The Best Fix for Dry Hands is...

...olive oil! The same thing you use to whip up a delicious dinner can be used to whip your skin back into shape before summer gets here. It's a natural cleanser and moisturizer minus all the harsh and unnecessary chemicals that brand name lotions contain...and it's cheap. You can also use other oils such as grapeseed and coconut (although they're more expensive) and even fish oil. I'd suggest staying away from things like peanut and vegetable oil because you'll end up smelling like a french fry.

For dry hands apply a few drops (about 5) to your hands and rub, rub, rub. I like to do this at night right before bed. Don't forget to massage it into your cuticles. You can even keep some in a pretty little pump on your nightstand!

If you have dry skin on your face from enjoying the slopes rub 1 - 3 drops onto your cheeks and lips. If you have sensitive, acne prone skin you should exercise caution before trying this by testing on a small patch of skin on your jawline.

To get your tootsies ready for sandals, rub a several drops onto each foot. Massage it in until absorbed and then put on some socks to ensure your feet get all that moisture...and so that you don't wipe out in the kitchen!

You can also use olive oil to moisturize dry elbows and rough knees. And adding a touch of olive oil to the center of your legs - on the shin bone - adds definition and makes your legs look slimmer. A great trick when wearing skirts or shorts!

For a homemade body scrub mix 1/2 cup olive oil with either salt, sugar or brown sugar. Add enough salt, sugar, brown sugar to achieve the consistency you like, then if you want, add a few drops of essential oil (lavender, vanilla, chamomile, ginger root, anything yummy smelling) and you've got a fantastic body scrub without spending $20. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and it'll last you just as long.

If you have the time for a relaxing soak in the tub, drizzle a small amount in the bath.

Suffering from dried out, frizzy hair? Use olive oil as a conditioner. Wrap your hair in a plastic bag and then a warm towel. Let it soak in for 10 - 20 minutes.

 Try out these different uses for olive oil and you'll emerge from your winter hibernation looking radiant!

Make Your Own Tinted Moisturizer

     Tinted moisturizers are a great option for foundation, especially for those of you don't need full coverage. Another advantage of tinted moisturizers is that they are much more wearable in hot summer weather than a liquid foundation would be. There are a variety of choices available in a wide price range. At your local drugstore you can purchase one for as little as $8 (check out Covergirl's Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15) or if you wear tinted moisturizers all the time and are looking for the very best money can buy, then try Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer. I've always used a liquid foundation because I usually need the full coverage, but as of late, my skin's been behaving better and it's been super hot and muggy so I decided to try a tinted moisturizer. I had some liquid foundations that I've been trying to use up and a great moisturizer that I really like...sooo...I made my own tinted moisturizer! If you decide to make your own just remember that it may take one or two attempts before you figure out just the right amounts that work for you.
     To create your own tinted moisturizer you'll need a face moisturizer (with or without SPF) and your liquid foundation(s). I personally need two different foundations to achieve the right color. Squirt one pump of moisturizer into the palm of your hand, the back of your hand or onto a mixing palette. It should be about the size of a dime. Next add the liquid foundation. Start with half of the amount you'd typically apply and go from there. Thoroughly mix the moisturizer and foundation until well blended and then apply with fingers/brush/dampened sponge. Make sure to work it into your hairline, back to your ears and down your neck. This technique gives you less coverage but your skin will look super natural and dewy fresh. Set with a finishing powder to lock it all in and then do the rest of your makeup as usual. I've really been pleased with the results I've gotten from doing this. My skin doesn't look like it's got makeup on it and even when I break into a sweat my foundation holds up and doesn't budge. Plus my skin feels more breathable, as if I didn't have any foundation on at all!
     Give this a try and please let me know how you like it. Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Moisturizing. Is It a Must?

How important is moisturizing? And does everyone need to do it? The answer - moisturizing is very important and everyone does need to do it. However, what kind of moisturizer and how much you use will vary depending on your skin type.
Moisturizers are an important step in your makeup routine because it creates a smooth canvas for the products you put on your face. When looking for a moisturizer, try to find one that has easily pronounceable ingredients, preferably natural, and make sure that it doesn't contain mineral oil which is considered a comedogenic (meaning it causes acne). If you have sensitive skin, it is especially important to find a moisturizer for your specific skin type. Cetaphil and Neutrogena are known for being very gentle on the skin. Avoid moisturizers that are heavily perfumed as they contain unnecessary ingredients that can be aggravating. Many people think that if they have oily skin that a moisturizer will only make things worse. Oily skin still benefits from a moisturizer, but only a very thin veil should be applied. Put a small amount, about the size of a pea, onto your fingertip then lightly rub it between your hands before applying. For best results, apply your moisturizer and allow it to absorb for 10-15 minutes before putting on your makeup. If you still have too much moisturizer on your face, just blot it off with a tissue or blotting paper.
Moisturizing at night is just as important and is very effective in providing you with deep moisture that will improve the quality of your skin overall. While you sleep your body is healing itself so this is a great time to give your skin the extra help.
The one area of your face that you generally do NOT need to moisturize is your eyelids. We naturally produce enough oils on our lids that a moisturizer would make your makeup slip and crease. And it could also cause the excess product to run down into your eyes. Ow!

Trina's Current Favorites:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin (Daytime)
Neutrogena Visibly Firm Night Cream (Before Bed)