By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
3 natural products to give your skin an amazing glow
a9d76c914119727f0ac5aa2af1a02a58caa68fee27ba3d159918ffe0dd2633d6
Leave your skin glowing with these natural (and frugal) DIY beauty products. - photo by Lisa Smith
Dont you just love the fall? The leaves start to turn, and the temperatures drop just enough to finally slip into your favorite cozy knits and lightweight jackets. Alas, this seasonal change also comes knocking with bitter, chilly gusts and dry air, climate elements that inevitably irritate your delicate skin and ruin that golden sun-kissed glow you worked so hard to achieve all summer.

The chillier weather means it's time for a skin care regimen change! However, toxic ingredients, chemical aromas and harsh preservatives found in store-bought beauty products can negatively affect your skin. Don't lose hope yet, though! A more wholesome beauty regimen is possible. Here are three natural DIY skin care products made from whole food ingredients (some of which may already be in your kitchen pantry) for flawless autumn skin:

1. Virgin coconut oil

There are several beauty benefits to using coconut oil; it contains natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties as well as hydrating fatty acids that deeply moisturize and rejuvenate your skin without stripping away your natural oils, leaving your face glowing.

HOMEMADE COCONUT MOISTURIZER

INGREDIENTS

1 cup virgin coconut oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, whip coconut oil using a manual or electric whip.

2. Add lavender essential oils and vitamin E oil. Process until you achieve a fluffy cream consistency.

3. Pour mixture into a clean container for your daily use.

Experiment with different essential oils for a personalized fragrance.

2. Raw honey

Raw honey (that's unheated, unpasteurized and unprocessed) is moisturizing and a great source of enzymes and nutrients. Its also packed with soothing antimicrobial and antioxidant attributes to help reduce breakouts for an acne-free complexion. Incorporating this superfood to your skin care routine will leave you fresh-faced and gleaming.

HONEY & BROWN SUGAR FACE SCRUB

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons raw honey 1 tablespoon brown sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix honey and brown sugar in a small bowl.

2. Apply your homemade mix evenly to clean skin and massage, gently avoiding your eyes.

3. Rinse and pat face dry with a clean towel.

This simple recipe will clean your clogged pores, remove dead cells and minimize the appearance of pores. I also like to use this little scrub on my lips (its quite tasty, too).

3. Cinnamon powder

Did you know that you can make your own cosmetics from the comfort of your home? The thought of making your own makeup might sound a little intimidating at first, but don't fret, its actually easier (and cheaper) than youd presume.

With antimicrobial properties, this commonly used spice can help alleviate acne. Mixed with honey, it can be an amazing face mask. And if you blend it with other natural powders, it can instantly be transformed into a bronzing powder.

HOMEMADE CINNAMON BRONZER

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon cinnamon powder 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1 teaspoon nutmeg powder 2 teaspoons cornstarch 10 drops of lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, blend all your ingredients until you achieve a fine pulverized consistency. Stir well to get rid of any clumps.

2. Pour your loose powder concoction into a small mineral sifter jar and apply on your forehead, cheekbones and jawline using a soft powder brush.

3. Slip it into your cosmetic case for your everyday on-the-move touch-ups.

You can also try this recipe by replacing cornstarch with powdered sugar or baby powder. Your glowing complexion will have everyone asking What bronzer do you use?

So why not turn to natural DIY beauty treatments? Change your beauty routine by tailoring to your own skin needs. Leave a comment to share some of your natural DIY beauty products!
Sign up for our E-Newsletters
Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
638421_Screenshot_1.png
Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
Latest Obituaries