Category: Beauty and Fashion Tips

Fabulous and Thrifty Makeup Tips You Need to Know

July 19, 2021 Beauty and Fashion Tips

Is it possible to look like you’ve just stepped off the Hollywood red carpet—even if you’re on an indie budget?

Yes! You might be surprised to learn that makeup and beauty products don’t need to cost a fortune. There are actually plenty of ways to enjoy all of the latest makeup looks and styles, once you know more about saving money when shopping for beauty products.

Ready to start shopping? If so, keep reading to find a few makeup tips to help you look glamorous and stylish—while also being thrifty!

Brand Names Aren’t Everything

One of our best makeup tips on a budget is to look beyond brand names. It’s easy to get caught up in the marketing hype from luxury makeup brands, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to look amazing.

Sure, you can look to brands like Chanel or Dior for inspiration, but when it comes time to shop, think about budget brands. Often, you can find identical colors and shades elsewhere, giving you a similar look for much less money.

When buying cheaper makeup, your budget goes further as well.

Subscribe to Beauty Brands for Special Offers

Another great way to save is by subscribing to emails from your favorite drug stores or beauty stores. Brands and shops will frequently offer discounts for customers on their mailing list, as a thank you for your loyalty.

If you don’t mind getting a few extra emails, it can be an easy way to receive special offers and promotions. Some brands also offer a free gift or coupon on your birthday, which is a nice touch.

Or, see if the company has a loyalty program, where you can be rewarded with discounts after you spend over a certain amount.

Ask for Samples

If you’re shopping at a department store or a large makeup shop, it never hurts to ask for samples. Many makeup brands produce small, travel-size packages of some of their products, allowing customers to try out a new type of makeup before purchasing.

Shops are usually eager to offer samples, with the hope that you’ll love the product and return to purchase the full-sized version. Samples can be a fun (and free!) way to try out new makeup brands.

Often, beauty shops will also include free samples in your order when shopping online, so you won’t miss out even if you can’t make it into the shops.

Swap Unwanted Products With Friends

Do you have unwanted cosmetics sitting in your cabinet? We all purchase products and then find out we don’t like the color or never get around to wearing them, so why not swap products with friends?

This can be a fun and social way to exchange makeup with your besties—plus, you can also share makeup tips and tricks with each other.

However, when swapping makeup, some items should never be shared. This includes mascara and lipstick, as there’s a high risk of bacteria transmission.

Instead, stick to makeup products that are safer to share, like nail polish, lotions, or powder blushes.

Try Out DIY Beauty Projects

Do you love the luxurious indulgence of spa days? Face masks and treatments can hydrate your skin, but you can actually get the same results at home!

It’s easier than you might think to create DIY salt scrubs, face masks, and hair treatments, using household ingredients. For example, you can use ingredients like honey, oatmeal, yogurt, or bananas to make amazing face masks that will soothe and exfoliate.

Even better, DIY skincare products use only natural ingredients, so your skin is free from any chemicals or preservatives.

Mix and Match Colors

Here’s an amazing tip—you don’t need to purchase new makeup shades all the time, as it’s perfectly fine to mix and match! Using a clean makeup brush, you can blend lipstick shades, blushes, foundations, or eyeshadows, creating a bespoke look.

For example, if you want a smoky, glamorous eyeshadow look for evening, why not combine a pale blue and a darker, metallic shade? Then, finish off your look with eyeliner and eyelash extensions from Lavaa Beauty—you’ll look like a million dollars!

Use Every Last Drop of Product

To get the most out of each product, try to use every last drop. It can be tempting to toss makeup and replace it when it’s running low, but you don’t want to waste money.

When products are running low, it can sometimes be hard to get the makeup out of its container—q tips can be helpful for this.

Sometimes, running the makeup container under hot water can also help the product slide out, if it’s being stubborn. Or, if your mascara is running low or drying out, adding a small drop of saline solution can help loosen it up.

Stretch Your Beauty Budget Further With These Makeup Tips

Makeup can be an amazing way to change up your look, but luckily it doesn’t need to cost a fortune. With the makeup tips above, you can have fun with the latest makeup trends, without spending a fortune.

Thrifty makeup fans know to think about value per wear, so it helps to only buy products that you’ll wear frequently. Once you learn how to shop smart when it comes to makeup and beauty products, you’ll be amazed at how much money you can save!

If you found this article useful, please keep reading to find out more.

A New Do: 8 Hairstyle Ideas to Try Out This Year

June 16, 2021 Beauty and Fashion Tips

With salons closed for so long last year, it definitely feels like it’s time for a trip to the hairdresser. Many of us will be sticking firmly to our tried and tested styles. But if you’re looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary, the good news is there are plenty of styles to choose from.

