Skincare Secrets: Adding Zinc to Skin Care

So I've always been prone to breakouts, especially during "that" time of the month. These breakouts would involve bumps everywhere, some that were even painful! Now, I've tried many products, some help me make substantial strides to clearer skin, especially zinc vitamins. For the past month and a half, I have been consistently taking a zinc vitamin alongside my breakfast. Zine is most helpful with immune health, but also acne and boils. By taking Zinc, I have escaped the winter colds and flu spread throughout my house. And, for my benefit, less breakouts and painful bumps. Of course, taking a regular multivitamin can also do the trick, along with drinking at least 3 glass of water per day, washing the face daily, and getting 8 hours of sleep. 

What is your latest skincare secret?

Shopping 1101: Don't Blow the Budget

We all want a closet like Carrie Bradshaw, but even Carrie wouldn't completely blow her budget. During the holiday season, it gets hard to maintain a budget with the stacks of accumulating stacks of coupons, receipts, and discount emails that seem to be never ending. And, if you're in the same situation as me, you might just be trying to bounce off from low funds due to the holidays. Follow the tips below to save up your cash!

• Never go shopping without a list! A lack of purpose leaves rooms for unnecessary items in your cart. 
• Always set a budget, or spending limit, before going out to shop. Setting shopping guidelines helps you to be more wallet-conscious while shopping. 
• Utilize shopping apps! Apps like Retail Me Not and Shop Savvy help you to find the best deals and coupons, plus they're free!
• Never be afraid to ask about coupons and discounts. Many stores have student discounts, military discounts, and senior citizen discounts. Some store clerks are even willingly to give you a store coupon.

Drop some of your cash-saving shopping tips down below!

Winter Woes: Dry Lips Be Gone

Dry Lips Be Gone by lyndseycamille

If your winter is anything like mine, dry lips are always involved. No matter how much chapstick I slather on my lips, the dry air still causes them to chap. However, with the weekly lip treatment I created above, I can easily nix my dry winter lips. Keep on reading to find out the three steps in my weekly dry lips routine.

1. The toothbrush! Take an old tooth brush, or a new inexpensive toothbrush, to use as a lip exfoliator. Make sure to wet the toothbrush as well as your lips. Then, gently and slowly rub the toothbrush around your lips to remove the dead skin. Do so until your lips feel smooth (lips should not feel raw or red, or else your rubbing to hard/long!)
2. A lip scrub! A lip scrub exfoliates the lips similar to the toothbrush. Apply the lip scrub using either your fingers or the tooth brush, following the same directions as step 1. Also, if you don't want to invest in a lip scrub, make your own using a mixture of sugar and water. 
3. Lip balm! Always follow this lip treatment by applying a lip balm. Try using a lip balm specifically for dry lips such as EOS or Vaseline. Be sure to apply a lip balm at least once a day to protect your lips throughout the week.

How do you fight dry, winter skin and lips?

Hair 101: The Haircut of the Winter

Lauren Conrad

Rihanna

Vanessa Hudgens

Lucy Hale

Lately, every celeb has had a case of "scissor fever". So many celebs have caught on to the "lob" trend. What is a lob you ask? Well, it's a combination of long + bob, a long bob. Usually bobs are cut above the shoulders, around the chin area. A lob, however, is cut at or just below the shoulders. This gives the hair room to still be pulled into a ponytail or bun, perfect for so many of us who still want versatility. And, as shown above, a lob can be transformed into so many looks. Keep it full with body like Lauren Conrad and Lucy Hale. Stay sleek and chic like Rihanna. Or, get bold with colored tips like Vanessa Hudgens. If you want a lob, just show your stylists one of these pics and be sure to specify the desired length of your lob.

How are you styling your hair for the winter?

Help! My Nail Polish is Ruined!

In the world of manicures and pedicures, there is only one thing worse than a chipped nail...a ruined nail polish color! (especially in your favorite color!) I have probably witnessed hundreds of nail polish bottles become hard and guppy, clumpy, or just "stuck" inside the bottle. However, I have figured out some tips and tricks to making my nail polish last much longer in their bottles! Check out my tips below:

1. Invest in the Best! So let's just start off with the obvious, cheap nail polishes die faster. Nail polish brands such as O.P.I. and Essie are some of the best nail polish brands around because their polishes are made to last in the bottle and on your mani/pedi.
2. Storage is key! I used to throw all my nail polishes into a little basket, some would sit upside down and others on their side. This caused so many of my polishes to clump up on the brush bristles and around the tops caps. Nail polish sits and lasts longer when stored right side up. So, you might want to invest in a nail polish storing kit.
3. It's all about the temperature! Adding on to the storage tip, be sure that your nail polish sits at room temperature. Don't have them in sweltering heat or extremely cold environments, especially since the bottles are typically glass. 
4. Pour on the Acetone! When the polish is starting to get clumpy, try pouring a small amount of acetone based nail polish remover into the bottle. Pour only a tiny droplet into the bottle and the shake it up thoroughly until the polish thins itself out.
5. When all else fails... Sometimes it's just time to throw in the towel and start again with a new bottle of nail polish. But, before you do that, make sure you remember the name of the polish color if you are planning on buying it again!
   

What are your favorite nail polish colors and brand?
Leave your answers in the comments below! 

Hair 101: I Cut My Hair!

So in my 8 months of transitioning to natural hair, I decided it was just not for me. Now, I love natural hair, from afros to twist-outs, but not for me. I have always adored short bobs adorned with tons of layers and flips. What I especially love about my new bob cut is that it is not too short. When it's curled, the hair ends right at my chin, but when straightened, it is about an inch below. This gives me the versatility to pin pieces back, curl it, slick it back, or, when it grows about an inch out, to put it in a ponytail. I am so excited to finally have the cut I have been envying in every magazine and longing for in the back of my mind. Plus, I get to turn 18 with my version of the perfect 'do!

What is your version of the "perfect" haircut?

Style 101: Hats Off to Fall

Zendaya

Now Zendaya is known fashion risk taker! Here she is even taking cues from singer and producer, Pharrel, as she owns this big and bold hat. This hat is like a super-accessories that will definitely have all eyes on you! A hat like this can work to make any bold fashion statement.

Selena Gomez

A hat can give the most incognito look while still being ultra chic. A floppy hat is no longer just for tea parties! Floppy hats keep the sun out your eyes, hide bad hair days, and add an extra oomph to any outfit. Use a floppy hat just like any other accessory, to add flair to a look.

Beyonce

Want more of a classic Charlie Chaplin look? Try a bowler hat. A bowler hat is super cute and looks great when paired with a nice pair of shades. Mix it up by pairing the bowler hat with curls and waves in the hair or even a loose up-do.

Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner

Hats are one of the best accessories because they can work in so many different situations: bad hair days, sunny days, or days we just want to look extra chic for the day. There are so many varieties of hats in many different styles, shapes, and colors that you can work in and out of your daily wardrobe!

Do you integrate hats into your wardrobe?