All posts by Joy Dyer

Joy Noel is a freelance writer, hand letterer, and singer. This Vegas native is known for being a camera toting, acoustic cover enthusiast that is constantly sipping peppermint tea and getting lost in nature. Being most passionate about inspiring others and creating, she uses her background in communications and design to reach people through her writing and art. To see a collective of Joy’s passions, visit her blog at joienoel.com. You can always expect to find a thousand photos on her iPhone, a notebook with a blue-inked pen in her bag, and a tune on her lips. She is currently based in Dallas, TX.

4 Powerhouse DIY Face Masks for Troubled Skin

Let’s admit it – when you’re desperate to fix your face, you’re willing to try any and everything. When it comes to facial products, I’ve been a stranger to nearly none. What I’ve found is that no matter what new product I come across that promises me clear skin in the morning, it’s only nature that can truly get the job done for me. That being said, not all natural remedies are created equally.

These natural face masks are fail-proof for those of us that have to work for our complexions. Whether it’s cystic acne, hyper-pigmentation, eczema, blackheads, sensitive or oily skin you’re dealing with, these four powerhouse pantry ingredients are going to bring your skin redemption. The key is remembering that while there are no overnight fixes, consistent application is going to get your skin to where you ultimately want it to be.

 

Honey Face Mask

Spot-treat and heal the skin
honey face mask

Honey has incredible antibacterial and healing properties. It prevents new acne from forming and actively treats existing acne. It’s soothing and keeps skin supple while it works.

Spread an even layer of honey over your face and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.

This can be used every night, with many people even swearing by it as a face wash.

Honey is a great overnight spot-treatment too, just be sure to keep your hair tucked away and your pillowcase protected. To experience extra-strength healing from honey, try manuka honey, which has the most antimicrobial properties of them all.

 

Egg White + Lemon Face Mask

Lighten, repair, and tighten skin
egg white

Egg whites work to repair tissue damage, tighten pores, and firm the skin, while lemon helps to lighten scarring and discoloration, and to loosen blackheads and whiteheads. If you have sensitive skin, skip the lemon juice altogether.

Mix one egg white and around 1 teaspoon of lemon juice together.

Beat mixture until you create a foam.

Use a makeup brush to apply this mixture to your face.

Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse.

This can be used every other day. 

 

Bentonite Clay Face Mask

Stop acne, exfoliate, and shrink pores
brown clay mask

Consider bentonite clay your body’s plunger and cystic’s acne worst nightmare. Bentonite clay is best known for being able to draw out skins most stubborn toxins, stopping acne flare ups in their tracks, and shrinking pores. It is also an excellent exfoliant.

The classic recipe calls for bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Use a wooden or plastic spoon to mix both ingredients together in a non-metal bowl to form a paste.

Avoid letting metal touch the clay, as it will also absorb properties from the metal.

If you find that the apple cider vinegar is too harsh for your skin, use water to mix with it instead.

You can add essential oils for more benefits or to counteract the smell of the vinegar.

Leave mask on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off in the kitchen sink to prevent clogging!

 

Turmeric Face Mask

Lighten and repair skin
turmeric mask face

Turmeric is an almighty antioxidant with superior anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It effectively reduces skin inflammation in the form of skin conditions such as eczema and works wonders in lightening skin pigmentation. Turmeric’s healing powers help to repair skin damage and scarring. Traditional recipes for this mask call for mixing turmeric powder with yogurt or milk and almond oil. My hands-down favorite mask borrows ingredients from the others in this list with turmeric as it’s star.

Mix equal parts turmeric powder, bentonite clay, and buttermilk powder. (Buttermilk powder contains lactic acid which aids in the exfoliation process and makes skin feel extra soft afterward.)

Add enough honey and milk to make a thick paste.

Using a makeup brush or your fingers, spread this mixture all over your face, avoiding your eyes, and leave on for 15-20 minutes.

How to Honeymoon On A Budget

A wedding is undoubtedly one of the biggest occasions a couple will invest in together. And while there are plenty of smart ways to save on your big day couples are still spending nearly $20,000 on the average wedding in the U.S. With an investment that steep, chances are you might not have much, if anything leftover at all, to spend on an equally fabulous honeymoon to celebrate your newly cemented commitment to one another.

But you don’t have to shell out thousands to have an unforgettable honeymoon experience. In fact, the more you stick with a minimal budget, the happier you both will likely be once you get back home from your own version of paradise and find that there’s still money left to spend. With these budget-friendly suggestions, you’ll still have the honeymoon of your dreams and be able to start your future life together without having any negatives in that bank account.

 

Think off-season locale

While many prefer to have their weddings during the peak season for prime weather, it doesn’t mean your honeymoon has to follow suit, especially when other regions of the globe offer gorgeous weathers temperatures year-round. Traveling during off-peak season translates to cheaper flights, lodging, and getting to explore without having to compete with the crowds. It’s perfectly normal to celebrate your honeymoon during a later date, especially when that means less worries since you get to keep more money in your pocket and you don’t have to penny-pinch when you do travel together.

