5 All-Natural Skincare Ingredients Hiding in Your Kitchen

Guess what, ladies: the secret to great skin may be hiding in your pantries. Forget combing through aisles of drugstores looking for the right brand of cleanser, moisturizer or toner. These all-natural ingredients deliver benefits to the skin without all the added chemicals that harm more than they help. What's great about the ingredients listed below is that they are inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. So, here are five all-natural ingredients that you should be using on a regular basis to help improve your skin. 

1. Honey

We normally think of honey as a sweetener, but while it's a great addition to your cakes and drinks, it's also great for your skin. 

Honey is a humectant which means that it attracts moisture and seals it into your pores. A honey facial will therefore benefit areas of the face that are dry and itchy. One of honey's best skincare benefits is that it adds elasticity without drying out your skin. This is the opposite of what a lot of store-bought facial washes do. 

2. Olive Oil

Olive Oil isn't just for salad dressing. It has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for dry skin. 

Recent studies have also proven that olive oil can protect the skin from sun damage and cancer. A study published in the investigative cancer journal, Carcinogenesis, showed that lab mice that had been painted in extra-virgin olive oil experienced delayed onset of skin tumors than the mice in the control group.

3. Lemon Juice

There's an old saying, when life gives you lemons, use them to make skincare products. Maybe that's not the exact wording of the saying, but lemon juice is great for skincare. A natural astringent, lemon juice can remove impurities from the skin and boost antibacterial benefit.

4. Salt & Sugar

Salt and sugar are exfoliating agents, which mean they’re very effective in removing dead cells from skin surface, leaving it look smoother and brighter. Exfoliation also helps promote better circulation and lets the skin breathe easier. Salt has the added benefit of having anti-fungal properties. When making salt scrubs, use sea salts as they are well-known purifying agents which can remove toxins from the skin and clear the pores. 

Salt scrubs are more abrasive because grains of salt have sharper edges than sugar. They should therefore never be used on the face but rather on rough sections on other parts of the body. 

Sugar scrubs are a lot gentler since sugar granules are round. They are also less drying than salt scrubs. In addition, the glycolic acid in sugar helps protect the skin against toxic agents and helps condition and moisturize your face. 

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal isn't just a superfood, it's also a powerful all-natural weapon in your skincare arsenal. Oatmeal contains Saponins, which are natural cleansing agents that can remove oils and dirt from your pores. 

The secret to using oatmeal in your skincare is to turn your rolled oats into oat flour. This is simple to do. 

You can grind your oats using a food processor or blender. The result will be a fine powder that you can use on your face and hair. Use your oat flour to make a mild all-natural homemade face wash. How to make: take 1 tablespoon of oat flour and add 2 tablespoons of water. Apply this mixture to your face and then rinse it off with warm water. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how smooth the skin on your face will be. 

Your kitchen contains some of Mother Nature's best skincare ingredients. It's time to stop wasting your money on products that contain harmful chemicals and start stocking up your pantry with these all-natural skincare ingredients.

The Many Benefits of Argan Oil

Argan oil is a unique and versatile oil that is found in the kernels of Argan tree. This tree grows in Morocco and its oil is rich in nutrients such as fatty acids and vitamin E. This oil comes in two grades. The cosmetic grade provides benefits to the skin and hair, and the culinary grade is used in food and can enhance health. This amazing oil is nicknamed "liquid gold" and has been used for centuries by the Moroccans for its internal curative powers and for treatment of skin imperfections.

Benefits for skin and hair:

This oil is widely used as a moisturizer for the skin. It only takes a few drops to cover the various parts of the body. By using some gentle rubbing, it is easily absorbed and doesn't irritate the skin.

1. Anti-aging 

Argan oil is an inexpensive and simple way to help achieve anti-aging effects for your face and neck. It contains antioxidants that reduce the appearance of winkles, giving your skin a plumper, elastic look and feel. 

