Winter 2018 - Week 3 - Share A Beauty Secret...or Two
SmithsonianEmpress
Posts: 1,163 Member
Hi ladies! We all know the importance of skin care, the good feeling of healthy hair and the application of make-up and how these things add to our natural beauty 
What’s a face regimen you do to keep your skin clear? Or something fun you do with you makeup? How do you grow your hair, apply mascara for longer lashes, fix chipped nail polish, get curly hair straight, get straight hair curl, combat split ends...? I think y’all get the point.
Post here if you have any questions, pointers or plain old good advice.
Let us know something that makes you feel good about yourself and gives you a glow!
What’s a face regimen you do to keep your skin clear? Or something fun you do with you makeup? How do you grow your hair, apply mascara for longer lashes, fix chipped nail polish, get curly hair straight, get straight hair curl, combat split ends...? I think y’all get the point.
Post here if you have any questions, pointers or plain old good advice.
Let us know something that makes you feel good about yourself and gives you a glow!
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Replies
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I have really dry and sensitive skin, so I try to use natural products whenever possible. My skincare routine is entirely SW Basics (their products are all natural and all 5 ingredients or fewer!) and it has been such a game changer.1
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I also have super dry and sensitive skin. I also have a hard time keeping my eyelashes! I have found that as long as I wash my face religiously every morning AND night (I use Mary Kay Botanicals line), my skin stays pretty good. Removing makeup from my eyes at night has been great for preserving my eyelashes. They're the longest they have been in a long time, just from that!1
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I started using fish oil and it's helped my skin a lot. It basically healed my dry hands a few months back, so much they were cracking and burned. I was in awe when my hands started healing like 3 days after I started the supplement.2
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I hardly use make up ... only if I have like a fancy night event that I need to dress up so I will apply a a bit of mascara ... my lashes are long, so if I am wearing glasses is actually uncomfortable because they touch the lense
... so make up not my area to give advice at all!
What I do use daily is mosturizer if not my skin feels like cardboard and at nigt a repair serum from Estée Lauder ... a bit pricey but it last several months and I like how my skin feels / looks.2 -
I definitely need to get into a better skin care routine but one thing I LOVE using is sheet masks! My sister in law got me into them and when she visted my brother in South Korea (which is basically skin care/make up mecca) she sent me a box full of amazing Korean sheet masks. I always feel so pampered after using one and they have definitely helped with my dry skin this winter.3
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mebelfanti wrote: »I definitely need to get into a better skin care routine but one thing I LOVE using is sheet masks! My sister in law got me into them and when she visted my brother in South Korea (which is basically skin care/make up mecca) she sent me a box full of amazing Korean sheet masks. I always feel so pampered after using one and they have definitely helped with my dry skin this winter.
What are sheet masks for?0 -
I have oily skin with frequent breakouts. Can anyone recommend anything?0
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SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »mebelfanti wrote: »I definitely need to get into a better skin care routine but one thing I LOVE using is sheet masks! My sister in law got me into them and when she visted my brother in South Korea (which is basically skin care/make up mecca) she sent me a box full of amazing Korean sheet masks. I always feel so pampered after using one and they have definitely helped with my dry skin this winter.
What are sheet masks for?
I don't know if they really do anything (at least for me), but they give you a spa feeling! I love masks as I bought some like 2 years ago at Japantown where I live for cheap. I've ordered them through Meme Box too. https://us.memebox.com/category/519/sheet-masks2 -
There are several types of sheet masks ... some are moisturizers, other to tighten skin, reduce pores, brighten skin, etc ... as with everything, some brands might work better than others.
I think Sephora sells them at a reasonable price or most likely you could get them at Amazon to try them out without braking the piggy bank
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SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »I have oily skin with frequent breakouts. Can anyone recommend anything?
I wish I could provide you some good advise but my skin is actually the opposite... horribly dry
I guess for oily skin the best if to be really strict with keeping it clean so your pores don’t clog; however you need to be careful not to dehydrate it (ie, do not exfoliate every day ... just once or twice a week max); use a moisturizer and cleansers that are designed for oily skin specifically (I think Estée Lauder had one ... but I am sure there are many you can find); make up also oil free or powder minerals, etc maybe even one of those Korean sheet masks!
I think the key with oily skin is not to over do it because if you dehydrate it then to balance it maybe the skin will produce even more oil.3 -
I really like these vitamins from Zhou Nutrition called hairfluence, I had been noticing in the shower that my hair was getting thinner when it was wet (I have super curly hair when it's dry so I'm not able to really tell then) but after a month of taking those pills I noticed that my hair had grown and seemed thicker. I've also been using a face oil instead of a moisturizer and I really love the dewy look it gives my skin.2
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SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »
What are sheet masks for?
