HairBlues

Focusing on hair, health, exercise, essential oils, and other healthwise topics

Tag Archives: natural beauty products


by Leave a comment

Healthwise Cosmetics

cosmetics-packaging-353541_1920I must admit when I go into ANY store with cosmetics counters, all those pretty jars, lipsticks, smells and mostly promises, I just can’t help myself with ‘trusting’ what the Brand says it can do. How about you? Are you certain that the cosmetics you’re using on that delicate, beautiful skin of yours is safe?  Do you know where you can find out?  Well, as usual there is an APP for that :). Take a moment to read the post below then use the links to get yourself one of these APPs: Apple users   ****  Android users.  FYI – when I used the APP I found it easier to click the Browse button, browse_ewgwhich  gave a listing of EWG verified products, for example: Sally B’s Skin Yummies.  Sally B’s sells non toxic, organic and cruelty free beauty products.

medical logo

If you assume that any moisturizer, cleanser, shampoo or makeup product you buy at the drugstore or supermarket is safe to use, you’re assuming too much.   According to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), it’s the “responsibility of the manufacturer” to test the safety of its products. Additionally, cosmetic products and their ingredients don’t need to be approved before they hit the market. Source: 6 Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid! | LIVESTRONG.COM


by Leave a comment

Organically Beautiful

canstockphoto1007021How many of you are thinking about using beauty products that are organically produced? Does it make a difference? How can you know if a beauty product is truly organic?  Below are a few things Julyne Derrick, Beauty Expert had to say:

  •  A bottle marked “organic” must contain 95 percent organic ingredients, but those marked “natural” or “made with organic ingredients” may still contain the bad stuff. 
  •  Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database is all you need to find out what beauty products are safe, and which ones get a poor rating.
  • Extra virgin coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil and really, any sort of oil, work great to hydrate skin both on your face and body.

Continue reading →


by 4 Comments

Black Beauties Celebrate Black History Month

canstockphoto4506025[1]For too many generations, beautiful black women worried whether their beauty was something to celebrate.  As a matter of fact, for too long their hair was thought by some to be  a source of embarrassment! canstockphoto15964695[1] Oh my goodness, get caught in the rain and get it wet!  What a disaster!  Flash forward . And how wonderful it is to see today’s young, old, beautiful black women of  many hues celebrate their hair, as well as their beautiful diversity. With that said, as we celebrate African-American beauty, we will bring you tips for taking ‘beautiful’ care of yourself, including your hair.

Click the picture below to see 12 Beauty Blogs for Natural Hair

canstockphoto12974217[1]


by Leave a comment

Remedies for Dry Skin Season

Happy New 2014 Year!  It’s January, which for many of us is dry skin season!  So what can we do?  I searched around for remedies that we can easily use.  As always, check on the link for details.

canstockphoto16100837

  • Take short showers (no more than 10 minutes) and use warm water. “Hot water might feel good on a cold morning, but it strips skin of its natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and itchy,” says David Bank, MD, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, NY.
  • Use creamy cleansers.
  • Opt for mild face and body washes—the milkier looking, the better. Steer clear of harsh detergents such as triclosan and ammonium lauryl sulfate; instead, check the label for gentle surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate and cocoamidopropyl betaine.
  • Slather on a rich moisturizer.
  • Postshower, pat skin dry and apply an oil-based cream instead of a lighter lotion to better trap and lock moisture into skin to fight cold weather dryness.
  • To boost absorption, warm your jar of cream in a sink of hot water while you shower.

Moisturize again before bed

  • Hydrating skin at least twice a day is ideal—after a morning shower or bath and then right before turning in for the night. “There’s a slight elevation in body temperature while you’re sleeping, so products seep into skin better,” says Dr. Bank.
  • Slip into gloves and socks at night.
  • Dampen hands and feet, slather on cream, and wear cotton gloves and socks for a few hours or to bed—they’ll block evaporation and help the cream penetrate more effectively, says Dr. Day.

More from Prevention: Best Cold-Weather Skin Tips via Skin Care Beauty Tips for Cold Weather – Prevention.com.

I hope this is helpful! 🙂


by 2 Comments

Native American Beauty Conversations

canstockphoto9030450Some of you may remember our post last year, which gave us ideas for using natural products to enhance our beauty.  As you may recall, those suggestions came from old beauty rituals used by Native Americans.  Well, once again we have found some wonderful suggestions for taking care of yourself using ancient Native American Wisdom.

