FYI : What does your label means?

While doing some readings for my next blog, I came across something very intriguing.  I realized that we trust labels to fast. We are in a world full of misleading words that have made their way on to food labels in grocery shelves almost everywhere. Companies have gotten very good at convincing us that their products are clean and green as it can be. 

However, it is up to us to read in between the lines.

Hypoallergenic
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS: That somebody has test the product to make sure it will not cause any allergic reactions.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS: Companies are free to define it however they like - no government regulations around this term.

Natural
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS: This product is made from all natural things.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS: Who knows? The government does not regulate this term also. It can basically mean anything. 

Organic
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS: That every ingredient in this product is USDA Certified Organic farm.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS: This means that some of the ingredients are certified organic, and the remaining others are not.

Unscented
WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS: Finally!!! A product with no fragrance.

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS: There could be a slight fragrance, it's just that you can not smell it because it's formulated with masking agents that block the smell of all the other ingredients.

How to say "Bye Bye" to Blackheads

Our annoying blackheads occur when your pores are clogged with excess amount of oil and dead skin. Let's just remember one important factor, blackheads are not caused by dirt. 

Scrubbing your face a lot is not a good way to get rid of your blackheads. It is only going to make it worse and you will just end up drying out your skin. All you have to do is clean out your pores, and the blackheads are gone.

There’s no need to squish and squeeze.

However, there is a PLUS point to this blackhead scenario. People with oily skin and large pores don’t wrinkle as quickly (because the skin is VERY good at replenishing the oils). So when you’re 60, this will be a blessing.

Here are some helpful tips :

Do a Honey Pat-Down
For this to work, your honey should be very sticky. The stickier it is, the more effective it is. 
Simply pour a small amount of honey on your fingers and start rapidly patting the areas on your face where you want to remove blackheads. The honey will stick to the stuff in your pores, and pull it out as you remove your fingers. It will also offer gentle antibacterial and antioxidant support, so any small remnants that may be left in your pores won’t oxidize (and turn black) quite as quickly.
Continue doing this for 3 or so minutes, and then just rinse your face with water.

Use Egg Whites to Pull Out the Dirt
Starting with a clean face, spread egg whites all over using your fingers or a paintbrush. Start first with one thin layer and let it dry briefly. Then spread a second layer over the top and let the whole thing dry completely.
 You may want to focus on the blackhead areas a third time, even.
Allow this mask to dry for 15 minutes. Your face will feel tight and pull a bit. This is good. Then, with a warm, wet washcloth, scrub the egg whites off your face very gently.

Now... if any of these seem not suitable for you just use a typical pore strips from Biore or even Boscia. However, if we are within budget you can always watch this DIY video that Michelle Phan did.

Have fun removing those nasty heads ....

SweetReadings :)

What does your Acne mean ?

Pimple anyone? Your skin is basically a map for what is going on inside your body. A pimple sends you a clear message about your health and hygiene.

The Ancient Chinese tradition of "face mapping" says that there is a correlation between your internal organs and different zone of your face.

Here are what your breakouts are telling you in 5 different zones of your face:

1. UPPER FOREHEAD : This is caused due to poor digestive health or your body having trouble breaking down food; which can lead to a build up of toxins.

2. LOWER FOREHEAD :  Breakout here can be caused by irregular sleep, stress, bad blood circulation or depression.

3. BETWEEN EYEBROWS : This area is linked too consuming too much alcohol or a diet that is fat. Also sometimes it means you have any kind of food allergies.

4. RIGHT AND LEFT CHEEK : Your cheeks are associated with your respiratory system. Those who smoke tend to have acne breakouts, and need better breathing method.  

5. SIDES OF CHIN : Hormonal changes and stress can leave this spot unbalanced. Breakouts happen during your menstrual cycle.

SweetReadings :)

Top 10 Beauty Foods

We all love our junk food ( especially me ). Junk food is the key to any heart and soul. But let's face it, no one is getting younger or going to stay healthy with these delicious, greasy, mouth watering junk.

So today, I decided to share with all of you the Top 10 Beauty foods. These fresh and delicious picks are filled with the nutrients needed for clearer skin, healthier hair, and brighter eyes. You can invest in the latest face mask or the best foundation in the market, but those beauty products have nothing compared to these natural beauties.

1. Purple Cabbage. If you are worried about wrinkles, eating lots of purple cabbage is the best way.
Purple cabbage is both anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which all help lower cortisol levels.

