Beauty Tips

Have You Haired About Coconut Oil?

February 5th, 2011 by Karen 50 Comments

Written by Robin

Sometimes you feel like a nut (and sometimes you don’t). Today rockin’ Robin of Beautyburg feels like a coconut, and we’re about to find out why in today’s guest post.

Have You Haired About Coconut Oil?

There’s nothing my dry, over-stylized, heat tool-abused hair loves more than super rich, emollient hair products. The only thing it might love more are products that are also natural and good for me (oh, and maybe getting all of the above at low cost).

The product behind my hair mask secret embodies all of the above, and I’m about to let you in on it! Cold compressed coconut oil is the way I keep my hair shiny, soft and hydrated, and not only is it natural and effective, but it’s also cheap.

If you haven’t heard of coconut oil, or maybe heard of it referred to in a different way (the first thing that comes to mind when I think “coconut oil” is frying in the sun with Hawaiian Tropic and pretending the SPF 2 is doing something), THIS coconut oil is totally different.

Organic Coconut Oil

First, it’s a white solid. Second, it’s food! It’s the same kind of coconut oil people cook with (vegans will be familiar with it), and you can find jars of cold compressed coconut oil at your local supermarket or natural food store (where prices range from $6-9).

Coconut oil is very high in cholesterol and saturated fats, but you don’t have to eat it to reap its benefits. You can apply it to your hair instead.

You don’t have to buy a “virgin” variety either. The FDA doesn’t set standards for “virgin” coconut oil as it does for olive. Also, the food grade product isn’t heavily scented, so you don’t have to worry about the scent if you aren’t a fan of heady perfumes.

Organic Coconut Oil

To use it, pre-wash, and then scoop anywhere from 1-3 tablespoons from the jar, depending on the length of your hair. Next, rub the dollop between the palms of your hands (NOTE: The solid will quickly become a clear liquid from the friction).

My hair BEFORE coconut oil…

Organic Coconut Oil

Organic Coconut Oil
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How Do You Handle Flaky Foundation Caused by Dry Winter Skin?

February 2nd, 2011 by Karen 57 Comments

What to do about flaky foundation

“I have an annoyingly dry forehead and nose area, and no matter how much I moisturize, my foundation still looks flaky!”

Girl, you’re preachin’ to the choir. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. I get patches of dry skin around my nose and at the corners of my mouth (it always seems worse in winter), and it often leads to flaky foundation.

Foundation loves having a smooth surface to adhere to, so let’s talk about skin for a moment.

Wind chill factors outside, heaters cranking inside, dehydration, Benzoyl Peroxide and Retin A — these are just a few of the things that can cause or worsen dry skin (I seriously notice a difference when I’m not drinking enough water throughout the day).

When your foundation looks flaky…
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What Are the Best Drugstores for Beauty Products?

February 1st, 2011 by Karen 41 Comments

What are the best drugstores for beauty products?

What a coincidence! Reader Aimee must have known I was planning a jaunt to Tar-ghay today. 🙂

Hi Karen!

I’m traveling to Miami in the US next month, and I’d like to hear about your favorite drugstores in the US…

Which of these are best for make up (price and variety): CVS, Target or Walgreens? Thanks!
–Aimee

Hi Aimee,

You’re a girl after my own heart. Whenever I travel, I always try to do a bit of beauty research beforehand, and I’m stoked about your enthusiasm for drugstore makeup. I’ve been a Rite Aid regular (aka a Walgreens wallflower) since as far back as I can remember. Drugstores are veritable cosmetics cornucopias!

I’ve shopped all three of the stores you mention — CVS, Target and Walgreens — and have generally had good experiences with each.

Target

I end up going to Target a lot because of 1) how close and 2) how big it is. In addition to carrying the big drugstore beauty lines (your Revlon, Cover Girl, L’Oreal, etc.), they also carry “higher end” drugstore brands, some of them exclusive to Target (at least in the US), like Sonia Kashuk, JK Jemma Kidd, NP Set and Boots.

Target also has testers, which makes swatching easy, but I’m not crazy about their makeup return policy. Most of the time products have to be new, unused and in their original packaging.

CVS

With more than 7,000 stores in 45 states, chances are there’s a CVS somewhere nearby. They have a great selection of drugstore brands and a fantastic product return policy. Truth be told, I’d shop at CVS more often if there wasn’t a Target so close. They accept returns on any opened or unopened beauty products and will refund the full purchase price, no questions asked. Just be sure to bring your receipt or invoice. Oh, and some CVS stores carry the awesome NYX line, which is one of my favorite drugstore brands for colorful eyeshadows and blushes.

