Author: Jennifer Mathews

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

5 Cruelty-Free Beauty Products You Loved In High School

I remember not being able to leave for school without at least two lip glosses and a small body spray. After high school, I kind of left some of my favorite products behind. I guess I thought they were just for teens.
There weren’t as many cruelty-free brands back then, but there are lots now! For a brand to be cruelty-free, it must not be tested on animals, the ingredient suppliers must not test on animals, and it must not be sold in a country that requires animal testing (like mainland China).
The cruelty-free status of a brand can change over time. Some brands become cruelty-free and others start testing on animals (often because they want to sell in a country that requires it). Remember that it doesn’t matter where a product is made—only where it is sold. It’s important to do your research to see if a brand is truly cruelty-free.
Some of those same cruelty-free beauty products we used when we were teenagers definitely deserve a second look now. They worked well then and they’re still incredible today!

Bonne Bell Lip Balms

I’m a Bonne Bell girl when it comes to lip balms. I’m still in love with their lip collection. It’s the perfect blend of moisture with a hint of shine and color. The off-the-wall flavors are still fun for adults!

The Body Shop Mists and Lotions

Remember when perfume meant body mists and scented lotion? Me too. I’m skipping the expensive perfumes with questionable ingredients and going back to an old high school favorite from The Body Shop.
Strawberry and peach were some of my favorites. I love the light fragrances of the mists along with the deep moisturizing properties of their lotions. I like to layer the scent to give myself a natural, fruit-based fragrance all day long.
The Body Shop has always been cruelty-free and has a firmly anti-animal-testing stance. But please note that they are owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free.

Physicians Formula BB and CC Creams

I’ve tried other brands, but Physicians Formula still works best for my sensitive skin. I’m now more in love than ever since they introduced their Organic Wear Beauty Balm Creams. The coverage is incredible and it feels like you’re not wearing anything.

Burt’s Bees Facial Cleanser

Throughout high school, Burt’s Bees lip balms were a big hit with me and my friends. I’m still a huge fan! Their facial cleansers are a bit more recent. They keep my sensitive, acne-prone skin under control. While I usually opt for the Natural Acne Solutions Purifying Gel Cleanser, the Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser is amazing, too.

Wet n Wild Eyeshadow

I’m a little addicted to eyeshadow and I always loved Wet n Wild’s color palettes. After leaving their shadows behind after high school, I’ve finally started using them again. I couldn’t be happier.
Their line has improved, and I’m loving the Perfect Pair Eye Wand with matching shadow and liner in a single pencil. It’s quick, easy to use, and lasts for hours.
Don’t ever think you’re too old to wear your favorite high school beauty products! Just like you, they’ve only gotten better over time.

