Beauty: Smooth As A Baby's Bottom

Don't you wish you had skin smooth as a babies bottom??? I do! well....when you put it that way it doesn't sound to attractive but come on, who wouldn't?! There are millions of home remedies making there way to the web but you always have that question in the back of your mind..Does this really work? I've tried a few and I want to let you in on a secret of mine for flawless skin!

Its simple and very inexpensive, all you need: ground coffee, honey, baking soda, 1 un-coated aspirin and water.

Your saying ASPIRIN?? yes aspirin, let me explain.

The salicylic acid in aspirin removes dead skin cells while conditioning the skin and is also used in lots of acne treatments. So if you don't know, NOW you know.

No worries!

Sounds easy enough right?

Ok so here's the scoop

- 1/2 cup lukewarm water.. place un-coated aspirin and let dissolve.

mix in drops of water with ingredients below until paste is made

- Add ground Coffee

- Add about 2 spoonfuls of honey

- 1 spoonful of baking soda

After it turns into a paste apply over full face and rub in circular motions. Leave on for about 10 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Splash face with cold water to close pores.

Remember to MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE!

Beauty: Protect Thy Pretty

Tocca Stella SPF 30 + Sunscreen Towelettes! Tote a 10-pack of these water and perspiration resistant wipes in your hand bag or beach bag. You can use them in any scenario that puts you in direct sunlight. Not only will you protect your face with SPF, but the wipes are blood-orange scented for an added bonus.

Credit: BeautyNewsNyc.com

My 3 Cents

1. Create your own Tea Party

Expand your world and go to sea! No, really drown yourself in a world of adventures. The Map? The desires of your heart.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”- Mark Twain

2. Laugh like a Hyena while making funny faces in the mirror too

“Humor and laughter are amazing tools. They can turn any serious situation into something to laugh about. They can lighten the mood just about anywhere.”- Mark Twain

3. You are who you say You are

You can be anything you want to be. You can be many things. Ive been a Model, TV host, alto-Saxophone Player, Fashion Designer, Teacher, Actress, Personal Assistant, Production Assistant, Store Owner, and I started when I was 15yrs old. There’s no such thing as being to old or to young.

If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not taking risks, and that means you’re not going anywhere. The key is to make mistakes faster than the competition, so you have more changes to learn and win.

– John W. Holt, Jr.

“Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”- Mark Twain

Just My 3 Cents.... Stay Pretty

Beauty: Beware of Outdated Makeup

Beauty: L'Oreal Paris New Face

Recently L'Oreal Paris has announced that Liya Kebede will be representing their beauty empire. L'Oreal Paris has been an excellent example that no matter the race of their spokeswomen, they believe their product will sell.The Ethiopian beauty is joining L'Oreal's star studded roster, which contains, Jennifer Lopez, Freida Pinto, and Beyonce. For more information on Liya's campaign visit http://www.lorealparis.com/

Credit:Jones Magazine

Beauty: Me Face... Give Me Glow

Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser:This soap-free formula gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin. The blend of certified organic, antioxidant-rich white grape and pineapple juices with soothing aloe vera, nutrient-rich grapeseed oil and dissolving jojoba beads gives your skin a brighter, more refined complexion. $22, JuiceBeauty.com

Ren Micro Polish Cleanser: A two-in-one foaming mousse that cleanses and exfoliates, leaving skin looking purified, renewed, and radiance. $30, Renskincare.com

Burt’s Bees Radiance Daily Cleanser: This light lotion cleanser removes dirt, oil and make-up, revealing a smooth and radiant complexion. A gentle plant-based cleansing complex plus jojoba beads and a fruit acid complex help encourage normal skin cell turnover. While royal jelly, one of nature’s most nutritious substances, helps enhance skin’s natural radiance. Your skin appears brighter and younger-looking, naturally.$10, BurtsBees.com

Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads: These dual-textured cleansing pads, moistened with foaming skin-conditioning cleansers and natural Soy, help even out skin tone and texture for brighter, naturally radiant skin. The pad is smooth on one side to lift away dirt, oil and makeup and textured on the other side to gently exfoliate and smooth away dry patches. Oil-free, soap-free, noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic, these pads are gentle enough for everyday use, even on sensitive skin. $7.99, Wallgreens.com

