Coconut oil has many health benefits. But did you know there are also beauty benefits of using coconut oil-based products? Here are five of them.
Softer Skin Coconut oil is a superior moisturizer, as it helps create smooth, soft skin without pore blockage. It’s actually good for your pores and may help reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. No Wrinkles Try using coconut oil on those troublesome wrinkle areas, such as under the eyes, around the nose and mouth, on the neck, and more. This can help reduce or prevent the appearance of baggy eyes and wrinkles when used regularly. Banish Dandruff Instead of spending a ton of money on solutions that don’t work, try using coconut oil to get rid of your dandruff. Apply it evenly to the scalp, at least once per day. Wipe Makeup Away Faster and Healthier Coconut oil has natural properties that lift dirt, grease and grime away from the face. It’s also good for the skin. This makes it a great makeup remover. Keep your face looking clean and clear and wipe makeup away with ease. Seal Split Ends Did you know that coconut oil is a great lightweight oil to use when you need to seal split ends? It can help heal the hair over time. Ever want to eat your hair conditioner? You just might if you try these green homemade hair conditioner options. These concoctions are all better for the environment than many commercial products and also easy to make with a tasty scent.
Blend mayonnaise and avocado. Take 3 spoonfuls each of mayonnaise and mashed avocado. Mix it together well. Apply this paste to hair after shampooing and rinsing. Be sure to thoroughly cover all of the hair. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. This is a deep conditioning treatment that helps with shine, manageability, and breakage. It's also green because these foods are naturally biodegradable. Make an oatmeal bath for your hair. This may seem odd, but don't worry. The actual oats are not going into your hair. Take an infant sock (or the toe portion of an adult sock) and fill it halfway with whole oats. Old-fashioned oats work better than instant. Tie the sock in a knot Place the knotted sock in ½ cup water and let it soak for a few minutes. Squeeze out the mixture into the water. Soak again and repeat a few more times. The water should be filmy and thick. Rinse the hair with that solution after shampooing to increase moisture and shine. The oatmeal is naturally green. But to be even more eco-conscious, rinse out and reuse the sock next time. Homemade hair conditioner custard soothes and moisturizes. Take a small container of yogurt and blend it with a couple items to make a green conditioner for your hair that you'll actually want to eat. But this custard is not going on your dessert plate. For extra conditioning, add a tablespoon of almond oil to the yogurt and blend evenly. Apply to hair in a paste, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Mix up a green homemade hair smoothie. Who doesn't enjoy a smoothie? This one's for your hair. Although, it might taste good as well. Add one cup of milk, one banana, and one tablespoon of almond oil to a blender. Blend until you have a thick paste. Smooth onto hair after shampooing and let it sit 15 minutes. Then, rinse. Repeat for extra conditioning. Make a banana almond whip. This is similar to the above concoction. However, this offers even deeper conditioning and thicker consistency. Blend 2 pints of heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons of almond oil, one banana, and one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract in a blender. Prepare to the thickness of a whipped topping for pies and other baked goods. Like the above conditioner recipes, apply this mixture to the hair evenly and let it set for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the hair thoroughly. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network ![]() If you're a green-conscious mom like me, you may be concerned with what your teen is using to care for her hair. If not for the green factor, you may instead be concerned about her health. Hair styling can do some serious damage to the hair, especially if the styling products aren't natural. They can also wreak havoc on the environment, including animals. One way to ensure your teen is caring for herself as well as the environment is to teach her natural hair styling tips. These tips can be useful for both boys and girls. Be mindful of your teen's habits. It's possible to respect your teen's current habits while also informing them of ways to naturally care for their hair. Instead of trying to make them change their entire routine, provide natural hair product alternatives to replace what they usually use. For instance, if your teen likes to use hairspray, find a natural product that has the same effect. If your teen son likes to solidify his style with gel, there are plenty of natural alternatives that work just as well or better. You may even be able to make one yourself. Talk about chemicals vs. natural items for healthy hair. Teens may be using their products simply because they like what they do. They may