Categories
Nosh Nutrition x Advice

Eat Your Way to Gorgeous With These Skin Smoothing Snacks

I’m always trying different creams and lotions to get rid of dry skin and shave five years or so off my age. All this time, all I had to do was eat better. I know what you must be thinking. Healthy food tastes horrible. Not this time. These skin smoothing snacks taste incredible and they’re easy for anyone to add to their daily routine.
So what do these snacks do for your skin? Unlike that expensive face cream you’ve been using religiously, food works from the inside. These delicious and inexpensive snacks gradually change the look and feel of your skin.
I didn’t need to be told twice. After just a few months, I could tell a major difference and so could everyone else.
Smooth With Honey
I love honey, but I love what it does for my skin even more. Sure, it’s a sugary treat, but it’s good for you. It’s natural humectant properties helps your skin stay moisturized and supple.
If you check out many organic or all natural skin products, you’ll find many of them include honey. There’s a reason for this. I try to add a spoonful of honey to my yogurt or cereal everyday. It’s simple to use and your skin looks better. What do you have to lose?
Don’t just buy any honey though. I know they all say “honey” on the label, but more processed honeys aren’t as effective. Pure and organic honey works best and even tastes better.
Anti-Aging Power With Strawberries
Strawberries are my favorite snack on this list. They not only keep my teeth whiter without using those annoying strips, but they help keep my skin looking younger and smooth. I didn’t realize how much Vitamin C strawberries contain. They actually have more per serving than oranges.
Why does your skin need Vitamin C? Simple! This powerful vitamin fights free radicals that lead to fine lines which make you look far older than you really are.
You don’t have to just eat a handful of strawberries every day. I like mixing them in smoothies, topping my ice cream or adding them to a salad. Get creative and you’ll find it’s easy to add strawberries to your diet.
Heal Skin with Citrus
Strawberries not your thing? Any citrus fruit is full of Vitamin C. I always have oranges and grapefruits on hand. They make great snacks, help boost my immune system and smooth my skin.
Citrus works in the same way as strawberries. It’s just nice to mix it up a little from time to time. After all, who wants to eat the exact same snacks day after day? Eat an orange one day and strawberry smoothie the next.
Soothe Dry Skin with Oatmeal
I’ve used oatmeal based bath soaks for years to soothe my dry skin, especially in the winter. I was never a huge oatmeal fan otherwise. One day I realized if oatmeal helped on the outside, what would it do from the inside? Turns out, it does quite a lot.
The oats in oatmeal are full of fats to lubricate your skin, proteins to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and starches to hold in moisture. Sure, soaking in it is still great, but have a small bowl a few times a week as a snack.
I usually mix in some fruit or honey for a double whammy. Plus, it makes it taste much better.
Beautify Skin with Colorful Veggies
When it comes to skincare, vegetables are your best friend. Color is the name of the game, especially green, red, and orange. I admit I’m guilty of skimping on my veggies. I have noticed a difference since I’ve been sneaking more in.
Colorful vegetables such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and greens provide you with Vitamin A. Trust me when I say this natural form of this anti-aging vitamin is much more powerful than anything you’ll find in supplement form.
Vitamin A works like an anti-aging machine for your skin. It’s a natural antioxidant. It improves your cell turnover rate, leading to more supple, youthful looking skin.
If you’re not too fond of veggies like me, try smoothies and shakes. The raw form is usually best, but I’ve found I eat more when carrots are cooked and seasoned.
Get Nutty For Better Skin
Nuts are probably the easiest snack to keep around on this list. You don’t have to worry about finding them in season or not. I’ve had no problem picking up a handful of almonds or walnuts as I walk through the kitchen.
Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are the best nuts for your skin. They’re full of Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Both help fight premature aging.
You’ve probably heard of omega-3 fatty acids. I mean who hasn’t been bombarded with 20 TV ads for the latest fish oil supplement? The ads are true though! These essential fatty acids improve heart health for better circulation while reducing inflammation and dryness in your skin.
I get some omega-3s from fish, but nuts are my favorite source. Plus, you don’t end up with fish breath later.
Fish to the Rescue
How does a tuna wrap sound for a quick, skin smoothing snack? Fish, especially cold water varieties such as salmon and mackerel, contain omega-3s and omega-6s. I know we’ve been trained to think fat is bad, but fatty fish varieties are actually good for you.
I like making a salmon spread to place on crackers. It’s easy for me to take this snack with me. Keep in mind, you get some of the same benefits from nuts and flaxseeds.
Healthier Skin with Whole Grains
You might just think the whole grains trend is just a fad. I didn’t really understand what the big deal was either at first. Whole grain foods are less processed and contain more nutrients as a result.
You don’t have to scarf down loaves of whole wheat bread to benefit though. Try adding some wheat germ to your cereal, yogurt or other snack. You’ll boost your skin with a much needed dose of biotin for moisturized skin.
A good rule to remember is to think “whole.” Opt for whole wheat or whole grain based snacks. For instance, I dumped my white bread for a mackerel sandwich on whole wheat. Did it make a difference? My mirror said it did.
Start Slow For Better Results
If you’re anything like me, you want to rush off to the grocery store right now. I had this plan to make over my skin in a week by not just snacking, but filling my meals with these skin smoothing foods. I burnt out before the week was out.
Start off slow by adding in some nuts and berries this week. Try replacing your white bread next week. Doing a little at a time ensures you don’t get tired of snacking healthier.
It’s okay. Your skin still benefits. Before you know it, you’ll skip the chips and opt for a cup of citrus fruit or veggies instead. Suddenly, you’ll look in the mirror one day and notice just how much your skin is changing.

Categories
Wellbeing

Stop the Makeup Shaming Once and For All

I love wearing makeup myself and couldn’t believe others would actually bully people just for wearing it. Makeup shaming is a cruel trend and many consider it the new body shaming. Honestly, can’t we all just get along?

What’s Makeup Shaming?

Have you ever been judged by someone else because you covered a blemish or wore eye shadow? Even though we might wear makeup because we enjoy it, some people just don’t understand it, or perhaps don’t wear it themselves.

I used to wear hardly any makeup to work, and I’ve had people tell me I really needed to wear it, or hint that I look better when I’m wearing it. Some people say everyone should be comfortable in their own skin and quit covering up. It’s a no win.

I’m so happy to discover a major campaign against this new form of bullying against women who just enjoy how makeup makes them feel.