Olay Illuminating Cleanser: Gently eliminates micro-residue for more luminous skin. Illuminating formula with glucosamine, beads and hydrators.$11.99, Olay.com

Red Wine and Lemon Juice: Mix a teaspoon of Red Wine and squeeze a half of lemon together and apply it to a clean face. Let it sit for a minutes then rinse off. Benefits:Red Wine contains a massive amount of antioxidants that are beneficial fighting free radicals, increases elasticity, firms and brightens the skin leaving you with a natural glow.

Old Fashion Milk: Milk contains lactic acid acting as a gentle exfoliater, removing dead outer skin cells and helping reveal new soft ones. Benefits:Will improve skin complexion giving you clear and smooth skin

Coconuts: Washing your face with coconut water will keep it blemish free. Benefits:Hydrates skin and treats acne

Vanilla Chai Tea from Bottlehouse Farms is a smooth blend of soy protein, brewed green tea, and chai spices all naturally sweetened with a subtle hint of vanilla. In addition to energizing the body with a heart-healthy supply of protein, this delicious drink is brimming with nutrients like: 150%Vitamin C, 140% B6 and 140% B12, 25% iron,30% zinc, 30% magnesium

Beauty: The Reverse Effect ….

One of the best things you can do in your daily skin care routine is to wash your face each night before you go to bed. This allows your pores to breathe and repair itself while you sleep.Sleeping in your make-up ages you by 17days, YIKES!

Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod Anti Aging Triple Response System : benefits of three anti aging eye treatments for radiant, younger-looking eyes in just 8 weeks.

• Hydrates and resurfaces to help regenerate surface skin

•Instantly reduces the look of puffiness and circles with its massaging application

• Fills lines and creases for smoother, younger appearance

$22.99, www.Olay.com

Burt’s Bees Evening Primrose Overnight Creme: Evening primrose oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids that naturally promote healthy skin from the outside in. This night cream also enlists the strength of sweet almond, sesame, vitamin E and avocado oils to provide overnight moisturization to tired skin. Plus, it offers the rejuvenating properties of rosehip seed oil, an excellent source of vitamin A. $16.99, Available at Select Stores

Juice Beauty Green Apple Facial Peel : organic fruit acid complex with raw cane sugar exfoliates to reduce breakouts, discolorations and fine lines. Heals while hydrating with rejuvenating algae, vitamins and antioxidants for a smooth, glowing complexion. $39.99, www.juicebeauty.com

Nivea My Silhouette Redefining Gel-Cream : with Natural Bio Slim Complex redefines the appearance of your body contours with white tea. $12.97, walmart.com

by:Nicholas Perricone MD, FACN, CNS, is a board certified dermatologist, award-winning scientistby:Nicholas Perricone MD, FACN, CNS, is a board certified dermatologist, award-winning scientist, inventor and the author of multiple #1 New York Times bestselling books

1.Wild Alaskan Salmon and other cold water fish (salmon, sardines, herring, trout, etc.) are great sources of protein which is necessary to maintain and repair the body-including the skin on a cellular level. Protein cannot be stored in our bodies. For optimum health and cellular repair we need to have a good source of quality protein at each meal.

2. Green Foods. Green foods, help detoxify the body to keep skin clear and radiant.

3. Beans and lentils. Beans and lentils are a superfood for a number of reasons in addition to their high fiber content. When it comes to maintaining beautiful skin and keeping unwanted pounds at bay, beans and lentils are a body’s best friend.

4. Olives and extra virgin olive oil. We need a source of good fats in our diet, fats that will help us absorb nutrients from our vegetables and fruits, keep our cells supple, our skin glowing and wrinkle-free, our brains sharp and our mood upbeat.

5. Green Tea. Green tea contains compounds known as polyphenols which help to eliminate inflammation-producing free radicals. Recently, researchers have found that these polyphenols protect healthy cells from cancer causing DNA damage, while ushering cancer cells to their death.

