The Power of Chia

“#MTT Makeup Tip Thursday ”

— Brandon Cross

        Relatively unknown in North America until recently, Chia Seeds have been a staple food in Mexico for centuries. Chia seeds come from a species of flowing plant in the Mint family and have been highly valued as an endurance promoting food by the Mayans and Aztecs since ancient times. A rich vegetarian source of omega-3, antioxidants and bone building minerals, Chia seeds even possess anti-cancer properties. These remarkable seeds naturally boost energy, help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote gentle detoxification.

        Maya Chia is a clean beauty line founded by Susanne Norwitz, an escapee of the corporate fast track and an unabashed dreamer/believer in pursuing your passions. In line with the company’s commitment to health and wellness, Maya Chia skin care products are free from harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, and colorants. All of our products are made in the USA in Charleston, SC.

        Makeup can be a sensitive topic for those with sensitive skin but now products are being made with more skin related issues in mind. Maya chia is perfect for those with skin irritation, redness or even rosacea. If the skin is calm then there will be a more seamless application of topical cosmetics. Start from the root of the issue and you will exude the beauty within. 

And They Said...Let There Be Light!

When people usually walk into Cedra, one of the first things that I always hear them say is "Wow it smells amazing in here" to which I reply, "Thank You" as if they were actually complimenting me or something, which they are not. But I do get to choose the scent that fills the store! And On a day to day basis I burn a Lampe Berger Lamp and usually stick to a neutral, calming scent. 

Lampe Berger for those who may not know, began over 100 years ago by a pharmacist who created it as a diffuser to kill germs in the air. It wasn't until years later that the lamp that we know and love today, that sells over 800,000 units per year, became what we know it to be now. The lamp actually attracts bacteria that float in the air into the burner stone and eliminates it on contact. There are a few questions that customers ask me who purchase these lamps.

How to Use:

How much fluid should I be using?

• Before burning, fill the lamp up about 3/4 of the way, it also needs air space in the container to burn properly. Let soak for 20 mins then burn.

Why does the liquid evaporate so fast?

• If you do not cover the stone with the included metal cap, the liquid will evaporate because of the high alcohol content. 

How do I light it?

• To light, burn the stone at the top (it is the same stone that a pizza oven is made of) and leave lit for 10 mins, supervise the entire time, then blow out and enjoy the fragrance as it kills the odors and germs in the air.

Curls Curls Curls!

        It seems as though curls always get the short end of the stick. There are Blow Dry bars all across the city and places that always offer walk in Blow-outs...but have you ever heard of a Curl Bar? No you have not, because that is not a thing...but it should be! If you are naturally curly like I am and style your hair straight most of the time then this article is exactly about you. 

        Growing up, my mother had pin straight hair and I always dreamed that I could have hair like hers because that was how everyone in the movies or shows that I watched looked. However my mother would always go and get a perm which confused me. Why was she trying to achieve that which I wished that I didn't have.

        The real reason why I 'hated' my curly hair in the past was that it was work...work, work, work, work, work work...and lets keep it real. My hair required constant moisture and brushes weren't a tool that I ever reached for. In my older years I am now becoming more comfortable with myself and embracing my natural curls. I think that it took me this long because I couldn't figure out what worked with my hair. It took years of searching and trial and error but I found the trick that works for me and you should give it a try.

        When your hair is still wet, you should use a curl cream like the BrioGeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Conditioning Creme :  This lightweight, moisture-rich finishing crème is fortified with frizz-deterring rice amino acids, avocado oil, and nourishing quinoa extract to nurture and enhance the texture of your curls.and lather that evenly throughout the hair to shape the curls. To keep them in proper form and frizz free, use a very light hold gel and spread evenly throughout the hair as well. If you have the time, you can use a blowdryer on the cold setting or simply let it air dry and then finger comb and scrunch the curls as desired. The end result will make you glad you have those curls. 

Prime Time for Ladies, and Now...Gents Too

Deciem: Pore Delete, Becca: Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector, Md Solar Mineral Tinted Beauty Balm

“#MakeupTipThursday ”

— Brandon Cross

For some reason men seem to still be afraid of “beauty products’ mostly because there is a connotation of these particular items being meant for women, but this is simply not the case. Guys…we are in 2016! Personally I am a guy who wears makeup on a day to day basis but that is my choice. I do believe that certain products anyone should try out and see that it a few small additions to your routine can make a huge difference.

