Green Beauty

Natural Cosmetics 101

Natural cosmetics have been making a big boom in the market lately.  While you might be skeptical that they’re just another gimmick, natural products are a healthy alternative to your normal cosmetics. Traditional cosmetics contain all sorts of unnatural chemicals that build up in your skin, seep into your pores, and sometimes build up in your body.  By using natural products you can avoid this. Another benefit to natural cosmetics is they won’t irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.  Often, acne and other skin conditions are actually an allergic reaction to chemicals in your make up and other skin care products. Keep in mind, however, that unlike “certified organic”, the word natural is not regulated.  This means pretty much any cosmetics producer can put the word natural on something, no matter what it contains.  Many mainstream products that are sold as “natural” still contain dangerous artificial chemicals. To find real natural products, you should look to see if an independent company has verified that the product is natural.  But again, anyone can “certify” a product because there is no government regulation.  Some companies even create their own “certification” to say they have a natural product.  Research different companies that verify natural products ...

Curing Dandruff Naturally

While chemical shampoos may temporarily cure your dandruff, they also sit on your scalp and seep into your body.  So why deal with all those synthetic substances when you can get rid of your dandruff safely, effectively, and naturally? The key to treating dandruff is realizing what it is.  All dandruff is flaky skin from your scalp.  It can be dry or oily, depending on the cause.  The problem with treating it is that you can’t smear lotion medications on your scalp or you’re going to be left with greasy flat hair. The first step in treating dandruff is to have good hair care habits and hygiene.  Try washing and brushing your hair more regularly.  This promotes good scalp circulation and help slough off old dead skin cells.  While it may mean some extra time getting ready in the morning, it may be all you need to cure your dandruff. If your dandruff is a little more difficult to get rid of, you can try these natural topical treatments. * Fenugreek Seed. Soak the seeds overnight in water.  In the morning, grind the seeds into a paste and apply it to your scalp.  Allow it to sit for about an hour then rinse with ...

Eat Yourself Beautiful

Your mom always told you that you are what you eat.  And just like countless other times, mom was right!  What you put into your body determines what you look like on the outside.  Dryness, puffiness, and discoloration of skin can all be a sign of a poor diet.  Here are some foods drinks that will help you have beautiful, healthy skin. * Water. This is the most essential part of any diet, and a skin care diet is no different.  Your skin is made up of cells and all cells work better when you’re properly hydrated.  Water helps get rid of toxins and actually leaves your skin less puffy!  This is because if there’s not enough water to go around, cells tend to hoard what they can get.  By getting enough water, your cells stay clean and don’t swell up as much. * Balanced diet. A healthy person has healthy, beautiful skin.  There’s no true secret “miracle food” to make your skin perfect.  A good diet for skin is pretty much the same as a good diet for staying healthy in general.  Eat a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, and whole grains for ...

Home Remedies for Dry Cracked Feet

Dry cracked feet can make you feel uncomfortable and unattractive.  And it’s not only a problem during the long winter months, dry feet can creep up on you at any time of the year. While there are many cures for dry feet at your local drug store, not all of them are natural.  That’s why we’ve put together some of the best natural dry cracked feet remedies for you.  Get ready to reveal new soft, beautiful, touchable feet! * Vinegar Soak. Mix about a cup of white vinegar and a small amount of dish soap in a tub of warm water.  Mix and let soak for about ten minutes. * Baking Soda Soak. Add some baking soda to a foot bath and let soak for about half an hour to help soften dry, hard feet.  This also works great for the rest of your skin and you can even add some to your bath salts. * Milk. Add a cup of milk to a warm foot bath.  Dairy is a great natural moisturizer and will help soften up hard dry skin on your feet. * Banana. Mash bananas into a pulp and apply to your heels and other affected areas.  Let sit for about ...

Natural Tips for Growing Strong, Healthy Nails

When it comes to your appearance, many of us often worry about the big things and can overlook the smaller details.  While nails might not be the most obvious part of your body when you meet someone, poorly kept nails can easily give off a bad impression.  Here are some tips to help you get strong, beautiful nails, naturally. * Moisturize. Take time to moisturize your hands and nail beds at least once a day.  Keeping your nail beds healthy and moisturized will help keep nails from growing dry and brittle.  For an inexpensive natural way to add moisture, try massaging in some high quality extra virgin olive oil. * Break bad habits. Chewing and picking at your nails not only presents a bad self-image, it also does damage to your nails leaving them weak, prone to breaking, and looking unkempt.  There are all kinds of tips you can use to break yourself.  Try putting a rubber band on your wrist and snapping it every time you catch yourself biting. * Be gentle. When cleaning nails, it’s usually an easy option to dig out dirt and grime with a file, but this can not only thin and damage your nails, it can also ...