important to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun (UVA & UVB). I also wear cap and shades, and use an umbrella. And again, drink plenty of water.

Achieving a healthy, clear skin is not really easy. It requires patience, dedication, and diligence because you have to devise your own skin care regimen according to the needs of your skin. They say that your lifestyle reflects upon your skin. If you have unhealthy habits, your skin will be dull and full of blemishes, but if you live healthily, your skin will most likely be radiant and clear and that is definitely a turn-on! Good Luck on your quest to a WOW skin! *wink!*

Images got from:

• http://brandcom.unilever.com/b2Public/lipton/au_en/product/realCategories/LiptonGreenTea/LiptonGreenTea/detailsPar/fullsizeImage/lipton_greengdpack.png
• http://www.kpoptown.com/3681-4521-large/thefaceshop-new-phyto-powder-foam-cleanser-charcoal.jpg
• http://allmadeinkorea.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/clean-face-acne-solution-foam-cleansing-21-16-90.jpg?w=581&h=746
• http://images.cdnp3.beautylish.com/11/03/18/sc_555e0b79b099928e155f1514190d6914/dove-sensitive-skin-unscented-beauty-bar.jpg
• https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3hWyoM2fDMaiYCAPZxPRDbytMGT9CuAzrqldAe3l4QH5YPwDujsXj5ZU4R1m6IpUDefoFbuxo4OyhWCd1b12G2rPXD0UU3ikJiBN-ayh0jKIgW_Ew9RgqnxmnVA_C9t_EJQjFu_ZsLI/s1600/NEUTROGENA+PURE+MILD.jpg
• http://www.healthy-skincare.com/images/manwomenskin.jpg