The most basic of beauty product that I believe a man can use would be PRIMER.  Primer has a variety of benefits whether you opt to using with or without makeup. It can help to seal the pores to have a more seamless looking face. It also helps to smooth the skin to give it that velvety touch and appearance, as well it can help to reduce those who get oily skin throughout the day. There are also primers that can help with redness or discoloration of the skin.

Primer leaves the face ready for photography because the natural oils will not be as reflective when a flash is used. You will be left looking subtly perfect and ready for the party, hours into the day. It is 2016…EVERYTHING is now for EVERYONE. 

The products in the photograph shown above are in order of effectiveness, Deciem being the most natural yet effective, Becca for those looking for a more flawless face and the Md Solar has a slight tint available in two shades Light/Med and Med/Dark which will add some coverage while leaving the skin smooth and matte. 

An Unlikely Eye Primer

“#MakeupTipThursday ”

— Brandon Cross

There are too many eye shadows to count but there are certain colors that you might like to slurge on. The difficult part in making this decision to purchase is that you most likely do not want to spend 20+ dollars on an eye shadow that you will only use once of twice. You really don’t have to because as long as you follow this tip you can take any cheap shadow to a professional looking one.

Use any white cream based eye product like the NYX White Eye Liner Crayon and use as an eye shadow primer. This white base will make any low opacity eye shadow that you have look bolder and much more vivid. This tip also works with lip colors, give it a try! 

Like Dissolves Like

        This winter is a bit of a conundrum. Is it hot? Is it cold? Or is it just right? I am not going to sit here and complain, when we are having days with temperatures over 50 degrees even if the following day is an inch of snow. This being said, the constant change of weather from one extreme to the next, means that not only is my skin care routine thrown off whack, but also the integrity of my skin.

        When the weather is so unpredictable it can ruin some plans and at the end of the day all you can think of doing is going home and jumping right into bed. Sometimes I even skip wiping my makeup off, which is definitely not recommended. But we all have been there! There are a few factors that come into play on the days that I may say “I’ll wash my face in the morning.” Number one would probably be pure laziness, two would be that facial wipes can be expensive and three is that it usually dries out my face so then I have to do an extra step which is moisturize my face afterwards.

        I have discovered (late in the game) that the best way to clean my face at the end of the day is OIL CLEANSING.  First use a clean rag that is soaked in warm water and then press into the skin and hold for up to a minute. Afterwards, the skin will be moist and the pores will be open and ready to rid of impurities. The perfect way that I have personally found is using Coconut Oil and massaging into the face, then wiping away residue with a rag.

        Oil cleansing will leave the skin clean, soft and smooth, and is also safe for those with problematic skin. People with oily or acne-prone skin tend to over-cleanse and dry out their skin, which can cause the skin to overcompensate for the dryness by producing more oil. As an added bonus there will be no need for a moisturizer because the oil deposits moisture while cleansing the pores. To seal the pores afterwards, splash the face with cold water and the skin will firm back up and you will be fresh and rejuvenated. This will create a perfect base for whatever products that you use.

If you are weary about trying oil on your face at first, try one of the products that produce their own oil cleansers like One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil or Province Apothecary Moisturizing Cleanser and Makeup Remover

SKIN TYPES:

• For normal to dry skin, try argan, coconut or shea oil.
• For oily skin, use a little bit of tea tree or peppermint oil with castor oil.

Welcoming NYFW With a Smile

Hello NYFW 2016! I know that this is a time that some people live for. And if you are one of the lucky few who scored an invite to a popular designers show, then you most likely have been planning your outfit since this same time last year. For those of us who can't take off work to head to these shows and dress up in fashion forward outfits there are other ways that are more subtle to show how bold you are while still remaining rather neutral. One great way is a bold lip. 

Lip products are a popular item because they are one of the first areas that people look when you are speaking because they are interpreting the words coming out of your mouth (science tip of the day!) And if this is one of the first things that people see then teeth would be right after. If you plan on getting your picture taken (which I know you are) then you should have your brightest smile possible and lip color can do the trick. 

Teeth whitening may be for some but definitely not for all, especially those with sensitive teeth. Everyone wants a red carpet ready smile and may not want to either spend the money nor the time to achieve it. There are a few popular options, you can either never smile, and go for the quiet mysterious demeanor, or you can just go the whole nine yards and get caps or veneers like most celebs. For those of us who are looking for a less drastic approach, makeup is here to help.