 

Stay close to home

Have you been able to fully explore the state or country you’re living in yet? Having a fulfilling honeymoon doesn’t always mean traveling far and wide when there are new experiences just a drive away. Research attractions in surrounding towns that you haven’t been to yet, or even stay completely local by having a staycation in your own city. This can even serve as a more romantic and authentic solution for laidback couples who grew their love in the same city. On top of adventuring unchartered local land together, try frequenting milestone locations, like where you had your first kiss, as they’ll feel even more special as a married couple now.

couple beach camping

 

Experience the Caribbean from your own shores

You don’t have to book a flight to an island overseas to enjoy a tropical honeymoon experience when continental shores offer the same sandy beaches, spectacular ocean vistas, and breezy palm trees. While Bali and Fiji are breathtaking, Florida’s beaches and beach towns are just as gorgeous in their own right. Depending on which side of the country you live on, you can drive straight down to the Sunshine State or find bargain flights to Miami from practically any major city in the U.S. Rent a car and enjoy the Florida Keys scenic highway, a 106 mile stretch featuring America’s tropical wonderland. While you’re there, you can go snorkeling, swim with the dolphins, or sway in a hammock as you watch the sun set with your special person by your side.

couple florida keys

 

Consider alternative airports for cheaper international flights

Did you know it’s actually possible to catch a one-way flight to Europe for under $200? With Norwegian Air, you can. The affordable European airline currently flies out of 5 major U.S cities: Boston, New York, Oakland/San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale. If you’re not located in or around any of these hubs, try booking a connecting flight from your home airport for an all-around cheaper deal on your flight. Also, keep in mind that the day you leave can also save you a pretty penny, with mid-week being the optimal outbound flight time. Now you don’t have to miss the opportunity to toast to your love under international skies.

 

Use a honeymoon registry

We can all get by with a little help from our friends. One of the latest wedding trends is swapping the traditional brick-and-mortar wedding registries for a honeymoon registry, where family and friends can donate cash to be used for your honeymoon in place of buying you items you might not need. Honeymoon Wishes, Honeyfund, and Traveler’s Joy are among the most popular honeymoon registry sites that you can join. Simply include your registry page URL to your wedding website so guests know they have the option of chipping in for your unforgettable honeymoon experience, a gift they’ll know will be put to good use.

 

Utilize price-monitoring apps and book ahead

The beauty of a honeymoon is the flexibility of getting to take it when YOU want to or are ready to, as opposed to a set-in-stone wedding date. With flight price tracking apps and booking ahead, you can be sure you’re getting the absolute best deal on flights for your honeymoon. Set the notification features to “on”, sign up for price alert emails, and sit back and get real-time monitoring and updates straight to your phone once prices drop to your desired destination. Among the best flight-tracking apps are Hopper, Airfarewatchdog, Hipmunk, Jetradar, and Skyscanner.

couple laptop

 

Pay attention to travel deals and all-inclusive packages

When looking for ways to save on a dollar, finding a good honeymoon package that can save you hundreds of dollars is definitely worth the search. Plus, it takes the stress out of itemizing your trip by grouping together major purchases like flight, hotel, car, and other amenities. Cruises are also a great option, as food and lodging is already included in the price. Don’t forget to check on super-saving sites like Groupon for can’t-pass-up travel deal steals as well.

woman cruise ship

 

Sleep cheap, live large and local

Next to air-fare, lodging is the next big area you save most when traveling on a budget. Instead of staying at an expensive hotel, look into staying with the locals with Couch Surfing, a company that connects you to residents who are willing to offer you free accommodation, while serving as a trusted guide to the ins and outs of their city. Get more bang for your buck when you eat like a local, too. Sites like EatWith pairs you with local down home chefs who host you in the comfort of their own personal tables, their homes. Share your love over good eats and good conversation.
 

Pool your resources

Become the ultimate coupon-er of honeymoon budgeting by cashing in on any resources you might have so you can pay the least amount possible. Milk that credit card you’ve swiped to the bone for your wedding day for airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other upgrades, and use up those frequent flier miles now.

10 Tips for Scoring Your Best Selfie

Can you even remember a time when the front-facing camera didn’t exist? In today’s world, it’s hard to come across someone who doesn’t know what a selfie is, or hasn’t taken one (or two… or three…or 1,000) themselves. Whether you’re taking a selfie to show off your new spring-do (which is what I did), or simply because you look picture-worthy good, these tips will help you put your best face forward!

Tip #1: Clean your camera lens

Ladies if you’re reading this, I’m sure you can relate to impossible-to-wipe-off makeup that gets smudged everywhere — especially your phone. I often find myself asking to use my guy’s phone, just because I swear his camera is that much clearer than mine (even though we both have the same phone). To get your best selfie, you’ll need the clearest quality photo. So first thing’s first, give you lens a good wipe down.

