Olive oil is one of the most popular ingredients in cooking, but if you’ve never used it for beauty, you’re in for a treat. Believe it or not, Rachel Ray’s pet ingredient is not only a necessity in any pasta dish, but also great for your nails, lips, hair, and skin. Why? Olive oil is rich in squalane, a natural emollient that penetrates skin without leaving a greasy film behind. Beyond that, it’s packed with Vitamins A & E and a number of polyphenols that already make it a popular inclusion in beauty products. Check out the below list for 15 inventive ways to get gorgeous Italian-style:


o A little EVOO makes a fabulous substitute for foot cream. Just rub some on your feet before you go to bed, put on some socks and wake up with super soft tootsies.

o Bad sunburn? Mix olive oil with white vinegar and apply before a warm bath to soothe and heal the burn.

o Banish frizzy hair by putting a couple of drops of olive oil in dry hair.
Smooth generously onto hands before bed, put on white cotton gloves, and wake up with soft, youthful hands.

oDandruff issues? Mix olive oil with almond oil and leave on scalp for five minutes. (If it starts to burn, rinse it out.) Rinse well to clear hair of dandruff.
Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to your bath to calm red, irritated skin.

o Soothe chapped lips by smoothing on some olive oil.
Olive oil makes a great anti-aging moisturizer, since it contains polyphenol hydroxytyrosol, an antioxidant that helps to hold cell walls intact and thus reduce the signs of aging.
Apply a little olive oil to a Q-tip and use it as a makeup remover. (Yes, that’s why the store-bought kind is often so oily!)

o Soak thin, brittle nails and ragged cuticles in a small cup of olive oil to soften, smooth and strengthen them.

o Massage olive oil into your hair, then leave hair covered with a shower cap for 30 minutes. Shampoo and discover softer, more lustrous hair with fewer split ends.

o Sensitive skin? Go easy on your legs by using olive oil as a shaving cream.

o Slather on olive oil before braving the sun – it’s rich in Vitamins A and E, keeping skin from drying out in the heat while protecting you from UV rays.

o Rub on elbows and knees for intense moisturizing.

o For stained nails and fingers, simply add a few drops of lemon juice to olive oil and soak your fingers in it.

Labels: guide, Olive Oil

its been a week since O levels ended :) anyways, i bought many stuffs, but havent been able to review/blog about it, as i'll be going overseas from this sunday onwards, for about 2 weeks.

bought this hazeline cream yesterday, cause i've got to top up to $10 before i can use my nets card. yes, im that lazy to bring cash. i find that i spend my money more quickly when i've got $$$ with me. among the items, i've bought a dove energize body wash, st ives scrub and this cream.

i find that this mattifies my skin and sinks in real quickly. although it said to be a cream, the texture isnt really creamy.. HMM. its sort of hard , but spreads easily on the face. must be the body heat working. oh, the cream is very cooling too :)

the bad thing is that since it comes in a tub, it'll get a bit messy if i try to use my fingers to get it out, cause it's hard remember? haha. so i've found a spatula to get it out.

Total: 4.5 stars! holy grail for both me and my sister.
Price: $2.80 at venus

Labels: face, Hazeline Snow

Shampoo: This absolutely smells like peach, but isnt too strong. It doesnt larther well when using cold water, but if you're using warm water, then its ok. The peachy smell stays on for a couple of hours for me. doesnt leave the hair dry and 'crispy' after washing too :)

Labels: conditioner, hair, Kao, Review, Shampoo

The following descriptions will help you recognize skin conditions and make decisions about skincare products.

NORMAL

Analysis

Comfortable-feeling
Smooth, even texture with small pores
Cheeks are the sriest area but not excessively so
May experience some shine and larger pores on the forehead, nose or chin
Water and oil content in this skin is balance


Care: Normal skin needs routine cleansing with a foaming cleanser, exfoliation twice a week, moisturization with lightweight lotions and the use of a sunscreen to keep it healthy. A diet rich in vitamins A, C and E helps keep skin smooth and soft. Sufficient fluid intake is important to maintain hydration and rid the body of toxins.