YouTube and Instagram to the Rescue

Women aren’t backing down. Instead, they’re standing up for the right to do what they want with their own faces. It all started with a video on YouTube from Nikkie Tutorials. “The Power of Makeup” video shows 21 year old Nikkie De Jager talking about why women wear makeup.

She also shows herself with only half her face made up. This single video has taken the Internet by storm and now women and even men all over the world are posting half and half photos of themselves on Instagram.

Thousands have taken up the #ThePowerOfMakeup challenge. Women and men are sharing their reasons for wearing makeup and proving they’re happy either way.

Nikkie’s View On Makeup

I fully agree with Nikkie’s views on makeup. She says she doesn’t wear it for guys or because she’s insecure. She wears it as a form of self-expression.

Other women are letting go of their shame and telling the world how much they love makeup. The entire point of the now-viral video was to bring the issue of makeup shaming to light and give others the confidence to express themselves without judgment.

I highly recommend watching the video. It’s empowering and makes you feel even better in your own skin whether you’re wearing makeup or not.

Celebrities On Board Too

I decided to check out the photos and wasn’t surprised to see numerous celebrities are on board. Many have even posted selfies showing how beautiful they are without makeup such as Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks.

Get Involved

You can’t get on Instagram right now without seeing #ThePowerOfMakeup or #NoMakeup hashtags. I lost a few hours just scrolling through many of the posts. It’s hard not to respect the women posting selfies that show themselves either partially made up or completely free of makeup.

Overall, the movement is staying positive. Of course, you’ll see some negative comments, but the general response to the photos is positive. I think this is one of the best ways to silence the bullies and put an end to the shaming.

You don’t have to just sit back and do nothing. It’s easy to get involved. Upload your own half and half makeup post to Instagram. Tell the world why you love makeup and be an inspiration for other women.

Putting an End to Shaming

Instagram is a powerful tool in the fight to end both body shaming and makeup shaming. It seems like no matter what women do, it’s not good enough. Young women and teens are confused and go to extreme lengths to be perfect.

I’m so tired of hearing about women being shamed for being too skinny, too fat, too made up and not made up enough. No one should criticize your body or your face! If you’re happy with who you are and how you look, that’s all that matters.

It’s only when women band together that body and makeup shaming will end. Go ahead and stand up for the right to be yourself.

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

Dry-Brush Detox the Right Way

We’ve all tried the myriad of exfoliating scrubs on the market that promise beautiful, younger looking skin. I’ve tried more than I care to count myself. Once I heard about dry brushing, I knew I had to give it a try.
The dry-brush detox is a technique many spas use. It goes beyond exfoliating and that’s why I love it. The problem is you have to learn to do it the right way or the results might not be quite as wonderful as you’d expect. Don’t worry. It’s pretty easy to get the hang of it.
Why Try It?
Dry brushing helps your body inside and out. The technique is used to stimulate both the lymphatic and circulatory systems. To put it simply, it helps improve circulation and aids your body in expelling toxins and excess water.
Some practitioners even use it to help bloated patients and suggest trying it to improve digestion. A couple of other benefits include clearing away dead skin cells and improving the appearance of cellulite. I know I’m a little skeptical about the cellulite part, but many people have said they’ve noticed a difference.
By scrubbing, your outer layer of dead skin cells and debris are removed. Other toxins are pushed through your system faster due to improved circulation. When you think about it, it actually makes sense.
I’m not saying dry brushing is a miracle cure. I am saying it’s a simple way to improve the look of your skin while getting a few added benefits.
What Do You Need?
This is my favorite part. It’s really inexpensive to try this detox method yourself. Pick up an a soft bristle brush. Many health and natural related stores sell these brushes. You’ll need one with slightly stiff bristles, but nothing too hard. The bristles should feel good against your skin. If a gentle stroke scratches you, the bristles are too stiff.
I recommend buying a brush in person versus online so you can feel the bristles yourself. Another thing to keep in mind is to buy a brush with a longer handle so you get to those hard to reach areas.
How to Get Started?
You’ll find numerous techniques, but there’s not one single right way to do it. The one major rule is to always brush towards your heart.
I had a hard time with that at first, but you get used to it quickly. I had to break myself from the usual circular motions I’d make with my loofah while washing.
Pick a time that works well for you. Most people do it before getting in the shower. This lets you wash away any dead skin flakes left behind. You just need to be completely dry before doing it.
My favorite technique is to start with my feet and work my way up. Some start with their necks and work their way down. Use sweeping strokes from the top of your feet, up your legs, over your midsection (including your back, stomach and glutes), up your arms, and down your shoulders.
Remember, always brush towards your heart. This follows the natural flow of the lymphatic system.
Doing this once or twice a day gives you optimal benefits. If you have sensitive skin, once a day or once every other day might be best.
What Should You Avoid?
It’s easy to get carried away at first. I brushed a little too hard my first few times and ended up with red skin and even some stinging micro-cuts. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Your skin should only be a light pink if you do it right. This just means you’re stimulating circulation. This also helps you avoid any tiny cuts.
The dry-brush detox is great for your body, but not your face. Stick to gentler exfoliants for the sensitive skin on your face.
I’ve fallen for dry brushing. Give it a try and see how much of a difference it makes for you.

