Category Archives: Homemade Facials

TOP 5 KITCHEN ITEMS FOR EVERY SKIN TYPE By Guest Blogger- Asia DeMarcos aka BEAUTASIA

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Hi Superhero’s in-training!

I’ve had a few clients text me today with skincare emergencies. One wanted a hydrating mask, the other had just burned herself. So I got to thinking. Why not blog about this to share with you. Here are my top 5 kitchen collaborators for every skin condition.

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1. Avocados- Skin Types: Dry, dehydrated, red, inflamed or rosasea. I love having plenty of these on hand. They contain a rich natural oil that’s great to condition your skin and hair. It also contains niacin, which has been great for inflammation. Perfect for rosacea. Mash it up and put it on you face for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with luke warm water. Beautasia note: Rinse off in kitchen sink where there’s a garbage disposal. 

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2. Honey- Skin Types: Dry, dehydrated, Sun Damaged, Acne, Aging. This sweet tea compadre is also good for dry skin. It’s a humectant. Which means it will draw moisture into the skin. This amber colored delight is also an anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial so its also perfect for aging and acneic skin types. Take 1 tablespoon of honey and apply to face. Leave on 15-20 minutes. Rinse with luke warm water.

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3. Lemon– Skin Types: Oily, Acneic, Sun Damaged, Non Sensitive. This amazing liquid is a natural antiseptic and contains natural acids that will exfoliate the face.  These acids will also naturally brighten sun damaged skin. It can be a little drying, so don’t use it if you have super sensitive skin. The acid and antiseptic will also kill those zits! Apply directly from the fruit of squeeze in a bowl and apply with cotton ball or round leave on skin. Beautasia note: Best to sleep on face overnight.

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4. Apple Cider Vinegar– Skin Types: Oily, Enlarged Pores, Acneic and burned skin. Apple cider vinegar or ACV as it’s known on the streets is great for balancing the body’s ph inside and out! Pour it on a burn and it will draw out the sting. Apply to acne or oily skin so the malic acids and lactic acids with gently exfoliate and kill bacteria. Apply directly on areas with cotton round.

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5. Olive Oil- Skin Types: Dry and Aging. This favorite cooking companion is a nice bath counterpart too. Add a few tablespoon in your bath and watch the dry scaly legs go bye bye. Olive oil is rich in anti-oxidants that will protect you skin from further environmental damage. Mix a little of this with avocado or honey for SUPER hydrating mask. Leave on face as a moisturizer or blot with paper towel. I personally love it as an eye makeup remover. Watch this video I made on how to properly remove it.

Try and mix some of these ingredients together for multiple skin issue. My all time favorites that make my skin soft and bright is 1/4 mashed avocado and 1 teaspoon honey. Please share some of your kitchen favorites in the comment section below. Happy mixing!

 xoxo ~ Beautasia

Beautiasia

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Asia

Asia DeMarcos is a Los Angeles-based, medically-trained Aesthetician, Makeup Artist and Beauty Blogger. She is the brains behind the “Hollywood Beautiful” concept, lifestyle, amusement and brand. Disguised as her online alter ego, “Beautasia” (Superhero by day, SuperMOM by night)  was created by the distress calls of men, women and teens faced with the challenges of juggling a career, education, and family, all while neglecting a healthy lifestyle.

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5 TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL HANDS

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A few months ago,  I noticed my hands are looking…to put it bluntly….OLD!   Grrrrrr, what the heck happened?  I do admit I have been super lazy with wearing rubber gloves when I do dishes, but I always wear them when I clean.  I grew up watching my mom apply hand cream religiously and because she NEVER got in the sun, her hands are still beautiful in her 60’s.  Ok, so I also have to admit I have been lazy when it comes to applying hand cream.  Double Grrrrr!  The two places that show a woman’s real age are on her hands and decolletage.  The skin on the back of the hands is very thin so it is effected by everything from hot water, chemicals in cleaners and sun exposure.  We are able to combat the signs of aging on our faces with botox, fillers, lotions and potions, but what about our hands?  I am getting serious about taking care of my hands, so if you want to join me here’s…