Apply a few drops before bedtime can bring great results. Argan oil is safe and effective for use in its pure form and doesn't need to be mixed with other substances into commercial cosmetics and lotions.

Product Recommendation: Melvita Argan Oil

Link to Melvita Argan Oil: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_page.html?pdid=7877 

2.Soothes irritation 

Skin conditions like dry skin, eczema, and acne can be minimized when Argan oil is massaged into the skin. 

Vitamin E, fatty acids and antioxidants help repair skin damage and promote healing. Argan oil also helps minimize inflammation. It provides a soothing feeling and reduces pain. 

When lips become chapped and dry during cold weather, a drop of oil can help keep them moist and soft. Applying oil to the nail cuticles, hands and feet regularly can keep them soft and supple. One bottle, in its natural form, is all that is needed to treat skin and hair.

Product Recommendation: Senteurs Du Sud 100% Argan Oil

Link to Buy: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_page.html?pdid=8603

3. Anti-Frizz  

Argan oil works wonders to take care of frizzy, tangled hair and split ends. This oil can be used for styling your hair and adds a beautiful sheen. Just a few drops are enough to bring your hair under control before styling.

Product Recommendation: Moroccanoil Oil Treatment for Hair – Light

Link to Moroccanoil Oil Treatment: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_page.html?pdid=6809

Benefits for internal body:

In addition to the cosmetic grade of Argan oil, there is also a culinary grade which is beneficial for the internal body. 

It tastes similar to smoky-flavored sesame oil and comes in the color of honey. It rivals other healthy oils like fish oil, sesame olive, and sunflower oils in providing nutritional value to the body.  

1. Fights chronic diseases 
Research is on-going, but there are indications that consuming Argan oil can possibly aid the body in fighting diabetes and cardiovascular disease, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the immune system, alleviating arthritis pain, and fighting cancer. Moroccans consider the oil a tasty food item. They eat it with bread, couscous and in salads and other dishes.
  
Natural Argan oil offers benefits for the entire body. For the external body, it helps delaying skin aging, healing minor skin irritations and providing suppleness and smoothness. It also minimizes dry hair ends, frizziness, and gives your hair sheen and manageability. For the internal body, research is beginning to show its benefits in preventing and treating a number of chronic diseases. The nickname "liquid gold" tells it all.

Recreate the Look: Selena Gomez’s Glamour

Selena Gomez is young, but she knows a lot about how to look beautiful. She’s been blessed with a very beautiful face and physique – and she knows it. Whether it’s the seductive or fresh faced look, Selena can carry it very well.

If you want to know the secret behind her glamour and look as beautiful as her, you can take a look at this list. It can help you recreate her looks without any pressure.

Seductive smokey eye makeup

Selena has natural big, dark eyes. The smokey eye makeup can make them even more mesmerizing. 

● To add drama to your eyes, you need to choose an eyeliner color that matches the color of your eyes.

● As a rule of thumb, dark eyeliners don’t go well with light colored eyes and light eyeliners aren’t recommended for dark colored eyes. Opt for a matte black color if you’re unsure. It’s the safest shade you can start with. 

● Use the eyeliner to line your waterlines. Build up the color on your outer lower lash lines and smudge the lines using your fingertips. Use the same eyeliner to line your upper lash lines. 

● Apply coats of your favorite mascara for an added effect. You can sweep the brush from the roots to tips of lashes.

● To finish the look, use a nude shade of lipstick and top it off with a clear gloss. If you prefer, you can always go with pink.

Tips: To make your look more seductive, you can pull your hair back to a shiny slicked hairstyle. This allows your face to be revealed and more attention will be drawn to your eyes. 

Fresh-faced, youthful look

To recreate Selena’s youthful glow, you can simply follow these steps: 

● Start off with a fresh, cleaned face. Make sure your skin is hydrated before applying any cosmetic products. 