It’s no secret that haircuts can cost a pretty penny. That’s why we’ve made sure to include some hairstyle ideas that will last for longer, as well as some tips on how to save some money on your salon trips. Read on for eight inspiring hairstyles to try out this year, just in time for the summer social season.

1. Adding Bangs

If you don’t have bangs, but you’ve wanted them, now is the perfect time to try. There are a number of different types you can request, from super short to brushing your brows. Bangs may seem high maintenance, but many salons offer to trim them for free, and you can also always try cutting them yourself—if you dare.

2. A Brazillian Blowout

A Brazillian blowout was all the rage a few years ago, but in truth, it never really fell out of favor among those in the know. Although this treatment costs a pretty penny, it could save you many trips to the salon in the long run.

When maintained well, it can last as many as four or five months! To find a list of the most affordable Brazillian blowouts in your area, check out this handy beauty directory.

3. A No-Fuss Bob

Depending on your face shape and hair type, a bob can be an especially flattering style. You can choose to have it cut angular or graduated, but easiest to maintain it straight across. Unlike some, this style is one that’s easy to grow out gracefully, if you want to save on salon fees for a while.

Bobs are great for summer because they are low maintenance. Just throw on a hat, tie up into a half ponytail, or run it over quickly with a straightener and you’re good to go.

4. Shoulder Length

If you’re not quite ready for a bob, then why not try having your hair cut to your shoulder first? This is a very on-trend style, especially when worn straight. It happens to look amazing when wavy, as well.

There are different ways you can play around with this look. The most on-trend is with severe and straight edges, but layers work well too.

5. Luxurious Layers

If you’d like to add some drama and texture to your hair, layers are a great way to do so. Be warned, though, this can be a look that does require a regular trim. To avoid being in the salon chair every week and save money, ask for longer layers, it will be less noticeable when they grow out.

6. A Change in Texture

Looking for a look that’s completely outside of your comfort zone? Why not try changing the texture of your hair? You’d be surprised how dramatic an effect this can have.

If your hair is poker straight, try having your hairstylist give you bouncy curls. If you’re normally a curly girl, try going straight for a while and see how you feel.

7. An Elegant Up-Do

If you’re heading to the salon in light of a special occasion, you might want to ask your stylist to give you an up-do. This year, there are several different styles that are right on-trend.

A chic chignon with a glamorous hair accessory is always an elegant look. Sleeked-back ponytails are also popular for ensembles that are more modern.

8. Classic Pixie Cut

If you’re feeling really adventurous, then a pixie cut is a great cut for summer. It’s fuss-free and won’t weigh you down on a hot sweaty day. This is a cut that doesn’t suit every face shape, so you might want to consult with your stylist before taking the plunge.

The main thing about having a pixie cut is having the confidence to wear it. It leaves nothing for your face to hide behind, and this is something you need to be ready for.

Ways to Save Money on Your Hair Cuts

Everyone needs a trip to the salon from time to time. Even when you’re on a budget, it’s still important to feel beautiful. So, what are some ways to spend a little bit less on your hair?

The first thing you can do is to try and space out the time between visits as much as possible. Of course, this is easier with certain styles. Regardless of what kind of hair you have, there are certain things you can do.

Asking at your local salon if they need hair models is another way to save. Often, they will be willing to cut your hair for free or at a very reduced rate. You just might not be able to pick the exact style you want.

Cheap and Cheerful Hairstyle Ideas

Hopefully, this guide has inspired you for your next visit to your hairstylist, and will even help you save some money along the way. Whether you’re only looking for a trim, or you want to completely change up your look, a trip to the salon should be a relaxing time when you’re not worried about counting every penny.

If you’ve found this guide to hairstyle ideas helpful, don’t forget to take a look at the rest of our thrifty money saving tips.

5 Skin Conditions to Watch Out For

June 13, 2021 Beauty and Fashion Tips

Is that rash just sunburn or something you need to get treated?

Of everything that can go wrong with our bodies, skin conditions are one of the most frustrating because they can be pretty hard to hide. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to help treat or even prevent some of the worst skin conditions out there, as long as you know how to identify them.

Do you have a rash you’re worried about but aren’t sure what you can do about it? We’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about five of the most common skin conditions out there.

1. Shingles

Of all of the skin conditions on this list, shingles are probably the most uncomfortable. Shingles are pretty easy to recognize on-site it shows up as a dark rash made up of several small bumps. However, those who contract shingles often feel it before they see it. Like chickenpox, shingles are incredibly itchy, but on top of that, they can also be highly painful and even feature a burning sensation.

