Pumpkin Face Mask | Bright & Clear Skin

Hello friends! I'm back with another DIY skin care video for ya, and this one is SO fall. Who doesn't love a good pumpkin in October, am I right? Well now you can put it on your face, and the benefits rock! If you haven't already be sure to check out my youtube video on how to make this face mask, and if the video brought you here let's get into all the detes on how this is amazing for your skin. 

Pumpkin:

Pumpkin is not only great for October decor, but also has amazing benefits for the skin when applied topically. It's great brightening the skin, anti-aging and reducing dark spots. 
Pumpkin is full of fruit enzymes and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) which increase cell turnover - therefore smoothing and brightening the skin. It also contains vitamins A and C which help to soften and sooth the skin, as well as increasing collagen production lessening and slowing down the aging process. Pumpkin seeds are a whole other deal (great for people who suffer with acne), but we'll get into that another day. 

Eggs:

Eggs are not only an excellent addition to your diet, but also topically for your skin as well! Eggs are filled with vitamins, amino acids, rich in moisture and contain acne fighting enzymes. 
Egg whites work to tighten your skin and reduce the size and appearance of your pores. It is also a natural astringent that helps regulate sebum secretion (oil) which helps prevent future breakouts. Naturally, since it works to tighten and lift loose skin, it also promotes youthful looking skin. Double whammy am I right?! Lysozyme (an active enzyme in eggs whites) helps to maintain the skin's natural elasticity and tautness, therefore slowing down the aging process. Lysozyme also fights acne causing agents, such as germs and bacteria, therefore helping to clear blemishes. Lysozyme has also been said to help with acne scarring and dark spots.
On the other hand, egg yolks have different, yet awesome skin benefits. The yolk works to provide the skin with healthy fat and moisture, therefore plumping dry skin cells making the skin look youthful and bouncy. Egg yolks are great for locking in moisture - very good for people with dry skin. Yolks are also rich in vitamin A (retinol) which is an ingredient found in many top acne fighting products. So not only do they provide hydration for the skin, but still help to fight acne as well.
As you can see eggs are crazy beneficial for your skin health, from fighting acne, to firming skin and everything in between!


Honey:

Now onto honey. Honey is crazy good for your skin. It is a natural antibiotic which helps to fight existing acne. It contains anti-inflammatory properties which helps to reduce redness and inflammation that acne causes. It is chalk full of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. And on top of it all it is a great moisturizer and nourishes your skin. These are just to name a few, but I think you probably get it - honey rocks!!

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is chalk full of nutrients and properties that are amazing for your skin. It contains malic acid which is a natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral substance. This means it fights bacteria, preventing new blemishes to form. It also contains ash which helps maintain the pH level of our skin (super important for healthy skin!!) by balancing the production of sebum. Basically that means it keeps your skin from getting too oily or too dry - therefore preventing future breakouts. Apple cider vinegar also helps to draw out toxins and unclog your pores, preventing new blemishes to form. Now on top of keeping acne at bay it's also great for anti-aging as well. It contains alpha hydroxy acids which removes dead skin leaving your skin looking fresh and young. This will help to fade age spots and acne scarring too. It has also been known to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Can't go wrong with this stuff people! 

Recipe:

• 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree (or fresh pumpkin)
• 1 whole egg
• option for dry skin (teaspoon of honey)
• option for oily skin (dash of apple cider vinegar)

*I have combination skin so I decided to add the honey and apple cider vinegar, but you choose based on your skin type and needs*

Hope you learned a little something and can see why this face mask rocks for your skin! Be sure to check out my video if you haven't yet & I'll talk to you soon!

XOXO,

Linds

DIY Toner to Get Rid of Body Acne!

If you haven't yet be sure to check out my video on this tutorial any my other best tips on how to keep body acne at bay! 

Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar is chalk full of nutrients and properties that are amazing for your skin. It contains malic acid which is a natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral substance. This means it fights bacteria, preventing new blemishes to form. It also contains ash which helps maintain the pH level of our skin (super important for healthy skin!!) by balancing the production of sebum. Basically that means it keeps your skin from getting too oily or too dry - therefore preventing future breakouts. Apple cider vinegar also helps to draw out toxins and unclog your pores, preventing new blemishes to form. Now on top of keeping acne at bay it's also great for anti-aging as well. It contains alpha hydroxy acids which removes dead skin leaving your skin looking fresh and young. This will help to fade age spots and acne scarring too. It has also been known to lessen the apparence of fine lines and wrinkles. Can't go wrong with this stuff people! 

Tea Tree Oil (optional):

Tea tree oil is great for your skin, especially acne-prone skin. It helps acne because it contains disinfecting and soothing properties. It works to disinfect the pores while also drying out whiteheads and blackheads. It penetrates the blockage between your skin and sebaceous glands. Make sure to dilute it properly or it could really dry out your skin. But a dash of this to my DIY toner is perfect to help clear up those stubborn spots!