Tip #2: Have great lighting that’s in front of you

Amazing lighting is what’s going to make or break your selfie. Be sure to keep the light in front of you, and focus on natural light for the best results. For my selfies, I simply stood in front of my patio door to get the right light.

Joy Dyer Selfie

Tip #3: Find the sweet spot

This requires a bit of moving around. Although you might have great lighting in front of you, it might not always translate well onto your selfie. I always like to tap the screen on my iPhone so the camera knows just where to focus, and the light is well-balanced and not sitting brightly behind me.

Tip #4: Don’t drown in your background

Of course, your face should be the main focus of your “selfie”, so be sure you’re not competing with a distracting background (such as a messy bedroom or a place with a lot of activity/people behind you) and find a background that will compliment you. Alternatively, sometimes a cute background will make your selfie that much better and make you want to pull out your phone to take one in the first place (think: a cute, dainty café or a decorative wall mural).

Tip #5: Chin down, phone up

To ensure those features look as steamlined as possible, remember to keep your chin down, and hold your camera slightly higher than face level for an easy, simple contour.

Tip #6: Work your best angles

If your left profile is your best profile (like it is for me), then by all means, you’ll want your selfie to capture that side of your face! If you struggle with getting a good full-frontal face selfie, then find your own “duck face”, which is any kind of pout that will create the illusion of cheekbones and a more symmetrical-looking, confident face.

Joy Dyer Selfie

Tip #7: Look at yourself, not the camera

I find that when I look at myself on the screen when I’m taking a selfie, rather than at the camera lens, the end result ends up looking more natural and my eyes look more relaxed, rather than staged. This is the same reason why, even though the resolution is much clearer, I choose to stay away from the back-camera.

Tip #8: Do whatever you need to feel confident

The best selfies are taken when you feel your best. So whether you need to throw some waves in your hair and put highlighter on, or grab that adorable new sun hat and off-the-shoulder top you just bought, do it! There are no hard and fast rules with this one. Whatever you feel like you need to do that will boost your confidence, is what you should do. I even find myself throwing my hand on my head (like I did below) just because it feels more natural to me and helps take away any awkard-ness I might be feeling mid-selfie.

Tip #9: Embrace your signature pose

Chances are, if you don’t know what your signature pose is, your friends will be able to tell you. Whether that’s a huge, beautiful teethy smile, puckered lips, or eyes that smize, keep to it and rock it! This is your selfie after all, and you want it to be undeniably you.

Tip #10: Edit to perfection

There’s nothing wrong with getting a little help, or as I like to call it “adding some juice” to your photos. If there’s one app you want to be using for your selfies, and one app alone, it’s Facetune. Some of the features include blemish eraser, whitening, clone stamp (patch tool), detail highlighting, and more. I personally love to use the detail tool to make my eyes or other little detail, like my necklace or arm candy, pop ever so slightly in my selfies. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

6 Lifestyle Changes That Can Seriously Improve Your Skin

While we can probably all agree that there are some beauty products that we can’t live without, we ultimately know that achieving great skin starts with good, consistent habits. And much like a regular skincare routine, these changes will require some upkeep to make noticeable changes, but simply consider it as part of a daily routine to maintain your best skin possible! Here are six simple lifestyle changes you can start making today, for skin that will start to glow tomorrow.

 

1. Wash your face with “soft” water

At least 85% of water in the U.S. is hard water. What’s hard water? It’s water that has a high dissolved mineral content. The high mineral content prevents soap-like products from creating a rich lather and allowing substances to properly dissolve, which ultimately leaves a soapy residue on our skin. The residue that’s left can lead to clogged pores, skin irritation, and even acne.

steamy shower

While it might feel a bit strange, try using a bowl of distilled water or bottled water to wash your face. It may just be the trick in finally healing your acne. You’ll also want to cleanse your face and neck with distilled water after you’ve showered, as the residue from your shampoo and conditioner is likely to be left on your face and possibly clogging pores.

 

2. Wear your hair up while you snooze

The natural oils in our hair, not to mention the products we put on it at night, throughout the day, and even shampoo and conditioner, can all end up on our skin. Products that end up on our face can clog your pores and cause irritation, and means you might wake up with unwanted breakouts. To avoid this, keep your hair out of your face by putting it up into a loose ponytail or bun before bed.

 

3. Invest in silk pillowcases, and wash them weekly

The smooth fabric of silk works wonders at keeping the skin’s moisture intact, preventing creases and wrinkles, unlike cotton which causes more friction and resistance. A hypoallergenic silk pillowcase further works to ensure the fabric won’t irritate the skin. Other benefits of silk? It adjusts to your rooms temperature, keeping you cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and leaves you hair silky smooth in the morning.

It’s extremely important to wash pillowcases on the regular, too. We spend the bigger bulk of our days collecting oil, grease, and dirt that gets left behind on our pillowcases and ends up accumulating and spreading even more bacteria on our face. Pillowcases should get a good wash at least once a week to avoid transferring all of that grime back onto your face.