5 TIPS FOR KEEPING OUR HANDS LOOKING BEAUTIFUL + YOUTHFUL:

  1. SPF:  Muy Importante!!! After applying SPF to your face, dab a bit on the back of your hands as well.  Please use an SPF 30 for optimal protection.  The next time you get in the car notice how your hands are exposed to the sun while they are on the steering wheel.  Days and days then years and years of driving with exposed hands will cause premature aging and hyperpigmentation.
  2. MINIMIZE DARK SPOTS/ LIVER SPOTS:  I recently mentioned how to naturally reduce hyperpigmentation/freckling on the face and the same rules apply to the hands.  If you use a Vitamin C rich face serum, start rubbing it into the back of the hands or use lemon juice to lighten existing spots.
  3. EXFOLIATE WEEKLY:  I keep it simple with a DIY scrub (shown above) of olive oil, sea salt and lemon juice.  It’s like a triple punch!  The olive oil moisturizes, the sea salt exfoliates dead skin and the lemon juice brightens the skin and nails.  You can add lavender or eucalyptus essential oils to make it more decadent and spa-like.
  4. APPLY HAND CREAM NIGHTLY:  Our bodies rejuvenate while we sleep, so apply a moisture rich hand cream every night.  Set the bottle on your nightstand so you never forget. (note to self!!)  Look for hand creams with alpha hydroxy, retinols, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid.  You can also take it a step further and wear those thin white spa gloves to bed to lock in the moisture.
  5. HOT OIL TREATMENT OR PARAFFIN WAX:  Heat a 1/2 cup of olive oil to lukewarm and soak hands for 5 minutes for a quick fix.  Rinse with water only and pat dry.  Use a drop of olive oil or coconut oil on the cuticles during the day as well.  If you have more time (like during a movie) wrap your oil covered hands with plastic, then put socks over the plastic.  Your hands will feel like a baby’s bottom!  Vaseline can also be used, but I prefer the healthy nutrients in the olive oil.  If your nail salon provides paraffin treatments, I highly recommend getting one on a regular basis or you can invest in a home machine for under $40 or so.

If you are in your 20’s, please please please start doing these tips NOW!  I wish I had started sooner, but better late than never. 

Take care of yourselves ladies!

Love, Tiff

GLOW. RADIATE. SHINE. {new webisode}

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HAPPY SATURDAY SISTAS!

I’m not going to waste any time writing… this webisode is long enough!  Get comfy and grab a pen + paper because there’s a ton of info here.  Get ready to glow, radiate and shine….

RECAP:

1. Murad Time Release Acne Wash

2. Sia Botanics Vitamin C Glowing Skin Tonic Pads

3. Sia Botanics Prickly Pear Age Defying Serum

4. Nucerity Eye Effects 3 Eye Serum

5. Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Tinted Moisturizer w/ SPF 50

6. Murad Line & Pore Minimizing Hydrator

7. Makeup Forever HD Invisible Coverage Foundation

8. YSL Touche Eclat Concealer

9. Maybelline Cover Stick

10. Makeup Forever Camo Palette

11. Laura Mercier Translucent Powder

12. Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

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WHEW, that’s a lot of work!  But, since we’re not 16 anymore with that natural sunkissed glow…Thank God we can eat right, get enough sleep and use the right products to get that glow back.

If you have a great secret or special product that helps you get a gorgeous glow…share it with us sista!

Love, Tiff

 

BEAUTY TIPS FOR HOLIDAY FATIGUE {Plus Inspirational Vlog}

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Hi Pretty Poinsettia!

Is the holiday overindulging leaving you with red, puffy eyes and an overall fatigued look?

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Because I work in front of the camera and have to look bright-eyed at a moments notice, I have found the following tips give me an instant well rested look even after a night of little sleep, high sodium meals, sugary treats and one glass of wine too many!  On top of that, I have hereditary dark circles and puffy eyes (Thanks Daddy).  Plus, the use of heaters and all the nasal issues we deal with during the winter can add to the puffy eye problem.  The combination of all these tips will give you the appearance of being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and as if you slept a full 8 hours, I promise!