I hope this helps you like it's helped me!! Back acne/body acne SUCKS. Don't forget to check out my video for more :)

XOXO,

Linds

DIY Grapefruit Mask for Acne & Skin Damage!

Perfect timing for summer with this grapefruit and yogurt mask! It's so easy using only 2 ingredients that will leave your skin with a fresh & youthful glow! Be sure to check out my video tutorial on youtube if you haven't already!

Let's get into why these ingredients rock for your skin!

Grapefruit:

Firstly make sure you are using a red or pink grapefruit (not white or yellow) because red and pink grapefruits contain a higher amount of antioxidants as well as lycopene. The antioxidants fight free radical damage that can cause wrinkles, discoloration of the skin and overall dullness. Lycopene (found in red & pink grapefruits) can improve the texture of your skin by aiding cellular functions that are essential to keeping your skin looking young. Lycopene also can strengthen your skin by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the destruction and breakdown of collagen. The juice contains retinol (which is known to be awesome for acne) which repairs skin damage, fights fine lines & tones the skin. Grapefruits also contain acids that exfoliates the skin, keeping your pores clean and complexion bright. Not only are grapefruits delicious and smell amazing they have AMAZING skin benefits!!

Yogurt: 

Firstly make sure you have PLAIN yogurt with no additives. The probiotics in yogurt help to fight acne and discoloration. Yogurt also contains lactic acid that dissolves dead skin cells leaving your skin exfoliated and smooth. Since it exfoliates your skin with no physical abrasive exfoliants it's ideal for skin with acne so it can properly exfoliate your skin without aggravating your acne! It also will dilute the grapefruit juice and balance it with a moisturizing effect so it won't dry out your skin. Plain yogurt is a great additive to any face mask with anti-aging and acne fighting properties!


DIY Grapefruit & Yogurt Mask:

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (organic is ideal)
• the juice of 1/2 of a grapefruit (pink or red)

Be sure to go and check out my video tutorial on how to make this mask on youtube!! Hope you like it as much as I do!

XOXO,

Linds

DIY T-shirt Ideas for Summer!

4 DIY T-Shirt Ideas for Summer!

Things you need:

1. T-shirts (I got mine from forever 21)

2. Iron transfer paper: https://amzn.to/2SABZ51 3. Scissors: https://amzn.to/2UVSWZv 4. Iron: https://amzn.to/323uAhO

Neon Pink "No Sides" Elephant Tee

Here's the picture of the elephant I used:

All you have to do is iron on the picture, cut off the sleeves & entirely down the sides and tie the bottoms together! Watch the video tutorial I have on youtube!

Blue "Mermaid" Seashell Tee

Here's the picture of the seashells I used:

All you have to do is iron on the pictures, cut off the sleeves, cut of the bottom to crop it leaving a slit in the center front with two triangles for tying only in the front. Much easier to follow in the video tutorial I have on youtube!

White Dolphin "Crochet" Tee

Here's a picture of the dolphins I used:

I chose to leave out the text (even though it's super cute) because you could see the outline of the iron-on sheet and I didn't like it, so I only used the dolphins but feel free to do whatever of course! All you have to do is iron on the picture, cut 1 inch slits about 1/4 of the way from the bottom up all the way around and start "crocheting" them together! Again much easier to follow in the video tutorial I have on youtube!

Lavender Pineapple Crop Top

Here's a picture of the pineapple I used:

This is the easiest! All you have to do is iron on the picture & cut off the bottom to crop it! Watch the video tutorial I have on youtube!

I absolutely LOVE how these turned out and I will definitely be rocking these at the beach, the gym, and walking around enjoying life this summer! Be sure to check out my video to see more details on how these are made!

XOXO,

Linds

Firmoo Giveaway Rules!

Hi loves!

If you're here you most likely watched my FirmWoo Review & Giveaway video and if you haven't seen it yet be sure to check that out first!

Now on to the fun part :) 

There will be 5 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!! (3 from Youtube and 2 from Instagram)

The giveaway will run for 3 weeks, from Monday May 16th - Monday June 6th!

The rules (3 Youtube winners):
1. Be subscribed to my youtube channel lindsbeauty5 (I obviously want the winners to be loyal subscribers so I can give back <3)
2. To enter simply comment on my youtube video telling me what you're most excited for this summer & post the link to the frames you like from here http://www.firmoo.com/promo-free-glasses-samples.html

The rules (2 Instagram winners):
1. Be subscribed to my youtube channel lindsbeauty5
2. Follow my Instagram account @lindsmelvillee
3. To enter simply comment on my youtube video what your Instagram handle is & post the link to the frames you like from here http://www.firmoo.com/promo-free-glasses-samples.html

You can enter as many times as you want & you can enter the Youtube and Instagram giveaways for a better chance of winning!

NOTE: Free shipping to anywhere in the USA! If you are an international subscriber you will unfortunately have to pay a shipping fee.

XOXO,

Linds

Cocoa Face Mask for Acne, Hydration & Anti-aging!