DRY/EXTRA DRY

Analysis

Feels tight after washing
May look dry or flaky
Feels rough and uneven; dehydrated
May be sensitive
Pores are small - almost invisible
Shows fine lines faster than other skin types


Care: Dry skin requires special care. A lifestyle that includes a healthy diet with foods high in water content such as fruits and vegetables and at least eight glasses of water a day keeps this skin type dehydrated. Caffeine and alcohol cause dehydration, so limit intake to two cups or glasses a day. Using richer cleansers, limiting sun exposure and using a good moisturizer can protect your skin's natural oils. Layering different textures of moisturizer can do wonders to hydrate the skin. Begin with lightweight face oil and then layer a richer cream over that. Night creams with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) help remove the dry, dead skin while moisturizing the new. Air-conditioning and heating create dry environments. Correct this in your home by using humidifiers.



OILY SKIN

Analysis

Oily skin is shiny, especially through the T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin); it is a condition caused by overactive sebaceous or oil-producing glands
May have large, visible pores
Frequent breakouts
Few signs of aging such as fine lines


Care: Management of oily skin and the prevention of breakouts requires a healthy diet and a regular skincare routine. Cleanse the face at least twice a day to prevent dirt accumulation and to keep pores open. Use an alcohol-free astringent to remove excess oil. Use oil-free moisturizers to keep the skin from overdrying.



COMBINATION SKIN

Analysis

Oily through the T-zone
Dry cheeks or spot dehydration
Larger pores on the forehead, nose and chin


Care: Care for this skin type requires regular cleasing, toning and moisturizing of the oily areas and the use of a milder cleanser and denser moisturizer for the dry areas. Moisturizing products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) will benefit this skin type.



SENSITIVE SKIN

Analysis

Can range from dry to oily
Easily irritated by cosmetics, moisturizers and cleansers
Sensitive and prone to redness
Itchy or blotchy


Care: Sensitive skin requires mild, nonperfumed cleansing products. Use an alcohol-free toner formulated for sensitive skin. Also, use cleansers and moisturizers specifically formulated for this type of skin.

[ source ]

Labels: guide

The purpose of cleansing is to remove bacteria, makeup, dirt, sweat and oil that build up on the skin each day. At least once a day, the skin needs to be cleaned with a formula that does not strip the skin of all it's natural oils.

SOAP will deeply clean the skin and leave it feeling thoroughly cleansed and refreshed. Look for glycerin or cold cream soaps formulated specifically for the face. Glycerin creates a moisture cushion on the skin and a soft feel. Soap is best for oily skin types. Do not use body or bath soap, especially antibacterial soap. It will strip the skin and leave it feeling tight and dry.

GEL CLEANSERS typically foam or lather during use. These cleansers are formulated to dissolve without stripping the skin. They are best for oily or combination skin types that are prone to breakouts.

CREAM CLEANSERS are lightweight, water-based formulas that clean without leaving residue. These products contain oils and emollients along with cleansing ingredients and are recommended for normal to dry skin types.

OIL CLEANSERS work best on the driest of skins.

BALM CLEANSERS condition and moisturize the skin while cleansing. They leave a moisturizing cushion on the skin and are suitable for all skin type except oily.

EXFOLIATING CLEANSERS sometimes contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic or salicylic acid and can be used several times a week to encourage cell turnover and dead skin removal. These products are gentle enough for all skin types. Some exfoliating cleansers contain beads or grains that loosen dead surface skin cells. These manual sxfoliants should be used twice a week in place of the daily cleanser.

TREATMENT MASKS provide intensive supplements to the regular cleansing regimen. Oily and blemish-prone skin will benefit from the application of a clay mask which helps to draw out impurities, reduce blackheads and dry up excess oil. Dry skin or any skin stype that's been exposed to strong sun or wind can be rejuvenated with a creamy hydrating mask. Masks containing cucumber, chamomile, aloe or calendula are naturally soothing and good for irritated skin.

STEAMING THE SKIN helps remove impurities, stimulates circulation and opens the pores. Herbs such as lavender or thyme added to a steam treatment stimulate the skin. Steaming can be helpful for all skin types.

MASSAGE stimulates circulation and helps to relax the facial muscles, giving the face a smooth and lifted look.