● Choose a foundation with a full coverage to even out your skin tone and hide away any blemishes and discolorations. 

● Set the foundation using a translucent setting powder. This will help your foundation last longer.

● For a more radiant look, you can apply a highlighter on your cheekbones. You can also do the same on the bridge of your nose.

● Accentuate your eyes by applying coats of mascara. You can also apply some highlighter on the inner corner of your eyes. It will make your eyes look brighter and more awake.

● To achieve a healthy flushed look, baby pink blush is the best option. Brush some on the apples of your cheeks. 

● As for your lips, you can simply swipe some pink lip gloss.

Tips: This style looks best with laid back hairstyles. You can try Selena’s simple do by pulling the upper half of your hair into a ponytail (an half-up hairstyle) and curling the ends for a sophisticated look. As for any loose strands, you can tuck them away with a few bobby pins.



Quick link for mentioned makeup products:
Eyeliner: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_list.html?catid=102102103
Mascara: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_list.html?catid=102102104
Lip Stick: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_list.html?catid=102103101
Foundation: http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_list.html?catid=102101102

How to Manage Damaged Hair - Without Cutting It Off

Whether it's the result of too much heat styling or a severe chemical treatment, badly damaged hair can be frustrating to handle. While trimming hair is the fastest, simplest solution to ridding yourself of split ends and "gummy" hair texture, you aren't necessarily limited to those options if you are committed to salvaging your hair. 

The habits listed below can help to improve your hair's strength and elasticity if you incorporate them into your beauty regimen and are willing to stick to them for several months.

Cut back on hair washes. Washing your hair, especially with shampoos that contain sulfates, can strip your scalp of its natural oils. Like a scab that forms over a cut, often our bodies are capable of producing their own remedies to minor ailments. Hair condition is no exception, as the oils produced by your scalp act as a built-in moisturizer for your locks. Aim to wash your hair no more than two or three times a week if it has been badly damaged. 






Condition your hair regularly, and incorporate deep conditioners into your routine. 


Look for conditioners that don't contain silicones, as silicones merely coat the hair shaft. You want a conditioner that will penetrate the hair shaft. Additionally, you might want to use hair oils as a dry-hair conditioning treatment. 

Determine the balance of moisture and protein your hair needs. Buy both strengthening and moisturizing conditioners, and experiment with how they make your hair feel. Try using only the strengthening treatment one day, sample the moisturizing treatment another day, and finally try using both products in tandem with one another. It is possible to "overfeed" your hair protein, making it dry and brittle, which is why following up with a moisture treatment is important. Everyone has a different protein/moisture balance that works for them. 


Lay off of the hot tools, or at least use a heat protectant product. While it may seem like the only way to control damaged hair is to run it through a flat-iron, try to resist this temptation unless you're going to a special event. Let hair air-dry as often as possible, and invest in a good-quality heat protectant spray or serum. 

Wear your hair in protective styles. One of the most discouraging parts of having damaged hair is thinking you can no longer wear your hair down. This is not necessarily the case, as damaged hair typically holds style longer. You might find that you can go an entire day without having to touch up your hair with gel or spray, saving your hair from chemical buildup. By preventing buildup in your hair, you'll find you can get away with washing it less often. You can also wear your hair in braids, which will often hide frizz. 


Having damaged hair doesn't have to mean your only solution is to cut all of your hair off or buy hundreds of dollars worth of extensions. While your hair may not completely "heal" or go back to normal overnight, by following the above tips you will likely see a significant improvement in your hair health over the course of several months.

Look for more Hair Care products on COSME-DE.COM

 Braun Satin-Hair 7 Brush with IONTEC

Recreate the Look: Rihanna’s Style

She’s bold and she’s fearless. 

Other than her great singing skills, Rihanna is also known for her brave yet classy look. She frequently changes her hair color and style. She wears makeup shades most of us are too doubtful to wear for ourselves. She puts on daring and fiery outfits. Yet, on top of all these, she retains her beauty and glamour. It’s no wonder why many people are wanting to be like her. 