Do you want a mask that does it all? If the answer is yes, then this mask is for you! Check out my youtube video of me making it and using the mask if you haven't already!

This mask is perfect for my skin type which is dry-combination sensitive skin that is acne prone (could it be worse? I know). SO this mask helps to prevent breakouts, while adding moisture and helps against free radical damaging (aging). 

This is also perfect with Valentine's Day just around the corner. If you don't have a date pamper yourself with this mask, or if you do use it the night before to have your date blinded by your perfect skin!

Ok let's get down to the science...

Cocoa Powder:

First of all the higher the percent of pure cocoa the better obviously. I got mine at Trader Joe's and it's 100% pure cocoa and unsweetened of course. Now let's talk about why you want to put this on your face. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants that help to repair your skin and prevent further damage from free radicals (which helps to prevent premature aging). It also promotes collagen production for tighter, more youthful looking skin. It helps to prevent future blemishes while moisturizing your skin. After this mask your skin will be glowing!

Olive Oil:

Olive oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, polyphenols and phytosterols which help to protect the skin from premature aging. It helps to restore skin smoothness and protects against UV light. It also helps to prevent free radical damage to the skin. Olive oil (against what you might think) actually doesn't clog your pores. It penetrates deep into the skin providing moisture and cleansing the skin. Basically it's a SUPER moisturizer that will plump the skin for a youthful glow!

Sea Salt:

Firstly, make sure it's sea salt, not regular table salt, got it? Great, now let's get into it... I'm sure you may have noticed that after you go to the ocean beach your skin may look a little better right? That's not just from all the vitamin D your getting it's the sea salt! When used VERY gently sea salt is a great exfoliator and can help to get rid of dead skin cells built up on the skin. Sea salt is natural stress reducer, and as we all know stress is one of the main causes for acne. Sea salt is also a natural detoxifier - it absorbs toxins from the skin. Sea salt can also increase circulation and also has antiseptic effects which helps to kill bacteria that cause acne. Sea salt is also full of vitamins and minerals that helps to nourish the skin. Combined with the cocoa powder preventing future breakouts, sea salt will help to combat existing spots! Basically sea salt is the bees knees.

Face Mask Recipe:

• 2 TSP of pure cocoa powder
• 1 TSP of olive oil
• a pinch of sea salt

If you haven't checked out my video tutorial on how to make this face mask & directions on how long to apply it be sure to watch the video!!! Hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day this year or just a lovely day or week in general :)

XOXO,

Linds

DIY Makeup Remover Pads/Wipes + DIY Eye Makeup Remover

Hi beauties! Do you spend lots of money of makeup removing wipes? Or maybe not a lot of money, but those packages only have about 30 wipes in them so every month or so you have to buy another one... Well now you can make your own for much less & with all natural ingredients!

Makeup Remover Pads:

2 TBSP coconut oil
2 cups of filtered water
2 pumps of tear free baby wash
a dash of tea tree oil (optional)

Check out my video tutorial on how to make this!

Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is known to do WONDERS for your body. Today we'll talk on how it is amazing specifically for your skin. Since it is a saturated fat, when applied topically, it helps to lock in moisture leaving the skin soft and moisturized. Coconut oil also contains fatty acids that act as a disinfectant and contain antimicrobial properties which protects the skin from microbial infections. Coconut oil is also rich in proteins that help keep the skin healthy and rejuvenated by contributing to cellular health and tissue repair. Another added benefit is it contains anti-aging properties. Basically all these fancy words mean coconut oil has many benefits because of its healing, antibacterial and cleansing properties! On top of all that it can gently remove your makeup! What more can you ask for? 

Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is great for your skin, especially acne-prone skin. It helps acne because it contains disinfecting and soothing properties. It works to disinfect the pores while also drying out whiteheads and blackheads. It penetrates the blockage between your skin and sebaceous glands. Make sure to dilute it properly or it could really dry out your skin. But a dash of this to my DIY makeup remover pads is perfect to remove makeup and help fight acne without drying out your skin!

Eye Makeup Remover:

4 TBSP of olive oil
4 TBSP of witch hazel

Check out my video on how I made this!

Olive Oil:
Olive oil contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, polyphenols and phytosterols which help to protect the skin from premature aging. It helps to restore skin smoothness and protects against UV light. It also helps to prevent free radical damage to the skin. Olive oil (against what you might think) actually doesn't clog your pores. It penetrates deep into the skin providing moisture and cleansing the skin. Basically it is the best way to gently remove your eye makeup while also moisturizing and providing anti-aging properties to the sensitive skin around your eyes!

Witch Hazel:
Witch hazel is amazing for your skin but today we'll stick to why it's good for around your eyes. Witch hazel has the ability to tighten skin and reduce inflammation which makes it ideal for your eye region to prevent premature aging and reduce puffiness that can occur around the eyes. It is also a natural astringent and can help to treat discoloration (dark circles) under the eyes. It is an ideal ingredient to add to your eye makeup remover.



If you haven't already be sure to check out my video on how to make these awesome DIYs!

XOXO, 

Linds