Walgreens

No joke, but I used to haunt the Walgreens beauty department back when I worked in downtown San Francisco. Walgreens carries many of the same beauty lines that CVS and Rite Aid do at very nearly the same prices, but I don’t visit as often as I used to (there isn’t one close).
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What to Wear on Your Winter Trip to San Francisco

January 30th, 2011 by Karen 26 Comments

San Francisco’s Union Square, June 2010

Hi, ladies. Aside from the brief period of time I spent away at college, I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area all my life. I love it here, and it definitely feels like home. 🙂 When I opened this note from reader Tzu, I couldn’t wait to share.

Hi Karen,

I’ll be visiting San Francisco next week and was wondering if you could give me suggestions on what to pack in terms of clothing? I’m in NYC, and I know I won’t be needing my winter/snow woolly mammoth coat, but should I pack spring clothes? Layers? Any suggestions would be great! Thank you!
–Tzu

Hey Tzu,

Adventure awaits! I think you’re going to love San Francisco, but before I jump into suggestions, please promise me something — that you’ll never, ever refer to San Francisco as “San Fran” (bluh!) or “‘Fricso” (double bluh!) while you’re here. Try “S.F.” or “the City,” and merchants will take you for a local (as opposed to a tourist).

The weather is generally mild in winter — too warm for snow, but too chilly for shorts. It rains a little more than usual, and temps typically range from the low 40s to mid 60s.

In the city itself, the different districts and neighborhoods also have their own micro climates. You can literally go from one end of the city to the other (a distance of just 7 miles) and go through banks of thick fog, patches of sun, and areas of rain, which means it helps to be prepared for anything.

I think you’re wise to leave your heaviest snow coat at home, but you’ll still want to bring a warm coat, especially if you plan to do any walking (a good likelihood considering the poor parking). It also gets colder at night. Not East Coast cold, mind you, but chilly enough.

Layers are totally key; lightweight (but warm) sweaters, t-shirts, scarves, hoodies — basically, anything that you can peel off if the sun peeks out and put back on when it goes away.
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Who Makes the Best Nail Clippers?

January 29th, 2011 by Karen 52 Comments

Who makes the best nail clippers?

Are you happy with your nail clippers? I’m serious. The pair I’ve been using, which is just one of those regular foldable stainless steel ones, tears up my nails. I go through all the work to paint ’em and then use clippers that might as well be garden shears. It doesn’t make a lot of sense.

I still haven’t found a pair I’d swear by, and my nails could use a hand.

Any recommendations? Who makes the best nail clippers?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

3 Often Overlooked Beauty Tools

January 22nd, 2011 by Karen 24 Comments

Written by Sam

Some great beauty tools hide in the unlikeliest places. Today freelance makeup artist and blogger Sam shares three you might not have thought of before.

3 Often Overlooked Beauty Tools
“Do I look cray-cray?”

1. Lighter

If you’re a smoker, you may already have one of these in your purse, but if you’re not, dash on down to the drugstore, and pick yourself up a cheap, disposable lighter. These brightly colored, flame-producing confabulations are absolute wonders in the beauty world, and one so few casual artists seem to own.

These little wonders are absolute godsends with pencil eyeliners. Now, you might be thinking, “Gee, Sam, something about heat and my eye just doesn’t sound smart.” And you’d be right. Please, kind ladies and gentlemen, the lighter should not get anywhere near your actual eye with this (or any) trick.

Now, flick that little lever to get your lighter lit, and wave the tip of your favorite eyeliner right through the very top of the flame. One…two…three times.

At this point, your eyeliner is gonna look a little sad and…amorphous. No worries! If you want a fantastic kohl-like application, go straight ahead and draw that line (you may want to test it on the back of your hand first, without blotting, to make sure the tip isn’t too hot). Now, blot the tip on the back of your hand (I would suggest using a tissue, but you don’t want to pick up any fuzzies) to remove any excess and to test the heat level. If it feels too hot, keep it away from your eyes for another second or two, and test again on your hand (NOTE: this means you left it in the flame too long).

What you do next depends on the effect you want. If you want a gorgeous, crayon-like application that you plan to smudge a bit, let it set for 3-5 seconds, and then apply. If you simply want a longer lasting, precise application, blot off the rest, let it set for 5-10 seconds, and apply.

