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How-tology: Sea Salt Scrub
Time for some sea-side fun! For smooth, perfectly polished skin, massage over wet skin, paying special attention to dry, rough areas. Full of oils and soothing natural ingredients to soften skin.
Ingredients:1/4 Cup Sea Salt 1 Tsp. Essential Oil 1 Tsp. Food Coloring 1/2 Cup Glycerin 2T Avocado Oil 2T Olive Oil |
Steps:1. Place Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, and glycerin in a small bowl. 2. Add coloring and fragrance to sea salt. 3. Mix sea salt and oils until well blended. Store in an air tight container. Try this formula with your favorite relaxing blends of essential oil for a sleepy time treat. |
Q&A: Bleach is the Word
 If I bleach my hair, will it grow back a different color?
This is folklore! Perms, bleaches and hair colors only affect hair above the scalp. The hair will grow back exactly the same color that it was. The new hairs that are "growing in" may appear to be darker in color than you remember your natural hair, but this is an optical illusion. Also new hair growth has not yet had a chance to be lightened by the sun or alkaline processes such as shampooing.
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The Gloss-ary: D is for Diva
The Gloss-ary continues with some vital terminology for your beautiful self! Keep checking back for more editions to the gloss-ary, or browse what we already have:
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Dandelion: a vegetable source of protein that is high in skin-friendly ingredients. |
| Depilate: to remove hair on the skin's surface. |
| Dermabrasion: a procedure in which the skin is sanded to improve its texture. Microdermabrasion uses a type of sand to abrade the skin, usually done by an esthetician or a cosmetic doctor. Cosmetic physicians can perform a deeper type of dermabrasion using small burrs or wires to remove the outer layers of the skin. |
| Dermal: related to skin. |
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Dermatitis: inflammation of the skin. |
| Dermis: the under layers of the skin. |
| Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): a self-tanning agent used in cosmetics. |
| Dimethicone: Used for its superior spreadability, excellent emolliency, and water repellency. |
| DNA Enzyme Complex: bioengineered to supply the body with moisturization. and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. |
| Dong Quai: traditional Chinese herb used to treat menopausal symptoms and menstrual irregularity. |
Celebrity Spotlight: Rihanna
Ready to get bad? Welcome back to another installment of Celebrity Spotlight! Today we will focus on the edgy styling of the bad girl icon, Rihanna. As you might already know, here, BeautyofaSite will showcase the celebrity style of the moment and how you can replicate the top looks. Master the mold and you're on your way to beauty stardom!
Beauty Bio: RihannaBirthday: February 20, 1988, born in tropical Saint Michael, Barbados Relationship Status: The internet really wants her to be with rapper Drake Biggest Hits: "Pon De Replay" (2005), "Umbrella" (2007, ft. Jay Z), "Rude Boy" (2009), "We Found Love" (2011, ft. Calvin Harris), "Diamonds" (2012), "Work" (2016, ft. Drake) Style Staples: Bold Fur Jackets, Over-sized Graphic Tees, Sheer Layers, and Seriously Sick Kicks all play into RiRi's edgy style. |
Get the Look
Rihanna's got a lot of things going for her right now. This year she released her eighth studio album ANTI (featuring the smash track "Work"), is on a world tour for said album, and her song "Sledgehammer" is the feature single for the soundtrack of a little movie called Star Trek Beyond. No big deal. Rihanna's musical prowess isn't the only successes she's got going, she also has a really unique sense of fashion. While it maybe a bit difficult to replicate some of her best red carpet moments, we all can't be as cool and confident as Rihanna, there are style elements your can incorporate to get that Rihanna edge.
Hair:
Rihanna’s kind of a chameleon when it comes to hair, she’s had just about every cut and color you can imagine. Let’s just break it down by album era (yes we researched this). There’s her debut soft brown waves from Music of the Sun, the blunt black bob from Good Girl Gone Bad, her blonde-dipped pixie undercut from Rated R, of course her fire engine red hair during the Loud era, and the list goes on. Changing up your hair color can really reinvent your look, and which Rihanna knows well, the possibilities are endless. So to best channel the spirit of Rihanna, try a new hair color and go crazy.
We recommend: Combinal Cream Hair Dye, ClayPac Shampoos & Conditioner
Skin:
Want fabulous skin like Rihanna’s? Moisturizer is the answer. While it can be tempting to be lax on a skincare regime, your complexion will pay the price. So remember, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Also don’t forget about sun protection. Rihanna’s an island girl, she knows first-hand that you have to be aware of sun damage, so look for moisturize that has a good SPF.
We recommend: Refinee Daily Defense Cream SPF 30, Hempz Age Defying Moisturizer, Day Cream with SPF 30
Make-up:
Recently Rihanna has been showcasing some stripped back looks with selective make-up and more natural hair, sans the occasional bold lip for drama. What can make a minimalist look pop is a strong eyebrow (as seen above). Shaping and choosing an appropriate fill color are key for a great brow. A good rule of thumb is to not go more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color.