[ source ]

Labels: guide

Toners stimulate circulation in the skin, remove any remaining dead skin cells or greasiness and give the dead skin a smooth texture. Toners can be helpful for those who have very oily skin or who wears lots of makeup. Use a toner after cleaning the skin or as an interim cleaner to remove dirt and oil. Toners also help to restore the skin's natural pH balance.

While no cosmetic product can change the size of your pores, toners and astringents can make them appear smaller. These products work by very slightly irritating the skin, causing it to swell and making pores less noticeable.

Alcohol and water are the major ingredients in many skin fresheners, astringents and toners. Other ingredients can include witch hazel, glycerin, rose water, vinegar, alum, boric acid, menthol, camphor and other herbs. The major difference in the products is the amount of alcohol they contain. Alcohol strips the naturally occurring oils skin needs to be healthy, so look for a product without alcohol, especially if you have dry skin.

COLD TREATMENT with a splash of cold water is the best toner and can be used by those with any skin type. It closes the pores and improves the skin's texture.

SKIN FRESHENERS are very mild and contain water such humectants as glycerin or rose water and very little alcohol (less than 10 percent). Humectants help prevent the evaporation of moisture from the skin. These products are very gentle and are especially good for sensitive, dry and normal skin.

SKIN TONICS are stronger, containing water, humectants and up to 20 percent alcohol. Tonics are for normal, combination or oily skin.

ASTRINGENTS contain water, humectants, up to 60 percent alcohol and antiseptics. These are drying and only suitable for very oily skin or for application to specific problem areas. Witch hazel is an astringent.



[ source ]

Labels: guide

Moisturizer is the true fountain of youth. Moisturizers form a barrier between the skin and the environment that holds water in the epidermis. They hydrate and plump up the skin so that it looks smooth and bright. The right moisturizer will enhance the look, feel and health of the skin and can even help temporarily eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizers can also protect the skin from pollution, debris and weather. The right skincare products help makeup go on smoothly, properly adhere to the skin and last longer.

There are two types of facial moisturizers. Oil-in-water emulsions usually contain humectants such as glycerin which attract water. Added water from the environment is wonderful for the skin. The second category of moisturizer is the water-in-oil emulsion. These creams and lotions work by forming a water-trapping barrier on the skin surface.Look for the ingredient sodium hyaluronate which locks in moisture and prevents it from leaving the skin. Humectants are often added in these products as well.

The major difference between moisturizing products is the ratio of water to oil. Even products labeled oil-free sometimes have small amounts of oil in them. You can sometimes find the ratio of water to oil on the label of the moisturizer.

PETROLEUM-BASED MOISTURIZERS are very effective at locking in moisture. They can, however, block pores and feel sticky.

VEGETABLE OILS are sometimes used as the base for moisturizers but in general are not as effective as mineral oils or animal fats.

INGREDIENTS SUCH AS VITAMIN E, COLLAGEN, PROTEINS, HORMONES, PLACENTAL EXTRACTS AND AMINO ACIDS are sometimes added to moisturizing products.

VITAMIN A DERIVATIVES are added to anti-aging products.

CHEMICALLY ENHANCED products contain agents such as urea, glycolic acid or lactic acid. They are formulated to improve the moisture-retaining ability of the moisturizer and are often recommended for dry skin.

FRAGRANCES are added to products to provide a pleasent aroma and to mask the odor of other ingredients.

________________________________________________________________________________________

All skin types benefit from the use of some type of moisturizer.

DRY SKIN needs a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that will absorb completely into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Oils are more effective than creams at preventing water evaporation. Look for the ingredients urea or propylene glycol, chemicals that keep skin moist.

NORMAL SKIN has a healthy moisture balance. Water-based moisturizers containing lightweight oils such as acetyl alcohol or silicone-derived ingredients will help maintain healthy, normal skin.

OILY AND COMBINATION SKIN types benefit most from an oil-free, water-based moisturizer. Oil-free products are made from synthetic chemicals and contain little to no oils or animal fat. If you have oily skin, use all moisturizers sparingly. Look for products labeled 'noncomedogenic' which means they are formulated to prevent clogged pores. Test moisturizers to find one that leaves a matte finish on the skin. This will minimize shine and the appearance of large pores.

SENSITIVE SKIN needs a moisturizer that does not contain fragrances or dyes and is designed for this skin type.