Categories
Conscious Beauty Lifestyle

No Need to Pout—Your Lips are Gorgeous!

Anyone else a little surprised by the Kylie Jenner plumper lip challenge a few months ago? Maybe it’s just me, but I’m shocked so many women are obsessed with getting plumper lips. It shouldn’t be a surprise though.Women have wanted plump, full lips for hundreds of years. As with most beauty issues, it’s all in the name of making ourselves more attractive to the opposite sex.
The problem is far too many women are taking extreme measures. This leaves them with bruised lips, duck face or other embarrassing results. I know it’s hard to swallow, but it’s just not worth it.
Men Love Them
If given the choice between thin lips and full lips, men prefer the full ones. They stand out and look more kissable. As a woman, I have to admit I find fuller lips far more attractive too.
Think about the celebrities men drool over. It’s stars such as Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson. They’re bombshells in their own right, but what woman hasn’t been envious of their lips? I wish I could have them too, but I’m just made differently.
Just remember that men aren’t just attracted to lips. Their eyes are drawn to other physical features as well. Of course, you could just take my approach and wear some red lipstick!
Celebrity Pressure
For years, women have wanted to be just like their favorite celebrities. We work ourselves to the bone to have the same perfect bodies that we see on the tabloids. Is it any wonder we’re obsessed with getting plumper lips too?
The thing women forget is we don’t have a makeup crew or Photoshop waiting to make our lips look perfect. I gave up on ultra plump lips years ago. I saw the before and after shots of several celebrities and realized even the sexiest women have thinner looking lips. They just had the resources to fake the look.
Of course, celebrities tend to resort to injections, fillers and surgery to make up for what they think they lack. Normal women have to think more about everyday bills than special cosmetic procedures.
Social Media Bragging
I love social media, but I hate it too. Nothing makes you feel worse about yourself than looking at picture after picture of all your friends and all the celebrities you follow seeming flawless. At the very least, you think they look better than you.
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have made it impossible not to believe you have to go to drastic measures to look beautiful. It doesn’t matter what others look like, but with the constant body image pressure women are under, we don’t see it that way. We just want to be able to post images just as attractive as all the others.
The obsession really took hold when the Kylie Jenner Challenge went viral. Thousands of women and men took the plump lip challenge. Instead of fessing up about her plump lips, she challenged people to suction a small glass to their lips.
One look at the competitors’ images and you’ll quickly see how bad of an idea that truly is. It does prove how obsessed women are with achieving the truly pouty look.
Full Equals Youth
I hate the idea that my lips are just going to get thinner as I get older. I know there are things I can do to prevent some of the thinning, but I can’t stop it completely. As we all know, women are obsessed with looking younger. It’s not so much about the age itself, it’s about looking attractive no matter what age you are.
My point is women and men equate fuller lips with youth. Since our lips thin as we age, we all think thinner lips mean a person is older. A 30 year old with ultra thin lips tends to look much older than she really is.
This only applies if the only thing others see is our lips. I’m just as guilty as any other for obsessing over a single perceived beauty flaw and forgetting to look at the whole picture.
Sure, the lips might look older, but if the skin is free of fine lines and wrinkles, the person still looks young. It all boils down to the desire to always seem younger and the obsession only gets worse with age.
A Growing Trend
Like many beauty trends, plumper lips are the in thing right now. Years ago, a larger backside was mocked, but now women are getting implants to better fill out their jeans. Full lips are no different.
With pop culture influencing women now more than ever, fuller lips have taken off since they’re seen on the cover of every beauty magazine and tabloid. I’ve noticed lips seeming larger on models, actresses and musicians for several years now. It’s not all that surprising to see the trend catching on with women everywhere.
I can’t see women ever giving up completely on plumper lips, but I do see the trend gradually lessening. As soon as another celebrity claims thin lips with purple lipstick are the next great trend, you’ll see women clamoring to find purple lipstick and flatten their lips.
The Path to Plumper Lips
Some doctors are starting to turn away women in their quest for full, youthful looking lips. Why? Women want a drastic overhaul. I’ve seen women with a top lip that’s four times bigger than their bottom. I’ve also seen women proudly walk by with duck lips.
I always secretly hope these lips are the result of some type of allergy and the women will look normal again when the swelling goes down. Believe it or not, some women think this looks good. For others, it’s a tragic side effect of surgery or fillers gone wrong.
It’s extremely difficult to get enhanced lips that look even remotely natural. It’s far too tempting to go overboard to ensure everyone notices. Women have resorted to injections, fillers and permanent lip alterations in their quest for plumper lips.
Stick With Natural
In the end, natural looks better. I’d much rather have thinner lips than have a doctor stick a needle in my lips, especially if I just look strange the next day.
I prefer things like cinnamon oil and peppermint oil mixed in with my lip balm. I get a fuller look without any nasty side effects. There are plenty of lip plumping glosses, as well. Of course, you could always try lip exercises. I’ve never done them myself, but many women swear by them.
Regular exfoliation also helps by improving circulation. It’s not that difficult to try a few natural methods. The result is beautiful, natural looking lips. They might not be as plump as Angelina Jolie’s, but they’re yours. Be proud of yours lips and don’t obsess over yet another beauty trend.