2. Water. Water is everything when it comes to beauty. When your body is dehydrated, everything suffers. Whether you want shinier hair, younger skin, a healthier body (or all three!) pure, clean water is the world's best beauty elixir.

3. Yogurt. Yogurt is high in calcium. Calcium equals strong bones, nails and even teeth. Believe it or not but yogurt can give you flat abs.

4. Walnuts. Eating just one ounce of walnuts a day (that's about seven shelled walnuts) is all you need to keep your scalp and hair healthy. The healthy fats in walnuts can make your skin more supple and resilient to issues like age spots and sagging skin.

5. Beets. Beets are valued for their support in detoxification and helping you purify your blood and your liver. However, keep in mind

6. Wild Salmon. Wild salmon is loaded with protein and omega 3. Eating salmon makes you smarter and happier. Statistics show that salmon reduces the risk and incidence of depression, hostility in young adults and cognitive decline in the elderly. 

7. Watercress. Watercress is a beauty food that can fight patchy and uneven skin tone. This is often a sign of poor circulation or not enough blood, oxygen and nutrients getting to the skin.

8. Citrus Fruit. Another beauty food you can fight cellulite with is with citrus fruit. Citrus fruit provides a high boost of vitamin C, which can help repair skin collagen and prevent cellulite from being so visible. The best time to eat citrus fruit in order to get the best results is in the morning.

9. Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health.
Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.
Dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease. If you buy quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, this may protect your skin against the sun.

10. Almond Milk. Almond milk helps with the weight management.  There’s no cholesterol or saturated fat in almond milk. It’s also low in sodium and high in healthy fats, which helps to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease.

Top 3 MakeUp Remover

As a total makeup junkie, I spend a lot of time trying on makeup and taking them off (and half the time it just looks bad on me). I was asked by someone who is exactly like me, "What is the best makeup remover?" Makeup removers are not essential but they can be very helpful (and sometimes absolutely necessary) for removing long-wearing or waterproof formulas.


The main things I look for in a good makeup remover are:
- will not harm my skin
- leaves no oily residue on my white towels
- removes makeup right away





 Here are the top 3 picks:

1. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes - Hydrating
Removes oil and makeup gently, but thoroughly off the face. It does not irritate or clog the pores. It is at a reasonable price and price and still keeps the shininess on the face. Leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed and moisturized with no residue left behind.

2.  Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips
This eye and lip makeup remover easily dissolves long wearing makeup, even waterproof mascara. You can re-apply makeup right away just  by rinsing your face with a little water.

3. Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
This product gently whisks away all types of eye makeup, even waterproof. Simply shake to activate the bi-phase formula that leaves the eye area perfectly clean. Ideal for sensitive skin and contact lenses, it leaves eyes feeling cool and relaxed without an oily residue.

Finally, a product that works as cleanser but also removes make up is the  Bioderma Crealine H2O.
This star product is suitable for all especially those with sensitive skin because of its patented natural complex and a soothing cucumber extract to ensure skin’s natural pH is maintained. It is also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Use it as a daily cleanser to remove makeup from face and eyes.



SweetReadings :)

Radiant Milk

Everyone loves a little pampering done to their skin, without the harsh chemicals and the hefty price tags. If you want that clean glowing skin, just open up your refrigerator. 
Milk is not only beneficial for your health but can also be used as a face mask. 

The benefits that are attached to MILK are:

• Makes the face look more radiant
• Prevents premature aging
• Removes stains on the face
• Helps heal wounds
• Exfoliates dead skin
• Softens skin

To create that radiant looking skin all you need is 

• 3 tablespoon of milk
• 2 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of honey

1. Mix the ingredients together
2. Apply it directly on to your face and neck
3. Allow it to dry and become stiff
4. After settling for awhile, rinse your face with warm water.
5. Pat it dry with a cloth.

Now see your skin glow for the first time :)

SweetReadings

Reading 101 - Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

In, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), the actress, comedian, writer, producer, director, and the author of this biography, Mindy Kaling shows the readers on a tour of her life and her views on romance, friendship, and her life in Hollywood. This is a fun and easy book to read, and her anecdotes go down easy throughout the book.

Her humor and her awesome character, makes you want to keep flipping the pages for more chuckles and smiles. More than an actual biography, this book has a tone of a twitter feed. Reading this book is like listening to your best friend talk about her day and mess up in life.

Overall, I enjoyed it and I give it a two thumbs up.

SweetReadings :)