1. HYDRATE: Drink a large glass of water with juice from half a lemon. This helps with relieving a puffy face and cleanses the body of toxins. I actually down a big glass of lemon water first thing EVERY a.m.

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2. NATURAL DIURETIC: Puffiness is due to a build up of fluid under the eye.  Eat a bowl a strawberries to flush out water retention.  They are loaded with calcium, potassium and arginine which have diuretic properties.

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3. TEA BAGS: Chill used tea bags in the fridge and apply to eyes for 10 minutes to reduce swelling. Cold spoons work as well, but aren’t as comfortable.

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4. UNDER EYE CREAM WITH CAFFEINE:  Look for eye creams and serums with caffeine which shrinks fluid buildup under the eye. I use Garnier anti-dark circle rollerball with tint on days my eyes are extra dark and puffy. The caffeine plus the rollerball help de-puff the under eye area super quick.   **I will be giving this tinted rollerball in this week’s stocking stuffer!

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5. EGG WHITE MASK: Using approximately 1 teaspoon of an egg white as a facial mask will tighten the skin and shrink swelling and pore size. Wakes up your skin and gives you an instant glow.
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6. HIGHLIGHTER IN CORNER OF EYES: Adding a brightening white, beige or peach eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eye adds a youthful look and widens the appearance of the eyes giving a more rested look.

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7. VISINE: A ‘must do’ to whitens the eyes.

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8. RAISE YOUR HEART RATE: Doing 50 jumping jacks or taking a brisk 15-20 minute walk instantly increases the circulation in the body which adds a flush to the cheeks helping you look more awake.

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Plus, if you can get in a few 15 minute power naps here and there during the holidays it will help you get through all the parties and activities and try to stay away from sodium rich foods too.

CANDID VLOG: I share my thoughts on prayer.  I would love to hear your comments on the topic!

We’ve only got a few more days left until the final stocking stuffer winner is announced!  See you on the Facebook Page.

Love, Tiff

Pulling out the BIG GUNS…we’re camouflaging the muffin top!

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Hey Sparklers!

I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating their Independence yesterday! Even if you aren’t American, we are all FREE on many levels. For that alone, we should all be truly grateful today. I sure am.

In today’s new webisode I pull out the big guns and attack an issue many of use deal with as women no matter if you’re a size 4.  Due to birthing beautiful babies, poor posture or over production of cortisol due to stress– many of us are dealing with the dreaded MUFFIN TOP SYNDROME……..Grrrrrrrr!   Fortunately, there are several tricks to camouflaging this body part we all despise. Check it out…

{Obviously, this is the don’t}

REMEMBER, I am loving spoiling you girls to death this summer with a fabulous Swag Bag Giveaway every week through August. All you have to do to participate is follow the SOS facebook page, make comments and be a subscriber of this blog!  Here’s what is in this weeks bag- winner announced Friday afternoon:

“The Go- Giver” by Bob Burg

This gorgeous journal from Luscious Soul

Face Serum by Sia Botanics

Beauty Sprinkles Vitamin Cocktail Mask

Colour Couture Tan Extender (one of my fave products ever)

These fabulous shades by StarStruck Eyewear

My final thought-

after learning that so many of you SOS sistas are cancer survivors and now watching so many hanging on for their lives due to this unforgiving disease- please make sure you ALL follow your dreams every single day! Life is precious. Life is short. Please do not waste time moaning and groaning about what “should have been”. Get busy living life.

If you have a brilliant idea for a small business designing jewelry….DO IT!

If you want to learn how to salsa dance….DO IT!

If you want to finish your degree….DO IT!

If you want to take a mission trip to Haiti….DO IT!

Trust me, I am guilty of getting stuck in the day-to-day crap and can make excuses like the best of them.  That’s why I love Pinterest so much! I am a visual, artistic person and so inspired by the virtual vision boards we are able to create there. I highly recommend creating inspiration boards of all the things you want to see manifest in your life!  Whether it’s on Pinterest or a collage of things on your fridge, make sure keep your dreams + visions in your sight everyday. 

Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)

High five + a hip bump,

Tiff

SWEET SWAG + A SUMMER DILEMMA SOLVED

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Hello Summer Babies!

Hope you are all enjoying the fun, summer swag bag giveaways as much as I am.  I want to take a moment and give a BIG shout out to our fabulous sponsors-THEY ROCK!  This is what’s in the bag this week:

1. COLOUR COUTURE SUNLESS TANNING (one product)

2. LUSCIOUS SOUL- Eclectic Boutique

3. SIA BOTANICS (one product)

4. BEAUTY SPRINKLES VITAMIN COCKTAIL MASK (one package contains 3 masks)

{Remember to participate in the giveaways you must be a subscriber to this blog and part of the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY. 

Simply make comments on the FB page and join in on the fun convo’s!  See you there}

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ARE YOU ALREADY SICK OF THE HEAT?

Growing up in the very hot, muggy + humid city of Houston, Tx– I know all about how uncomfortable extreme heat can be and how it puts a damper on our beauty routine! Here’s a few tips I’ve found to stay comfy + feeling clean during this time of year:

1. Keep the chaffing under control with a cornstarch based powder: GOLD BOND Medicated Powder and/or JOHNSON’S Cornstarch w/ Aloe + Vit E.  Apply a light dusting of the powder on inner thighs, under arms and under the edges of your bra.

2. Cooling spray for overheated or sunburned skin. Make with distilled water, a few drops of tangerine essential oil, aloe juice and a few drops of vit E oil. Keep in a spray bottle in the fridge.

3. Best workout gear to keep the outdoor fitness junkie’s cool + comfortable during the summer heat: ATHLETA’S “hot yoga” line of workout gear is designed with breathable fabrics for Bikram yoga- they style of yoga where the heater is cranked up for an added benefit to the body.  Perfect for staying comfy outdoors during summer too.

4. Many of us are in a swimsuit most of the summer. The pool chemicals plus a tight elastic band around the groin will create a rash, razor bumps and an all around uncomfortable feeling in your bikini.  Reduce razor burn and bumps with Bikini Zone (with lidocaine, salicylic acid, and aloe) to stay comfy in your bikini all summer long.

5. Tiger Balm or Icey Hot for staying comfy + cool in the heat.  Apply a dab or spritz on the inside of the wrists, back of neck and back of knees.   The menthol + eucalyptus has a lasting cooling effect.

6. Keep your feet comfy in sandals during the heat of summer by wearing sandals without a rubber insole.  Plastic or rubber flip flops add to the heat problem by making your feet sweat more.

7. Inbetween shampoos, use a dry shampoo to keep your hair smelling great and the extra sweat +oil under control.  I like TreSemme FreshStart and the one by John Freida. They’re both great and easy to find at most drugstores, target or walmart.

8.  My fave antiperspirant is Secret’s Outlast Clear Geland for women who prefer a natural brand, “Tom’s” is great too.

9. During summer switch from your usual alcohol-based perfume to an essential oil.  Our body chemistry changes during summer due to the heat so I HIGHLY recommend checking out my sister’s line of body oils called Corpus Dei .   She can even customize a personalized scent that works with your body chemistry.  Made with organic essential oils.

10. Stay hydrated! Drink more water than normal. I love to add cucumber and lemon slices for added nutrients.

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Please share these tips with your friends! Thank you for being part of the Style Sisterhood.

You are loved + adored, Tiff

P.S. Let’s finish out the week strong….

Weekend Love + Pampering

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Hola Chicas Bonitas!

Is anyone celebrating  Cinco de Mayo with a yummy skinny rita, tacos and great amigos?  We’re doing pre-production and setting up the lights in the new closet to start taping long overdue webisodes TOMORROW!  Yay, I’m so thrilled to share fresh ideas, tips and inspiration with you!  Today’s blog is to remind you to do something specifically and solely for YOU this weekend chica.  When you take the time to love and pamper yourself, you will have the energy to give more love out!  When we feel depleted or haggard- what happens?  That witch with a capital B comes out and we put out more cranky and less love.  We definitely do not shine our brightest either.  Right?!

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO FOR YOURSELF THIS WEEKEND?