Categories
Wellbeing

Body Honesty Is Killing Photoshop On Social Media

I’m supposed to look like what?

I have this thought every time I see altered celeb photos or even personal images on social media. It’s amazing what you can do with Photoshop. What’s really sad is that many people believe these flawless and often unrealistic images are real.

Body honesty is one of my new favorite trends. It’s finally killing Photoshop, as women stand up for themselves. It’s nice seeing real women who look like real women instead of like Barbie dolls.

Flawless Need Not Apply

I would love to see a single person raise their hand if their body is 100% flawless. No takers? I didn’t think so. Take a good look at a celebrity’s retouched photo in a magazine and now look at the same person during an interview. Notice all the differences?

While we’re busy killing ourselves to eliminate every little flaw, the people we’re trying to emulate are equally flawed. They just have photo editors blurring blemishes, shaving off those extra 10 pounds, and smoothing out the cellulite. Of course they look beautiful, but it’s not real.

We’ve been raised in a culture where we think we’re supposed to look perfect all the time. If we don’t fit the mold, we’re made fun of. The new trend shows us that flawless isn’t the same as beautiful after all.

Social Media To The Rescue

It takes courage for a woman to post a real image of herself on social media, especially if she’s not model thin with no flaws. I know I think about every picture I post: Does this one make me look fat? Is my hair too messy? Where did that arm fat come from? I want to look as good as possible, so I second-guess everything. Social media is finally helping change that.

More and more women, including celebrities, are posting unretouched photos of themselves. Check out Instagram and Twitter. You’ll start seeing the body honesty trend in action. It’s truly a beautiful thing and one I’m not ashamed to participate in.

Sure, some people are offering up the usual negative comments, but they’re being overshadowed by positive, supportive comments. People are coming together and realizing they don’t have to hide their flaws any longer. Social media gives everyone the perfect platform to stand up and be heard (or seen, in this case).

Focusing On A Positive Body Image

Ask most women how they feel about their body and they’ll give you a list of things they hate. Is there really anything wrong? No. The flaws I hate most are things I’ve been told I shouldn’t like, such as my thighs and tummy.

Is a woman no longer beautiful if she has stretch marks after having a baby? Do your thighs have to have a noticeable gap between them for you to be attractive? These things just mean you’re a beautiful, healthy woman. It shows you’re living life and not living in a gym 24/7.

Every day I see new rules on how a woman should look. I quit keeping up with it a long time ago. I just don’t need that kind of stress in my life.

Body honesty is about focusing on a positive body image for once. It doesn’t matter if you have cellulite on your thighs or your tummy’s a little jiggly. It’s about appreciating your body as is. After all, no one is perfect.

Celebrities Joining In

Celebrities are starting to speak out about Photoshop. Lady Gaga and Kate Winslet were extremely vocal when they found their photos were retouched. They were proud of what they looked like and didn’t feel the need to show a false version of themselves.

Women aren’t the only ones standing up against Photoshopped images. Brad Pitt wanted his flaws showcased on the cover of W. He still looks great even with the crow’s feet.

The bravery of the few has prompted more celebrities join the movement. I was happy to see older celebrities posing nude and nearly nude in magazines to show that beauty isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. They showed off their flaws and looked incredible while doing it.