They're for your face. They make you look pretty weird while they're on but they're worth it.SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »I have oily skin with frequent breakouts. Can anyone recommend anything?
I also have oily skin and I like using a clay mask, this one is my favorite but I found it at the grocery store for way cheaper. I think clay is supposed to help with the oil, there are tons of clay masks on amazon!
https://smile.amazon.com/St-Ives-Mineral-Firming-Mask-6/dp/B009FPOPXO/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1516207781&sr=8-1&keywords=st+ives+clay+mask1 -
mebelfanti wrote: »SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »
What are sheet masks for?
They're for your face. They make you look pretty weird while they're on but they're worth it.SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »I have oily skin with frequent breakouts. Can anyone recommend anything?
I also have oily skin and I like using a clay mask, this one is my favorite but I found it at the grocery store for way cheaper. I think clay is supposed to help with the oil, there are tons of clay masks on amazon!
https://smile.amazon.com/St-Ives-Mineral-Firming-Mask-6/dp/B009FPOPXO/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1516207781&sr=8-1&keywords=st+ives+clay+mask
Thank you very much!0 -
happygirlxxx wrote: »SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »I have oily skin with frequent breakouts. Can anyone recommend anything?
I wish I could provide you some good advise but my skin is actually the opposite... horribly dry
I guess for oily skin the best if to be really strict with keeping it clean so your pores don’t clog; however you need to be careful not to dehydrate it (ie, do not exfoliate every day ... just once or twice a week max); use a moisturizer and cleansers that are designed for oily skin specifically (I think Estée Lauder had one ... but I am sure there are many you can find); make up also oil free or powder minerals, etc maybe even one of those Korean sheet masks!
I think the key with oily skin is not to over do it because if you dehydrate it then to balance it maybe the skin will produce even more oil.
I definitely have been overdrying my face but that leads to it being more oily. I am getting ready to try some dermalogica samples and see where that goes.1 -
Many people with oily skin forget it's still important to moisturize. Just be sure to look for a moisturizer designed for oily skin 2
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@SmithsonianEmpress Jojoba oil! The name is misleading because it is actually a liquid wax. It is noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores) and works as a gentle moisturizer, but also helps fight excess oil production - plus is fights bacteria to help with acne!
Just make sure you get it from somewhere reputable, organic with no additives. You only need a few drops 2 -
What a fun topic! I am militant about washing and moisturizing my face every morning and night. I think whatever you do, consistency is key. I actually just use good old Trader Joe's face moisturizer and face wash! Awhile back I started using Argan Oil - just a little bit in the morning and evening. My skin feels so supple! I also use a dab of eye cream.2
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Also - about a year and a half ago I joined Ipsy (a subscription makeup service). I was never adventurous with makeup and never knew what to buy. This has been great! I get a lot of stuff I would never buy and looks amazing. It also includes skin care, hair products, and brushes (among other things).1
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Does anyone have tips for strengthening nails? Mine are terrible - if I polish them at home they get dry and start peeling. This is a thousand times worse if I get a professional manicure. It takes forever for them to get back to normal.0
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jyoung3507 wrote: »Does anyone have tips for strengthening nails? Mine are terrible - if I polish them at home they get dry and start peeling. This is a thousand times worse if I get a professional manicure. It takes forever for them to get back to normal.
I take Biotin and Collagen supplements. When I take the biotin consistently, after about 3 months my nails are visibly thicker.
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Great thread! I like dry brushing with loofah mitts before showering. I dry brush then use body oil (I think sesame is traditional but I use whatever I have, right now it’s coconut oil). The steam in the shower opens up the pores and lets the oil soak in.
I like oils on for the face too. @SmithsonianEmpress I had oily skin in my 20s and used a neroli oil back then. @brianneangell08 I did not know this about jojoba, nice tip.
So many good ideas here...1 -
I stopped wearing makeup a few years ago, it wasn't even a close call between sleeping later or wearing makeup. But, now I don't even put any on if I go out for the night. I am in my late 30s and should definitely be taking better care of my skin though. Any recommendations for fast absorbing, light facial creams for sensitive skin? Every cream I have tried in the past feels too thick and slimy on my skin, I never manage to use even half a bottle.