Apparently, you don’t really need to be a celebrity or hire several professional makeup artists in order to look like Rihanna. You can use her own make up secrets to look like her. Here’s the list:

Skin

Rihanna has such a healthy glow in her skin. She’s been taking care of her skin right by cleansing, moisturizing and toning it on a daily basis. She takes vitamins to ensure her skin’s health. The right foundation is also helping her achieve the perfect complexion. 

To attain the same youthful glow on your skin, try using a foundation that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone. 

Rihanna has naturally black skin and a foundation lighter than her skin color gives that added highlight on her face without making her look odd. You just have to remember to blend everything well together. You can use your hands in doing so. Their warmth will make sure the product gets blended well with your skin.

Find the Most Suitable Foundation Now

Eyes

Rihanna’s eyes are very expressive and her smokey eye makeup adds the right drama to them.

To recreate her look, you need to blend a smoky shade on your lower lash lines and extend the color towards your temples. You have to keep in mind to blend them well. If you have the same boldness as Rihanna, you can try using a different color other than black. Dark purple is a good shade to start with. Swipe a few coats of mascara after and line your eyes for extra emphasis.

As for mascara, you can use the same shade you chose for your eye shadow. This can create a more modern look for you, particularly when you’re going out for an evening party.


Quick Link for Eye Shadow :
http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_list.html?catid=102102102

Mascara:
http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_list.html?catid=102102104

Lips 

Lip liners are some of Rihanna’s secrets to her pouty lips. Most of the time, you’ll be seeing her wearing shades of berries. To make them pop more, Rihanna traces a bit outside of her natural lip line to achieve a luscious effect.

You can do the same thing to make your lips plumper. You just have to be sure that the color you are picking is not too dark for your lips and your skin. Also, to get more accuracy in your application, you can try stretching your lips over your teeth.

Hair

When it comes to hairstyles, Rihanna seems to be capable of pulling almost everything. She’s worn long curly locks, short bobs and even shaved hair. Her style, on such note, can be summarized by creativity and spontaneity. 

Cutting or dyeing your hair is a big decision particularly if you’re aiming for Rihanna’s boyish crop or her exciting preferences. Make it a point to pick your choices well.




These makeup secrets can help you achieve the look you want. However, the decision on whether or not you’ll follow this list completely is entirely up to you. Whatever style you decide on, make sure that it can help you love your body more. After all, it’s all that matters.

Six Simple Tips to Treat Under-Eye Bags

Millions of people suffer from puffy bags or dark circles under their eyes, which can make a person look older, tired, or ill. 

They may be caused by everything from lack of sleep to allergies, or even a poor diet. Below are some tried and true tips, both long and short term, for reducing the appearance of these unsightly under-eye bags and circles.
  

Stay Hydrated

One of the primary causes of puffiness under the eyes is salt retention. Eating salty foods, crying, or drinking beverages such as coffee or alcohol can all cause salt water to collect beneath the eyes. The best way to combat these symptoms is to increase water consumption throughout the day, which has plenty of other health benefits as well. 

Try to drink eight glasses of water each day.

  

Apply Something Cold

Many people have probably heard of using chilled cucumber slices, spoons, teabags, and more as a quick cure for under-eye bags and circles. The important part is that they are cold--almost anything will work. 

The cool temperature restricts blood vessels beneath the eyes, which reduces swelling and stops the blood from pooling and creating dark circles.

See Also: Dark Circles Eye Care

Treat Any Allergies or Congestion

Seasonal allergies, colds, and sinus congestion can aggravate blood vessels around the eyes and nose, in addition to causing redness, swelling, or fluid buildup. Allergies should be treated with medication, either over the counter or prescription, and congested sinuses can be cleared by using a neti pot.
  