not realize the harm the chemicals in them may be doing to the earth, as well as their hair. Many chemicals can give off the appearance that they are improving the look of the hair, when in reality, they are causing damage. Give your teen valid examples of natural hair care that increases strength, shine, and growth. Also, teach him to be aware that packaging as just as important as what's inside. If a product claims to be earth friendly, yet the packaging is not recycled or recyclable, the product is not completely green. Never order, only instruct. While telling your teen about natural hair care, it's important that you do not force a choice one way or another. Teens can be sensitive about being given direct orders because they are at that stage where they're almost adults. Teens also like to rebel. Don't give them a reason to, especially when it's an area like this that could affect their health. Instead of making your teen feel like things need to go your way, simply let the hair care facts speak for themselves. Information with reliable proof is more attractive than an empty order. I've always taught my kids that natural products are best. But at the same time, I give those of age the responsibility of deciding for themselves which hair styling products to use. Give her natural ingredients to experiment with. Supply your teen with recipes, as well as prepackaged natural products to experiment with. You may even want to teach her how to grow her own ingredients or find them at a local market. Be sure your teen has access to plenty of options. This way, if one natural hair care method fails, he can easily try another. Teens like to experiment and try new things. So this gives them an opportunity to do so while also being more responsible when it comes to caring for the planet. Use the natural products yourself. Teach by example. If you expect your teen to believe in natural hair care, you should practice what your preach. Let your teen see you using the products. If they are keeping your hair beautiful and healthy, your teen is more likely to want to use the same thing. You may not think she cares what you are doing. But even though she may not be vocal with it, she is very likely at least observing from the sidelines. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff ![]() Go green in a whole new way, and consider trading commercial hair-care products for natural, eco-friendly alternatives. I've always been into doing things the natural way and have experimented with many natural hair-care solutions over the years. I'm also very frugal, probably what some would refer to as cheap. With more and more people deciding to go green, I decided to share some of my personal tips on how women can go green with natural hair care that is also eco-friendly. Go Green With Eco-Friendly Highlights To highlight your hair the natural way, try a mixture of 1/3 lemon juice, 1/3 vinegar, and 1/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the hair and sit in the sun for a few minutes. Rinse the hair and let it air dry naturally. The highlights should look natural. This is a great eco-friendly alternative to chemical-ridden hair dyes. Any of the mixture not used on hair can be used as an all-purpose household cleaner for counters, linoleum floors, bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, and more. There are many benefits in using this eco-friendly hair care product to go green. Natural Shiny Hair Care To go green with hair and still get shine, women can try mixing 1 egg, 1 tsp tea tree oil, and 1 tsp honey together. Use this mixture to wash the hair. Let the hair dry with natural air. The result will be super-shiny hair. If there is any of this natural eco-friendly mixture left over, use it as a facial cleanser. It will remove buildup, while adding moisture. In both cases, rinse with lukewarm water. Hold Your Hair With Eco-Friendly Hair Spray or Gel If you have picky hair that does not like to stay in place, try this all natural and eco-friendly method. This is an alternative to hairspray or hair gel. Mix 1 tsp honey with 2 tsp tea tree oil. Apply to the hair with fingertips in the area in need of hold. This eco-friendly hairspray alternative should not only hold the hair in place, but gives it shine and can help repel insects, such as mosquitoes. Green Curl Care for Women Curly hair can be tough to manage, but with the right natural products, your curls can be defined, conditioned, shiny, and manageable in no time. For all of that, as well as strength and split-end protection, add a quarter-sized amount of tee tree oil to your palm. Rub the palms together and rub the tea tree oil through your curly hair. This is a simple way to wear your curls natural, rather than damage them with straightening devices and products. The eco-friendly tea tree oil keeps the hair under control all day. The tea-tree oil also acts as a natural insect and mosquito repellent, while most over-the-counter hair care products contain scented ingredients that attract insects. Manage Frizzies and Flyaways the Green Way If you have frizzies or flyaways, don't reach for