Water and Beauty Care

I've always consumed a lot of water.  It may be an acquired taste or simply a habit, but I drink at least 64oz of water a day.

It started years ago when I had some abdominal issues and the doctors suggested "more water."  I have a variety of ways to get my water in, but I'm diligent in drinking it every day.

What I call "spa" water has cucumber slices in it.  It's refreshing and adds a bit of veggie to the water taste.  I first had "spa" water at my local spa and I was hooked.  Another additive is lemon juice.  You can use fresh squeezed or the lemon juice you can buy in the plastic lemon containers found in the fresh vegetable isle. 

It's important to mention, since this is a beauty blog, that water is amazing for your skin.  Your face and the rest of the skin covering your body.  It's nourishing and helps regenerate new and healthy cells.  I've always wondered by people who live in humid climates have the most amazing skin, and I can't help but believe this has to do with the nourishing of the skin.

Here are 15 reasons to drink more water.  Not only does it do the body good with helping to flush toxins, it helps nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.  Bottoms up!!

1.  Conventional wisdom tells us that drinking more water will have a positive impact on skin, providing a younger-looking, radiant complexion. However, definitive research on any positive effects water consumption has on the skin is scarce. Experts at University of Wisconsin Hospitals do note that the skin is an organ, and, as with other organs, its cells are predominantly made up of water. When these cells do not get adequate amounts of water, skin is likely to become dry, flaky and be more prone to wrinkles. Though drinking recommended amounts of water may not be a magic cure for skin, it certainly will not cause harm.

2.  Drinking water may also have particular benefits for those looking to shed a few pounds. Not only does guzzling the zero-calorie beverage help you feel full faster, but a study in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" indicated that drinking cold water may increase your calorie expenditure for the next hour. Replacing calorie-laden juices and soft drinks with water may also reduce your overall calorie consumption for the day.

3. The adage about drinking eight glasses per day is not entirely accurate, but it is an easy way to remember to drink more water. In actuality, the Institutes of Medicine recommend that men drink about 3 liters per day -- roughly 13 cups -- and women drink 2.2 liters -- approximately 9 cups. However, all types of fluid can be included in those totals, such as milk and juice. Your fluid needs may increase due to a variety of factors, including physical activity, a warm environment, illness, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Generally, if you drink enough that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or pale yellow, you are adequately hydrated.

4.   A recent Gallup poll suggested that nearly one-half of Americans are concerned about pollution of drinking water. Bottled water may seem a good solution, though the habit can get costly and generate large amounts of waste. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates public water systems to ensure safety, though it does not have the authority to regulate private wells, which is the main water source for 15 percent of the U.S. population. If you are concerned about the safety of tap water in your home, consider purchasing a filter. Look for the "NSF" certification on the label, which indicates the filter has been tested at an independent lab for effectiveness.
**information gathered from www.healthyeating.com

Nourishing your skin both inside and out is very important.  It's why we use moisturizer and why we take vitamins.  It helps us process and retain the healthy aspects of our food.

Drink up!!

Use It Up Challenge

Hello Beauties!!

I've always wanted to do a "Use It Up Challenge," so for the month of February I am going to use up what I have and not purchase/replace products.

Beginning on February 1, I will feature products that are on my Use It Up Challenge list and any products that happen to come along during the month that need to be used up before purchasing more or similar products.

This is an older picture of my makeup room prior to our moving.  I'll upload more updated pics as I move through February and use up products. 

Loving YouTube videos and the gals that make them about makeup and skin products, I've purchased a lot of makeup and products because of them.  This challenge will definitely be a "challenge" for me as I don't think I can go a day without watching a video and wanting to try new products. 

I keep a notepad in my IPad to jot down products I want to try.  I'm positive the list will be a big one and a makeup shopping trip will be in order!!

So if you're like me and have a makeup COLLECTION with products that are just not being used, join me in my Use It Up Challenge.  Keep me posted on your successes!!!

Have a beautiful day!!
Becky

Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus review

I've been trying the Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus for a week.  I'd heard about this product from one of the gals I watch onYouTube, and I am ready to give my review and opinion.

If you don't have this product in your makeup collection or use it in your daily look, I suggest you make a trip to your local Estee Lauder counter.

As recommended, I applied the primer to my lashes and let it dry a little.  I applied my mascara as usual and I was shocked.  I had long and thick upper lashes, but for the first time in a very long time, I had long lower lashes too.

The consistency of the product is creamy and not sticky or runny.  It applies smoothly and has a creamy white color.  It dries totally clear in color. 

