Monday, April 22, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
pH-antastic baby
Quiz time: what is the "Potential of Hydrogen"? If you recall from junior high science class, "Potential of Hydrogen", or pH, is the measurement of acidity on a scale of 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline. But did you know that pH plays an important role in skincare? The skin is covered by a fine layer of sebum and sweat known as the acid mantle. While it doesn't sound very pleasant, the acid mantle protects the skin by acting as a barrier to bacteria, viruses, and other harmful contaminants. Thanks to the acid mantle, the pH of skin lies between 4.5 and 6.2. The optimal pH is 5.5 so it is important to maintain a pH as close to that as possible. If your pH becomes too acidic, then your acid mantle is damaged. If your pH becomes too alkaline, then your skin over dries and creates acne.
So what causes changes to pH in our skin? Lots of things can create pH imbalance, including external factors like UV rays and pollution as well as internal ones like changes in diet and hormones. The pH can also change due to skincare products, which is why it is important to always check the pH of your cleansers and toners! Make sure you avoid any products that are NOT pH-balanced, such as lemon juice (pH: 2) and vinegar toners (pH: 3) or baking soda scrubs (pH: 9). Remember, maintaining a pH of 5.5 is a key step in achieving beautiful skin!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
beauty expiration
We all know that food and medicine expire. But did you know
that makeup/skincare products also have a shelf life? I know that I have been guilty of holding
onto certain products longer than I should. However, beauty products don’t
last forever; even shampoo and conditioner can expire! And when cosmetics
expire, the chemicals degrade and harbor dangerous bacteria. In extreme cases,
expired products can cause irritation, allergic reactions, infections, and skin
diseases! Check the list below to see if you should still be using that
eyeliner you bought last year:
- Mascara: 2-5 months.
- Eyeliner (liquid/gel): 3-5 months
- Eyeliner (pencil): 1-3 years
- Eye shadow: 2-4 months
- Foundation (powder): 1-3 years
- Foundation (liquid): 1-2 years*
- Lipstick: 1-2 years
- Nail polish: 1 year
- Perfume: 2-5 years
- Body lotion: 2-4 years
- Shampoo/conditioner: 3-5 years
*oil-based foundations last 1-2 years, water-based
foundations last 1 year
The dead giveaways of an expiring product are changes in smell, texture, color, and appearance. If you’re hesitant about a product, remember
that it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Also keep in mind that natural/organic
products are prone to expiring faster due to the lack of strong preservatives.
Beauty is important but health is even more important! Make sure your cosmetics
are safe before you apply them on your face!
Note: Some companies, like LUSH and SKINFOOD, list the expiration date on
the product. But if you are unsure about the expiration date, you can
always contact the company’s customer service.
Monday, April 1, 2013
first haul
Since it’s the start of a new month, I thought it would be a
great idea to kick off a new blog feature: monthly hauls. I debated
whether or not to write about hauls since I know those can come
across as materialistic. However, a number of people showed interest in hauls, and I wanted to share some awesome pieces that I found online and in stores. So here goes:
Ballet Flats from H&M ($12.95)
I needed a new pair of work shoes, so I picked up a pair of these ballet flats from H&M for under $13. They are so comfortable that I didn’t need to break them in before I wore them to work! The quality is also good considering the price. These flats are still available at H&M (as of this post), and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. I bought a pair of black ones for work, but I am thinking about picking up another pair in hot pink or leopard print.
Legging Pants from Uniqlo ($19.90)
If jean-leggings are called “jeggings” then shouldn’t pant-leggings be called “peggings”? Anyway, these are possibly the most worn piece of clothing in my wardrobe. They are so flattering and comfortable; I just toss on an over-sized sweater with these leggings and I’m good to go! The legging pants are sold at Uniqlo in a spectrum of colors, from gray to purple. Mine are the “light green” ones, although they look more like neon yellow in person.
Cross Bar Ring from Forever 21 ($2.80)
I have been eyeing bar rings for the longest time. But most of the rings that I looked at were either too expensive ($20+ for costume jewelry) or too gaudy (dripping in rhinestones). So I was excited when I saw this ring at Forever 21 for under $3. It looks so elegant and sophisticated! When I was in the store last week, I saw three different color options: brown, gold, and silver. It seems like the brown version is no longer available. However, you can still get the gold and silver versions on the Forever 21 online store.
Cat Earplug Jack Charm from Bone ($7.60)
This is a silly accessory that I picked up for my new phone. The cat reminds me of Jiji from Studio Ghibli's Kiki's Delivery Service. Cute, right? I bought my charm from a local boutique, but it is also available at Strapya World for $7.60.
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