Change Your Sleeping Habits

People that sleep on their stomach or sides may find themselves more prone to puffiness or bags due to blood and other fluids collecting beneath the eyes during the night.  Sleeping on your back, preferably with an extra pillow, can significantly reduce the appearance of these blemishes by allowing fluids to drain while sleeping. In addition, make an effort to get at least seven or eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
  

Take Care of Your Skin

The skin around your eyes and nose is fairly thin, so it is important to keep it from being damaged or weakened. Avoid sleeping in makeup, which can irritate the skin. 

Use moisturizes to improve skin elasticity, and apply sunscreen--or wear sunglasses--when appropriate, as UV rays can thin out the skin even more.

Sun Care Products

Make Dietary Changes

Eating a more balanced and healthy diet can make a very large difference when it comes to treating under-eye bags or rings. Certain vitamins, such as C, E, and K, along with iron and folic acid, can improve the appearance of these blemishes. This means eating more leafy green vegetables and a variety of fruits, especially citrus and berries. Cutting out sodium-heavy foods can also help reduce salt retention.

  
For anyone suffering from dark rings or bags beneath their eyes, the above strategies may be all that is necessary to reduce or eliminate them once and for all. If nothing seems to work, consider speaking with a physician to determine if there is not some more serious cause behind it, or whether the issue may be hereditary.

Essential Beauty Tips For Men

Skin care routines aren’t just for women. 

As a matter of fact, men’s skin also needs proper care and nourishment to be at its best. Unfortunately, because most men are only familiar with washing and shaving, changing routine can be both confusing and difficult. 

Men have different skin needs than women. This is one of the reasons why men’s skin care products boomed overtime. However, because there are a lot of products to choose from, picking the right ones can be really hard. 

If you are not sure where to begin, this list of essential products can help you start taking care of your skin better:

Cleanser

Men generally have thicker skin than women. They also have a higher sebum production and collagen density. Because of these differences, men should only be using products that are intended for their skin’s needs.

Biotherm Homme T-Pur Anti Oil & Wet Clay-Like Unclogging Purifying Cleanser can address all of these concerns. 

Biotherm Homme T-Pur Anti Oil & Wet Clay-Like Unclogging Purifying Cleanser

It’s formulated to control oil and shine to keep you looking fresh all day. This cleanser helps unclog pores by clearing all the dirt and dust that have accumulated the entire day. It has clay like texture that can help lessen impurities as well.  You can use it twice a day for better results.

Exfoliator

Exfoliation is a process where you take off dead skin cells to reveal healthier ones. It is usually done twice or thrice a week to help keep your skin looking young and glowing.

The best product to use for exfoliation is the Aromatherapy Associates The Refinery Face Scrub. 

Aromatherapy Associates The Refinery Face Scrub

This facial scrub is gentle yet effective enough to brighten up your skin complexion. It is also helpful in preventing in-grown hair development as well as in giving you a closer shave.

Moisturizer

Keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated is very important if you want to maintain its health. The most guaranteed way in achieving this is applying an efficient skin moisturizer daily.

The Laneige Homme Active Water Cream Set with Captain America Figure is good for all skin types. 

Homme Active Water Cream Set

It isn’t sticky when applied and is also light. This moisturizer effective in replenishing dehydrated skin and can give you a long lasting hydration and protection. The set comes with a Captain America Figure too, which is popular among guys. 

Taking care of your skin isn’t all about product application. You should also nourish it from within. Start eating healthier and be more physically active and your skin will surely thank you in the long run.

A Girl’s Guide To Face Serums

Cleaning your face and keeping it moisturized and hydrated can make your skin look young and glowing. For most people, this routine is enough to maintain their skin’s health.  However, if you want to take your skin care routine to another level, you can try adding one more product in your beauty cabinet. Face serums promise a lot of things for your skin. 

What exactly are face serums?