Maybe you need to book a massage? 

Take a steam sauna?

Curl up with a good book?

Go for a long walk alone?

Get a mani/pedi? 

One thing I love to do on weekends is give myself a healthy homemade facial.  Right now I am dealing with a slight hormonal breakout so I gave myself a Greek yogurt and lime juice facial.   It’s so simple and you don’t need any fancy-shmancy ingredients or products.   The lactic acid in the yogurt softens and exfoliates the skin.  It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.  It is also an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial so it’s fantastic for killing acne causing bacteria.  The lime juice acts as a toner for oily skin.  All you need is:

  • 2 Tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
  • Juice from 1/2 a lime (Limes aren’t as juicy as lemons so press down on it + roll it a bit on the counter to soften it before you cut it. This will help make it juicier)

Wash face with warm water to open pores. Apply mask all over face being careful of the eye area.  Leave on for 20 minutes then apply a warm wet washrag over face and pat for about a minute.  Rinse thoroughly and follow by applying your fave moisturizer.  Get glowing with clear skin!

For more homemade facials, watch this webisode from last summer:

If you are making skinny ritas this weekend, check out my two-cents on the different brands:

Last thing- have you checked out Jessica Simpson’s jewelry line?  She is killin’ it with the accessories these days and her latest line of earrings are fabulous.  You know I love gold hoops and these are fun with a bit of added oomph. A sweet “just because” gift from my BFF Heidi…

Have a fun and safe weekend!  If you have a specific topic you would like me to discuss on an upcoming webisode, feel free to share it.  I will be shooting weekly again and love to get ideas and feedback!

Salud!

xoTiff

EAT YOUR WAY TO GLOWING SKIN

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HEY GLAM GIRLS!

After a much needed vacay and short hiatus- SOS is back with a fresh batch of beauty & style love!   I take an annual trip to Texas to refuel, connect with my BFF’s  and spend QT with my folks.  This ALWAYS helps me recharge and refocus!  Thank God my skinny jeans still fit after 10 days of TexMex, Mom’s biscuits and gravy and many decadent meals in Dallas! 

I am SO excited about the new webisodes and I’m busy editing them as we speak.  This week’s topic is all about the key foods we should be eating to keep our skin healthy & glowing.  I’ve introduced you to my stunning girlfriend, professional model- Julianna Geldien in previous blogs (remember she took an awesome missionary trip to Peru and then shared a yummy recipe for kale salad) and I’m thrilled she stopped by to share her tips for keeping her gorgeous glow! 

WATCH WEBISODE:

REMEMBER!  There’s one more day to enter to win my new find- Voluminous False Lash Mascara.  I’m giving 2 fashionistas a tube!   ENDS WED, NOVEMBER 16th.

WATCH THE MASCARA SHOWDOWN FOR MORE:

LAST THING:

I’m reading an amazing book by Iyanla Vanzant called “One Day My Soul Just Opened Up” and I highly recommend it!  I’ve been watching her on Oprah’s Life Class and her insight is life changing…

“Everything that happens to you is a reflection of what you believe about yourself. We cannot outperform our level of self-esteem. We cannot draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth.”
― Iyanla Vanzant

Sharing the beauty, style + inspiration,

xoTiff

Bye Bye Dry!

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Hey gorgeous goddesses!  Is the summer heat wrecking your beautiful locks?  Does your face feel like rawhide?  YIKES!   Let’s take care of that lickity split. Here are a few of my fav products and homemade facial masks for INSTANT HYDRATION!   You may find most of the ingredients in your fridge or pantry right now!

WATCH WEBISODE:

One more thing I swear by is spritzing ROSE WATER on my face during the day to keep the skin moist!  Aside from moisturizing externally, the smell of rose is offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional /psychological state of mind.  AMAZING AROMATHERAPY!  So hydrate your skin and make yourself happy at the same time!  Win- win!   You can get this brand by Heritage Products at any Whole Foods.

If you have a fab homemade facial that you love- please share it with us!

Say Bye Bye Dry!  See Ya!

Sharing the love+beauty+inspiration,

xoTiff