 

4. Wash up before and after your workout

If you choose to forego cleansing your face pre-workout, you risk clogging your pores by sweating up against all of the oil, dirt, debris, and makeup that is on your skin. Even when you use a towel to wipe away your sweat after a good workout, if you didn’t start with a fresh face, you’re actually pushing dirt and debris further down into your pores, leading to enlarged pores, collagen breakdown, and future breakouts.

sweat workout woman

Alternatively, if you skip a post-workout shower, or at least a good hair rinse, you’re allowing the sweat build-up to sit on your hairline and clog pores. Aim to wash up within half an hour of your workout, and while it’s tempting to run errands in your fashionable gym wear all day, be sure to change out of sweaty workout clothes right away.

 

5. Start sleeping on your back

Unfortunately, there is such a thing as “sleep wrinkles”, and they form once skin is constantly compressed against your pillow night after night and also causes decreased elasticity. Sleep  wrinkles disappear on younger skin, but are there to stay with aging skin. The key to preventing them is sleeping on your back. Not only does sleeping on your back prevent wrinkles, it also allows for clearer skin (because skin isn’t in constant contact with the dirt and bacteria on your pillowcases or sheets throughout the night), firmer skin, and even better back alignment.

 

6. Wipe your cell phone down regularly

 Our cell phones are easily one of the things with which our hands are in contact most throughout the day. And though it’s not visible to the human eye, our phones are covered in  bacteria. When you push your phone against your face to make a call, you put your skin in direct contact with that bacteria, and the pressure causes you to sweat and trap oils in the process. If you use headphones to make your calls, the dirt and oils from your phone still accumulates onto your hands, making it to your face sooner or later. Excessive cell phone use can even effect the definition of your jawline, as there is a constant downwards tug on the delicate lower skin of the face.

cell phone toilet

Ideally, phones should be cleaned daily for clear skin. Spritz a microfiber cloth with alcohol and wipe your phone down all over. In addition to that, remove your case and thoroughly clean the rest of your phone once a week.

Spring 2017’s Hottest Hair Trends

From wispy waves, golden bronde tones, and voluminous texturized bobs, these are the hottest hair trends and styles that are going to be popping up on the streets and your social feeds this spring. Get ready to screenshot this list, you’ll want to show one of these to your hairstylist at your next appointment.

 

Wispy Waves

wavy hair

An edgier take on those gorgeous loose waves, flat waves add texture and movement while still beautifully framing your face. An easy way to get this look is to quickly run a flat iron through curls, or to simply straighten ends. Spritz in a texturizing spray for an extra punch.

 

Blunt Medium-length

demi lovato

 

This medium-length hairstyle is the perfect solution for those with finer hair looking to achieve more volume and a healthy mane. Blunt ends round out this style, creating a full and ultra-voluminous look.

Layered Lob
olivia munn long bob
The layered lob is a playful, wistful take on the popular cut that works on everyone. Adding in a ton of dimension and movement, this style looks best when hair is waved slightly.

Curly Chop

 

curly chopped hair

This statement bob highlights those gorgeous natural curls by creating a youthful and playful look with this perfect chopped length. Curly bangs work well on this stylish-do too, just check out Victoria’s Secret model Alanna Arrington’s bouncy ringlets that commanded all of the attention during last year’s VS show.

 

Un-done Bun

undone bun hair

The great thing about the un-done bun is the messier, the better. With the weather warming up, this will be the go-to style for keeping hair out of the face in an effortless, natural and adorable way.

 

The Heavily Parted

heavily parted hair red carpet

The quickest way to add “oomph” and volume? Flipping your hair over to the side! Not only will it give your overall look some serious edge, but this sassy deep part enhances any type of hairstyle and as an added bonus, camouflages sweat and oily roots.

 

Sleek and Center

 

center part hair

Straight styles that are parted in the center are a favorite style when the goal is to look clean, polished, and fierce. Sleek locks can either understate or enhance loud-prints, like heavy florals common in Spring fashion (hyperlink: https://beyondwords.life/spring-2017-color-palette/) or other bold outfits and accessories. The face is the focus with this hairstyle, so let it shine.

 

Golden Bronde
Beautiful young woman portrait smiling posing attractive blond with flying hair on gray background. Studio shot.
The love-child of bombshell blond and rich brunette, bronde is the happy medium that sun-kisses that old winter complexion without washing you out. The reason why bronde is having its moment in 2017 is because it compliments a variety of skin-tones while satisfying indecisive minds, being a versatile shade you won’t easily tire of.
Flattering Fringe

fringe bangs
Not quite sure you want to commit to a chop, layers, a change of shade, or if you want to grow your hair out altogether? That’s the void bangs fill best. A simple fringe can change up your entire look by adding personality and removing some weight from those single-layer locks. Bangs easily spruce up virtually any other style as well, from long to short styles, pin-straight to curly.

