Buff Time Tuesday and a Frog Beanie

Dexter would always be my favourite TV show. So it’s a good thing that I’m still on leave as I get to see the pilot episode first thing in the morning (well, after taking Polie for a walk). I remember last year, the pilot episode was aired on September 28. I never looked back. Ha-ha!

Dexter S6 E1: Those Kinds of Things

I can’t believe its October already! And I’m so excited for this year’s Trick or Treat. Last year, I made a frog beanie for Polie’s costume. We weren’t able to roam around for long. We had to bring Polie home after 10 minutes of decor seeing (no trick or treat but we still got some sweets because he was having a bad tantrum). His yaya had a sugar overdose and happily dozed off after eating all the chocolates and candies. It was still a fun night.

Anyways, despite all the bad things that has been happening lately (our own personal battles and with what’s happening in our country right now). I’m thankful still because I’ve been blessed with a beautiful family, I have the greatest and smartest friends and I still get to enjoy the simple things that life has been offering me. Be it a pilot episode of my favourite TV show or reminiscing about the good old times. Because really; it’s the small things that count. Buff Time Tuesday, Oh how I’ve missed you! :)

DIY: Pressing Mineral Pigments

The sunny-windy weather today got me inspired to do something, well, sunny.

I was reorganizing my make up stash and feeling a little crafty today. I saw some unused MMU in my kit and decided to have them pressed. I’ve been planning to do this a long time but can’t seem to find the right moment, because; a) I’m too lazy, b) I’ve lost my MU mojo and c) I’m just not in the mood. Thank goodness for the nice weather, I’m back on my feet again. Time to reduce, reuse and recycle! :)

 what you’ll need:
 minerals, spatula, cotton buds, isopropyl/ethyl alcohol, sheets of paper

You just need to mix the minerals with alcohol. I used ethyl alcohol because it’s plant derived (isopropyl alcohol is more drying than ethyl), although I know the alcohol will evaporate eventually so none ever touches the skin, it’s just the OC in me. :P

I prefer to use cottonbuds (for mixing) because it’s more sanitary. Snip off the tip and you’re all set. (Again, it’s just me. You may also use spatula or toothpick.)

I’ve read from beauty forums that pressing minerals with alcohol is not a good idea because the finished product tends to be flaky, making it more susceptible to breakage. Ellana (a local MMU brand) has added Kaolin clay in its new formulation. Kaolin clay has oil absorbing properties and also works as a binder. (and it works!) :)

Leave it overnight to dry.
The thinner consistency, the longer it takes to dry. Mix thoroughly to avoid clumping.

This is great for recycling those (pretty) empty make-up palettes! Just make sure to clean and sanitize correctly to avoid any bacterial growth. (great for custom colors too!) :)

waiting for it to set

tada! the finished product!

after drying overnight: all set and ready for usage
no more spills and messy MU stash! :)

Sustainable Beauty: What's in your fridge?

I’ve always relied on our kitchen cupboard for skincare because it’s a no-brainer plus it’s cheap. Do you know that there are still good reasons why we should consider concocting our own skincare products? Well, at least occasionally cos it can be unhygienic.

It’s fun and can be shared with children. It’s a way of using up what’s in the fridge before heading out for the supermarket and it’s the only way where you can be absolutely certain about what you’re putting on your face and body. See? :)

Let me share with you my not so secret skincare remedies.

LEMON (or CALAMANSI)

The old remedy for scaly elbows that actually work! It has a gentle, bleaching action as the fruit acids exfoliate the stubbornly dry elbow skin.

It can be used as a natural deodorant. Squeeze out the juice, dab under armpits and let it sit for 5-10 mins. Proceed with your usual bath routine. A home remedy for dark underarms as well!

I use this as an alternative to the commercial cuticle softener.

OATMEAL

Oatmeal baths are excellent for sore, cracked skins. To avoid the feeling like you’re bathing in porridge, wrap the oatmeal in a muslin cloth, or a sock will do just as well.

Oatmeal can also be used as an exfoliant for the face. My favorite concoction is with honey. You can combine it with milk for added exfoliation. Lactic acid is also a natural exfoliant.

Tip: You can make a DIY cheesecloth (katsa) pouch. I made one from a nappy cloth.

GROUND COFFEE

Caffeine has been known to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It may not completely banish those stubborn orange peel in our thighs, but it tightens the skin making it less visible. My favorite inexpensive body scrub. I mix it with oatmeal for extra soft skin.

YOGURT

Yogurt is used as a natural face mask. It contains lactic acid which is a natural exfoliant, similar to the AHAs used in some commercial products.

OILS

There are lots of oils that act as great moisturizer. My favorites are olive and coconut.

Olive oil is a great moisturizer. I’m a bit wary of its smell though, but I love how it makes my skin uber soft! It helps minimize the appearance of stretch marks as it contains high levels of vitamin E.

Coconut oil is excellent massage oil. It helps in preventing premature ageing due to its antioxidant properties.

Cheap and honest to goodness skincare products! Try it and have fun! :)

So, have you been raiding your kitchen cupboard and fridge lately?

**all images were taken from google**