Photoshop Doesn’t Inspire

Photoshopped images don’t inspire people to look better. Instead they just feel body shamed. For instance, the fitness inspiration craze–with photos of ultra slim, super sculpted bodies–at most inspires a handful of people to exercise. It makes everyone else feel like they’re too flawed to even try.

I’ve found myself feeling depressed while flipping through a fitness or beauty magazine. I’ve used the same products the women in the pictures use and done the same exercises. What was wrong with me that I couldn’t look like them?

It wasn’t my fault. Those women had blemishes and fine lines. They had thighs that touched and abs that weren’t perfect. I just didn’t know that until I saw them outside of their Photoshopped pictures.

If perfect images don’t inspire, why should they be front and center? It’s time for something real. Body honesty gives all of us a reprieve from unrealistic expectations.

Changing What Attractive Means

Many women think you need six-pack abs, stick-like legs, flawless skin, and a large chest to look sexy. I say if you’re spending that much time on your body, you probably don’t have time to notice if anyone is looking.

Thanks to body honesty taking social media by storm, we’re finally starting to redefine what really is attractive. Confidence and being comfortable in your own skin is what’s truly sexy.

When people feel good about themselves, they’re more likely to eat better and exercise right. I felt better and followed a healthier lifestyle when I didn’t feel like a failure for not looking perfect.

As it turns out, I look great just the way I am. All shapes and sizes look incredible and attractive when flaws are no longer taboo.

Becoming Part Of The Trend

The trend is just starting to gain ground. In this overly Photoshopped society, it’s up to every one of us to make sure body honesty overtakes the fakes.

The first step is to take a real photo of yourself and post it on social media. Don’t be afraid to post a selfie when you’re lounging in your sweats with no makeup on. It makes me feel more confident about myself when I see others posting photos where they’re not exactly looking their best.

Go ahead and share images promoting a positive body image. Add in a supportive comment while you’re at it. The more people who participate, the more power the trend gets.

Photoshop might never disappear completely, but the mask is gone. We all know it’s fake.

Body honesty is real and beautiful. It’s time we embrace the actual beauty in the world.