6. Blueberries. Blueberries have some amazing qualities including the fact that are one of the greatest sources of antioxidants. They also have great anti-inflammatory properties-remember inflammation is not just linked to disease-it is a major cause of wrinkling and sagging in the skin. Blueberries also increase brain power, restore balance and improve memory.

7. Sour Citrus Fruits. This includes citrus like lemons, limes, and grapefruit. All are rich in antioxidants.

Credit:WebMD

Beauty: Acne Prone

Acne is a disorder that affects people of all ages and races. Once thought to be the result of poor diet and bad hygiene, it is now known that the causes of acne are far more complex. Hormonal changes, heredity, stress and pollutants are some of the possible causes for acne.

Juice Beauty Organic Clear Skin : This 30 day supply is the perfect organic solution to clear, healthy skin with four simple steps. Kit includes a clarifying cleansing gel, exfoliating green apple peel, replenishing blemish clearing serum and lightweight oil-free moisturizer. Also includes a bonus eco-bamboo headband. Perfect for oily and blemish prone skin.

KIT INCLUDES:
4 oz. Cleansing Gel
.25 oz. Green Apple Peel, Sensitive
1 oz. Blemish Clearing Serum
1 oz. Oil Free Moisturizer.

$39.00, www.JuiceBeuaty.com

Burts Bees Blemish Stick : This blemish stick contains 10 effective natural herbal ingredients including willow-bark, nature’s version of salicylic acid, which clarifies and gently exfoliates skin to clear pores and help prevent breakouts. Combined with tea tree and juniper oils, known for their antiseptic and astringent qualities, and calendula to reduce inflammation and redness, this concentrated formula keeps your skin clear, naturally. $8, www.burtsbees.com

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay: deep cleanses skin pores, removing dirt and impurities, lifting out poisons and toxins stored in the epidermis; pimples and blackheads are absorbed into the clay bed, resulting in accelerated healing and nourishment of the skin. $7.16, www.vitaminshoppe.om

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Shower Gel : The Shower Gel Lemon tea tree and Community Trade tea tree oil from Kenya contain properties that help fight blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. $13, thebodyshop.com

1. Organic Green Tea – This is rich in an anti-inflammatory chemical called catechins, which helps to combat free radicals and prevent fine lines.
2. Olive oil – good monounsaturated fats like olive or sesame oil contain essential fatty acids that are needed for good health. Fats are an integral part of cell membranes and will help to nourish the skin and give it an inner glow.
3. Walnuts – They are rich in omega-3 oils, another powerful antioxidant that helps to keep the skin plump and flexible. Omega-3 oils are also found in oily fish such as salmon, or in flaxseed oil.
4. Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries are all rich in phytochemicals that are protective of skin cells. You can’t get the same results though, from frozen or preserved fruit.
5. Lemon Juice – It’s a natural bleach and can be used to fade sunspots and freckles. Put a slice of lemon over the spot and leave it for 10 minutes everyday for a week, or exfoliate by rubbing a cut lemon and half a teaspoon of granulated sugar over the skin for a few minutes. Be careful not to get any lemon in your eyes and stop immediately if you get a bad reaction as some people have extremely sensitive skin.
6. Watermelon – Some people believe that rubbing their faces with the rind of a watermelon will give them beautiful skin.There is plenty of truth to this, as the pulp of the fruit is a good exfoliant and watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B and C. The fruit contains a lot of water which serves to hydrate the skin and the gentle massaging action will stimulate lymphatic drainage.
7. Low-Fat Dairy Products – One the most important components of skin health is vitamin A. One of the best places to get it is low-fat dairy products. In fact, experts say that the health of our skin cells is dependent on dietary vitamin A.
8. Whole-Wheat Bread, Cereals and Brazil nuts – Dietary selenium comes from nuts, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs. Brazil nuts are the richest ordinary dietary source. The mineral selenium connects all these foods for healthy skin. Experts say selenium plays a key role in the health of skin cells. Some studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.
9. Yogurt – Yogurt is a very important natural beauty aid. Apply yogurt on the face every morning. Wash it off after a few minutes with cold water. This will keep the complexion smooth, healthy and fresh. A mixture of yogurt and lemon juice is ideal for softening hands.
10. Water – While the exact amount you should drink each day varies, no one disputes the role good hydration plays in keeping skin looking healthy and even young. When that hydration comes from pure, clean water – not liquids such as soda or even soup – experts say skin cells rejoice.