Native American Beauty Wisdom:  Blueberry Honey? Honeysuckle Chamomile? Body Butters?  These are just a few of the names used for the products made by the Native Wisdom company.  Why don’t you check it out for yourself.  I assure you, it will be a nice learning experience. ♦ Native Wisdom is a 100% Native American owned company. Products are made from the highest quality ingredients utilizing Native American Herbology passed down from  family elders.  The co-owners of the company are three sisters.  The eldest sister, a former chemist for the FDA, did extensive research on herbal products.  The middle sister has over 10 years experience in the skin care industry.  The youngest sister, a dean’s list student pursuing her MBA, specializes in marketing research for the company. via: http://www.nativewisdombeauty.com/index.cfm/fa/pages.main/pageID/2

At Hairblues, we can never get enough information for helping us make our locks easier to manage. Check out what kind of remedies American Indians use for their hair.

American Indian Remedies for Hair

  • Jojoba oil is an extract of the Jojoba plant found in California, Arizona and parts of Mexico. Jojoba oil has been used for hundreds of years by American Indians to moisturize and grow hair. The molecular makeup of jojoba has similar characteristics to the natural oil the glands of the scalp produce. Jojoba oil can be purchased at herb shops and can be applied directly to your hair or you can add a few drops to your favorite conditioner to promote hair growth. Jojoba is hypoallergenic and will not harm your hair or scalp. Aloe vera is another product used by Native American Indians to promote hair growth and is also an excellent moisturizer for your hair.
  • Mix 1/4 cup of wheat germ, 1/4 cup of aloe vera and 1/4 cup of coconut milk and use this product as a natural shampoo. Aloe vera can be purchased at drugstores and herb shops and can also be applied directly to the scalp as it will open pores on the scalp that may have previously been blocked and will allow the hair follicles to grow. The American Indians also used and continue to use several kinds of oils to promote hair growth such as emu oil, rosemary oil, and mustard oil.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/way_5729694_american-indian-hair-grow-remedies.html#ixzz2lj32MFjJ


by 4 Comments

Natural Beauty Conversations

canstockphoto14988903Do you think about whether your beauty is ‘Natural’?  How does one become a ‘natural beauty’ ? What about all the signs fashion and cosmetic experts tell us define beauty?  Does beauty get defined from within?

Well, it turns out that there are  ways to enhance your beauty, as well as other ways to define it.  According to an article I read,  natural beauty can be had without facials, makeup, hair extensions, or the latest fashion item.  Yes, you can have beauty just by doing some, or all,  of the following things:

  • Stop Smoking!
  • Cut down on sun exposure.
  • Stress and depression contribute to aging.
  • Overweight adds to making us look older.

canstockphoto0122697Did you know that people who smile, and laugh are perceived to be younger?  They usually have a more cheerful and younger outlook. Have you ever seen older people who look annoyed, and are, or seem to be, frowning? Chances are they appear older to you.  So keep that positive outlook, it will not only make you feel better, it will make you look better.

Other Suggestions

  • Pursue activities you enjoy.  Remember my post about Yoga and “downward facing dog”?
  • Exercise. Lift weights. Keep active.
  • Travel keeps you active and gives you a younger outlook when you learn and see new things.

Read more at: http://www.well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/30/a-youthful-glow-radiating-from-within/?_r=0

Remember you’re as young as you feel and if you feel young, you will look younger!

I hope this is helpful 🙂


by 2 Comments

Who knew SPF is the Fountain of Youth?

canstockphoto7925768 I am convinced aging is something we should welcome. The opportunity to share our mature years with our family and friends is certainly a blessing.  Nevertheless, not only do we want to be fit, we also want to look our best.  Feeling good about our appearance is important to many of us. So when a study comes out that helps us to do that, we are happy to learn about it.

In a recent study conducted at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia with 903 adults below the age of 55 that regular use of sunscreen show no increase in skin aging.  In fact, the study showed that the adults who used sunscreen daily appeared 24 percent younger than those who did not use the sunscreen daily. Miracle? Maybe :), but I think many of us may consider using SPF protection going forward after hearing about these findings.  you can read more about the study by clicking this link. via Sunscreen – The New Fountain of Youth? | Advanced Dermatology Blog – Dermatologists in NY and NJ.