We recommend: Blinc's Eyebrow Mousse, DuWop Browwow, Tweezerman Pointed-Slant
How-tology: Homemade Lemon Loofah
Scrub a dub dub, this soap is too good to share with three men in the tub! Wisk away dull, dry skin. This delightful soap smells like fresh lemons, and when the powdered loofah is mixed in, it will make the soap extra-exfoliating. Loofah, a plant that grows much like the cucumber, can be dried, shredded and added to soap. To make the powder, loofah can be cut up into tiny pieces using a pair of sharp scissors, or you can purchase it in powder form.
Ingredients:One 4 oz. bar unscented glycerin soap 1 teaspoon powdered loofah 15 drops lemon oil 1 drop red food coloring |
Steps:1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt your bar of glycerin soap until liquefied. 2. Remove from heat and stir in powdered loofah, lemon oil and food coloring. 3. Pour soap into a mold and let set for three hours or until hardened. |
Q&A: What Is A Normal Amount of Hair Loss?
How much hair should I lose when I brush my hair?
Everyone loses some hair every day, just by virtue of being alive. The evidence is in your comb, your hairbrush, and the bottom of your shower. Every hair on your body is genetically programmed to grow, rest, and then drop out. |
The Gloss-ary: C is for Couture
The Gloss-ary continues with some vital terminology for your beautiful self! Keep checking back for more editions to the gloss-ary, or browse what we already have:
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| Calendula: an emollient said to have healing, soothing and antiseptic properties. Used to treat dry skin. |
| Callus: an excessive build up of the hard tough layers of skin. Can be removed at-home or by an esthetician. |
| Candela wax: binds oils and waxes to give body to a formulation. Often used in lipsticks. |
| Capillary: the smallest type of blood vessel in the body. Spider veins, for instance, are actually small capillaries commonly found on the face or legs. |
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Cellulite: deposits of fat and other material trapped in pockets beneath the skin. |
| Ceramides: a natural substance within the skin that reduces natural water loss of the skin by forming a protective barrier. Can also be produced synthetically and added to skin care products. |
| Chakras: energy centers throughout the body responsible for the condition of your mind, body and spirit. |
| Chamomile: a clinically proven plant-derived anti-inflammatory. Offers benefits such as soothing skin. Also calms eczema and allergic reactions. |
| Citric Acid: The same as vitamin C. Used commonly in hair and skincare products. Has astringent and antioxidant properties and also can be used as a preservative. |
| Citronella oil: antiseptic widely used in soaps and deodorizers. Also has insect-repelling properties. |
| Clarifying: usually associated with a toner or other solution used after cleansing to maintain proper skin pH. |
| Collagen: a natural substance within body tissues. It can be injected into the skin to plump up particular areas. |
| Cortex: the middle layer of the hair shaft. |
| Creatine: a protein derivative in muscle tissue. Sometimes found in body-building supplements. |
| Cucumber juice: credited with moisture-binding, soothing and tightening properties. |
How-tology: Your Perfect Bubble Bath
When was your last bubble bath? Create blissful bubbles to reacquaint us with the forgotten joys of the bubble bath.
Ingredients:1/4 cup Foaming Concentrate, or substitute 1/2 cup unscented shampoo 3/4 cup water 3/4 teaspoon salt - regular table salt is fine 15 drops essential oil 1 drop food coloring |
Steps:1. Pour foaming concentrate into a bowl and add water. Stir gently until well mixed. 2. Add salt, and stir until mixture thickens. 3. Add cherry fragrance oil and food coloring, and place in decorative bottle. To use, add one tablespoon to warm running bath water. To create your own custom scent, you may use any fragrance oil you choose in this recipe. |
photo credit: Bathtime!!! via photopin (license) blue filter, added text, & cropped
Celebrity Spotlight: Blake Lively
We love Instagram. Beauty bloggers and celebrities alike use it to share their best looks, and we are always up for some fashion inspiration! Here, BeautyofaSite will showcase the celebrity style of the moment and how you can replicate those looks! Master the mold and you're on your way to beauty stardom!
Beauty Bio: Blake LivelyBirthday: August 25th, 1987, born in sunny Los Angeles, California Relationship Status: Married to Ryan Reynolds in 2012 Where You’ve Seen Her: Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005), Gossip Girl (2007-2012), The Town (2010), and The Age of Adaline (2015) Style Staples: Classic, Glamour, Effortless, Bold Shapes |
Get the Look
Okay, okay so we know that the 2016 Cannes Film Festival was back in early May, which is like eons in Hollywood time, but bear with us. Blake Lively killed the game with some seriously flawless gowns (see above and below) and we are still in the afterglow. Her style is very much about pairing luxurious, glistening statement pieces with loose hair and soft, sultry make-up. Our favorite look of the festival was this stunning aqua-blue Atelier Versace moment. Check it out below with our tips so you can emulate Blake’s low-key, high glamour style!
Hair:
Blake's hair is in a soft, flowing, mid-pony that gives some ease to the dramatic Atelier Versace dress. Texturizing sprays are great for this sort of hairstyle because they give great volume for free-flowing pony. And of course, don't forget hairspray to keep it all in place!