Shingles are generally more common in adults over the age of 50. That said, younger adults, particularly those who work high-stress jobs or are stuck in a long-term, high-stress situation, can also develop shingles. It’s important to note that while shingles look scary, they are not contagious.

If you contract shingles, you must seek professional treatment as soon as possible or risk having to live with an itchy and painful reminder of your run ion with shingles for the rest of your life.

2. Cold Sores

As far as skin conditions go, cold sores seem pretty mild. But, if left unchecked, a minor cold sore outbreak can transform into a painful and unsightly rash that you’ll have to keep dealing with for the rest of your life.

Cold sores come from a particular strain of herpes. And while you can pick up this strain from acts like kissing or sharing a drink, it can also come from your genetics.

Cold sore outbreaks generally stem from fevers, too much stress, or even hormonal imbalances. Fortunately, cold sores are pretty easy to take care of and usually clear up in about a week.

3. Hives

While hives alone aren’t a problem, they could be a sign of a severe allergy.

Hives generally show up as itchy red patches and can fade in a matter of days. That said, while they can come from exposure to extreme temperatures or another illness, they can also stem from food allergies or even an allergic reaction to certain medicines.

If your hives don’t clear up on their own in a few days or return consistently, you should consider consulting a medical professional to figure out what is causing them.

4. Warts

The biggest issue with warts is that you can spread them to yourself!

Warts come from the human papillomavirus, and contrary to popular belief, don’t come from handling toads. The only way to get a wart is to touch someone with a wart or something they came into contact with recently.

While warts aren’t particularly dangerous, most people aren’t fond of the way they look. Fortunately, thanks to medical advancements, you can get rid of most warts in the comfort of your home.

5. Eczema

Although it is considered one of the most common skin conditions out there, eczema is a blanket term that covers most rashes that medical experts can’t identify.

Eczema can affect people of all ages — baby eczema is a surprisingly common concern for new parents. While eczema can come from anything to added fragrance in lotion to stress, it’s generally pretty easy to handle with the help of medication.

The Most Common Skin Conditions

Now that you know a bit more about the most common skin conditions out there and how to treat them, it’s time to start checking your skincare routine to see what you can change to protect yourself.

Are you looking for more advice on how to care for your skin? We’ve got you covered! Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles and tips today!

What Is Self Care and Why Is It so Important?

June 1, 2021 Beauty and Fashion Tips

Are you asking yourself, “What is self care?”

Many people are suffering from mental health issues nowadays. In fact, nearly one in five adults in the United States report suffering from a mental health problem. And self care is an important part of finding a way to work through these problems.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go through what self-care is and why it’s super important for your life.

What Is Self Care?

Self care is actually a wide-encompassing concept. Essentially, self care is anything you do to keep yourself happy and healthy. This can range from the obvious to things that are specific to you and your needs. Self care helps you prevent illness and maintain your health.

Self care can benefit your mental health, physical health, or emotional health — it’s not limited to just what keeps you physically healthy.

Of course, access to self care isn’t equally available to us all. Socioeconomic factors can play a significant role in how able people are able to follow a self care routine. People with disabilities may find it harder and more complicated to practice self care, since they have different needs that may need to be met in different ways.

Women also tend to have less time to practice self care than men. And of course, people of color face different and more significant barriers when trying to practice self care.

So, when considering your self care options, it’s important to consider your life positionality and what space in your life you have. Take a break, and don’t overdo it.

Examples of Self Care

Since self care is hard to define, you may be confused about what constitutes self care. Some examples of practices that could be part of a self care routine include:

Exercising regularly, stretching properly, and eating a healthy diet
Drink plenty of water
Brush your teeth, shower, and perform other hygiene practices
Make regular appointments at your doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and whatever other medical professionals you need
Watch a movie or a television show
Meditation and breathing exercises
Take a long, relaxing bubble bath
Take an afternoon nap
Write in a journal or diary
Try out artistic practices, like drawing, painting, or knitting
Read a book
Go for a walk or otherwise spend some time outdoors
Play an instrument, or listen to music
Spend time with your friends, loved ones, or pets
Reorganize your home or office

If these don’t sound right to you, they may just not be to your taste. You’ll have to experiment to find a self care routine that works for you. You can use this self care guide to learn more about self care.

Self Care Health Benefits

The health benefits of a good self care routine cannot be underestimated. A self care routine helps you manage your stress anxiety, so you’ll perform better at your job and do better in your personal life.

Overall, self care makes you a more productive person. Self care improves your relationships, too — when you feel better, you interact with other people in a more positive way.