2. Butterfly Clips

I know that only a few of you are going to trust me on this one, but it really does work wonderfully, so I hope you give it a try.

For this tool to work effectively, you’ll want to blow dry your hair until it’s completely bone-dry, and hopefully with some sort of product in it (I’ve found a texturizing or setting lotion works best). Do you know those butterfly clips that people tend to keep in their kitchen drawer? The ones for closing unfinished bags of almond granola or sour cream and onion crisps? Grab an armful, and haul â€˜em up into your bathroom. These are going to help you create a perfectly even and not-so-perfectly disheveled wave in your hair (you know, the kind that one of your friends has naturally, and it’s just not fair!).

Starting at eyelevel, take a clip (I like the medium-size ones) and a section of hair, and, using a finger, push this section up and into the clip (the “teeth” should be parallel to the floor and close to your scalp). Do this on the other side as well.

Next, do the same thing at jaw level on either side. Each of these should create a section roughly one-fifth of the total of your hair. Section out a fifth directly on the back of your head, and place one clip up near the crown of your head (remember to pull the section up and into the clip to avoid flatness) and one at about eyelevel.

At this point, you should have two “un-clipped” fifths left. Add a clip on both of these at the eyelevel line only to create a believable wave. This pattern is going to give you that slightly rough, modern look with a wave only through the mid-section.
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5 Fantastic Makeup and Beauty Products to Help with Oily Skin

January 13th, 2011 by Karen 34 Comments

Is your skin slicker than a used car salesman? Do your pores ooze oil all day and night? If you suffer from oily skin, you’re not the only one. I did for years (and still do at times).

Rule No. 1: Don’t despair. There’s hope. 🙂

“Hi, Karen. You’ve said before that you have oily skin, as do I, so I was wondering what you do (what products you use/have used) to combat it?

I have literally tried EVERYTHING, but my skin is still an oil slick!

HELP!”
— Ashley

Hi Ashley,

I feel your pain! I was constantly struggling with oily skin throughout my 20s. I know it’s all natural, but I’m still a little grossed out by it, that greasy feeling and the relentless shine. I remember back in college when I’d fall asleep in my books. I’d wake up, peel my face away and see oily patches on the page. Awesome!

Now that I’m in my 30s, my skin’s a combination of oily and dry. Some spots are dry, but others are oily, like my forehead and cheeks. I use (and love) several products to keep the oil slicks at bay.

1. Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash, $5 for a 6.7-oz tube

This citrus-scented cleanser for normal-to-oily skin removes everything — oil, makeup, dirt, you name it. Yet it doesn’t feel harsh or leave my skin feeling tight or dry, thanks to botanicals like aloe vera, rosemary and spearmint. I loved it so much that I stockpile it when it’s sale. Plus, it’s only five bucks and carried in most drugstores.

2. DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew, $38 for a 1.7-oz tube

Okay, it’s totally expensive, but DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew is both oil- and fragrance-free, feels light as air, sinks into my skin quickly and packs just enough moisture for my skin. Even oily skin likes moisture, and a good moisturizer slows the evaporation of water from the skin (see: Moisturizer For Oily Skin). It also never, ever gives me breakouts.

3. Olay Facial Lotion Oil Free SPF 15, $12 for a 6-oz bottle

When I was in college I went through an awful bout of acne, and a dermatologist recommended Olay Facial Lotion Oil Free. I used it for years and still love it to this day. It feels light on my skin, can be worn beneath makeup and, like DDF Ultra-Light, doesn’t give me breakouts. I don’t use it anymore because I don’t think it’s moisturizing enough for my dry parts.

4. MAC Blot, $22 for a 0.42-oz compact

If MAC ever discontinued this oil-absorbing pressed powder I’d cry a thousand tears. It comes in five shades (Light, Medium, Medium Dark, Deep and Deep Dark) and works overtime to absorb oil, reduce shine and set makeup.
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10 DIY Kitchen Beauty Fixin’s You May Already Have at Home

January 8th, 2011 by Karen 15 Comments

10 DIY Kitchen Beauty Tips

About the Author
The following guest post was written by Sam of Finally Indigo. You can also find Sam on Twitter.

Who says you have to spend half of your paycheck on skin and hair care products to look your best? Why not just turn your kitchen’s pantry into your beauty bar and save a few bucks? All it takes are a few edible ingredients, an open mind and some DIY kitchen beauty tips.