Categories
Wellbeing

Whiten Yellow Nails at Home With These Amazing Hacks

Who doesn’t hate looking down at their nails only to find nasty yellow stains? You could always hide them in your pockets. I prefer a better, more permanent solution. I’ve made the horrible mistake of leaving my polish on too long only to remove it and find yellow looking nails. So how do I fix the problem?
Don’t worry. You don’t have to resort to chemicals or expensive treatments at a nail salon. Just dig through your kitchen and bathroom and you’re ready for gorgeous, whiter nails. Stop hiding your nails and try some of these amazing nail whitening hacks.
Prepare Your Nails
I know you’re excited to get rid of the yellow, but be patient. You have to prep your nails first. Spending just a few minutes on prep makes all of these hacks that much more effective.
Start by removing any polish and washing your hands. I know it’s scary leaving your nails bare right now, but they’ll be white soon. Grab your favorite nail buffer and buff each nail for a few seconds so the treatment penetrates deeper.
Now, you’re all prepped and ready to start whitening. See, it was quick and easy.
Lemon Juice to the Rescue
Lemons aren’t just for flavoring water and food. They’re your best friend for whiter nails. Okay, I need to throw in a quick disclaimer here. Lemons are acidic. If you have any dry, cracked skin around your nails, these treatments will sting a little.
My favorite part of using lemons is you have several lemon based treatments to choose from.
Keep it simple by putting lemon juice on a cotton ball and rubbing it on your nails. You could also just rub a lemon wedge on them instead. This is as simple as it gets. Plus, who doesn’t like a fresh lemony scent?
Leave the juice on 10 minutes or let it dry and stay on overnight. It’s completely up to you.
Need a deeper clean? Yeah, I’ve been there too. Just make a lemon paste from lemon juice and baking soda. Use a toothbrush to scrub onto your nails and wait for 10 minutes. Rinse and enjoy the thrill of whiter nails.
Brush Your Nails
Brushing your nails sound a little strange? Don’t brush off this idea just yet. I keep a travel sized tube of whitening toothpaste on hand just for cleaning my nails.
Get an old toothbrush and any whitening toothpaste. Brush your nails gently for a few minutes and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. Just like that, you have minty fresh nails that are white and shiny.
Buff Away Stains
If you’re really lucky, you might get to stop with the pre-treat stage. I usually wait too long, but if your nails are just starting to get a yellow tinge, it’s buffing time! Spend approximately 20-30 seconds per nail.
Don’t give in to the temptation to paint them all over again just yet. Give your nails some time to breathe. Not literally of course, but air helps prevent yellowing.
Denture Soak
You might not have denture tablets on hand, but they’re useful for more than just cleaning false teeth. Don’t be embarrassed to buy them. I’m always happy to tell cashiers about my DIY nail whitening treatment.
Prep the tablets based on the package. Try to buy whitening tablets. They’ll work much better.
Dip your nails in the denture soak and relax for 10-15 minutes. You might need to do this once a day for several days for full whitening.
White Vinegar for Whiter Nails
I know it smells, but it works so well. Besides, what’s worse? Smelling vinegar for a few minutes or hiding your nails all day? Vinegar it is.
Only do this with white vinegar or you’ll worsen the stain. Apply undiluted vinegar to a cotton ball and rub over your nails. Let your nails dry. If the smell bothers you, rinse after 10 minutes.
I prefer to soak my nails in a small bowl, but the smell is rather strong. Try it both ways to see which works best for you.
Hydrogen Peroxide Soak
No first aid kit is complete without hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound. The wonder disinfectant also whitens nails. I know, I was surprised at first too.
Mix three parts water with one part hydrogen peroxide and soak your nails for at least 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the water bubbles a little. This just means the solution is doing its job.
Deep Clean With Baking Soda
Your favorite odor eater is a natural nail whitener. Steal a little from your fridge to rid yourself of those icky yellow stains.
Mix water and baking soda until you get a thick paste. I always make mine extra thick so it stays on better. Rub it onto your nails and get ready for some quality TV time. This treatment has to stay on for 30 minutes. Plenty of time for your favorite sitcom.
Beautiful Nails With Strawberries
It’s so hard not to eat all the strawberries before they reach my nails. Go ahead and set a bowl to the side to snack on. All you need is three or four to treat your nails.
Strawberries don’t just whiten your teeth. They also whiten nails. I like the simple method best. Cut a strawberry in half and rub the inside against your nails.
If this doesn’t work for you, add in a power boost with baking soda. Smash three or four strawberries in a bow and mix with one teaspoon of baking soda. Apply to your nails and leave on for up to 10 minutes.
I love doing this as part of my mani-pedi. It smells wonderful and keeps my nails looking beautiful.
Essential Oil Saves the Day
We’ve made it back to lemons for this one. Skip the fruit this time and pick up some lemon essential oil. It’s a little less harsh, so I recommend trying this one if the other lemon treatments sting too much.
Add three drops to a small bowl of water and soak your nails for 10 minutes. Rinse when you’re done.
I know no one wants to think about fungal infections, but they do wreak havoc on nails. If the yellowing is from an infection, don’t fear. Use tea tree oil instead of lemon oil. You get a natural treatment for both the yellowing and the infection. It’s a win-win!
Prevent Yellowing
You’ve finally got the yellow stains gone. A week later and the stains are back. I’ve been there and it makes you feel helpless. It’s okay. I just changed up my nail care routine a bit and now yellowing is rare.
Find your favorite whitening treatment and use every time you remove your polish or after doing anything that tends to stain your nails.
I know you love your nail polish, but take a break now and again. Try not to leave any polish on for more than 10 days. Let your nails have a 24 hour vacation before you cover them up again.
Don’t forget to give yourself a regular manicure. The buffing portion removes build up so your nails stay cleaner and stains stay far away. Do all this and I promise you’ll notice less yellowing over time.
I challenge you to take your hands out of your pockets. Show off your nails with pride. A few quick whitening treatments and you’ll have white nails that’ll make all your friends jealous. What are you waiting for? Whiten those nails!

Categories
Lifestyle

Prep Those Piggies for Sandal Season

It’s the season of sandals and bare feet. I love summer and usually count down the days until I’m able to start wearing my favorite sandals and flip flops. After months of hiding my tootsies in boots and sneakers, they don’t always look their best.

Dry, cracked heels along with yellowing nails don’t exactly look great. What should you do? I’ve seen the socks with sandals routine. That’s not the solution. I have my own routine for getting my feet sandal ready and I’m happy to share it with you.

Say Goodbye to Old Polish

I’m not sure why, but I still like to polish my toenails now and again during the winter months. I’m the only one who sees them, but it makes me feel good anyway. The only problem is I’m bad to leave the polish on longer than I should.

Start your summer prep by removing any left over polish. You want clean nails for the next steps.

Pamper with a Soak

Find a comfortable place to soak your feet. I love this step best because it’s so relaxing. It’s easy to just sit back, enjoy the warm water, and read a book.

Start by quickly washing your feet with your regular body wash, especially if you’ve had them in shoes all day.

