CREATE YOUR BEST FACIAL SKINCARE ROUTINE!

Friends, I can’t stress enough the importance of having a DAILY routine and loving your skin! Enviornmental factors, along with everyday life stresses have a huge effect on the health of our bodies. Our skin in particular is greatly influenced by what we do. So, let’s take the time to take care of ourselves a little more by building a healthy skincare routine that we can stick to for our bodies. Today, let’s focus on the FACE!
her own skin bio pic
1. KNOW YOUR SKINTYPE: Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive. Whatever it is, know it! Your skin type is extremely important to know because it helps determine which products are best suited for you.

2. DO CLEANSE, BUT DON’T OVER DO IT: In my opinion, the night time routine is far more crucial than the day time. In the evening, you should make sure that you are removing all of the excess oils, dirt and makeup that covered your skin all day. One of my favorite things to do for me face is the Oil Cleansing Method. It has left me with a more supple feeling skin when I wake up in the morning. My day time routine usually consists of a warm water rinse or a gentle cleanser when necessary.

3. DON’T JUST CLEANSE WITH ANYTHING YOU FIND: Just because there is a bottle of Mario Badescu Glycolic Cleanser in front of you doesn’t mean it’s what you need. Speaking from experience, using the wrong type of cleanser for your skintype can cause major irritation to your pores and even break you out. Let’s avoid that at all costs. Learn about which ingredients give you the maximum results for healthy glowing skin!

4. DON’T WEAR MAKEUP TO BED: Enough said!

5. WATER, WATER, WATER: I mean, water is just key to it all. If you don’t believe me, do a 30 day water challenge. Try to get 8 glasses in a day and let me know if you see an improvement in your skin.

7. SUNSCREEN: I think sunscreen is one of those things that not too many people think about in his or her skincare regimen. It’s essential! And the trick is, it should be used all year round. Try to find a moisturizer that has SPF in it. My everyday moisturizer Bobby Brown Tinted Moisturizing Balm keeps my face nourished as well as protected from those harmful rays. Don’t be fooled by the winter months. You need protections 365 days a year!

Those were some of my most important points but there are others that you should think about. Moisturizing, exfoliating, excercising, and resting. All of these factors play a role in the way your skin ages. Who wants sagging skin anyway? We may not be able to avoid getting older, but we don’t have to look like it! 😉

xo IKA

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COCONUT OIL!!!

Coconut Goodness!

Hey friends! Coconut Oil is by far my number one must have product in my house! It’s something that I think every woman should have. It’s not just for cooking; I use it for hair and skin. I’m currently using Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. You can decide which one works best for you. Just make sure it’s unrefined/pure. Here are some of my uses:

1. Body Moisturizer: Coconut oil is great right after shaving your legs. It also works really well on top of your moisturizing butters in the winter. Try moisturizing your legs with shea butter and sealing it with coconut oil

2. Hair Oil: I use coconut oil on my hair right after using leave-in conditioner. For natural and relaxed textues, it’s also great during the week to freshen up protective hairstyles like braid outs, bantu knots and buns

3. Makeup Remover: Try coconut oil when you’re removing your eye makeup or lip-stains. Works like a charm

4. Overnight Foot Cream: Massage your tired feet at night with coconut oil and then slip on a pair of socks. This really helps to keep your feet smooth. Summer is around the corner. No dry feet in sandals please! 😉

5. Body Scrub: I add coconut oil to raw sugar when making my own exfoliator. It really softens up the sugar grains and helps to moisturize while getting rid of dead skin. It’s amazing! For an added bonus, add your favorite essential oil. Try Lavendar or Eucalyptus for a spa experience at home! Click here for how to make my DIY brown sugar scrub. It’s a perfect gift for your friends and family!

These are just a few ways that I like to make use of coconut oil. How do you use yours?

xo IKA

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April 2015 Obsession

I’ve decided to post monthly obsessions going forward. YOU’RE WELCOME! 😉 Here’s the first obsession I’d like to share with you.
I use Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizing Balm every single day. It’s my staple! Here’s why I love it:
1. This moisturizer has SPF – SCORE! I just killed two birds with one stone
2. It is ultra moisturizing – I’m that girl with super dry skin. This does the trick
3. It’s lightweight yet effective — light weight is great for everyday makeup
4. This jar lasts a while — a little goes a long way!

I mean, so just get it ok? 🙂 You can find it here. You’ll love it!

xo IKA

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MAKEUP JUNKIES UNITE! IKA’S FAVORITES

LET’S WEAR THEM ALL!

I won’t hide my problem! I’m a makeup and product junkie! 🙁 No, seriously, I’m a junkie. I have it all, from skincare to haircare products and almost every shade of nail polish; IKA’s got it. But hey, I’ve been blessed. There was a time when I had access to the SELF magazine beauty closet and visited quite a few Conde Nast beauty sales. I’ve stacked up for life!

I’ve gone through my makeup products and came up just a few of my favorites and must-haves for the Spring/Summer. Let’s get started!

1. Moisturizer with SPF: I do have a favorite moisturizer and it is kind of pricey for every day, but it is number one on my list. Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizing Balm. I don’t go without it. This particular kind of moisturizer provides the heaviest moisture (which I need). You of course can try other moisturizers at Bobbi Brown based on your skin type. I love it because I don’t always have to add makeup on top. It does the job!

2. Matte Lipstick: Ahhhh I love matte lipstick. Shiny is over-rated! 🙂 For a sexy pout, try these inexpensive matte lip colors at NYX. I personally feel they are just as good as any high-end makeup brand, if not better!

3. Face Primer: I admit it, this one’s new to me. I never used to add primer to my everyday makeup. Now that I’ve discovered it, I can’t get enough! My current favorite: MAC Prep and Prime. This keeps my consealer and powder on for the entire day! You can also try one of Laura Mercier’s foundation primers which are also a hit!

5. Faux Lashes: My devoted readers, you already know how I feel about this. I am a faux lash lover! I wrote a post a while back called Face Pop and made it a point to show you my love! If you don’t want the commitment of extensions, you can try a low cost version for special occasions. Try ELF’s Lash Kit which is the incredible price of $1!!!! Can’t beat that!

6. Liquid Eyeliner: Here’s a little bonus. I love a winged eyeliner. It just does it for me! It takes practice but once you get the hang of it it will be a breeze. Currenly my favorite is Makeup Forever’s Ink Liner. It’s something kind of amazing. This liner finishes matte. Did I say I love matte? 😉

I hope you enjoy the above as much as I do. Tell me what your favorites are. I still have space in the beauty closet. I’m all for trying new goodies!

xo IKA

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