Strawberries — These wondrous red berries aren’t merely delicious when they’re sliced and drizzled with balsamic vinegar, oh no. Strawberries are also your best friend for natural teeth-whitening. Once per day before your regular brushing and flossing (because of the sugar in the strawberries), mash two or three berries in a small bowl, and carefully, but vigorously, brush your teeth with this berry paste (you may want to dedicate a toothbrush to it, as the one you use will probably stain). Look for results within a week or two.

Honey

Honey — Pretty much a savior for skin and hair. Honey acts as a natural antiseptic and antifungal, and it’s also a fantastic humectant, preserving moisture in the skin. Try dabbing a bit over broken facial acne to speed the repair process (test on a small area first), mix a small amount in with your conditioner for a moisturizing and yummy-smelling hair mask, or place on your mouth overnight to wake up with full, luscious lips. Be careful, however, as honey tends to stick…everywhere. Use less than you initially think you’ll need, and add to it bit by bit from there.

Potatoes

Potatoes — An odd one, yes. But there’s a certain compound in potatoes that’s been shown to help reduce swelling and puffiness. Using a vegetable peeler, shred a small amount of potato, let it chill in the fridge for a while, and then place the chilled potato magic under your eyes. For the next 15 minutes or so, sit and read a good book, watch a little television, or talk to your cat. When you remove the odd treatment, voila! There should be less puff under those eyes.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon — This fantastic spice also has great skincare benefits! Who knew? Mix a bit in with your favorite lipgloss to turn it into a lip-plumper. Or, try making a facial mask out of honey and cinnamon that can be used to help dry out acne and exfoliate dull, tired skin.

Yogurt

Yogurt — A fantastic moisturizing agent as well as a skin exfoliant (due to the lactic acid it contains). Use as a cooling facial mask to wake up dull, tired, or dry winter skin, or soak hands in it to help soften and heal cuticles; in either case, the thicker the yogurt, generally the better it works.

Hungry for more kitchen beauty? Check out DIY Beauty with Kitchen Cosmetics.

Turmeric

Turmeric — This strong smelling, yellowish spice is great for fading skin discolorations and post-acne scarring. Mix it with just enough lime juice (another great fading agent) to make a medium-thickness paste, and dab onto discolored skin only. Leave on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The area treated may take on a temporary yellow tint that should fade with another washing or two, but still — this is a treatment probably better suited to weekend nights.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry Juice — And we ain’t talkin’ â€˜bout that sugary cocktail stuff. Spain’s raven-haired beauties still use pure cranberry juice to this day to keep their locks shining and lustrous. In the shower, use it as a post conditioner rinse. Pour over damp hair, massage in for a minute or two, and then let it sit for as long as you can before rinsing thoroughly.

Coffee

Coffee — Coffee serves multiple benefits depending on whether you use it brewed or in its ground form. Brewed dark roast can be used as a post-conditioner wash to add richness to brunette, auburn, and dark blonde hair. Instant coffee can be added to conditioner for near the same effect, and plain â€˜ol coffee grounds are a fantastic exfoliator. Mix with your favorite facial wash to give that face a good scrubbin’, or take it straight to your dry bod.

Salt

Salt — Natural sea salt is a great exfoliant and healing agent. Using small circular motions, rub down your entire dry body with straight up salt before your shower for a fantastic glow (make sure to use a rich moisturizer afterwards). Or (be careful with this one), try making a thick paste out of sea salt and honey, and place on stubborn acne. Be warned — it’ll sting like a jellyfish, but it works wonders for me.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar — This stuff is simply amazing. Pour some in a spritzer bottle, and use it as a facial toner to sop up extra oil and to regulate your skin’s pH levels. Dab some on ruddy cheeks or inflamed skin to take down redness. Use as a post-conditioner rinse to lock in moisture and shine, as well as protecting color and removing product build-up. Drink two tablespoons a day to decrease natural body odour, improve overall skin quality, and aid digestion. Amazing.

With these 10 simple ingredients, you’ve got yourself a fine recipe for skin and hair nirvana, all without breaking the bank or resorting to harsh, man-made chemicals. Just don’t try making anything edible out of all of these together… Salted strawberries over coffee-scented potatoes with a turmeric and cinnamon yogurt dressing topped with an apple cider vinegar and cranberry honey reduction? Mmm, my favorite.

About the Author
The following guest post was written by Sam of Finally Indigo. You can also find Sam on Twitter.