When using a lip color you have to take into account the undertones of the product that you are using. Your lips are the doors to your teeth and so they must complement each other. Blue Tones are the Answer! The blue tone will contrast the shade of yellow tinted teeth and make them appear whiter. Try to avoid colors that have any warm base like a yellow or an orange tone because they will make the teeth appear more yellow.

Here are a few tips when deciding on a color:

Light pink-  Stick with cool undertones rather than coral or orange.

Dark pink/red– select a berry tone

Nudes – ensure lips are foundation free + use a sheer color with a bit of gloss

Smile Bright Like a Diamond

“Say Cheese? Why Are My Teeth Yellow??”

— Taking Photos in the 90s

A smile says a lot about you, and as much as we would like to say that we are all nice people, we are very judgy people. A smile can infer a lot about someone but also could be a medical condition that you have no idea about. Whether you are getting ready for a hot date, going on a job interview or just having a night out with your friends. Having a brilliant smile is a great way to put your best foot forward and here are a few ways that I have already tried myself and one that may be new that you have never heard of:

Tooth paste – I have used almost every tooth paste brand that claims to have whitening out there but there are two that I will always go back to. One is the Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste that we sell here at Cedra, and the other is Crest 3D White Diamond Strong Toothpaste They will have the most subtle effect, mostly a preventative measure to help prevent staining but it wont do the job of an actual whitener.

Whitening Kits – If you go to any drug store there are numerous teeth whiteners out there and honestly, I am a person who has to deal with sensitive teeth and flossing everyday is not an option. When trying these kits with either strips, trays or lights, most of them were too harsh for me. The only one that has had wonderful effects while retaining my dental health has been the Luster Pro Light Whitening Kit 

NEW "OLD" METHOD OF OIL PULLING:

        The system that I have tried is CoCo White. Oil pulling, also known as "kavala" or "gundusha," is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. This action supposedly draws out toxins in your body, primarily to improve oral health but also to improve your overall health. 

        The main benefit of oil pulling is to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth. There are actually thousands of different types of bacteria in the mouth. Some of them are friendly, others are not. The bacteria in the mouth create a “biofilm” on the teeth – a thin layer that they use to adhere to the surface. This is what we know as “plaque.” Having some plaque on your teeth is normal, but if it gets out of hand it can cause all sorts of problems, including bad breath, yellow teeth, gum inflammation, gingivitis and cavities.

        Everyone wants to stay away from these problems so go ahead and try something new to keep your teeth sparkly and white!

Rebel Against Cancer - World Cancer Day 2016

Purple stands for General Cancer Awareness 

A truly global event taking place every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.

It aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease, pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action. 

Why World Cancer Day is important

• Currently, 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years)

• World Cancer Day is the ideal opportunity to spread the word and raise the profile of cancer in people’s minds and in the world’s media

Not Your Average 'JO'

How many of you out there are the type of person to say “no talkee before coffee”. In a way this has become every New Yorker's mantra. Coffee shops far and wide are complete madness in the mornings and I must give some props to all the baristas out there that can keep up with the morning rush. We can all save some money by making coffee at home and those coffee grinds shouldn't go to waste. Put them to good use and try some of these nifty at home tricks!

Here are some cool ways that coffee grinds can be repurposed:

 

Healthy Skin

1. Exfoliator

• 4 table spoons of coconut oil
• 6 table spoons of coffee grinds

Use on areas afflicted with dry skin and rub gently to remove excess dead skin to reveal smooth and healthy skin. The coffee grinds will exfoliate as the coconut oil moisturizes.

2. De-Puff

One love organics makes an amazing morning serum called “Morning Glory” Morning Glory will tighten and tone your skin like no other for an anytime skin revival.

If you haven't had the chance to come pick up the serum here at Cedra you can try this amazing trick!

At home coffee ice cubes:

Simply mix in the coffee grinds with water in an ice tray and keep them in your freezer. In the morning take ice cube and rub over your face in circular motions to rejuvenate the skin and increase blood circulation. This will make the face look brighter and have your skin feeling all around healthier to start your day!

 

Healthy Hair

Mix coffee grinds with your regular conditioner and rub into the scalp. The caffeine in the grinds will promote hair growth! Leaving the conditioner mixer in the hair for 5-10 mins will also act like a stain and add luster and highlights to darker hair while deepening light brown or brown hair.

**If you are living with roommates make sure to tidy up so you won't be left with a million questions of why the shower is speckled with coffee grinds. It is also a lot easier to clean up if it doesn't dry to the walls!