EXTRA DRY AND MATURE SKIN requires more moisture. Nourishing oils, dense creams and balms are formulated specifically for both these skin types. These products help to temporarily plump up the skin, maiing it appear smoother and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Look for petrolatum-based moisturizers that also contain ingredients such as lactic acid or alpha hydroxy acids which help to prevent dry skin.

[ source ]

Labels: guide

ive found a few too dark lipsticks lying around the house and have no idea what to do to them except to throw them out. Suddenly, a thought struck me: put on the lipstick and blot it till the shade isnt so scary. I tried it and it works! i find that this works and stay longer than those expensive lipstains, which are hard to blend, as it usually comes in a fast drying gel/liquid. To make instant tinted lipbalm, you can put a little on top on the lipbalm and blend it in. Now im loving these red/berry lipsticks. To allow the stain to stay longer, put it on bare lips, but if you're afraid that it will stain, fill your lips with colourless or nude lipliner first.

Labels: lipstick, tips

just bought the conditioner hours ago at bedok's watsons for $1.95. Pretty cheap huh. Wanted to buy the coconut one for damaged hair, but apparently it smells kinda funny. When this is washed off, it doesnt leave my hair smooth as i wanted to, because the previous one i used ( dove's ) makes my hair really smooth aster washing. For the price, i dont think i can say much as its only $1.95! Good you like those conditional that doesnt leave the hair smooth..

total: 3 stars i think think i'll rebuy.. the smell is too guyish
price: $1.95 on offer at watsons

Labels: conditioner, hair, watsons

second bugis haul this week! More stuffs from stage, as theirs the $10 promotion til nov 22.

concealer in 04, eyeliner in 02, eyeshadow mono in 16.
the eyeshadow is sort of dark brown( though in the pic it looks like grey), but without the red undertone, unlike other brands ive used. planning to use it as a natural eyeliner + eyebrow powder. now time to hunt for good angled brush! the eyeliner's in brown, and the concealer's for sister. planning to get the eyeliner in gold too, when i've got money.

samples from laneige. the SA at bugis is really pretty and nice.
skinfood samples given after sister bought the nose pore strip ( not in picture). the SA says that it's good for blackheads and whiteheads as she uses them too. i think its at $2.80 each piece. samples from cozycot ( sister's ).

bought CHIC magazine ( free LaSplash nail polish at bugis kino. left gold, pink and coral)

Labels: haul, laneige, Samples, skinfood, stage

These are what i've bought yesterday at bugis:

2 faceshop nail polish at ( $2.90 each) left: OR201 right: BR 504 .OR201 is a sheer pale orange polish, with golden shimmer, and BR504 is a sheer bronze shade.

Docile liptint in 09 ($3.90 on offer from SASA.) Its really sheer and isnt sticky, though the staying power is low.

Skinfood's chestnut volume mascara in black ($17 i think) volumises my lashes, yet doesnt weigh it down, unlike revlon's doubletwist mascara.

Stage's liquid concealer in 05 ( $10 on offer ). its currently my HG product. it has got really good coverage and covers my dark eyecircles veryvery well. really love it!

Stage's eyeliner in 01 ( $10 on offer). From what the SA told me, its waterproof. the longest time i wore it was for about an hour or so, and this didnt smudge at all although my eye's really oily. stays pretty well on the waterline too.

Labels: faceshop, haul, skinfood, stage

SKINCARE
1. How many times do you wash your face daily?
2x if im out of the house, 3x when im at home.

2. What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
oily

3. What is your current facial wash?
follow me oil control anti-shine cleanser

4. Do you exfoliate?
yupp, but that's only if i feel like it.

5. What brand do you use?
St Ives

6. Is it really important to moisturize?
Yup.

7. How often do you moisturize your face?
once, at night.

8. What moisturizer do you use?
clean&clear for now.

9. Do you use sunscreen?
uhh.. no =x

10. What is your favorite skincare line?
none, as i like to try out different brands.

11. Do you give yourself regular facial treatments?
Clay mask twice a week.

12. Do you have freckles?
yup, only on the cheeks.

13. Do you use eye cream?
when i feel like it.

14. Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes =(

15. Did you ever have to use Pro-active?
No.

16. Do you use a mask? And what do you use?

Nivea, garnier, himalayas and some other random brands.