Natural Cold Remedies You Can Find In Your Pantry

Not one for over-the-counter flu medicine, week long antibiotic prescriptions, or sleepy cough syrups? Me neither. Have you heard of the saying, “Nature heals, and the doctor helps”? Well, good thing for us all-natural enthusiasts, practically everything we need to fight a cold is already sitting pretty in the kitchen pantry. Whether it’s the winter cold, changes in weather, or a bug in the air that’s got you feeling less than stellar, head to the pantry and try out these seven effective natural cold remedies to revive your immune system naturally. Nature heals, the doctor helps.

 

Ginger + Turmeric

There is no better duo than ginger and turmeric when it comes to fighting inflammation and used together, they’re a one-two punch. Powerful on their own, ginger has antiseptic properties and is loaded with vitamin c and magnesium. Turmeric, with its superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has become a popular natural remedy for nearly anything. These roots are immune-building and help fight colds as well as nausea.

ginger tea

Ginger-Turmeric Tea

1 tsp freshly grated turmeric

1 tsp freshly grated ginger

1 tbsp raw honey

¼ tsp black pepper

Bring a pot of water to boil. Put grated turmeric and ginger inside and reduce to medium-heat, allowing to steep for 10 minutes. Strain liquid and add honey and pepper. Note: Black pepper aides the body in absorbing the turmeric and ginger, as well as helping to dissolve mucus. Coconut oil can be substituted for black pepper for a milder taste as it has the same absorbing abilities.

*Recipe from naturalnews.com

 

Lemon

Long known for its ability to fight and cure infections, lemon is a powerful antioxidant packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. It’s phlegm-reducing properties works best at soothing and healing a sore throat. To use, squeeze fresh lemon juice into tea or hot water with a spoonful of honey. Want to take it up a notch? Make it a “Hot Toddy” by adding two tablespoons of bourbon.

 

Orange Juice

Did you know that one small orange has 50 mg of vitamin C? And that’s without any side effects. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C boosts the immune system and is used to treat a variety of illnesses. Make the ultimate cold-busting elixir by mixing orange juice with fresh ginger juice and apple cider vinegar.

 

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is incredible stuff. Though acidic, it actually neutralizes ph levels in our body which make it hard for flu germs to grow. It prevents the cold virus on top of treating it, kills fungus, and aides in digestion. Add 2-3 tablespoons to 8oz of room temperature water. Mix in honey to mask the taste if you find it to be too strong on its own. Let this mighty ACV drink become a staple in your daily routine. It’s a preventative measure to fend off the flu  and promotes optimal health benefits like lowered blood pressure and heart health to name a few.

 

Honey

Sweet, magical honey, what is it you can’t do? Antibacterial, anti-viral, and immune boosting, honey fights infections on multiple levels, making it difficult for bacteria to develop a resistance. On top of that, it kills different types of bacterias. Add raw honey to tea, hot water, or eat a spoonful before bed.

 

Garlic

There’s plenty to brag on garlic for. A study from Washington State  University showed that garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics. It’s antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties make this powerful antioxidant the ultimate go-to when you’re under the weather. One popular folk remedy includes eating a spoonful of raw, chopped cloves or gnawing on it whole! While admittedly not for the faint of heart, milder methods include mincing garlic and letting it rest for 15 minutes to take the strength down a notch. You can also add honey or olive oil on top of the crushed garlic, to neutralize the smell/taste, and take it down with a small piece of bread or cracker. You could make a garlic tea by steeping sliced garlic in boiled water for five minutes and adding honey.

garlic

 

Green tea

Chock full of antioxidants, polyphenols, and nutrients, green tea is able to hinder the growth of certain bacterial species that make you ill. Often referred to as the healthiest drink in the world, keeping this tea in your daily rotation is sure to keep infections away. Try incorporating matcha green tea into your health arsenal as well, which is thought to tote even greater health benefits than other green teas.

green tea

 

Vegetable + Bone Broth

Loaded with vitamins and minerals, vegetable and bone broth are excellent at fighting infection and soothing sore throats. Finding something to eat when you’re sick, that won’t irritate a sore throat and still give you the nutrients you need, is a stressful task. Broths solve that problem and have historically been consumed during fasting. Plutarch and Benjamin Franklin both agreed, fasting and rest are the greatest medicine you can take when ill.

 

Cinnamon

Don’t overlook cinnamon as just another spice. It’s actually one of the most potent antioxidants on the planet. Take a teaspoon of raw honey and add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon to knock out a cold fast.

The Best Foundation for Acne Prone Skin

Acne sufferers, we get the struggle. All too well we know of the losing battle that happens when you need to wear makeup to cover up embarrassing spots, only to break out even more from putting it on in the first place. And while it can feel like an endless, frustrating cycle, it doesn’t have to be when you find makeup that’s designed to keep pesky flare-ups at bay. The key is avoiding products with aggravating ingredients that will be too harsh on your acne prone skin.

What Causes Acne in Makeup?

Since acne develops due to factors like bacteria, oil production, and clogged pores, it’s necessary to skip out on ingredients that will further exacerbate these factors. “The main mechanism by which cosmetic ingredients cause acne is through occlusion of pores,” says New York dermatologist Dr. Arielle Nagler.