Ooh La Lash

“#MakeupTipThursday”

— Brandon Cross

Lashes Lashes Lashes, it seems like these days everyone is wearing some form of a false lash. There are strip lashes, individual lashes, eye lash extensions and the original false lash which is good old mascara. No shame here! We use these products to enhance our preexisting features and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Self-improvement in any form is progress and we are definitely on board. At times, all of these false lashes can be a bit of work. From the strips and individuals, to the higher end mink lashes that are around these days can start at 20 dollars and go up from there. The glue can irritate your eyes and most of the time only makes it though half the day before you a wonky eyelash and look like you are winking at everyone.  Eyelash extensions on the other hand mean that you have to be careful with what products that you use on your face and have to go to a salon every few weeks which can be both time consuming and expensive.

There are a few old tricks that you should know that can save you time, money and stress.

1.     Powder Lashes

Adding a bit of loose powder onto your lashes before applying mascara can really help to bulk up any thin or sparse lashes for a fuller, dramatic effect.

2.     Multiple wands

Sometimes two is better than one. Personally I use the Becca Ultimate Full Lash Perfecting Mascara for volume and then go over with the Antonym Lola Lash Mascara for separating, lengthening and curling.

3.     Tight Water Line

Be sure to tight line and go over your waterline to make the base of the lashes appear fuller. It will also ensure that there are no spaces between your lashes which make them seem sparse.

Before

After

Giving Up the ManBun for the ManBraid

        It’s now 2016 and that means a new year and new hair styles.  We are saying goodbye to the trend that people loved… the Manbun. I know, you may be wondering, well…what am I to do now? You spent the whole year growing out those luscious locks and you feel like you are in a good place to properly tie up your hair and make a substantial bun but that is so last year.

        This is the year of the man braid, you can still have the same hair length but you might need to ask for some help when attempting this style. This style has been featured in various outlets from GQ to Refinery 29 and it is definitely going to have its year to shine.  Men are now more comfortable trying new looks and paying attentions to the new trend. We think the best way to achieve this sleek look is to first apply a pomade of some kind, we decided to go with the BAXTER of California Hard Water Pomade that looks like it has a little glitter in it, but once applied it just leaves a beautiful healthy shine to the hair.

        Most stylists or even barbers can hook you up with a nice braid hairstyle and its something that is quick and easy to do. Next time you get a hair cut do something different and ask for this style and just wait for the compliments to come in, be daring and have fun! It’s just hair. 

Think Outside the Box, Draw Outside the Lines

“#MakeupTipThursday ”

— Brandon Cross

NOT TOO FAR OUTSIDE THE LINES!

        Two words come to mind when you think lips…KYLIE JENNER. She is undeniably the queen of lips as of 2015. We are all aware that she has had a little help in the lip department aside from lip liners, but she had lead many girls on for a while by swearing that all she did was overdraw her lips.

        Overdrawing is something that done in moderation particular to the individual can subtly enhance the lips size and shape. HOWEVER, this is not a magic wand, you cannot just draw on whatever lips that you would like. ESPECIALLY in the daytime, overdrawn lips are easy to spot and appear like more of a mistake than an enhancement.

Here are a few tips to keep those lips looking Real as opposed to Real Fake.

1.     Just Above Not Beyond

- If you are overdrawing, keep the liner just above your natural lip line to add a bit to the size. If you draw too far above your natural line, you will be able to clearly see the division between actual lip and your skin.

2.     Conceal-Her

- After finishing with the lip liner, if the lines are not too sharp and appear a bit muddy, use a lip brush to smoothen out the lines and then use any thin brush with your concealer or foundation to tighten up mistakes.

3.     Don’t Leave Em High and Dry

- The winter time can leave your lips chapped or dry, try using our tip from our S.O.S. post or apply a lip balm before using a lip liner especially if you do not plan on using any product like a gloss over the liner. 

Wake Up & Embrace the Cold

        The cold weather can be a bit a bit depressing for most people. The only reason I can think of people love the winter is because of the snow. It is beautiful to look at, but when all we have is single digit temperatures and harsh biting winds, there’s not much to love.  

        Just today a friend from Oregon was telling me about how much nicer the weather is over there. Yes, they have an abundance of snowfall but the temperatures are a bit warmer because the sun shines brighter and the wind isn’t quite as piercing.