Beauty: Heel to Toe

Strappy Sandal Summer time is near!

Lush Volcano Foot Mask: A power-packed list of ingredients including cinnamon leaf-oil, clay, potatoes, tomatoes and papaya make an all-natural treat for your tired feet. After just ten minutes your feet will feel softer, smell sweeter and seem cooler, all without the spa-sized price tag. For feet which emit toxic gases! This thick effective mask has clays to draw out deep-down-dirt, fresh papaya and lemon for cleansing, deodorizing tomatoes, astringent herbal decoctions and anti-fungal essential oils. $20.95, www.lushusa.com

Ms Manicure- The Smooth Groovy : 2-in-1 Foot Brush & Pumice bristles deliver the best clean in town, while the pumice sloughs away dry skin and calluses to uncover softer skin. Plus, an easy-to-hold handle gives you a sure grip. $2.99, walgreens.com

Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme: natural foot cream combines coconut oil, lanolin and vegetable glycerin to revive and rejuvenate even the driest, most neglected feet. There’s also a hint of natural rosemary and peppermint oils to refresh tired soles. $9, burtsbees.com

Olay Body Thermal Pedicure : Self-heating, exfoliating scrub for soft, smooth, and soothed feet 16.99, amazon.com (This product is currently being discontinued but you can still buy it online at Amazon! This is my all time favorite foot scrub!)

An inadequate diet is the most common cause of brittle chipped nails. Adding more protein and calcium to your diet will help to strengthen undernourished nails and Nail beds.

Biotin/Vitamin H

Biotin (a.k.a. vitamin H) can improve weakened nails. Foods to Try: Bananas, beans, cauliflower, eggs, lentils, peanuts and salmon.

Protein

Protein intake is important for many reasons, notably when it comes to nails. Nails are made of structural proteins known as keratin, so adequate dietary protein is important.Lean meats are the easiest way to pack protein into your diet. Foods to Try: Chicken, eggs, lean red meats, lowfat dairy, nuts, seafood, soybeans and whole grains

Zinc

Zinc is another nutrient active in helping the immune system function properly, and DiBona also notes that it plays an important role in the formation of your connective tissues. Zinc is a component of hundreds of enzymes in the body, some of which regulate the body’s ability to make new proteins that will become building blocks of healthy nails. Foods to Try: Cashews, green beans, lean beef, lobster, oysters and soybeans.

Tippy Toe Tips

• Cut toenails straight across. Never cut into the corner this could cause an ingrown toenail. Gently file away sharp corners or rough edges with an emery board.
• Alternate your shoes each day. Since the feet have sweat glands, your shoes will absorb moisture from your feet, so it is important to allow your shoes to dry out completely.
• Where 100% Cotton Sox’s,They’re best for absorbing dampness, thus preventing fungal infections.
• Make your nails as strong as a horse’s hooves, and take 300 micrograms of the B vitamin biotin four to six times a day. Long ago, veterinarians discovered that biotin strengthened horses’ hooves, which are made from keratin, the same substance in human nails. Swiss researchers found that people who took 2.5 milligrams of biotin a day for 5.5 months had firmer, harder nails. In a U.S. study, 63 percent of people taking biotin for brittle nails experienced an improvement.
• Add a glass of milk and a hard-boiled egg to your daily diet. Rich in zinc, they’ll do wonders for your nails, especially if your nails are spotted with white, a sign of low zinc intake.
• Massage your nails to keep them extra strong and shiny. Nails buffing increases blood supply to the nail, which stimulates the matrix of the nail to grow, says Galvez.
• Polish your nails, even if it’s just with a clear coat. It protects your nails. If you prefer color, use a base coat, two thin coats of color, and a top coat. Color should last at least seven days but should be removed after 10 days.
• Avoid polish removers with acetone or formaldehyde. They’re terribly drying to nails. Use acetate-based removers instead.