The pore-clogging ingredients commonly found in makeup products are alcohols, silicones, petrolatum and lanolin, oils (such as mineral and coconut oil), and fatty acids.

woman with acne prone skin

What Ingredients to Look for (and Avoid)

Avoid products that are comedogenic. Look for formulas that aren’t alcohol-based (listed as SD or denatured alcohol), are oil- and fragrance-free, and steer clear of thick or solid products.

While it can be tempting to use the fullest coverage makeup to cover up those stubborn red areas on your acne prone skin, these formulas tend to be the most clogging. Look for ingredients like aloe, retinols, and vitamin A. These ingredients can help improve the rate of cell turnover on the skin and prevent zits from forming.

With our list of the best foundations for acne prone skin below, you can feel confident in your skin while still letting your pores breath.

1. Covergirl Clean Foundation ($6)

2. Honest Everything Cream Foundation ($30)

3. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream ($29)

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation ($36)

5. Inika Certified Organic Liquid Mineral Foundation ($65)

6. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation ($49)

7. Physician’s Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Tinted Moisturizer ($10)

8. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 – Oil Free ($44)

9. COVER FX Natural Finish Foundation ($40)

10. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup ($28)

Fashionable Workout Jackets: Look Chic While You Break a Sweat

Thanks to the rise in designer athleisure, women can now wear their workout gear as everyday-wear  on-the-go. From running errands, waiting in line for coffee, brunching, or even happy hour, wearing athletic wear all day has become completely acceptable, and we’re all better for it. Take it from the studio to the street with these trendy workout jackets that allow for undeniable style and maximum stretching!

 

Bilberry Mock Full Zip Jacket – Lukka Lux

jacket3

Rooted in NYC, Lukka Lux is an up-and-coming activewear brand that offers high-end athleisure apparel with flare. With faux leather and tech fleece details, this winter staple of theirs in black onyx hugs all the right places, provides the necessary flexibility, and looks effortlessly cool.

Shop here / $118.00

 

Paola Puffer by Fabletics  

jacket1

Led by her desire to help other women lead active and healthy lifestyles, Kate Hudson co-founded the popular and affordable activewear company Fabletics in 2013. Their Paola Puffer jacket in velvety texture rose print and water-resistant fabric makes this a win-win for outdoor activities, whether it be your morning run or running out to your favorite stores to shop.

Shop here / $95

 

Essential Fitness Jacket – CALIA  

Another successful celebrity founded fitness apparel line, Carrie Underwood created CALIA to make it easier for herself and other women to “work in working out”. CALIA’s “Essential Fitness Jacket” is the classic choice. Its slim fit full-zip design with a high neck gives coverage and simple style, and the thumb holes keep sleeves in place during any activity.

Shop here / $79

 

Lupin Full Zip Jacket with Bubble Mesh by Lukka lux

 jacket

Another Lukka Lux classic, this all optic white Anti-matter is a head-turner. With bubble mesh backing, faux leather detail, and a racer silhouette fit, you’ll look as good as that workout makes you feel.

Shop here / $118

 

Fleeced Cold Zip-Up by Lululemon Athletica

LW4AC9S_8650_1

Leading athleisure line Lululemon Athletica is a billion dollar yoga empire, and it’s not hard to see why. Thanks to you, Lululemon, freezing temperatures can’t hold us down.

Shop here / $128

 

Cozy Karma Asym Hoodie by Athleta

athleta jacket

Athleta, the mega-successful athleisure company, upholds even greater values and a powerful mission. With a focus on the “Power of She”, they work to source sustainable materials for their products, such as recycled polyester and organic cotton, and to ignite a community of active and confident women who empower each other to reach their potential and feel beautiful while doing it. Inspired by the studio to-and-fro’s, their asymmetrical zip hoodie is made with an ultra plush inner lining and oversized hood for maximum coziness, warmth, and style.

Shop here / $118

 

Track Jacket by Lucy

lucy track jacket

Fashion-forward activewear company Lucy was created for women who love to move, in the name of any and all athletic and leisure pursuits. Their high collar track jacket with eye-catching black abstract floral print is breathable and dynamic. With a four-way stretch and moisture-wicking fabric, you’ll be equipped and flashy enough for any activity.

Shop here / $89

8 Celebrity Fashion Lines We Love

We’ve seen it done plenty of times before. A celebrity branches out of the space they’re known for to dabble into other realms such as fashion or retail. And whether it’s an exploration of a true, long-held passion or theirs, or an extension of their empire and brand, not all celebrity endeavors gain similar success across the board. The following lines don’t have their famous founders slapped on the tag, but their creators can all legitimately boast “designer” as one of their working titles. These celebrities who gained fame elsewhere show it’s possible to successfully crossover and be authentically known for something other than their rise to fame. Here are eight lesser known celebrity clothing lines with not-so-obvious famous backings that you’ll actually love to wear.