        We are all aware that the cold weather is mostly bad for our hair and skin but the cold can be used in a good way.  Do you ever not get enough sleep or wake up with your allergies causing puffy eyes? There are a few tips to help this.

• Cold Spoons:

Before you go to sleep place two metal spoons in the fridge and when you wake up simply close your eyes and place them on top. The cold will constrict the blood vessels under the eye and tighten the skin, reducing any swelling and making the face appear slightly more awake.

• Ice Mask

There are a few ways that this can be achieved. You can always buy an ice pack eye mask that you put in the freezer and remove for use when needed or you can make a bowl of ice water, place a washcloth into it and let sit for a minute. Then ring it out slightly and place it onto your face. While its on your face try to press and massage it into the skin gently. The cold water will wake you up and tighten up the pores making the face appear youthful.

Cheers To You!

Courtesy of The UES Meatball Shop 

        Cheers to the Weekend! Count yourself as one of the lucky ones, you made it through the second work week of the year. By this time, any new years resolution that you made is either a hit or a miss but no where in between. For those of you who have successfully stood by your word to make certain changes and improvements, it is time to celebrate! And for those who have fallen a bit short…NO WORRIES, you have almost the whole year of 2016 ahead of you. So kick back this weekend and soak up all the R&R that you can and get ready to tackle next week with a fresh face and an eager mind. 

Falling Out With Your Eyeshadow

“#MakeupTipThursday ”

— Brandon Cross

          I know that I cannot be the only one...You are getting ready and get past all of the major steps...Primer, Moisturizer, Foundation, Concealer, Setting Powder, Contour, then you are almost finished but you then decide to try an eye shadow look...and then it happens...FALLOUT. One of the most irritating steps to getting ready is the dreaded Fallout. Beware, these small little flakes might seem like a little bump in the road but as soon as you touch it,  those pesky little specks will smear everywhere and easily ruin your face and in turn ruin your day.

        There is a plethora of products that you can purchase and a variety of tricks that you can try to avoid Fallout but there is a simple way to refrain from all of this. START WITH THE EYES FIRST. This will allow you to be messy without any of the stress!

Start with the eye shadow first, then use a makeup remover to rid of the excess for clean lines

Essentials of Being a Gentleman

        In this day and age it seems as though the men of our society are still focusing on ‘swag’ which will leave you in no position to brag. Bragging rights come to those select few men who possess the poise, sophistication and understanding that becoming a true gentleman means carrying yourself with an air of class. Class is not only something for those of a certain economic status…au-contraire. Adding a few specific items to your wardrobe and carrying them appropriately can transform any guy into a Gentleman.

Watch Out:

This basically means being on time. Real men don’t make anyone wait. Be prompt as possible unless a situation arises. If you are going to be late then inform your party as to why and give them an updated ETA.

Scratch and Sniff:

Here in New York, it is officially cold. You guys might think that you can get away with not wearing deodorant or cologne but keep it up. One or two sprays of a cologne like our beautifully packaged Eight & Bob Original, is more than enough and if you plan on having a night out, be sure to use an antiperspirant to keep feeling and smelling fresh.

See Something Say Something:

You might not need glasses to see, and if you are one of those few guys continuing to wear glasses without lenses in them, STOP. This tip is essential to tell you that observe your surroundings. Everyone loves a compliment, if you see something you like, respectfully make your feelings known, retreat, wait for a reaction and proceed.

Keep in mind that being a gentleman is all about a mindset, be respectful of others and you will begin to see that respect returned. 

If You Were to Be a Fruit...Be a Fine-Apple

        During the winter months, we all tend to gravitate towards comfort food. Chocolates, Ice cream, Cakes and Pies are just a few of our favorite things. You might think that you need these types of food to stay warm and cozy but having fruit like pineapple is a smarter choice. It is rich in natural ingredients and has a variety of health benefits.

        Pineapple leaves are used to produce the textile fiber piña in the Philippines and have also been used as wallpaper and clothing in different countries across the world. Here in the United States we know it to be a tasty and sweet fruit that makes the perfect snack. Here are some reasons why the pineapple might be more powerful than you think.

• Rich In Melatonin: Pineapple has been identified to be one of the richest sources of dietary melatonin tested, capable of causing significant blood level elevations, peaking two hours after ingestion.
• Anti-Diabetic Leaves: All parts of the pineapple plant have potential value. The leaf has been studied to have insulin-sensitizing traits.
• Pineapple Leaves As Cholesterol-Drugs: research indicates that pineapple leaves may modulate cholesterol synthesis and be less threatening than those prescribed drugs out there.