We recommend: A Beautiful Life Pre-Game Texturizing Spray, Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist, Treat Salted Vanilla Beach Hair Spray
Skin:
Blake's got the California girl look down to the sun-kissed skin. Her warm skin tone adds to the brightness of the dress. Tanning is not the only option to get that California glow, self-tanners do just the trick and save your skin from damage!
We recommend: St. Tropez Self Tan Starter Kit, St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower, DuWop Sun Drops
Make-up:
Blake’s gown and skin radiate warmth, so her make-up is surprisingly understated in comparison. Her lips feature a nice, dusty rose with a glossy finish, and pair with a barely there steel eye shadow. A muted make-up palette is a nice contrast against her otherwise saturated look.
We recommend: DuWop Lip Venom Gloss in Wisteria, Naked Princess Naked Shine Lip Gloss in Barely Rose, Tigi Longwearing Eyeshadow Imperial Grey, DuWop Cosmetics Fall Out Shadow in Sensuede
The Gloss-ary: B is for Beauty!
The Gloss-ary continues with some vital terminology for your beautiful self! Keep checking back for more editions to the gloss-ary, or browse what we already have!
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| Beeswax: one of the oldest raw ingredients in cosmetic preparations, traditionally used as an emulsifier. |
| Benzoyl Peroxide: an antibacterial ingredient commonly used in acne treatments. |
| Bergamot: an antiseptic and bacterial growth-inhibitor known for its toning, antiseptic, and deodorizing qualities. |
| Beta carotene: orange-colored plant pigments, used in the manufacture of vitamin A. |
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Beta hydroxy : an exfoliating agent with a smaller molecule size than the alpha hydroxy. |
| Beta-glucan: a new ingredient derived from yeast, reported to enhance the skin's natural defense mechanisms. |
| Bioflavonoid: a plant derivative with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Usually derived from citrus fruit rinds. |
| Biotin : part of vitamin B complex. Involved in the metabolization of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. |
| Blackheads: a term used to describe when the skin's pores are clogged by natural oils and impurities. |
| Botanical : refers to products derived from plants. |
| Botox : trade name for botulinum toxin. Used in tiny amounts, it can temporarily paralyze a muscle, and reduce or eliminate wrinkles or frown lines without harm. |
| Bronzer : a synthetic preparation that causes the skin to darken or appeared tanned. |
| Buffer: a pH balanced cleansing solution that improves the look and feel of the skin leaving it shiny and more supple. |
| Burdock : a root extract credited with antibacterial properties. May also reduce inflammations such as rashes, redness, acne, and eczema. |
| Butcher's Broom: botanical extract used to improve circulation and reduce facial redness. Also believed to have anti-cellulite effects. |
Q&A: Haircare in the Summer Sun
How can I best protect my hair in the summer sun?
While the wonderful rays of Father Sun may warm your bones, it will also do a deep fry on unprotected hair. Even worse, search and destroy pool chemicals and ocean salt can vaporize all those wonderful natural oils you've spent all year balancing and building in your soft, undamaged mane. Sun and surf damage can manifest as faded hair color, fragile, brittle or dry hair and yucky split ends. Be proactive and protect your hair from UVA & UVB rays that can leave you with a head full of straw that can take months to reverse. Unless you plan on a major buzz cut at summer's end, resist the urge to "do naked hair" or dive into pools with your locks flowing freely and follow the following Safe Summer Hair Rules: 1. Start the summer season with a salon trip to remove split ends and handle hair repairs. 2. If your hair normally dries out in the summer, consider having a preventive deep conditioning treatment to ward off summer frizzies. Follow these tips so you don't have to run from the sun, just have fun! |
How-tology: Fixing Make-Up Misshaps
The road to achieving that crisp cat-eye or that perfectly bold lip is not always pretty. We're human, mistakes happen and sometimes your need a redo. We have got you covered with these four easy tips to recovering makeup mishaps in a pinch!
A splotch of mascara falls off the wand onto your newly made-up face.
A splotch of mascara falls off the wand onto your newly made-up face.Dab the end of a Q-tip into some foundation. Making sure not to drag the skin, pat the tip onto the stain with a light, twisting motion. Repeat if necessary, using the other end. Dust over the area with translucent powder.
You've sneezed before your mascara is dry! Now you look like a raccoon.
Follow the same procedure as above but this time you'll need to re-apply your eye shadow over the newly applied foundation. Be careful not to apply too much or else it will 'cake'.
You've sneezed before your mascara is dry! Now you look like a raccoon.
Smudged lip liner/lipstick.
Smudged lip liner/lipstick.If the smudge is really obvious, you'll need to use a cleanser or makeup remover to erase the damage. For precision, use a Q-tip rather than a cotton ball - and above all avoid rubbing! Re-apply foundation to the area in question, dust with powder, then re-apply lipstick.
Your eye shadow has become all creased and caked.
Remove the thick lines of shadow with a Q-tip. Dust eyelid with translucent powder before re-applying your shadow. To avoid this in future, apply small dots of foundation on the entire eye area and dust with translucent powder before applying eye color. Lids tend to cake and crease when the skin is too moist or oily.
Your eye shadow has become all creased and caked.