alcohol-filled gels and sprays that add to the problem in the long run. Instead, reach for the tea tree oil. I have tried this method on many different hair types and it has worked on hair that is straight, curly, short, long, wavy, and pretty much everything in-between. For this eco-friendly and natural alternative to hair care products for women, first wash and condition the hair. While the hair is still wet, fill the palm of your hand with tea tree oil. Run the palms together and then finger-comb and rub the tea tree oil through the hair. Let the hair dry naturally. This will leave the hair soft and untangled throughout the day. It also gives shine and control. *Note that these natural, eco-friendly hair care tips all are straight from personal experience and may not have the same results for everyone. Try at your own risk. **I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network Simple Shampoo Recipes![]() You can be green and healthy with natural homemade shampoo. It's actually quite simple to use everyday ingredients to cleanse your hair and enhance its natural beauty. As a green conscious person and a member of a largely diverse family, I've experimented with many hair care options. If your hair is looking dull, dry, or has become unmanageable, these simple and naturally green solutions could be your answer. All of these natural shampoo recipes are environmentally friendly and work on all hair types. Baking Soda and Vinegar Shampoo and Rinse If your hair has buildup or you just need an extra freshening shampoo, try washing with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar prior to the water rinse. Simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of water. You'll have a paste-like substance. Rub that into wet hair and scalp. Note that it will not be like a regular shampoo and will not produce any suds. This is normal. The suds in other shampoos are actually caused by the chemical composition and aren't a necessary component for this natural hair cleansing solution. Once you've rubbed in the baking soda paste, it's time to rinse with a vinegar and water solution. Put half water and half vinegar into a cup or recycled container. Pour that through the hair to rinse out the baking soda. Rinse once more with lukewarm water. This will strip out all the build-up and also increase softness and manageability without adding harmful chemicals or weighing down the hair. Mayonnaise and Avocado Natural Shampoo with Conditioner Like the baking soda shampoo above, this natural shampoo is not going to suds up like commercial shampoos. But again, this does not take away from the efficacy. Blend together an avocado and ½ cup of mayonnaise. It will be easier if you use a blender. But you can also smash the avocado and stir the ingredients together. Apply the past substance to wet hair. Allow this natural conditioning shampoo to sit in the hair for a few minutes. Be sure you have covered all of your hair from root to tip. Rinse with water. This will have a cleansing and conditioning effect on the hair. Avocado and mayonnaise are both great for shine, manageability, and for providing essential nutrients your hair may be lacking. Homemade Egg White Shampoo This is a very simple homemade shampoo. Simply crack an egg and drain out only the whites. Save the yolks for another purpose, so as not to be wasteful. When the hair is wet, apply the egg white to it. It may lather some, like traditional shampoo, but not quite as much. If your hair is longer you may need two or three egg whites for the best results. This homemade shampoo will add shine and nutrients to your hair. It also works great on many pets. Ask your vet first, of course. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network ![]() The teenage years are about the time when kids really start to get into the beauty side of things. This is when they become more conscious about how they look on the outside. It's also an age where they are very vulnerable about how others perceive them. Because of this, it's important to teach them to appreciate their beauty without cosmetics. Cosmetics can give the impression that teens are not beautiful without them. While sometimes unintentional, teenagers can get the vibe that they are only beautiful when they wear makeup. Cosmetics should be seen as something fun and not a necessity. It also should be made clear that the makeup is not the only way to appear beautiful. I opt not to wear any makeup at all. However, because not everyone will feel the same, it's important to teach kids to wear makeup the correct way and for the right reasons. It should never be stated that the makeup is to correct beauty flaws or that your teen looks better with it than without. Discuss ill effects of cosmetics. It's important for your teen to know about the damage that cosmetics can cause to the face and even to her health. She should also know about what happens to certain animals in order to create makeup. For instance, some women develop pock marks, blemishes, and other skin issues because of wearing makeup. Also, depending on the products, animals can be injured or even