So next time you are reaching for a processed and sugary treat try a piece of pineapple instead. You may be surprised how satisfied you'll be!

Stressed out Snowmen Have Meltdowns

        Today seems to mark the official change in weather for New York. It is now the second full work week of 2016 and work is officially in full swing. Everyone is coming down from the holiday buzz and realizing that all the days off and holiday parties are over. 
        This may leave some feeling a little under the weather, both literally and metaphorically. Keep in mind that your happiness is the key to success. Maintaining a pleasant disposition will help you both mentally and socially. A smile is contagious and it all starts with finding that peace within.
        Here are a few ways to keep the stress of the winter, traffic and work, from ruining this season. 

1. Express Yourself

        Complaining is not always a bad thing, unless you're doing it all the time. Complaining is a form of self expression and expression is a natural stress reliever. So cry, laugh, scream (just make sure no one is around, or people will think you are crazy) if you have to. Through complaining and talking to someone you can find the solutions to your problems a lot easier than you thought. 

2. Don't Hesitate to Meditate

        This does not have to be as complicated or as time-consuming as you might believe. Meditation has been around for thousands of years and is a way to clear all of your jumbled thoughts. Focus your attention on centering your mind and the body will follow. Close your eyes and take deep slow breaths inhaling and counting to 5 then exhaling slowly. Some popular forms of meditation include:

• Guided Meditation; Imagining a place that brings you peace or joy, it's all about the sense memory
• Mindfulness Meditation; Be mindful of what you have and where you are, living in the present is where you need to live

3. Soak it Up

Sniff, Sip and Relax. When you're at work try drinking some calming teas like lavender, chamomile or even passionflower which all can relax the muscles and reduce anxiety.  At home, try an essential oil diffuser using scents like eucalyptus or bergamot. Eucalyptus has a calming effect on the body and the Bergamot is a citrus scent that will trigger feelings of happiness. At night try taking a warm bath and adding some of our home-made Coco Balms. These will keep your skin soft and smooth but careful for a slippery tub!

Coco Balm

• 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil 
• 1/2 Cup Coco Butter
• 10 Drops Essential Oils Try Either Lavender or Eucalyptus

Heat in a pot on low heat and stir till mixed, then pour into an ice cube tray and place into the fridge to cool

S.O.S: Save Our Skin

The winter months are brutal and cold which makes getting dressed a constant struggle for us living on east coast but we are doing it to protect us from the elements (We can’t walk around naked…anymore!) It is undeniable that during this time of year we are all out looking for a great moisturizer. From creams to lotions, to scrubs, there is a plethora of options to keep your skin hydrated and healthy looking. How about we take a look into the reasons that are causing these problems.

1. Sun Damage

No matter how hot or how cold it is, the sun is always out and its rays are always damaging to your skin. Always remember to wear SPF! Sun damage from excessive exposure during the summer months can also leave you having dry skin during the winter. Our faces are the most exposed so using a daily moisturizer is a must! We are also constantly licking our lips causing them to constantly dry out. See my tip at the bottom on how to remove unwanted chapped lips using only warm water and a tooth-brush!

2. Hot showers

You might think that it is a great idea to warm up before going out into the cold weather but constant hot showers will leave your skin dry and remove all the natural oils that leave your skin looking healthy. Try a more lukewarm temperature and apply moisturizer directly after while the pores are still open and susceptible to the moisturizer. To keep the skin lightweight, try a serum. One Love Organics makes an incredible 'Gardenia and Tea’ Serum perfect for keeping soft touchable skin while remaining almost weightless. 

3. Soap

Whether out at work or at home we are always washing our hands, or using hand sanitizer when a sink is not in reach. This constant washing and sanitizing (which has alcohol as one of the main ingredients) is leaving you dry and can cause your skin to itch. Keep a hand cream ‘handy’ to make sure that you put your best hand forward (hopefully the moisturized one). We have the Hand Healer from Jack Black which is great because it dries to a velvety-smooth finish leaving minimal residue on hands. Ingredients include eucalyptus and vitamins A and E  to penetrate and help soothe dry, chapped, cracked hands.

Tip to Rid of Chapped Lips:

• Wet a towel with warm water and place on lips allowing them to become wet.
• After 30 seconds, take your ‘soft’ tooth-brush and gently rub across the lips.
• Wipe away the excess skin and you will be left with kissable lips!