Face serums are enriched with concentrated amounts of active ingredients which could be one of the reasons why they can be quite expensive. However, because they are concentrated, you only need to use a small amount. 

Serums are also lighter than your average moisturizers, which makes them readily absorbed by your skin. Serums are also able to penetrate your skin’s deeper layers.

Do you really need a face serum? 

You may not use a face serum, if you prefer. However, if you want to increase the effectiveness of your current skin care routine, you can choose to use one. Serums can also help make your skin be in its best condition possible.

Do I need to choose the expensive ones?

Although expensive serums mean more quality ingredients, there are still serums that can give you the same effectiveness without breaking your budget. The key here is to look for the right ingredients that your skin needs. Here are some of the ingredients you should be keeping an eye out for:

• Retinol enriched serums for brighter and smoother skin
• Essential oil enriched serums for your skin’s overnight repair
• Anti-oxidant enriched serums for preventing premature skin aging
• Anti-inflammatory serums for soothing your skin’s redness and inflammation.

When should I apply my serum?

Generally speaking, serums are best applied on a clean face. After washing and toning, you can start applying serum when the skin is still moist. Avoid mixing it with any other product to achieve its best effect.

Although serums have many benefits for your skin, you should still take caution in using them. Serums are concentrated products which means you should not use too much of it on your skin. 

You should also take note of any pre-existing skin conditions you have. Serums are contraindicated to cases of rosacea and eczema. If you have any of these cases, it would be best to skip serums.


Ready to use Serums on your face? Take a look at these selected face serums on COSME-DE.COM

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

SK-II Cellumination Aura Essence

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift
Total V Contouring Serum

Helena Rubinstein Prodigy Powercell
Youth Grafter The Serum

More Face Serums:
http://www.cosme-de.com/en/product/product_list.html?catid=101104

Essentials of Strobing: What You Need To Know

You can finally start to skip contouring.

There’s an easier way to get that sculpted look without the numerous products and complicated techniques. Strobing is the latest contouring trend to turn into a beauty craze. It only needs one good highlighter and you’re good to go.

Strobing makes use of natural lighting to make your face look radiant and dewy. Highlighter is applied on the areas of your face where natural light hits. These areas include the center of your forehead, your nose, chin, brow bones as well as your cheek bones. You can use your fingertips to make the highlighter sink better on your skin.

If you can’t decide on which product to use based on your skin type, you can try using these recommended strobing products: 

Estée Lauder Double Wear Brush-On Glow BB Highlighter 

(color: 1N Extra Light)

If you have fair skin, this Double Wear Brush-On BB Highlighter can highlight your features while hiding blemishes and dark circles. It has a hydrating formula to instantly refresh your skin. It can even make you look glowing for several hours. Aside from being long wear, it’s light weight and color true as well.

You may get this highlighter from COSME-DE.COM

Jane Iredale In Touch Highlighter 

For light to medium skin, the Jane Iredale In Touch Highlighter is a cream to powder highlighter that can give you a natural radiant, glowing look. It has a pale pink color that works best on your cheeks, brow bones and nose area. 

Get Jane Iredale In Touch Highlighter from COSME-DE.COM

Benefit Sun Beam

Benefit Sun Beam is best for people who have olive skin. It’s a golden bronze highlighter that can also work for other skin types. This highlighter can be applied over your make up. You simply need to make dots on your cheeks and brow bones and just blend well on your skin. Sun Beam, as the name implies, is like your sunshine contained in a bottle. It’s designed to give you a sun kissed radiant glow.

Benefit Sun Beam - Best Price at COSME-DE.COM

NARS The Multiple 

(color: South Beach)

If you have dark skin, choosing the right product can be difficult. The NARS The Multiple is your best solution. It’s an all in one make up stick that can accent and highlight your best features. It has Acai oil and Vitamin E to provide anti-oxidant effects. You can use it alone or with a powder blush.




Looking beautiful no longer needs to be complicated. As the cliché goes, less is more.