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Grooming
SkinCare
I remember reading that clear skin was one of the most attractive features a person can have because it represents health and I have not stopped thinking about it since. It's not my fault my IUD makes my hormones bug out !!! (but maybe it is my fault for never drinking water and eating poorly). Skincare is an investment but I think it is worth it, as long as you buy the right products!!
Anyways, here is a list of things that helps me + some tips and tricks I found on the web that are worth trying.
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Skincare steps:
Exfoliate - Exfoliator helps remove dead skin and make-up stuck in your pores. It also
(allegedly) slows the aging of your skin. You don't want to exfoliate too much though
or your skin ends up looking like gritting paper. 2-4 times a week just before sleeping
is usually fine.
Cleanse
Use a good sensitive or moisturising face wash each time you shower in the mornings.
When buying facewash look for terms such as 'kind to skin' or 'light' since these tend to be
less harsh on the skin.
Tone
Toner removes last trace of dirt or impurities from skin post face wash. When done
regularly you could see a visible difference in skin tightening due to lesser pores.
Astringent (for oily skin)
Astringent helps by contracting the skin and closing pores,
which creates an even skin tone and prevents blackheads.
Moisturize
Keeps your skin hydrated, duh. Good for dry months, but don't overdo it or
you'll look shiny all the time. You can also use moisturizers with silicone in their formula
to leave an incredibly smooth finish. Using a humidifier (especially during winter months)
also keeps your skin from drying.
UVA/UVB blocker
Ensure that it blocks both the UVA and UVB spectrum, and remember
that you're always being exposed to some UV, even indoors, through your clothing,
and at night.
General Tips:
- don't touch/pick at your face
- drink water
- eat healthy (see nutrition)
Perfume
Currently Using: Acqua Di Gioia Eau Fraiche Giorgio Armani
I wasn't too keen on this scent at first but then fell in love with it. I got it from my cousin and have been getting so many compliments about it!
I think scent is such a powerful sense. Although I would say I have a fairly weak sense of
smell, I think a persons scent is a critical part of their identity. It allows for recognition
of one's presence in a way that is subtle enough to appreciate. I also think there is something
very high class about being knowledgeable in perfumes. I definitely think a person is well-kept
if they wear perfume, especially on a man.
Favourite male scent: Hermes or Dior Homme*
*Leo and Abris both wear Hermes and they are models, so I trust their taste
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Traditional, alcohol based perfumes generally adhere to the following conventions with regard
to concentration
Eau Fraiche, Mist, Splash – Contains 1 – 3% fragrance oil.
Eau de Cologne (EDC) – Contains 2 – 5% fragrance oil.
Eau de Toilete (EDT) – Contains 4 – 10% fragrance oil.
Eau de Parfum (EDP) – Contains 8 – 15% fragrance oil.
Parfum, Extrait – Contains 15 – 25% fragrance oil.
The remainder of the above concentrations is made up of alcohol. Perfume Oil, on the other
hand usually contains 15 – 30% fragrance oil with the remainder usually consisting of another
non-scented oil. Pure essential oils (such as oud oil) are also available. These are not cut
with anything at all.
Hair Care
In the past, whenever I went through an identity crisis I would change my hair. For about a year I was growing it out which proved to be an issue because it meant no haircuts and no hair dye. Every few weeks I would have the intense urge to cut it all off and have a very short haircut, so I finally cut it this summer. I think it suits me.
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Hair Masks
I <3 using hair masks. They are so fun, some good masks to use are:
Dry hair:
Honey, egg, and apple cider vinegar mask
*1 teaspoon of honey, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of ACV.
Dandruff:
Coconut oil, sugar, and essential oil mask
*2 tablespoons of raw unrefined coconut oil,
4 teaspoons of raw sugar, 5 drops of peppermint oil,
2 drops of tea tree oil.
Glossiness:
Honey, ACV, and coconut oil mask
*Equal parts raw organic honey with apple cider vinegar and coconut oil.
Hair growth:
Cinnamon and coconut oil mask
*Equal parts cinnamon and coconut oil.
Irritated scalp:
Green tea and apple cider vinegar rinse
*1 cup of green tea, 2 drops of peppermint oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Greasy hair:
Egg white and lemon mask
*1 egg white, juice from half a lemon.
Damaged hair:
Avocado, egg, and olive oil mask
*Half an avocado, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of olive oil ,and 1 tablespoon of honey.