Below is the scoop on some of the best moisturizers with SPF.  Click on the link for details.spf_creams

  • Sunscreens are essential for skin care day in and day out, 365 days a year. If applied correctly (meaning liberally and reapplied as often as needed), they are the best anti-wrinkle product you can use. In order to make the Best Products list, a moisturizer with sunscreen must: Provide broad-spectrum sun protection and be rated SPF 15 or greater. Help skin fight sun damage. Increase healthy collagen production. Contain a mix of antioxidants, skin-repairing ingredients, and cell-communicating ingredients. Protect skin from environmental damage. Improve skin texture. Contain the appropriate ingredients for your skin type. Not be packaged in a jar via Best Moisturizers With Sunscreen: Beautypedia Skin Care Reviews.
  • When I first got into my SPF obsession (back in my undergrad years of college), I didn’t really feel the need to shell out money for the most expensive brands. I was happy perusing the drugstore aisles for a decent moisturizer. I also wasn’t aware how important having an SPF of 30 was. The best one I found was Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer in SPF 15 ($16.99) (although a SPF 30 one does exist and I recommend getting that one). via Renee Jacques: I Tried Seven Popular Sunscreens And Found The Best One.

I hope this is helpful 🙂


by 2 Comments

“I Feel Bad About My Neck” – Remedies

red neck picThe late, very engaging, innovative, author and playwright, Nora Ephron, said it best, as you may remember from her book title, “I Feel Bad About My Neck”. Many of us spend our time looking for remedies to help us with aging faces. However, she taught us that even with those ‘miracle’ creams, our necks,it turns out, would be our ‘dead giveaway’.

How many of us are beginning to look closer (or not) at our necks?  As we age, it becomes visible that our necks seem to get little attention. That is until we notice that they are looking more weary than our faces.  Not too long ago, I received a request to find out what we can do about our necks.  Below are various suggestions I found on the Web, which I hope will help you in caring for this very delicate part of your body.  One suggestion is to not put perfume on our neck!  Also, avoid certain types of jewelry  in humid weather.  I never heard that, have you? Read on, to learn more.  Don’t forget to click on the links for more details.

Best Natural Skin Care Products for Tightening Neck Skin
Natural Skin Moisturizer to Tighten Neck Skin It is important to keep skin moisturized to plump up lines and wrinkles on neck and to firm sagging skin on neck. Apply moisturizer to keep the natural moisture and oils, which are responsible for the skin’s elasticity and integrity. Moisturizers help keep your skin smooth, supple, and moist; prevent neck wrinkles and tighten flabby skin on neck. Look for a light-weight daily moisturizer blended with natural and organically grown plant extracts like aloe vera, green tea or soy. These natural ingredients help keep the sagging neck skin looks smooth and firm. They can prevent imperfections such as wrinkles, sagging, age spots or thinning, etc. Apply moisturizer to the loose neck skin twice a day in upward strokes to encourage neck tightening and lifting of the loose neck skin. via Tighten Sagging Neck Skin: Best Natural Skin Care Products and Neck Firming Tips | Health Tips 2013.

geisha neckVitamin E Oil Honey Mask for Firming Sagging Neck

You can make use of natural skin tightening oils to firm loose sagging skin on neck. Take two tablespoons of milk and add a few drops of vitamin E oil and honey in to it. Apply this natural skin firming mask to the face and neck and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water for neck tightening. Follow this up by applying a moisturizer. To firm up sagging neck skin, you need to use this homemade neck skin tightening mask every other week.

Do Neck Exercises for Neck Tightening

Performing facial exercises on a regular basis can help in firming the neck muscles and reducing the sagging skin on neck or turkey neck. Try the exercise below and click the link for other suggestions:
Stretch your chin up high and thrust it forward hard. At the same time, pull your head back gradually the farthest you possibly can until you feel a pull on the neck muscles. Repeat this turkey wattle neck firming exercise several times, forward and backward. You will feel the muscles of your chin and the front of your neck tightened. via Tighten Sagging Neck Skin: Best Natural Skin Care Products and Neck Firming Tips | Get a Natural Facelift without Surgery.

pink neckBest Neck Tightening Creams for 2013
As we get older our skin may become thinner, a little saggy, and we may even begin to see wrinkles and fine lines starting to appear. Usually we will notice these problems on our face. However, our neck and jaw line can also start to get these same signs, and it is important to find the right neck cream to help firm and tighten the neck area while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Using a wrinkle cream for you face may not work as well on your neck. via Best Neck Tightening Creams – Turkey Neck Firming Cream Reviews.