killed simply for the purpose of creating makeup. Check the labels and talk to your teen about the toxic materials used to create the products. Teach your teen proper makeup application. This may seem like an odd way to teach kids to appreciate their beauty without makeup. But the fact is that teens are going to want to at least experiment with some makeup. Teaching them about applying it properly lets them know that you are not simply throwing orders out there. They need to know that you do respect their choices, but that you do want them to know all the facts so they can make an informed decision themselves. This teaches them to be responsible for their own actions. Also, when your teen sees herself both with and without the makeup, it gives her a comparison point. Another thing to point out is that a teen can wear makeup while still appreciating her natural beauty. Not all teens or women who wear makeup do so because they don't appreciate their own looks. Teach your child about natural cosmetics. As mentioned above, teens may want to try out some makeup. This is an experimental age when they are learning more about the world around them. They may decide they like it and then again, they may not. But at least if they do make the choice to wear makeup, they will be knowledgeable about what's good for their skin. Natural cosmetics can be found online and in many retail locations. Look for makeup that is not tested on animals, not made of animal by-products, friendly to the earth, and has some sort of health benefit to the skin. There should not be any chemical ingredients. Basically, you want to teach your teen to look for makeup that is good for her, rather than damaging. Emphasize all your teen's beautiful features when she is not wearing makeup. Be sure to compliment your teen on her features during times when she does not have on any makeup. You don't need to say anything about the makeup. Simply say something honest and nice about her most flattering features whenever you get the chance. Of course, there is no need to overdo it. But your teen will appreciate the comments and take them to heart. Remember, that just as she takes the nice comments to heart, the negative ones can have an impact as well. Even if there is something you don't like about her looks, with or without the makeup, there is no need to say so. Only focus on the positive. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff ![]() Everyone deserves to be pampered now and then. Perhaps you cannot afford a spa treatment or maybe you're just a DIY kind of person. A person's hands and feet are the most used and abused part of the body, so they need special treatment. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to give yourself an at-home manicure and pedicure without breaking the bank. Give Yourself an At-Home Manicure The first part of giving yourself a DIY manicure is to gather all supplies needed. If you've got on nail polish (or traces of some) you're going to need a non-acetone nail polish remover. You'll also need a bowl of warm, soapy water, tea tree oil, an orange wood stick, a soft cloth, nail polish, and a clear top coat. First, remove any excess nail polish from the nails. Add a tablespoon of tea tree oil to the soapy water. Soak hands in this solution to soften the skin and cuticles. Take the orange stick and push the cuticles back. Some people cut the cuticles, but that actually is bad for them. Pushing them back is healthier. Now massage some tea tree oil into the hands, paying close attention to the nail beds and any other dry areas. Use the soft cloth to dab off any excess oil. Paint the nails with your favorite nail polish and seal it in with the top coat. Give Yourself an At-Home Pedicure For an at-home pedicure, supplies and procedure will be slightly different than the manicure. You'll need a bowl or foot tub of warm, soapy water to soak the feet in, 4 chamomile tea bags, 2 mint tea bags, tea tree oil, an orange wood stick, a pumice stone, a towel, a soft cloth, toenail clippers, and your favorite nail polish and top coat. Add all the tea bags and a tablespoon of tea tree oil to the warm, soapy water. Soak the feet in there for 10-15 minutes. For an added spa feel, use a massaging foot tub instead of a bowl. This can be especially helpful after a long day standing up at work or in the shopping mall. Check to make sure you can add tea and tea tree oil. You wouldn't want to damage your nice foot tub. Once the feet have soaked, take the orange wood stick and push back the cuticles in the toenails. Clip toenails (but not cuticles) if necessary. Use the pumice stone to rub away excess skin. Now add tea tree oil to the feet, rubbing it the most into the toenail beds and dry areas. Wipe away the excess oil with a soft cloth. Now paint your toenails with your favorite nail polish and top coat. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff Making your own beauty products can help keep your body healthier, as well as save time and money. My recipe for homemade moisturizing body wash is quick and simple. It can also be used more than once if refrigerated.
