Category Archives: skin

acne, activated, beauty, charcoal, clarify, cosmetics, mask, organic, origins, skin, skincare

Marissa’s Pick of the Week – Charcoal Mask

Using a deep cleansing mask at least once a week is important for acne prone skin like mine. Luckily, Origins has their Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask ($21). Activated charcoal is a great skincare ingredient used to detoxify and clarify. It works as a filter, trapping impurities in the skin (kind of like how a water filter works) therefore leaving your face squeaky clean. The added benefits of White China (Kaolin) clay stimulates circulation, heals acne and removes dead skin cells for a clear and bright complexion.

artist, asian, beautician, beauty, book, camera, care, cosmetics, hollywood, makeup, raleigh, secrets, skin, skincare, techniques, tips

Marissa’s Pick of the Week- Asian Beauty

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Yes. My pick this week is a book, but not just any book. What I have chosen for you is the best beauty book I have read so far. This includes books by Bobbi Brown, and The African American Women’s Guide to Successful Makeup by Alfred Fornay. Not only is this a great reference for makeup application techniques, but it also has suggested skin care regimens, beauty tool knowledge and lifestyle recommendations for better looking skin.
Margaret Kimura (pictured right) has finally put a guide out into the world that focuses on the unique texture, skin tone and features of the Asian Woman in her book, Asian Beauty ($30). Her book models range from Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean to Indian, Filipino, Malaysian, and mixed races. Other ethnicities can benefit from this book, as her techniques have been used on hundreds of people in Hollywood and skin care tips are universal. Known as the “Blending Queen” in the makeup artist industry, her book is 210 pages of how to achieve a smooth, natural looking complexion to build the perfect canvas for color.
Check it out at the library first. Chances are, you’ll want to buy it. It also makes a beautiful coffee table book at the very least.

acne, beauty, best, care, etsy, handmade, oil, oily, scrub, skin, skincare, tea tree, treatment

Marissa’s Pick of the Week! – Tea Tree & Honey Scrub

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My New favorite facial scrub is Ayelet’s Tea Tree and Honey Gentle Clarifying Exfoliating Facial Scrub ($10). It’s an all natural, handmade (!) scrub formulated for people with problematic skin. Using this scrub is such a pampering experience. I felt my skin being stimulated, cleansed, and soothed.

Having normal to oily skin, I don’t ever show shine, but I do always have at least one breakout. This scrub is perfect for me because the tea tree oil naturally kills any bacteria, while honey heals and adds essential moisture to my skin. To top it off I was left with a great cooling sensation and the antioxidant protection of grape seed oil.
At first the oily consistency of this scrub scared me, but I knew the ingredients would help me, not clog my pores and make it worse. The Multani Mitti clay absorbs excess oils (and stimulates blood circulation) while pure cane sugar scrubs all the dirt and oil out of my pores . If your skin is sensitive to scrubs, the aloe vera will calm any redness and irritation.
This scrub is so gentle I could use it everyday. However, I would recommend starting at 3 times a week, adding a day every other week.
This product is paraben and formaldehyde free.
beauty, budget, cosmetics, makeup, skin, skincare, tips

Beauty on a Budget Tip #2 -Vaseline

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Vaseline should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet, diaper bag and purse. Here are some uses for this wonder jelly:

Don’t waste money buying those expensive glove treatments for hands and feet. Slather on the Vaseline, slip on some socks and gloves, then wake up to baby soft skin.
Vaseline smoothes rough patches, knees and elbows better than any body butter I’ve ever tried.
Vaseline is also a great lip balm. Mix in some colored mica and sweet almond oil and you’ve got a tinted lip gloss!
If you have dry skin, Vaseline is great for removing makeup. I don’t, however, recommend keeping petroleum jelly on your face over night.
Apply Vaseline around your hair line before coloring your hair. This will prevent the dye from staining your skin.
Mix dark eye shadows with Vaseline and apply to eyes with your finger. This gives that Old Hollywood glamour look.
Got anymore ideas? I’d love to hear them!
body, cheap, cleanser, face, facial, hair, product, products, sensitive, skin, skincare, soap, value

Marissa’s Pick of the Week – 18 Uses for $15


It’s gratifying when you find a product that exceeds your expectations at a great price. It’s even better when you find one that works 18 different ways! Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap 18-1-Uses (C.O. Bigelow, $15) is a must have in every home! I have used this wonder soap on my face, hair, and body, and I’ve given my children a bath in it. It’s great for sensitive skin and smells so good! I’ve also used it to clean my leather couch and car dashboard. The oil makes the leather and vinyl soft and shiny while effectively cleaning.

C.O. Bigelow has been selling this product since 1905 in their little West Village apothecary in New York City. The main ingredient, peach kernel oil, is a fast absorbing moisturizer perfect for sensitive skin. This essential oil soothes itching and irritations such as eczema. Lavender extract is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that balances, soothes and heals. This added ingredient can help treat acne and balance oily skin. Since ancient times, Lavender extract has been used as a household cleaning agent. Other ingredients include glycerin to retain moisture and vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
List of uses:
  1. body wash
  2. shampoo
  3. face cleanser
  4. shave soap
  5. hand soak
  6. nail soak
  7. foot soak
  8. dish soap
  9. laundry soap
  10. floor cleaner
  11. car washing
  12. boat washing
  13. surf board wash
  14. pet baths
  15. jewelry cleaner
  16. comb and brush cleaner
  17. household cleaning
  18. carpet shampoo