17. Which celebrity do you think has good skin even without makeup?
i dont know..

18. One skincare routine that is a MUST for you?
cleanser

19. Why do you think we should take care of our skin?
because its more expensive getting rid of acne scars/ wrinkles.

MAKE-UP
1. What foundation do you use?
maybelline gel foundation, the one in the blue tube.

2. How about concealer?
stage luquid concealer

3. Do you know your undertone color?
warm i think.

4. What do you think of fake eyelashes?
i dont like the feeling.

5. Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes.

6. What brand of mascara do you use?
Za cutie curl, the skinfood volume mascara

7. Sephora, drugstore or departmental store?
Drugstore for now. when i've got the $$$, i'll move on.

8. Do you use mac?
nope =X

9. What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
brushes and fingers

10. Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
nope, but i'd like to get monistat gel.

11. For the face?
as above.

12. What is your favorite highlight powder?
none. my face's already quite oily, so highlighting would only make it worse.

13. Contour?
I dont really contour.

14. What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
no preference actually.

15. Do you line your eyes?
yes, almost everytime i go out.

16. Tightline?
yes

17. Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Pencil

18. How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
none so far

19. What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
messy

20. Do you use mineral makeup?
nope..

21. What is your favorite lipstick?
maybelline watershine

22. How about lipgloss?
nopee. it sticks to my hair.

23. What blush do you use?
no particular ones.

24. Type or brand or name?
maybelline

25. Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
No.

26. Do you like drugstore makeup?
definetely yes.

27. Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
If i have the money.

28. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Not really?

29. Name a makeup crime that you hate?
cakey foundation! i cant stand the amount people put sometimes, as it actually makes their flaws even more obvious =x

30. Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Colorful.

31. Can you share a make up trick that you know?
never use a black eyebrow pencil/powder. if your hair's black, use a dark brown.

32. Which celebrity always has great make up?
dita von teese. she looks so perfect!

33. Can you make a "cat eye" wing?
i cant.. i think because of my eyelid fold, the cat eye wing always looks strange.

34. If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
eyeliner

35. Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes.

36. Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
only on 'good face days'

37. In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
i dont know yet, cause i've never bought the entire line.

38. Would you ever consider permanent makeup?
ive thought of it, but i doubt i would.. haha

39. Have you ever work in a cosmetic line?
nope, though i'd like to ;)

Labels: tag

Dropped by the cozycot office today to collect my samples,

• Radox Smoothie Body Wash- Soul Soother Sample 10ML X 1
• 
  Johnson & Johnson 24 Hour Lasting Moisture Body Lotion Sample 25ML X 1
• 
  La Roche Posay EFFACLAR A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector Sample 2ML X 1
• 
  Ginvera Green Tea 2in1 Cracked Heel & Elbow Cream Sample 1.5ML X 1
• 
  Bio-essence Tanaka White Perfecting Lotion SPF15 (5ML) + Rejuvenating Whitening Day Cream (5ML) + Renewal Night Cream (5ML) Sample X 1
• 
  L\'Oréal Paris White Perfect Gentle Moisturising Day Cream (SPF 20) Sample 1.5ML X 1
  La Roche Posay Redermic Essence Sample 5ML X 1
• 
  La Roche Posay Anthelios XL 50 UVA Fluide Extreme Sample 2ML X 1
• 
  Ginvera Real Spa Relaxing Lavender Shower Scrub 2ML + Real Spa Firming & Moisturizing Shower Cream 2ML + Real S Whitening Apricot Shower Scrub 2ML Sample X 1
• 
  Etude House Perfect Proof Sun Guard SPF50 PA+++ Sample 1.5ML X 1
• 
  Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Treatment Sample 15ML X 1
• 
  Bio-essence Tanaka White White & Firm Double Action Essence Sample 5G X 1
• 
  NESCAFÉ Body Partner® 3-in-1 Coffee with Collagen Sample 20G X 1
• 
  Palmer\'s Skin Success Ultra Fade Milk Sample 3 X 4ML and Skin Success Ultra Fade Cream Sample 3 x 4G(The sample will available from 20th Oct onwards) X 1
• 
  Guerlain Super Aqua-Day Comfort Cream SPF10 Sample 3ML

gosh i love cozycot!

Labels: Cozycot, Samples