♦ Some of the best natural ingredients to look for when buying a night cream for neck tightening are: Cynergy TK, Manuka honey, Avocado extract, Shea butter, and special emollients for nighttime use.via Tighten
Sagging Neck Skin: Best Natural Skin Care Products and Neck Firming Tips  Health Tips 2013.
♦ Protecting your Skin even if you wear sunscreen daily, you should take a few more steps for protecting your skin besides using the right neck skin care products. Avoid make-up and perfume on the neck and be careful about the weather when you wear jewelry. Even silver and gold can leave black marks when worn for extended periods of time on humid days. When you know your skin will be exposed to a lot of moisture,opt for pearls, bends and enamel jewelry. via Aging Gracefully: Neck Skin Care Tips.

helpful neck picI hope this is helpful!


by 1 Comment

Face Rules & Beauty Secrets FYI

hairblues_secrets2  As a BabyBoomer,  (BB) I am often in conversation with other BB’s who are looking for ‘aging remedies’ LOL. But seriously, what are we to do?  Just give in?  Buy the latest and greatest product and expect a miracle to happen?  Well, it turns out that there are some suggestions, which do not cost a great deal of money, and are definitely worth trying.  Following are some ideas that I learned from a book a BB friend sent to me, which relate to face care.

Habits that will save your skin, which are fairly simple:

  • Making sure your hands are clean before you wash your face so you don’t transfer bacteria.
  • When you put cleanser on, massage it into your face and let it dissolve the impurities.
  • Use cotton to wipe away your cleanser  (instead of a cloth).  Someone once told me that it’s best to do this because face cloths and tissues are more rough to the skin.  Especially the eye area.
  • Mineral water will plump up your skin if you spritz your face after cleansing it,  and before you moisturize it. For up to 12 hours!
  • Toner does refresh your skin.  However, you should avoid alcohol-based toners. Choose witch hazel for oily and problem-prone skin, rose-water for dry skin, and chamomile water for normal and sensitive skin.
  • Facial scrubs do help to remove dead skin cells, they also leave skin firm and smooth.
    • Instead of using pads, create your own scrub:  Add sugar to your cleanser and massage it on your damp skin !  Try it once a week.

3 women with faces

In future posts, I will be covering some of the wonderful suggestions I found in this book, but if you’re eager to learn earlier, check out the book:  Face 100 makeup moves, by Carol Morley and Liz Wilde.

I hope this is helpful! 🙂


by 3 Comments

Using Vinegar for Healthy Locks

Like the Seasons… … … … … We Change

Each of us is having a personal experience with our Locks. At times it’s exasperating, let alone, scary. 😦   For those of you struggling to handle your hair loss, I urge you not to give up. Use this as a time of beauty exploration. Treat yourself to a new look. Experiment. Use a new shampoo, or new hair gel, or new hair comb :).  Change is good!  We are the seasons of the universe.  That’s a beautiful thing.

recreate_yourself

How many of you knew that Vinegar can be used to help you with various hair issues?  Do you know that Vinegar has been used to treat hair loss? Below are some of the things I learned about Vinegar use for your hair and what it can do:

  • Restore shine
  • Clean and improve scalp health
  • Reduce dandruff

Check out for yourself what I found at other websites, and what they had to say about Vinegar. Just click on the link at the end of the summary.

Mix up other natural beauty products with vinegar for healthy hair. Use 1 ounce of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 egg for your next shampoo. Put the ingredients in the blender and then use as a shampoo. Rinse it with a complimentary mixture made from herbs and vinegar. Use 1/4 cup fresh lavender (or other herb you favor) with a quart of boiling water poured over it. When the mixture cools, strain out the lavender and add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Use a cup as a final rinse. Store it in the refrigerator in a closed container.via Is Vinegar Good for Your Hair? | eHow.com.

Vinegar for Hair

Most naturalistas are well versed in the benefits of ACV on natural hair, but if you’re not – allow me to fill you in. Vinegar is a great clarifier, and it makes for clean, shiny hair. This simple recipe from Natural Review lets you know what to do, and this vintage BGLH post breaks down exactly why. I usually just rinse my hair at the end with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (Braggs is a popular brand for that), and also using vinegar on my scalp once a month has helped me deal with flakes in the past.via The Beauty Benefits of Vinegar for Hair and Skin | Afrobella.

♣ ♣

HairBlues  Suggestion:

If you don’t want to mix up a potion all on your own, below is a link to an already prepared product I used. The directions were easy to follow. It left my scalp feeling refreshed, and my hair squeaky clean.  The instructions on the bottle recommend that you use it twice a month.  If you have concerns that your hair will smell like vinegar after giving yourself a treatment,  use a nice smelling conditioner of your choice. 🙂

♣ ♣

Our organic apple cider vinegar rinse slows hair loss and promotes new growth by dissolving excess DHT, unblocking hair follicles and stimulating scalp circulation. The acids and enzymes in this treatment may kill the pathogens associated with Alopecia hair loss. via Natural Herbal Hair Rinse for Hair Loss Remedy,Vinegar Hair Loss.

♣ ♣ ♣

I hope this is helpful.  🙂