haut,” means “nails” in German

Beauty: Pump Up the Hair

Pump up the Volume, Pump up the Shaft…

give your Crown of Glory Body& Soul

Carol’s Daughter, Tui Jojoba and Shea Butter Hair Sheen: A moisturizing hair oil and finishing aid infused with natural botanicals that restore healthy-looking shine and reduce frizz, while nourishing hair. apple a day keeps spots away! This product delivers a faceful of the apple’s awesome ingredients. A natural antioxidant, it increases skin’s radiance while a dose of salicylic acid assists in preventing future breakouts. Skin appears smooth, bright, and clear. $17, CarolsDaughter.com

Ojon,Intensive Volumizing 2-Minute Hair Mask: aromatic herbal-scented body-building hair mask for two minutes and this glossy, body-building soufflé will pump up fine, weak hair. Fortified with nine natural boosters selected for their high content of essential lipids including Ojon oil, Peruvian Amaranth, Brazilian Melscreen Coffee, Meadowflower, and sesame seed oil, this mask boosts the condition of thin, lifeless hair without harsh silicones. $29.50, Ojon.com

Ojon, Volume Advance Volumizing Conditioner: it’s like a protein shake for fine, limp hair. This daily volumizing conditioner fortified with nature’s hair-repairing golden elixir plus Peruvian Amaranth, Lemongrass Extract, Soy and Wheat Protein helps hydrate hair from inside the hair shaft out to increase volume. Special micro-boosters help support and firm fine hair’s structure so it can hold voluminous styles all day. Flat, deflated, pin-head hair poufs up and looks full of itself. Hair is full, soft, and shiny. $23.50, Ojon.com

Foods rich in vitamins E,C,B6, B5 and A are essential in promotion hair growth. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that not only makes your skin glow but improves your scalp circulation, stimulating hair growth.

Vitamin C, also an antioxidant, helps in maintaining the overall health of your hair. Vitamin B6 has a part in the creation of melanin, which is responsible for giving your hair its vibrant color. Vitamin B5 helps prevent premature graying of your hair. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is like vitamin E because it also helps in improving the blood circulation at your scalp. Vitamin A assists in the production of natural oils to prevent your scalp from drying and becoming flaky scalp. Vitamin E is found green vegetables and raw nuts. My personal favorite way to receive vitamin E is eating brocolli with blue cheese dressing or having a Naked Juice in Green Machine. Vitamin C can be found in citrus and juicy fruits such as oranges, lemon and berries. You can get your share of vitamin B6 from cereals, eggs, and beans. Vitamin B5 can also be found in most sources of vitamin B6. Vitamin B3, on the other hand, can be obtained from fish and white meat such as chicken and turkey. Vitamin A, of course, is known to come from carrots, but peaches and apricots are excellent sources, too.

Hair Supplements:

In addition to making lifestyle changes, taking the following supplements every day can boost hair growth for many people:

• Vitamin B-complex – 50 mg. of the major B-vitamins (including folate, biotin and inositol)
• Vitamin B-6 – 50 mg. of vitamin B-6
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E – 400 to 800 IU daily
• Beta-Carotene – 10,000 to 15,000
• One recommended daily dose of magnesium, sulfur, zinc
• Silica (horsetail) – 300 mg. daily
• Flaxseed oil - one tbsp daily or one tablet
• Beta-Carotene – 10,000 to 15,000 IU of beta-carotene daily

Hair Growing Tips:

1. Eliminate or cut back on smoking, caffeine and carbonated sodas which weaken the body and block maximum hair growing potential.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat.
3. Treat your hair like a piece of fine old lace. Treat it carefully avoiding any unnecessary brushing, combing or handling.
4. Avoid use of hot water, hot blow dryers or other hair care tools that may stress the hair.
5. Have a weekly scalp massage to provide stimulation to the hair follicles.
6. Do a series of ongoing hot oil treatments to protect the hair’s shaft.
7. Have regular trims to eliminate split ends and allow the hair to look and feel healthier.
8. Get plenty of rest and sleep to allow your body to grow hair.