 

Paper Crown

Founded in 2010 by former reality star Lauren Conrad, who many might remember as being one of the main characters from MTV’s “Laguna Beach”, and partner Maura McManus. Some hardcore fans of the show might recall episodes where “LC” was followed through internship at teen vogue. Now a bonafide fashion designer, Conrad has two lines under her belt, LC Lauren Conrad (sold exclusively at Kohl’s), and Paper Crown. Paper Crown was created for the everyday chic girl. It takes a modern spin on classic style, with fabric focused pieces that can easily become staples in the contemporary woman’s closest. It’s best described as fresh, elegant and ever feminine. They even have a stunning bridesmaid collection to boot!

 

Draper James

Actress and Southern sweetheart Reese Witherspoon started Draper James (adorably named after her grandparents Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon) to honor her Southern heritage. As Reese explains, her grandmother didn’t have very many dresses, but she always knew how to make them look pretty with elegant accessories and a matching purse in hand. In her brand, she works to capture all of the romance, charm, and elegance that’s signature to the South and her grandparents who taught her the importance of style and being a lady. Nearly half of the company’s products are made right here in America, too. “Be charming if you can; witty if you must. But always have grace.” With a mission statement that’s sweeter than sweet tea, it is only polite to check out their line. You’ll be, as they say in the South, pleased as punch you did.

 

The Row

Established in 2006 by former child actresses turned American fashion designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, THE ROW brand has expanded to include ready-to-wear, eyewear, handbags, and footwear. The pieces offered are made to embody a sense of relaxed style with timeless, classic elegance. The line embodies simple luxury, and part of its mission is to support high-end manufacturing in the US. Some of the sisters’ accolades include being named Womenswear Designers of The Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in both 2012 and 2015, and the title of CFDA Accessory Designers of the Year in 2014.

 

Seven7

Comedian, actress, and body positive Melissa McCarthy eagerly jumped at the opportunity to create a fashion line for women because she saw through dressings for different red carpet events, a void in the market for women of different shapes and sizes to have high quality and stylish clothing. She wants women everywhere to have fun dressing up all over again, regardless of what size you are. And because she believes shopping should never make you feel bad, she created Seven7 to be designed to fit, fashioned to flatter. Just when you thought you couldn’t love her anymore, right?

 

Alice + Olivia

Stacey Bendet, designer and wife of film producer Eric Eisner, founded the New York based contemporary clothing company Alice + Olivia with a University of Pennsylvania classmate back in 2002. Inspired by Stacey’s love of art, music, vintage culture, and the women around her, Alice + Olivia is a colorful ode to the whimsical and imaginative. Bendet’s philosophy and personality can be clearly seen within many of the line’s pieces. With a strong desire for women empowerment, her company employs close to 400 women and their Instagram is filled with inspirational girl power messages.

House of Harlow

Originating as a jewelry line that’s recently expanded to include clothing and other accessories, House of Harlow was founded and created by television personality, actress, and daughter of musician Lionel Richie, Nicole Richie. The former “Simple Life” star’s brand can be described as anything but plain and simple. Richie infuses her boho-chic style into each of House of Harlow’s designs. REVOLVE recently teamed up the fashion designed to create a line inspired by her free-spirited style, love for music, and L.A. In 2010, Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 line earned her the 2010 Glamour “Entrepreneur of the Year” aware. The brand currency has over 350k followers on Instagram.

 

William Rast

Founded by our favorite former boy band-er Justin Timberlake, along with co-founder and longtime BFF Trace Ayala, William Rast began as a premium jeans line in 2006. It has now evolved to include other menswear items and a women’s line as well. The name is a combination of JT’s grandfather’s first name and Ayala’s grandfather’s last name. Noticing a trend of brand’s being named after grandparents here? The singer/songwriter and actor explains that to understand the brand, you must understand the roots of their hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. While Memphis is home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, Nashville down the road is the cornerstone of country music. It was only natural that the brand was influenced by and merged the different genres. The brand is now available at new retailer’s like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Belk, and Bloomington.

 

Pair of Thieves

Cash Warren, film a producer who is otherwise most lovingly known as Jessica Alba’s hilarious hubby, founded the premium socks brand Pair of Thieves with partners and classmates Alan Stuart and David Ehrenburg. Warren gravitated toward sockwear due to an obsession of wanting to wear funky socks all time, such as putting them on to play basketball in high school. Not particularly confident of their own fashion sense, the guys agreed that for most men, “socks are one of the few items that you can wear a little bit louder, a little bit funkier, and perhaps a little bit edgier, than the rest of your outfit”. A subtle way to show off your personality, the line creates socks that are both fashionable and durable, something they know athletic men need from a good, stylish sock. The brand isn’t exclusive to men however, and includes socks for women, children, and infants alike! They have also expanded to include underwear. Look for these during your next target run!

