Turmeric Mask

My skin care routine is becoming more natural all the time and quite frankly, it's saving me a ton of money. Money I end up spending on make up, but I digress. *sigh

About a month ago, I started making a face mask using turmeric and a few other ingredients. I have definitely noticed a positive difference in my skin since from the first time I've used this mask. My skin is smoother and more clear than it has been in a long time.

I started using this mask because I need to take better care of my skin; and in my opinion, the best way to do that is naturally. So, without further ado, below is a list of the ingredients I used to create this mask and their benefits.

 

1/2 Teaspoon of Turmeric

Turmeric has a number of health benefits, but I will list the benefits as they pertain to this mask. Turmeric provides the following:

• Lightens blemishes
• Gives skin a natural glow
• Reduces skin infections
• Reduces wrinkles
• Fights against acne
• Natural antiseptic
• Good for acne 

2 Tablespoons of Chick Pea Flour/Garbanzo Bean Flour

• Naturally exfoliates
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Contains Vitamins A, K and B-complex

 1 Tablespoon of Almond Oil

• Moisturizes skin
• Non-greasy

1 Teaspoon of Greek Yogurt

• Anti-fungal
• Antibacterial
• Smooths skin
• Reduces acne

If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt or substitute yogurt with milk. It just so happens that I ran out of milk and I used Greek yogurt instead.

Combine the dry ingredients to the bowl first, then the almond oil and finally the yogurt. Stir well.

The mixture should look have the consistency of pudding and have the color of mustard.

Apply the mask all over your face and let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. While you wait, put the left over mask in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Once the time is up, rinse your face with warm water and voila! Soft and supple skin. I love the way my skin feels after using this mask. 

Side note: Because of the turmeric, this mask will stain fairer skin. No worries, just use less turmeric. Instead of 1/2 of a teaspoon, use 1/4. 

Long Hair Don't Care

Every once in a while I get my hair straightened. Usually for a trim, travel, special events or because my husband says something to the effect of,"So... you haven't worn your hair straight in a while."

It's not something I really think about. Anyways, in case you were wondering what my hair looks like straight, I present to you my favorite photo of 2012.

Festival Make-up

This past weekend, I had to work at the One Music Festival in Atlanta, GA. If you live here or have ever been to Atlanta, you know it is HOT. Of course I needed make up that would last all day and hopefully into the night. Below is a list of steps I took to make sure my make up lasted all day. I was pleasantly surprised by the end of the night.

1. On a clean and moisturized face, I added a layer of primer. My primer of choice is a photo finish primer by Smashbox.  I like this primer because it is oil free and glides on easily.  I used about a dime size for my whole face.

2. Next I applied my foundation. I applied a little more foundation that usual because I needed it to last all day. With my Real Techniques buffing brush, I buffed one pump of Perfection Lumiere by Chanel to each side of my face. BTW, I plan on doing a review of this foundation in the near future.

3. I applied Select Cover Up Concealer by MAC under my eyes. Once that dried, I applied a dab of foundation on top of the concealer.

4. I applied Urban Decay's Primer Potion on my eye lids and eyebrows. After that set, I applied Maybelline's Color Tattoo, Bad to the Bronze, on my eyelid. I followed that up by sweeping Buck from Urban Decay's Naked Palette onto my crease and I filled in my brows with Revlon Colorstay brow enhancer.

5. I applied 24/7 Liquid liner by Urban Decay to my lash line and followed that up with Make Up Forever Smokey Lash Mascara (this is made of magic, if you didn't already know).

6. I applied Sephora's Urban Luxe All Over Powder on the tops of my cheeks and brow bone as a highlight and followed with Merrily by MAC on my cheeks.

7. I set my make up with Cover FX Translucent Setting Powder.

8. Finally, I applied a nude lipstick and gloss.

I have to say, my make up lasted all day and into the night. I applied my make up at 9:30, but I forgot to take a picture. However, I did manage to take pictures throughout the day. Through all of the running around, Atlanta heat and sweating, my make up lasted much longer than I anticipated. I did not touch up my make up at all. I merely blotted my face to get rid of any sweat. Below is a timeline of my make up throughout the day.

                                                                       11 am

                                                                   3:45 PM

                                                                    6:45 PM

                                                                  10:30 PM
  

I'm very happy with the way my make up lasted. My eye make up lasted longer than than the rest, but that's to be expected because I was blotting my face during the day and not my eyes.