FYI: Sleep in a Silk Sleep Bonnet to prevent spit-ends and to retain moisture to the hair .

Beauty: Matte for Spring!

Covergirl LipPerfection in PowderPuff Pink

NYX Soft Lip Cream in Tokyo

CoverGirl LipPerfection in Fairytale

Heavenly by CoverGirl LipPerfection

I know its almost been 2 weeks since my first post, Bad Ashle! but I am back with some Goodies! I know most of you ladies loveeee your lipgloss but for anybody whose looking for a updated look for spring try a Matte lipstick! Its great for full coverage and great for photos because it doesnt give off a glare the same as glossier lipsticks do. It comes in a variety of colors and if paired with a lip treatment ( I love lip salve it conditions the lips as well as being a great prep for any lipstick) it can be just as fun. Most girls think of Matte Lipstick as something from their mothers make-up box, but look at all the great women who believe in the power of a great, bold, matte lips. Marilyn Monroe, Zoe Saldona, Scarlett Johansson and Nicki Minaj. If you want great glam without the hassle of the messiness of gloss go matte! Its also the best choice for photoshoots. Here are some of my favorite Matte lipsticks. For any one looking to experiment with the Matte look on a budget try NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, its not a lipstick and its not a gloss its a cream formula that keeps the lips silky with a Matte Finish. I absolutely love this product. It comes in 11 different shades and is only $6, my favorite color is Tokyo. http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/ . MAC offers a bunch of colors in a Matte finish that cost $14.50 and have speed delivery straight to your door if you are a maven on the move. Try a bold pink like Nicki Minaj would in Candy Yum-Yum or a red tone for all you she-devils in Lady Danger. http://www.maccosmetics.com/. And for all the ladies who like something easy to find locally try a Cover Girl LipPerfection Lipcolor. They come in different shades in choices of Browns, Lilac/Mauve/Burgandy, Nudes/Reds and Pinks/Roses. Retail Price $5.99 and you can find these just about anywhere, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target. Try a shade like Kiss (nude) or Flame (red). And these lipsticks are Fella approved, we all know they hate the stickiness of gloss. Have fun kissing in the spring!

CoverGirl LipPerfection Heavenly, Powderpuff and Fairytale (in order)

All That Glitters, Can Be Gold.

Flirtatious Spring has arrived and as the weather changes for the best, so should your look. Allow a little bit of glitter to enter your beauty box as a blossoming hot trend to warm up your winter blues. You can try Make Up Forever’s Glitter Pots which run around $13 from Sephora to add a glimpse of Sparkle to your eyes or lips. In eye catching colors like Blues and Pinks or even try a color you wouldn’t normally use like Orange or Purple. For eyes just dab a little Vaseline or a neutral colored base on a angled liner brush to allow the pigments to stick to the brush and just line from you’re top inner eye lid to the end just as you would with a eye liner pencil. For a more dramatic look you can also line the bottom lid. Also for the girls who love a good deal try out cosmetic brand NYX’s new product Glitter On The Go which comes in a cute little pot for nearly $6 retailed at beauty stores like Harmon, Ulta or you can just order directly from the website NYX.com. Also for those that don’t like the messiness of a loose glitter beauty Superstore and website, Ulta also offers a variety of great alternatives in different price ranges such as Urban Decay’s Stardust Eyeshadow (Retail price $20), L’Oreal’s HIP - High Intensity Pigments Metallic Duo Eyeshadows (Retail price $7.99), or LA Splash Crystallized Glitter Bliss (Retail price $6.99). And last but definitely not least Lancome has a great eyeshadow for all of you fashion foxes and vicious vixen’s called OMBRE MAGNÉTIQUE by Lancome, running a little more pricey than the rest (Retail Price $25.00) but the colors were inspired by the disco lights of Chez Régine nightclub in Paris.