Materials: One storage container with lid (a clean, previously used soap or lotion bottle will work) Old-fashioned oats (2 tsp) Brown sugar (2 tsp) Coconut oil (2 tsp) Lemon juice (1 tsp) Coffee grinder or fine cheese grater Directions: First, grind up the oats and brown sugar together with a coffee grinder. If you don’t have a coffee grinder, you can use a fine-holed cheese grater. Then, blend in the other ingredients until they form a paste-like consistency. You may need to experiment a little with the amounts of coconut oil and lemon juice. If you need a large amount, this recipe can be tripled and more until you have the amount you will need. Usage: To use this homemade moisturizing soap, simply rub a palm full of it into a washcloth. Then, spread it all over the body in a circular motion. Repeat as necessary to wash the entire body. Then, rinse and pat dry. This body wash is not going to be as bubbly as over-the-counter products. The bubbles are not necessary to cleanse the body. For a more deep moisturizing experience, make enough to use as a full body masque. Spread over the entire body in a thin layer with your fingertips. Use circular motions. If you have a partner who will help with this, massaging it into the skin in a circular motion creates even better results. Leave the masque on for 15-30 minutes. Then, rinse and pat dry. Benefits: The lemon juice is a natural cleanser and disinfectant. This helps fight odors and keep the body clean. The oats, brown sugar, and coconut oil are natural moisturizers. The combination provides superior moisture, as well as creates the perfect consistency for ease of use. Use daily or more (during every bath or shower) for the best results. Storage: If you have extra or if you created enough to last longer than a day, you can refrigerate it. Be sure to cover the container so it doesn’t dry out. If you leave the body wash out or don’t cover it well, it will dry out and/or separate, making it ineffective. You may refrigerate it for up to one week. * I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there). by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff ![]() It saddens me to see so many of my friends and acquaintances being misled by various beauty procedures and “miracle” tips daily. Keratin is one of those I am seeing more often recently. Is it really what you think it is? Keratin is a natural protein that already exists in your hair. So why is it dangerous to get keratin hair treatments? Shouldn’t it be safe if it naturally exists in your hair? Yes and no. What goes into the solution and process of keratin hair treatments is not the same thing as what naturally occurs in your hair. Keratin itself is not what's dangerous. It's the products containing keratin that can be harmful. Formaldehyde, a substance widely known to be dangerous, is often used in these keratin treatments. Some beauty salons mix their own products, making it easier to have more formaldehyde used than is necessary. The more that is used, the more dangerous it is to your health. Formaldehyde is not the only dangerous ingredient or chemical contained in these treatments and what's in them can vary from salon to salon and from product to product. We are told that beauty can be painful. To that, I ask why? It doesn't have to be. These keratin treatments can cause burning eyes, throat pain, and more. In fact, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. That's right, it can cause cancer. Is shiny hair really worth the risk of cancer? Really? As if that wasn't enough of a shock, were you also aware that hair treatments are unregulated? This means that almost anything could potentially be in them. So, how do you get silky, soft hair without using keratin treatments? Simple. Avoid chemicals and costly salon treatments and opt for my homemade, all-natural treatments instead. More from Lyn Homemade Hair Masks for Shine Longer, Healthier Hair in Five Steps Sources: www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/23/salon.spa.hazards/index.html www.oprah.com/style/Keratin-Hair-Treatment-Facts-Is-Keratin-Hair-Smoothing-Safe www.komonews.com/news/consumer/117970604.html ** I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there). Are your feet scaly and undesirable? Wish you could slough off some of that old skin without harsh chemicals and over-filing? In our household, we always look to natural solutions when it comes to just about everything. That includes beauty and personal care. It is possible to get silky soft feet quickly with natural remedies. If you follow the regimen exactly, you will likely see results after the very first treatments. By repeating the process continuously, you'll see even better results. Use a quality natural sugar scrub. When you scrub your feet daily with a natural moisturizing foot scrub, it takes away the dead skin, while hydrating the healthy skin. To get the amount of moisture along with the right amount of scrubbing texture I was looking