I purchased this at the Estee Lauder counter at Macy's for $22.  This seems like a lot to pay for a lash primer, but as a frugal makeup purchaser, I think the cost is totally worth it.  I've spent more on false eyelashes and glue, and then found that they never lasted and it was a total waste of time applying them.  This product offers, at least for me, the type of lashes I hope to have by applying false lashes.

The net weight for this product is .17oz.  The box also indicates that this product is a "full treatment formula." 

I apologize for not having pictures, but this blog site doesn't like any of the pictures I personally took of the product or the pictures I downloaded from the internet.  Once I get this issue solved, I  promise to upload pics.  For now, you can go the Estee Lauder site, the Macy's site, or Google Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus and find pictures there.  I want to always offer as much information, which includes pictures as possible, but for whatever reason, my pics won't load.  Please check back for pictures. (it's probably user error LOL)

Thanks for taking the time to read my review of this product.  Please feel free to leave messages and suggestions.

Have a beautiful day!

Becky

 

Winter weather skincare

Hello Beauties!

While going through my morning face routine, I thought I'd share it with you.  I have no real loyalty to any one skincare line, but this is the current routine I'm using.

On top of the wide array of products, my skincare products range in summer, fall and winter products.  I know this might not be unusual, but I found in interesting that it's just an automatic reflex to rotate my skincare products. 

Here's my morning routine:
1)  Cleanse with Neutragena face cleanser (twice a week I use the microbrasion cleanser)
2)  Spritz my face with MAC Fix+

 

 3)  My current favorite moisturizer is the Avon Elements Moisture Boost Day cream. 

4) Just around my eyes, Jose Maran argan oil.  (feels amazing and is great in your hair, other dry spots...makes everything smooth!)

 

5)  Cover Girl Everlast Foundation.  For me, this is a medium to full coverage foundation with just the right amount of hydration for my skin.  I only use this product in the morning if I'll be going out or going to work.  It's my current favorite, but I do try and change it up every now and then.  If I'm hanging out at home, I'll use a BB Cream or simply use nothing except the moisturizer.

 

 

 

 6)  After using the same cleanser as in the morning, I apply Avon Elements Moisture Boost Night cream.

If you don't happen to have enough time to do a full routine, always make sure to remove your eye makeup (I use the Walmart brand because its not oily and doesn't leave my eyes greasy), and use a facial wipe to remove your makeup.(I'm currently using Avon wipes)  Anything is better than doing nothing at all.  It's important to give your skin the chance rejuvenate and create new, healthy cells.  Removing your eye makeup reduces the chances for eye injections and redness in the morning. 

I hope this helps you create or enhance your own skincare routine.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to ask (bsawusch@hotmail - subject line Blog question/suggestion) 

Have a beautiful day!!
Becky

disclaimer:  All products shown were purchased by me.

A Few Of My Favorite Things Palette Review

I chose this palette to review in my blog launch because of all the makeup palettes I've collected over the years, this is my favorite.

 This palette contains 20 eye shadows, two blushes and two bronzers. Inside the gift bag that matches the pink and gold chevron cover is a Too Faced mascara and a lipstick.   The "How to" guide book is also useful.  Too Faced is notorious for having some incredible palettes, but in this holiday release, they really out did themselves. (Sephora $54) 

 The eye shadow colors are (from top left to bottom right):  Snowflakes, Whisker on Kittens, Chocolate Milk, moon on Their Wings, Dark Chocolate, Cream Colored Ponies, Honey Honey, Bouche de Noel, Evergreen, Blue Satin Sashes, Coquet, Taffy, Crisp Apple Strudel, Woolen Mittens, Soiree, Tinsel, Bluff, Ooh la Orchid, Party Time, Pure Glam.  These eye shadows are a great mix of matte and glittery colors.  From the simplest of creams to rich dark colors.  Easily could become your go-to palette for any eye you want.

Then there is a glittery blush, Raindrops on Kittens, and a matte blush Melt into Spring.  Both blushes could easily be used in a simple or glammed up look.  Add the bronzers Chocolate Soleil and Sun Bunny (that has two colors that could be used to contour) and your look is complete.  The mascara is a typical Too Faced formula that extends and creates beauty eyelashes.  Top off your look with the plumping lipstick that is nude in color, and you're ready for your day or night out.

I've enjoyed this palette and have yet to use all the colors included.  The combination potential is endless, and you will no doubt get lots of use out of this palette.  Due to it being a holiday limited edition, I couldn't find it on the Sephora or Too Faced website.  Amazon has a few, but they're spendy.  If you can get your hands on this palette, it's well worth the investment. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my review and I hope that you'll subscribe for future posts.  This is my first post regarding beauty products, so I do look forward to feedback and suggestions.

Happy New Year!
Becky