Fill a small tub or basin with warm water. Don’t use hot or you’ll dry your feet out. I add a little baking soda and a few drops tea tree oil to mine. Pick whatever essential oil you like best. After the initial summer prep soak, I usually use lavender.

I use tea tree oil to help whiten my nails and fight off any bacteria in case the yellowing is from a mild fungal infection. Essential lemon oil works well for whitening nails too.

Shut out any distractions and soak your feet for 15-30 minutes. If the water starts getting cold, you’re all done. Gently dry your feet with a soft towel and you’re all ready for the next step.

Scrub Away Dry Skin

A soak doesn’t rid you of dry, flaky skin on your feet. I highly recommend exfoliating your feet as soon as you finish soaking them. This makes it much easier to scrub away dry skin without hurting your feet.

Use a pumice stone or your favorite foot scrub. I sometimes use a mixture of sugar and olive oil. It exfoliates well and moisturizes.

Don’t scrub until your feet bleed! Give your feet a break if there’s still dry skin left. Wait several days and repeat the process. You don’t have to make them perfect in a single day.

Soothe and Moisturize

Still have some dry spots or calluses left? This step helps with that. Rinse any foot scrub away completely and pat dry your feet. Left over residue could dry out your feet and you definitely don’t want that.

Apply a thick layer of moisturizer on your feet. I prefer shea butter or a Vitamin E based cream. Thicker moisturizers are ideal for your feet. Ideally, you should moisturize every single day. Trust me when I say your feet will love you for it.

Take your time and massage the moisturizer into your feet. I usually spend several minutes indulging myself in a much needed foot massage. Put on a pair of thick cotton socks to lock in the moisture. You can leave the socks on all night or just for an hour or two.

Did I mention you should probably do all of this right before bed? You’ll probably be so relaxed that you’ll be ready to fall asleep as soon as you’re done.

Tackle Your Toenails

Your feet look and feel amazing, but your toes aren’t quite as pretty. I always like to put on some music and sing along while I give myself a nice at home pedicure.

Lay out all your tools so you don’t have to keep getting up and down during the process. Get an emery board, cuticle oil, cuticle stick or cutters and nail buffer. If you can find one, I love using those four sided nail tools that file edges, smooth ridges, buff nails and shine them.

You’re supposed to start by shaping your nails, but I always do my cuticles first. Apply some cuticle oil and let it sit according to the package’s directions. This softens your cuticles so it doesn’t hurt to push them down or cut away the excess. Wash off the cuticle oil before proceeding. If your cuticles aren’t a problem, skip this step.

I know you’ve always been told to shape your nails with rounded edges, but don’t follow this advice for toenails. I’ve made this tragic mistake and had the painful ingrown nails to prove it doesn’t work.

Trim your toenails to your desired length and file the edges into a square shape. I round the edges slightly just so they’re not sharp.

Next, buff away ridges and any stains with a nail buffer. I love using the ridge and buff sections on the four way file. Spend at least 10 seconds per nail. If you’re like me, you might need another 10 seconds on your big toes.

If you’re not planning to polish your nails right away, use the shine section of the four way tool or a nail shine buffer next. It works the same way as the regular buffing step. I like the natural shine it gives my nails. It’s like you have clear polish on them. Try it sometime and I guarantee you’ll love it.

Add Some Color

It’s not just the season of sandals. It’s the season of expressive toenails. There’s no socks to hide your feet during the summer. Get out your brightest polish and have fun.

I know you just want to get down to business, but don’t forget one extremely important step. Apply a base coat first. It only takes a few extra minutes and it helps prevent yellowing or staining from darker polishes.

Apply two coats of your favorite color. Let it dry completely between steps. I find it’s a great time to catch up on my way too full DVR.

Finish off your nails with a protective topcoat. I use a shimmery topcoat on mine to add that extra bit of sparkle.

Don’t forget you don’t have to just paint your nails. I love checking out ideas on Pinterest before I start. They don’t always turn out perfectly, but I’ve had some incredible results after a little trial and error.

Maintaining the Look

I see far too many women start hiding their feet about half way through the summer season. Why? They forgot to maintain their feet. I wish it was a one-time deal too, but it takes work to have cute feet the entire season.

Start by moisturizing your feet every night. If you’re going to wear sandals or go barefoot outside, apply moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher before you go out. I’ve had burnt toes and it’s not pleasant.

Finally, treat yourself to a foot soak along with the exfoliation and massage once a week. We all need this little bit of pampering, not just for our feet, but to reduce stress.

My feet are all ready for their summer debut. Are yours?