for, I invented Intent.sive Moisture Cherry Almond Shower Scrub. It's custom made on order for freshness and customization availability. Scrubbing away dead skin cells like this is a necessary process in keeping your feet looking their best. I find the softest feet happen when using this in combination with the following methods to copmplete the foot care regimen. Soak your feet in a special oatmeal and oil bath. After the moisturizing foot scrub, you can add extra moisture by soaking your feet in an oatmeal bath that also contains a special oil blend. Oatmeal baths help relieve itching and add extra moisture to the skin. They are like a spa for your feet. The oils add extra moisture and with the right blend, intensive healing. To create an oatmeal bath, all you need is an old sock or the cut-off foot of an old pair of hosiery. Fill your sock or hosiery about halfway with dry oats. Quick oats don't work as well as the original. Tie the sock or hosiery to the end of your faucet. Be sure that it's positioned in a way that allows the water to run over it. Run the water over it with the bathtub plugged until there is enough water to cover the feet and ankles. Untie the sock and swish it in the water. Squeeze it out into the water. Repeat until the mixture comes out clear and the water is filmy. Once you've created the oatmeal bath, pour in about 2 ounces of Intent.sive Etheric Golden Healing, Pain, Massage, & Altar Oil. Swish it around the tub. Rub the oatmeal and oil laced water into the feet. Then, soak them in it for about 15 minutes. Pat dry. Your feet will feel very soft after this. But one more step will seal the deal in your soft feet regimen. Hydrate the feet while you sleep. The last step will require a pair of socks and Intent.sive Etheric Golden Healing, Pain, Massage, & Altar Oil. Massage the oil into your feet, leaving an oily layer on top afterward. Place your socks on right over this oily mixture and leave them on all night. When you remove them in the morning, you'll have silky soft skin on your feet. If necessary, you can also moisturize with this blend in the morning, omitting the sock portion. Repeat this process regularly, at least three times per week (more if necessary), even after you've achieved the silky soft feet you desire. This will help you maintain healthy, smooth feet so they never go dry again. You're welcome. *originally published by Lyn Lomasi on Yahoo! Contributor Network LAST UPDATED 2/23/2022
I am often complimented on the smoothness of my face and at how youthful I look. Let me tell you that after 4 kids (update: 7 kids now), that feels pretty good. So, what's my secret?
Avoid makeup at all costs. I know what you're thinking. "What about my blemishes?" "What about my freckles?" "How can I cover up my uneven tones?" My answer to all those questions is simply "Don't you dare!" The more makeup and products you use to cover up your so-called beauty flaws is most likely doing you more harm than good. Instead of covering up, work on healing the ones that are a real issue and embracing the ones that are naturally you. Freckles become beauty marks. Uneven skin tones can be healed by applying things like shea butter and cocoa butter based products, which are very good for the skin overall. To rid acne, wash the face with water only. Pat dry and apply Intent.sive Etheric Golden Healing, Pain, Massage, & Altar Oil. The dragon strength version will get it under control the fastest. Do this twice per day to clear up the acne. This has been my regimen since I first broke out with acne badly. It rid me of the issue and as long as I keep with that regimen daily, it keeps the acne away. This regimen is also good for the skin in general. Instead of using things that work against your beauty or cover up your natural beauty, go with natural beauty products that maintain and enhance it. Don't cover it up! Refresh it! LAST UPDATED: 2/22/2022 |
FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS
OWNER
Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans Content Community. Services include ordained soul therapy and healing ministry, business success coaching, business success services, handcrafted healing jewelry, ethereal and anointing oils, altar and spiritual supplies and services, handcrafted healing beauty products, and more!
Lyn is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! While rescuing civilians from boring business practices and energy vampires, this awesomely crazy family conquers evil and creates change. They live among tigers, dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and other fantastic energies, teaching others to claim their own power and do the same. By supporting us, you support a dedicated parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to several causes. Profits from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature support these causes and our beautiful family! HIRE OR SHOP WITH LYN | CONTACT LYN Archives
October 2016
Categories
All
|