And, reducing your stress levels will help your immune system, so you’ll be less sick less often. Since self care helps you reset, it can improve cognitive functions like memory, information processing, and critical thinking.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, practicing self care can help you feel better on an everyday basis. Self care can help you fight off insomnia, which helps you sleep better. Practicing self care can help you feel less tired, which will decrease how fatigued you feel on a day-to-day basis.

If you struggle with poor self-esteem and body image, practicing self care can help improve how you feel.

Self Care Tips

If you’re having trouble starting a self care routine, there are actions you can take. Use one of the many calendar apps out there (or a physical calendar or daily planner) to block off time each day to practice self care, and set reminders so that you don’t forget.

You should also start small when starting a self care routine. If you just throw yourself in the deep end, you’re more likely to fail quickly. Pick something you think you can stick with, and once you’ve made that a habit, start building yourself up.

And, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. That will just give you more stress and anxiety. If at first you don’t succeed at following a self care routine, take a deep breath and try again.

Be thoughtful and careful when creating a self care plan. Think about what will fit into your lifestyle, and what you need most out of your new self care routine. That will help you prioritize, so you can start improving how you feel more quickly.

If something in your self care routine just isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to drop it. Doing something that doesn’t benefit your mental and physical health just because you said you would is never worth it.

Get Started With Self Care Today

It’s not as demanding as you think to add self care to your schedule. So now what you know the answers to “What is self care?”, what are you waiting for? Start creating your self care plan so you can begin your wellness journey.

Are you hunting for more health and wellness advice? We’ve got you covered. Check out some of the other articles on this website today.

How Many Skincare Steps Do You Really Need?

May 28, 2021 Beauty and Fashion Tips

Finding a quality skincare routine is tricky. There are so many conflicting opinions about what products are necessary and which you can skip!

Some recommend a single cleanser while others swear by the 10-step Korean skincare routine. So, with all these opinions, how do you know what’s right for you? What order should the basic skincare steps be in?

If you’re looking for ways to perfect your skin, to see what you should and shouldn’t be using in your routine!

Start With Basic Skincare Steps

Generally, experts agree that most people need, at the very least, three products. These are considered the basic steps for a good skincare routine.

Starting with a cleanser to clean skin and clear pores is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine.

Next, a toner helps to fully strip the skin of any leftover grime and dirt that your cleanser might have missed. Toners are also great for those with oily skin, as they help remove oil and tighten your pores.

Finally, a great moisturizer is the key to keeping your skin hydrated. While cleansers and toners are necessary, they can be harsh and drying. Ensuring that your skin stays hydrated will keep you looking and feeling great!

Add What You Need

Skincare is great because it is easy to customize to your specific needs.

One of the most important products to use in tandem with a three-step base is SPF. Many people only apply sunscreen when they are planning on being outdoors, but it’s crucial to apply it every day

Similarly, many young people will often overlook the importance of eye creams. Using this product in your youth can help protect against wrinkles as you age.

Luckily, boostyourenergy.co.uk has a 6-step skincare system, perfect for those with oily skin. Not only does it include the basics, but it also comes with an SPF, eye cream, and a night gel!

What Order Should Your Routine Be?

This order will vary slightly depending on the time of day. However, following the skincare steps in order will maximize the effectiveness of each product.

Generally, though, the skincare steps order should be:

Cleanser
Toner
Serums
Creams
Moisturizer
SPF (For your morning routine)
Night Gels (For your night routine)

Also, be sure to give the products time to absorb into your skin before beginning the next step. This will allow the products to work, as opposed to just layering products on top of one another.

Ready to Rock Your Routine?

Skincare is a very personalized part of your health and hygiene. It can be tricky to perfect what truly works best for you. Luckily, your skincare routine can be adjusted to fit your needs.

When you start any basic skincare steps, remember to do a skin test when working with new products. This will help you avoid any allergic reactions.

If you found this skincare guide helpful, be sure to check out the rest of the site for more lifestyle tips!

How to Choose the Best Facial Cleanser for Your Skin

May 28, 2021 Beauty and Fashion Tips

Healthy skin fosters a healthy body. Protecting your skin is essential to prevent damages from the sun or other injuries. And besides the health benefits, glowing skin helps you feel beautiful, youthful, and confident.

This all starts with protecting your delicate face. That’s why it is so important to establish a skincare routine early on and choose the best facial cleanser. Cleansers are an essential step in caring for your skin.

They remove dirt and impurities and keep skin feeling fresh. But what are the skincare products you need to know about?

