Thrifty Skin Care Tips

Over the years, I've accumulated several cheap and easy skin care tips.

When I was in my teens, my Grandma Rose, who always looked decades younger than her years,  told me to forget face washing with soap and water or even cleanser, unless I had on heavy make-up or was just soaked in dirt or sweat. Simply use a warm wet wash cloth for cleansing.  Seems squeaky clean  isn't really all that good for sensitive facial skin.

Daily moisturizing is also must to keep skin supple- much like keeping a baseball glove oiled to keep it from cracking.

 Sunblock is also a must. I once had a dark spot near my eye that made me look constantly tired. I paid a fortune for fade cream. The woman I bought if from reminded me that sunblock is a whole lot cheaper than the fix-it. Speaking of sun, wear sunglasses that are UV and UVB protected. Not only will it protect your eyes, it will reduce crow's feet that comes from squinting in the sun.

As for pesky dark circles...after my son was born, part of my discharge pack contained hemorrhoid cream.  I didn't need it, but the nurse assured me I was paying for it whether I took it or not, so I may as well take it home and use it when I had dark circles or puffy eyes. She was right. It works! Just be sure to keep it out of the eyes. For redness or pimples, regular cortisone from the dollar store works as well as pricey creams to shrink the swelling and alleviate the redness.

Speaking of acne...my boys would often suffer from it during football season. Clean the inside of the helmet and the chin strap regularly with rubbing alcohol to prevent acne-causing bacteria build-up. And the best acne preventing soap...far better than the all the expensive stuff...is white antibacterial Dial soap. My dad was scheduled for heart surgery and part of the pre-op prep was to bathe in white Dial. I asked the nurse, why white...they make Dial in yellow too. She said the white was less drying, but killed the germs. Since pimples are mostly caused by bacteria, reduce them- reduce the number of pimples.

For all-over softness and healthy skin, reduce the heat during baths and showers. Moisturize immediately after bathing to trap moisture in the skin. To smooth tougher skin, like heels and elbows soft, exfoliate with a wash cloth or pumice stone after soaking in the tub. Apply moisturizer liberally to feet and pull on a pair of socks until it soaks in. 

Before you go, be sure to share tips and advice. I do enjoy new cheats.

How-to Take a Perfect Selfie

Today we are welcoming Tammy's childhood friend, Lyndsay Johnson! She's going to be talking to us about selfies, a summer idea for kids, and makeup this week! Take it away Lyndsay!

 

Need some help getting a great profile photo or head shot? With the right angle and light, you can take a beautiful photo every time! Here are my top ten selfie tips:

 

 

1. Find a big bright window and stand facing it.The light will make your pores and fine lines look smaller, and erase dark circles and puffiness. Make sure you do not stand with the window behind you, or else you will be back-lit, and in silhouette!

 

2. Hold your phone just above your eye line. Not TOO high, or you get a triangle face. Not too low, or hello double chin. You might want to tilt your head depending on your nose. For example, my nose looks wide when I smile, so I tend to angle my face in my selfies so they aren't straight on. If you have more of a roman nose, or your nose is naturally more slender, a selfie from straight looks beautiful.

 

3. Find your "smile." I can't full mouth smile in a selfie. Otherwise my nose grows and grows (see above). It also brings out lots of smile lines around my eyes. I have a selfie half smile that makes my cheeks look rosy and my nose not overwhelm the frame.

 

4. Ramp up the color just a *bit* if you want to showcase makeup. Bright lighting will wash you out. So you might need an extra pop of blush on your cheeks.

 

5. In a selfie rut? Take a drive. Wonder why you always look amazing in a car selfie? It's the light coming in from all sides! Unbuckle your seatbelt, try to hide the carseat in the background, and SMILE (with your special selfie smile). 

 

6. Experiment with different poses. Different poses show off different features! Remember that smart phone optics are different than a regular camera. So just keep trying if you aren't loving your angle or post.

 

7. COMPLETELY AVOID bathroom light! It will age you, and accentuate lines, wrinkles, and bags that aren't there...not to mention the lighting will make you look orange, yellow, or even greenish!

 

8. Avoid using the camera on your computer to take a selfie. They will give your face an ominous glow and make you look scary because of the low angle and glow from the screen!

 

9. Take a trip around your house (inside and out) to find the best natural, indirect light. Avoid harsh sunlight or full shadows!

 

10. Remember that you are beautiful, and that confidence will shine through any photo!

 

WANNA SEE THE VIDEO?? *CLICK HERE* to fast track to a video tutorial of these 10 tips!

 

*come back Wednesday where Lyndsay gives a creative game idea to keep kids/Mom sane this summer!*

 

Lyndsay Johnson is a stay/work/play-at-home-mom to three littles. She is a graphic designer, author, and beauty maven who helps women gain confidence and grow their business through social media. She loves secret naps, watching movies in the dark, and admiring the mountains out her window. She lives in Heber City, UT with her children and filmmaker husband.

Lyndsay’s Blog: www.lyndsayjohnson.com

Lyndsay’s Beauty Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615220915368450/

 

 

Procrastination Tip

Here's a tip I've learned from last minute, way too far behind, desperation.

You've had all day to wash your hair, but you didn't. Now a friend wants you to meet her at the mall and maybe grab dinner. You have four options:

1. Wash and blow dry leaving your friend waiting so long she regrets ever calling you.
2. Go greasy. (Gross.)
3. Go wet. (You can bet it will dry either fuzzy or flat...enjoy.)
4. Dry shampoo.

That's right- dry shampoo. It's not just for Fido. They make it for humans too.

You can pick up a can at Walmart. Or any drug store or online store, but if you're anything like me, you're going to be in Walmart fifteen times this week trying to remember all the things you forgot to get the first time you went there.

A bottle of dry shampoo is as cheap as a bottle of real shampoo, but it takes an eighth of the time.

And no, I'm not suggesting you stop bathing, but if you're like me, my hair is dry and curly. If I wash my hair daily, it strips the natural oils and before you know it, I'm looking like Roseanne Rosannadanna.

You do remember Roseanne Rosannadanna, right? If not...



She's hilarious. The hair? Not so much.

Thick, course hair is actually more manageable on the unwashed days. If you're planning an updo or want a head of manageable curls...don't wash it. Now, nobody wants to be stinky. That's where the dry shampoo comes in handy to absorb the oils and smells.

Here's how it works:

*Brush hair, but  don't over brush. Just get the tangles out.
*Spray hair toward the root without spraying directly on the scalp. If you get the spray too close, you'll get powder puddles.
*Allow to dry completely. Maybe spray hair first, then do make-up while it dries.
*Bend over. Finger comb and fluff the freshly unwashed hair.
*Avoid brushing. Brushing moves the oils from the scalp, down the strands making it look limp and greasy.
*Style and you're ready to go! Now, hurry...you're probably running late!

**Additional note! Be certain to get a spray shampoo that matches your hair color. Not only does it look more natural, but it will help hide those overgrown roots. Now, that's a bonus!!

Enjoy your Monday. Skip the shower. Take a hot bath when you get home.