Aloe Vera: Magic Plant

I've always know how great and necessary aloe vera is after a day in the sun, but recently I learned how amazing it is for your face. Did you know this miracle plant is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory? This means aloe can actually heal your skin and help with acne. It also helps with:

* Dermatitis
* Psoriasis
* Dryness, Scaling and Flaking
* Eczema
* Chaffing and Chapping
* Sunburn
* Allergic reactions


Aloe Vera also helps with facial edema, which is swelling. Applying the natural gel of the aloe under your eyes can help with any puffiness. It helps improve overall circulation and blood and oxygen flow to the skin. Why is this important? This helps with synthesis and strength of your skin tissues. Simply put, your skin will look and feel better! Visit your local nursery or garden store and pick some up just in time for summer!

Skin Care Tip: Baby wipes are excellent makeup removers. A fraction of the cost and work even better at removing makeup than most makeup wipes! Great for sensitive skin too!

Tool Care: Cleaning your brushes

A common question I get is: How should I clean my makeup brushes? Before I tell you how, I'd like to tell you why you should clean them.

Not only does makeup build up make application difficult since you won't be able to get a true color if there's an old color already on there. The brushes are also filled with bacteria and germs. If they are your personal brushes, you still need to deep clean them once a week to avoid and skin problems. Skin breaking out but you haven't changed your skin care routine and there's no real reason it should be happening? Check your brushes.

Now how to clean: I like to use a few different products to deep clean. Brush cleaner, Clinique's Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser, and sometimes baby shampoo since it is really gentle. I like to add a small amount of cleaner to each brush and massage into a lather to work the old product out. Be easy with your brushes, you don't have to fray the hairs or destroy them. Rinse, lather, repeat as needed until the water runs clear.

After they are clean and you have squeezed the excess water out, allow proper time for the brushes to air dry completely. Normally this will be an overnight process. The key is to hang the brush over the edge of your counter so air can circulate all the around the hairs.

Hope this was helpful!