In an overwhelming beauty market, how can you choose the best facial cleanser for your specific skin needs? Read on to discover the top tips you need to know.

Know the Skin Types

Do you know your skin type? You may have seen skincare products touting “best for oily skin,” or “ideal for combination skin.”

Knowing your skin type, whether that’s oily, dry, or combination can help identify the best facial cleansers for your specific needs. While not all cleansers are formulated for particular skin types, this knowledge can give you a head start in knowing what products to avoid or be on the lookout for.

Discover Your Pain Points

Your skin type can help to reveal specific skin pain points. For example, does your oily skin create acne and unsightly pimples? Do you experience frequent flakiness because of dry skin?

Knowing your skin pain points can help you choose a facial cleanser to address these problems. If you struggle with dry skin, a hydrating and moisturizing facial cleanser may be best.

You can even find a face wash specifically formulated to address medical skin conditions. Pain points help you pinpoint the correct skincare.

Check Face Wash Ingredients

Reading beauty product ingredients can feel overwhelming. You may even struggle to pronounce more than half of the list! But having a general understanding of face wash ingredients is essential to achieving the best skincare.

Knowing the ingredients can also help you tackle those pain points. For example, Vitamin C is known for its brightening effects. While retinol can prevent wrinkles.

Follow Your Skincare Routine

Before purchasing a facial cleanser, make sure that this product will fit well into your skincare routine. For example, does the facial scrub require a brush or a special tool you’ll feel too lazy to use?

Will you enjoy using a foam or gel cleanser? Finding the right cleanser involves choosing a product that aligns with your needs but also sets you up for success to actually reap those benefits.

The Right Facial Cleanser Can Transform Your Skin

Choosing the best facial cleansers does not have to feel overwhelming or like an impossible task. These tips can help you identify your skin type and tackle skin pain points. This valuable knowledge will help you choose cleansers that suit your specific needs and skin goals.

Remember to check ingredients and consider how useful this potential cleanser will be in your daily skincare routine. Did you find this information helpful? Then, check out our other beauty stories.

5 Tips for Healthier Skin

May 28, 2021 Beauty and Fashion Tips

According to a 2017 report from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, skin conditions and skin diseases affect millions of people all around the world. Skin is a vital part of the body. It helps hold muscles, organs, and bones together and acts as a protective barrier.

Skin is also a major factor in overall appearance and self-confidence.

Therefore, it is critical to take good care of our skin. Keep reading this article to learn five great tips for healthier skin!

1. Tips for Healthier Skin: Sun Protection

One of the best pieces of advice on skin care is to protect it from the sun. Excessive sun exposure may cause wrinkling, sunspots, and increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied regularly when spending time outdoors.

For increased periods outside, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more frequently depending on how strong the sun rays are.

Sunscreen should also be applied more regularly at the pool or beach because spending time in the water can make the sunscreen wear off. Other methods of protecting skin from the sun are wearing protective gear, such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing.

2. Cleanse with Care

Cleansing the skin should be a daily activity.

Whether it is in the bath or the shower, avoid using hot water, and instead opt for warm water. Bathing with extreme temperatures strips the skin of natural oils and causes dryness. Additionally, avoid using towels or soaps that feel rough against the skin.

When washing the face, use products that cater to your skin type. Furthermore, pay attention to how the skin responds to your skincare routine. Washing too frequently can also lead to dry skin.

3. Hydration

When taking care of your skin, it is important to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water removes the toxins in the skin and helps balance the body’s natural oils, therefore reducing the presence of acne. Drinking water also improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkle formation.

4. Reduce Stress

Reducing stress is another way to love your skin, as well as the rest of your body. When the body is stressed, it can trigger hormonal fluctuations and lead to acne. Stress can also interfere with skin care, by reducing the energy or motivation to keep up a skincare routine and other daily habits.

5. Procedures and Treatments

Although plenty of tips for healthier skin can be applied at home, there are also some effective treatments and procedures that benefit the skin.

Getting a facial is a great way to keep the skin hydrated. Most facials also include a massage, which improves blood circulation. Proper blood circulation will supply oxygen to the skin cells. Fully functioning skin cells can better protect against inflammation, promote healing, and reduce dryness.

Another commonly sought out procedure is microdermabrasion. This procedure removes the top layer of the skin and is effective for getting rid of acne, wrinkles, and acne scarring.

The Body’s Largest Organ

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and therefore requires a lot of work to keep up its glow. Although not all of these tips for healthier skin need to be followed, incorporating as many of them as possible into a skin care routine is a great way to keep the skin healthy.

For other helpful health and beauty tips like these, check out the rest of our site!