Tips & Tricks

Banana Matcha Mask

Everything green is my motto. You can’t go wrong when going green. Whether you are adding greens to your eats, drink or being green through your daily activities. We all win with a little more green in our lives. And now I’m adding greens to my beauty regime.

Naturally, I have been blessed/cursed with dry skin but this winter my skin seems to be EXTRA dry. I’m attributing winter running as a big factor to this. The cold air has not been favourable to say the least; basically my skin has been feeling a bit like the beach lately – without the ice cold cerveza’s and tan lines. 🙂

I am trying to use up all the products I have before I buy anything new, which has led me to DIY facial masks. My latest combination is very simple and mega moisturizing.

Bananas, Matcha, honey and coconut oil are all great ingredients when it comes to natural skincare. Bananas moisturize and hydrate thanks to their potassium content. Once combined with coconut oil and its vitamin E composition – you’re looking at a moisture powerhouse ready to nourish and repair.  Adding raw honey adds the element of a natural antibacterial that cleans out pores. And lastly, adding in the powerful Matcha packed with minerals that will stimulate and energize your skin cells, fighting signs of aging. This is an at home beauty mask that you’ll absolutely love!Banana Matcha Mask Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1.5 tbsp Matcha
  • 1 tbsp raw organic honey
  • 1 tbsp organic coconut oil
  1. Mash banana well with fork until smooth.
  2. Stir in honey and coconut oil until combined.
  3. Mix in Matcha until most lumps are gone. (this is tough, but a few lumps won’t kill anyone)
  4. Evenly apply a thick layer of the mixture to your face. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse gently with lukewarm water.

You’ll likely only need third to half of the mixture, so feel free to half the recipe or eat the remaining half on its own or through it in a shake! 🙂Matcha Mask

Be Green. xx!

 

 

Light Blue Shade

Today I am sharing my best kept secret with all you beautiful blondes. I just hope my hairdresser doesn’t kill me. 🙂 (Sorry Olivia!)

I’m sure many of us can agree that our aim to be blonder can be categorized as a sickness (comically). It’s that feeling of when our roots start to grow out and we basically think we’ve become brunette and stress on when we can book our next appointment. It’s actually pretty funny when you think about it.

The only thing is, we all hate paying $150+ every 8 weeks to keep that sun-smacked look, plus that $30 bottle of purple shampoo, that lasts like 2 weeks. (Yes, I know it should last longer!) Not to mention the time to revisit the salon again and again for that brightening touch up that we live for.

If you feel the pain, you’ll be happy to hear how I have been able to minimize my colour treatment to once every 5 months. And not to brag but when people ask and I tell them this, their eyes pop out of their heads they are so stunned. Granted my colourist does an AMAZING job, but I do my own maintenance along the way to help prolong. She might think it’s terrible (I am always scared to ask), but my fellow blondes always ask for the secret, and coincidentally it’s usually the day after I wash my hair using this cheap and cheerful solution.

So here it is – Light Blue Shade Shampoo & Conditioner. Yes that is the actual name and brand. Designed for white, silver and blonde hair, this formula will instantly liven up your blonde when it begins to get a bit brassy and dull looking.

Light Blue Shade Products

I don’t use it everyday, but both together at least once a week and alternatively, the shampoo or the conditioner coupled with other premium products to ensure my hair keeps strong and healthy looking. Do note that if left on for more than 4 minutes or so (probably depends on each person) you may actually notice a white purplish tone to your hair. This has happened to me a few times but I’ve still always received compliments and within a wash or two it fades out.

You can find this hidden gem at Shoppers Drug Mart (bottom shelf near the hair colour) or on Well.ca  for just under $10.00 CAD. Or if you get so lucky you can find it at Walmart for just under $7.00 CAD! It isn’t always the easiest find, so when you do stock up or do yourself a favour and just order it online.

Lighten Up. xx

The Beauty of Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil has a bit of a craze surrounding it lately, with hundreds of different uses. I was skeptical at first, but once I tried a few of the many claims; not only does it have a permanent spot in my pantry, but now it also has a permanent spot in my medicine cabinet. Coconut Oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, ultimately moisturizing and smells delicious. Here are my top uses:

  • To Moisturize-softens and hydrates dry skin (my saving grace in the dry winter)
  • To Exfoliate- mixed with sugar, salt, and honey, this mixture exfoliates and hydrates, leaving the skin silky smooth (great for face and body)
  • As a Cuticle Oil- moisturizes and softens cuticles (perfect for when your hands need a little TLC)
  • To Treat Acne-antibacterial components gently fight against acne (ah-mazing!)
  • As a Lip Balm- hydrates and protects (best used before bed)
  • To Remove Makeup- effortlessly removes (key for mascara, be careful to not get it in your eye)
  • As a Hair Serum- smoothes and tames (a little goes a long way)
  • As a Hair Mask/Conditioner-great for added shine and silky texture
  • As a Shaving Oil- makes for a smooth shave, moisturizes and protects against razor burn

What are your go to tricks?Coconut

 xx!