Ditch the Chemicals: 7 Natural Ways to Color Your Hair

A fan of changing up your look with a new hair color, but not of chemicals with impossible-to-pronounce names that come with the modern dyes in salons and at-home kits? The side-effects from regular exposure to the dangerous ingredients in the dyes you use to color your hair can include dry hair and damaged follicles, allergic reactions such as itchy scalp, rashes, and dandruff, to more serious conditions like asthma and cancer risk. With these seven natural methods of coloring your hair, you can color to your heart’s content without once having to sacrifice your health for beauty!

 

1. Coffee

Coffee is great for naturally darkening hair, covering greys, or adding dimension to brunette tresses. Brew 1-2 cups of strong organic coffee (organic coffee will have less preservatives and work more effectively) and let cool. Mix with 2 tablespoons of ground organic coffee and enough conditioner to fully saturate hair. Leave mixture in hair for up to an hour and rinse. For more noticeable results, rinse with apple cider vinegar. You may need to repeat this application for more noticeable or desired results.

 

2.  Teas

brown hair

Similar to coffee, black tea can darken hair (as well as help reduce shedding) while other teas like chamomile help lighten hair. Rooibos and red hibiscus tea work to add vibrancy and highlights for redheads. It should be noted that these teas work best when used to enhance your natural hair color. To infuse onto hair, steep 5-8 tea bags in a pot of boiled water for 30 minutes (the higher concentrated the tea is, the better). Mix cooled tea with enough plain organic yogurt to fully saturate hair. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil, like lavender, for fragrance. Massage the mixture into clean, dry hair from root to tip, and cover with a shower cap or plastic bag. Leave in for an hour. Rinse and air-dry.

 

3. Henna

Henna, which is a powdered form of the leaves from the henna plant, is widely regarded as the most effective natural hair dye. This powerful coloring pigment has been used for hundreds of years to not only dye hair, but skin and nails as well. Occurring naturally as a red-orange tint, many manufacturers will mix it with other ingredients, such as indigo, to achieve other colors such as brown shades. Henna is best suited for dyeing hair darker in brunette or red tones.

 

It’s also a wonderful conditioning treatment that strengthens hair and improves scalp health, and some use it strictly for its hair enhancing abilities. To use, mix henna powder with preferred liquid. For stronger results, mix henna with apple cider vinegar so the pigment can penetrate opened hair follicles and color can last longer. For a deeper brown, mix black tea with the henna powder. Leave mixture in hair, covered, for 4-6 hours. Additional applications will deepen darker tones or brighten reds.

 

4. Beet Juice

red hair

Beet juice can stain more than just hands and your kitchen counter, as it works great at giving your locks the same pretty red hue, too! It’s also loaded with those sought-after antioxidant goodies like protein, potassium, calcium, and vitamins B and C to name a few, making it an incredible scalp-happy rinse that you can incorporate into your regular hair routine. To use, mix beet juice with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, or to make the tint last longer, mix one cup beet juice with ½ cup rose water and ½ cup black tea. Apply to the scalp and work through the ends. Leave in for 15 minutes and rinse well. Regular use will keep this beautiful red tint intact longer.

 

5. Lemon

Lemon, known for being packed with antioxidants and its relatively high level of acid content (containing around 5-8% of citric acid in lemon juice) is widely regarded as nature’s bleach. On top of successfully being able to lighten discolorations and sun-spots from skin, it works just as great at brightening hair. To use, put fresh lemon juice in a spray bottle and spritz throughout hair, leaving on for several hours. Being out in the sun will help further activate its lightening effect. This works slowly, so you’ll have to be persistent to see desired results.

 

6. Cinnamon + Honey

blond hair yoga

This sweetly fragranced spice mixed with raw honey is known for lightening hair as the two ingredients combined act as a natural peroxide, but without the harmful side-effects. To use this mask, mix 4 tablespoons cinnamon, 3 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons olive oil (or conditioner) into a smooth paste. You can add a few drops of lemon juice for extra lightening as well. Double ingredients for longer hair. Apply blend onto damp hair and evenly distribute with a wide-tooth comb. Lay hair on top of head and cover hair with a plastic bag. Leave mask on for 1-2 hours and rinse, following up with a mild shampoo and conditioner.

 

7. Black walnut

The hull of black walnut shells contains the compounds juglone, plumbagin, and tannin, which allow it to dye almost anything it comes into contact with, on top of creating a natural, gorgeous rich brown. Other than hair dye, it’s commonly used in wood stains, ink, and clothing dye. To use, crush black walnut shells (or buy ground black walnut shell powder) and boil in water for half an hour. Once cooled, lather hair in the mixture, or lay pot on the ground outside (to avoid the messy clean up) and submerge hair for anywhere between 5-20 minutes. The longer you leave the mixture in hair, the deeper the brown will turn out so you may want to have a friend monitor the progression. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Words of caution: It will stain EVERYTHING so prep accordingly, and black walnuts can be poisonous for some animals, such as dogs or horses, so please plan to keep your furry ones away while you dye responsibly!

 

While these natural methods might require some work and won’t realistically take you from blonde to brunette, they will enhance the beauty of your natural hair color and will keep you safe while doing so!