As for strengthening your nails, don't do dishes lol. And use a decent lotion/ oil on your cuticles at least daily. You can buy a polish product called nailtque at salons- it is pretty good ( do not get the impostor -nailtek). Also if you get gel manicures at the salon they should last and shield your natural nails underneath.1 -
I stopped wearing makeup a few years ago, it wasn't even a close call between sleeping later or wearing makeup. But, now I don't even put any on if I go out for the night. I am in my late 30s and should definitely be taking better care of my skin though. Any recommendations for fast absorbing, light facial creams for sensitive skin? Every cream I have tried in the past feels too thick and slimy on my skin, I never manage to use even half a bottle.
As for strengthening your nails, don't do dishes lol. And use a decent lotion/ oil on your cuticles at least daily. You can buy a polish product called nailtque at salons- it is pretty good ( do not get the impostor -nailtek). Also if you get gel manicures at the salon they should last and shield your natural nails underneath.
I have super sensitive skin, eczema, dry...ick. My holy grail has been trying to find the right face moisturizer for like 25 years lol. I started using the Mary Kay botanical line this fall, and so far, it's been wonderful. I only use a very little bit and it does a great job absorbing, moisturizing, and I have not have any reaction with my eczema (so far!).2 -
Can anyone suggest a hair mask or some product to help nourish dry hair? I’m looking for something that won’t weigh it down once it’s rinsed. My hair is soaked in Moroccan Oil right now, I smell like a salon and things look a little stringy, oops.1
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wellnesschaser wrote: »Great thread! I like dry brushing with loofah mitts before showering. I dry brush then use body oil (I think sesame is traditional but I use whatever I have, right now it’s coconut oil). The steam in the shower opens up the pores and lets the oil soak in.
I like oils on for the face too. @SmithsonianEmpress I had oily skin in my 20s and used a neroli oil back then. @brianneangell08 I did not know this about jojoba, nice tip.
So many good ideas here...
Nicole, where can I find this neroli oil?...I looked it up last night but I was unsuccessful in locating it.0 -
wellnesschaser wrote: »Can anyone suggest a hair mask or some product to help nourish dry hair? I’m looking for something that won’t weigh it down once it’s rinsed. My hair is soaked in Moroccan Oil right now, I smell like a salon and things look a little stringy, oops.
Extra virgin coconut oil maybe. Mind you I do not have hair like yours. Lol! My hair is natural and VERY coarse (4c) but I use coconut oil during my washing process and it’s pretty awesome. Extra virgin olive oil does my hair even better but I don’t think that will work on your texture.1 -
SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »wellnesschaser wrote: »Great thread! I like dry brushing with loofah mitts before showering. I dry brush then use body oil (I think sesame is traditional but I use whatever I have, right now it’s coconut oil). The steam in the shower opens up the pores and lets the oil soak in.
I like oils on for the face too. @SmithsonianEmpress I had oily skin in my 20s and used a neroli oil back then. @brianneangell08 I did not know this about jojoba, nice tip.
So many good ideas here...
Nicole, where can I find this neroli oil?...I looked it up last night but I was unsuccessful in locating it.
It was a Decleor face oil, I wonder if they still make it... the ylang ylang face oil was really good too. I worked at a spa way back when. We used a lot of aromatherapy! Good tip on using the coconut oil on hair too. Why don’t I already do this, lol.1 -
SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »I have oily skin with frequent breakouts. Can anyone recommend anything?
Over the past year I started using a face wash and gel that contains benzoyl peroxide. My routine is wash first, gel on my chin (that's where I get my breakouts) and then I follow up with a light weight moisturizer. I use Lubriderm brand and honestly, it's not an expensive brand but it's one of the best that I've tried!
After using benzoyl peroxide in my face routine I haven't used concealer in a few months now. But you need to use it everyday.0 -
tephanies1234 wrote: »SmithsonianEmpress wrote: »I have oily skin with frequent breakouts. Can anyone recommend anything?
Over the past year I started using a face wash and gel that contains benzoyl peroxide. My routine is wash first, gel on my chin (that's where I get my breakouts) and then I follow up with a light weight moisturizer. I use Lubriderm brand and honestly, it's not an expensive brand but it's one of the best that I've tried!
After using benzoyl peroxide in my face routine I haven't used concealer in a few months now. But you need to use it everyday.
Got it. Thanks.0 -
I don't have any secrets (or beauty, lol), but can I request a tip?
Has anyone tried/had success with drinking spearmint tea for acne? I just bought some because I heard it helps with hormonal acne.
I've use a benzoyl peroxide gel, 2.5% from acne.org for over a year regularly and I'm still breaking out everywhere (cheeks, forehead, jawline). I added the otc differin gel to my routine in November, so I still need to give that some time to work.0
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