Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

DIY beauty: The Asprin Acne Mask


When I was a teenager, I suffered from Acne.  As an adult, I never broke out during my years on the birth control pill.  However, after I switching to Mirena IUD (which I love), my skin turns into a mind field the week before my period.

I take good care of my skin.  In another life (aka one of the multiple careers I had in my twenties), I worked for several big named salons and spas.  As a cosmetologist, I learned to take very good care of my hair and skin... if I didn't I would not have any clients.  Now in my thirties, I see how critical skin care is... I can still easily pass for someone in her 20s.  

When searching for an acne treatment, there are ton of treatments costing from $1 to $1000+  The main ingredient in several acne medications is Salicylic acid.  Perhaps you have heard of it's brother, acetylsalicylic aka Aspirin.



Without getting into all the technical jargon, Aspirin is broken down by the body into salicylic acid.  Because Aspirin and salicylic acid are "essential the same" (yes, I know the biochemistry and why they are different but for this blog, we are not going to get into all the technical jargon), we can use Aspirin to exfoliate and decrease the redness and appearance of acne. 

Here is the recipe:

5-6 uncoated aspirin
1-2 tbsp of water
1 tbsp of honey (optional) 

Put the aspirin in a cup (I use a shot glass because it's easier).  Slowly add a little bit of water until the aspirin has dissolved.  If it is too thick, add more water, to watery, add another aspirin.  Mix honey into the paste.  Apply the mask for 10 mins.  Rinse your skin with water.

  
Beautiful skin can really be that easy.  Best of all, you can find aspirin for around $1-2 dollars at any store. 

Warning:
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin.
Do not use if you have Reyes syndrome.
Do not use on a child.
Always apply sunscreen after using any type of salicylic acid.
If the mask burns your skin, take it off!
If you are unsure if you can take aspirin, please contact your doctor.

Monday, April 29, 2013

The case for convertible clothing.

While packing for my trip to Beijing, I came across a common packing issue...

How will I fit 15 days of clothing into a suitcase and be able to bring back souvenirs?

That's when I decided it break out my trusty sewing machine and make a convertible dress.  If you are not familiar with the popular convertible dress, here are some examples from Jersey Maid.



The Jersey Maid Etsy Store


I love that it will not be obvious to anyone looking at my vacation pictures that I am wearing the same dress. Even better, the material I picked out dries quickly and does not wrinkle, so I can wash it at night and it will be dry in the morning. Add a T shirt and it becomes a skirt. Add a blazer and the dress is great to wear to work. Or mix it up with an over skirt.



Henkaa Blog

Henkaa sells not only the dress, but also accessories such as a lace or chiffon skirt to dress it up or down. Check out their blog for other ideas on how to style a convertible dress.

Are you ready to try to make your own convertible dress? Check out this great tutorial at Sew Like My Mom.
Little Red Infinity Dress Tutorial