Spring Skincare Routine

Spring is finally here! Because it is getting warmer, I've switched up my skincare a little with my products from iHerb.com

I wash my face morning and night with the NutriBiotic Non-Soap Skin Cleanser. I love this stuff! It's a PH balancing cleanser so it doesn't leave that tight, dry feeling. It's fragrance free, paraben free, all that good stuff. Highly recommend! Purchase

I'm still using the Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner (morning and night.) I don't think I'll be using a different toner for a very long time. This one is natural, smells amazing and gives your face that extra step of feeling really clean. And it's alcohol free! Purchase

During the day I use the Aubrey Organics Every Day Basics Moisturizer. I do like this moisturizer a lot, but it's not the absolute best I've ever used. You need a very minimal amount because a little goes a looong way with this stuff. I rub it between my hands and apply a layer to my face to where the moisturizer gets very white. I let it sit for a few seconds and then I really rub it in. You can tell upon using this product that it really sinks into your skin. It controls my oily skin without drying. Purchase 

At night I have been using the Now Solutions Avocado Oil. Now, although I do have oily skin, for whatever reason, avocado oil doesn't increase the oilyness in my skin over night. It really seeps into the skin and doesn't just sit as a layer above your pores. This is the greatest way of moisturizing I have ever found for my skin type. Purchase

Finally, before bed I apply a little 100% cocoa butter to my lips for extra moisture at night. Purchase 

My skin has never looked so "normal" and clear before and I really believe it's from these products. Using more natural products has really helped me and I encourage others to make the switch. I have even received a few compliments on how nice my skin has looked lately, which is always a great boost of confidence!

--Ms. Makeup

Eating Healthy in College

This post is to share some of my tips and tricks on how to eat healthy in college because I have become quite the health freak!

1. Hummus. One of my favorite things in the world. Hummus is a great alternative to any dip because it's really healthy! Skip the chips and buy cucumber, celery or carrots to dip in the hummus. If you're feeling brave try and make your own! All you need is a small (magic bullet like) blender, one can of garbanzo beans, oil, garlic, and some spices! Sesame tahini makes it better but if you don't have it, it's not a big deal. Blend it all up and voila- hummus! You can add hot sauce for spice, avocado, edamame, or anything you enjoy into the dip. 

2. Quinoa & Black Bean Chips. If you are a chip lover, I have found the most amazing chips from Trader Joe's- Quinoa and Black Bean Infused Tortilla Chips. I am obsessed with these things. They're gluten free, have all natural i
ngredients and not to mention delicious. I'm talking almost better than a potato chip...

3. Kale. I have recently been loooving kale. I buy it prewashed from Trader Joe's, de-stem it and place it in a salad bowl with a small mixture of olive oil and soy sauce- sounds weird but its amazing. Then I add some avocado. This is an easy and tasty salad and only takes a few minutes with minimal ingredients. If you have access to an oven, mix the kale in a big bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil and soy sauce. Make sure that the kale is dry before mixing it with the ingredients. Place the kale on a baking sheet and bake at 375 until the kale turns crispy. Delicious! If you enjoy the taste of kale, try it with just olive oil and sea salt (same procedure).

4. Steamed veggies. These are great for college, especially since you can throw them in the microwave and they cook inside the bag. Super cheap and easy! Trader Joe's has great ones and so does the SteamFresh brand that you can find at Target.

5. Spaghetti Squash. If you have access to an oven this is a great alternative to pasta (I might even like it more!) Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and drizzle the squash with a little olive oil. Place it face up in the oven with about an inch of water on the pan for around 40 minutes at 375. I prefer to eat it either with a little salt and parmesan or my favorite pasta sauce. 

6. Fruit, fruit, fruit. I can't stress enough how great it is to start off your day with fruit. Whether it be a smoothie, granola with berries, or just fruit alone, this is my favorite way to start my morning. A cheap and easy way to make smoothies is to buy the prepackaged frozen fruit, but make sure there aren't any preservatives. Trader Joe's is really good with that, but if you go to Target, for example, be sure to read the ingredients. 

7. Green Tea. Another thing I cannot walk out the door in the morning without having. I love green tea. I drink between 2 and 4 cups a day. I have gotten to the point where I don't even need sugar. There are amazing health benefits to green tea and it's a perfect alternative if you don't enjoy drinking coffee. If you don't enjoy green tea, try and drink any type of bagged, natural tea and check the ingredients!


8. Rice cakes. Rice cakes with peanut butter & jelly are a great alternative to using bread. They're light, crispy and tasty!

Now that I have a full kitchen in college, I have become absolutely obsessed with cooking healthy dinners and snacks for myself. It has become one of the highlights of my day. It makes me feel great knowing that I am putting good food into my system and I'm not sitting around eating Oreos and Doritos. 

What are your favorite healthy snacks?

--Ms. Makeup