Fruit-ful Benefits for Your Skin

The last few months I've held a "cooking" class for tweens. Instead of filling our bellies, we are 'feeding our skin' with some pretty amazing skin remedies from Gena Surphlis, creator of COOKING COSMETICS. These recipes include all natural ingredients found at your local grocery store. Gena kept the kids informed about the advantages of healthy ingredients and using natural products in their skin care routines. 

Some of my favorite classes covered the benefits of using fruit for body and skin like:

Papayas

Teen skin is prone to breakouts which could lead to spots and an uneven skin tone on the face and body. Papaya contains papain -- an enzyme known for its gentle exfoliating benefits. Papaya along with honey can help lighten the skin in areas with uneven pigmentation. Read about it here.

Watermelon
Watermelon makes a great facial toner! Watermelon is loaded with antioxidants and amino acids that clears pores and controls oil on the skin. Combine watermelon with witch hazel and distilled water for an easy skin refresher.

Lemons
Lemons are one of the most popular home skin care ingredients. Lemon juice can be added to your favorite facial cleanser or shampoo to prevent dandruff and replenish and tone your scalp. A few lemon slices will soften rough skin spots such as heels and elbows too.

Apples

Apples are another multi-tasker. Rinse hair with apple juice to boost shine and reduce dandruff. You can rub thin apple slices on your face to clean it and control oily skin. Great remedy to combat acne too.

Strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent exfoliator as they are rich in salicylic acid to penetrate deep within the pore. Strawberries help lessen the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. Rich in antioxidant Vitamin C, it assists in collagen production which reduces lines and wrinkles Alpha-hyrdoxy acids increase skin cell renewal to reveal vibrant youthful skin. 

To keep my skin even and ward off breakouts, I use an all natural face mask that I make right in my own kitchen. I mash fresh strawberries with some lemon juice together then apply the mixture onto my face and rinse with cool water after 10 minutes. The concoction brightens my skin and I follow with olive oil to moisturize. It’s an easy way to remove excess oil buildup, reduce blemishes and tone my skin all at once.

ESSIE Launches Flagship Nail Salon

Now you can get your nails done at ESSIE with ESSIE...America's nail expert has moved from being carried in stores and nail salons to opening up their first flagship store in the Samuel Shriqui Salon in the Upper East Side today (on 65th Street and Madison Avenue)!  The new salon is very modern with white walls, vibrant purple and pink lounge chairs and color-coordinated manicure stations.  Explore loads of shade options at the color-coded polish wall which includes classics like Ballet Slippers and other iconic varnishes... over 250 in all.  The salon is sure to be a hit with "ladies who lunch," tourists and high profile professionals alike.  Luxurious manicures start at $32 and pedicures are $65.  Read more here or visit http://www.essie.com/. 

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(Photo and story from Allure.com

L'Oreal Launches I Love

Whoo Hoo!  I'm excited that L'OREAL PARIS launched some pretty amazing product recently.  These are a few things that I'll be adding to my makeup kit real soon.   
Colour Riche Colour Caresse --  Bright color, shine and weightless texture in just one swipe! Non-stick lip color in 16 shades.
Infallible Eyeshadow shade extension includes six new long-wearing shades...a full 24-hours of waterproof, crease resistant and fade resistant shadow. 
The Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream --  A cream that hydrates, corrects, evens and perfects the skin in one easy step in fair, light, medium and deep tones.
Infallible Laquer Liner 24H is a glossy, lacquered gel liner that glides on smooth and even in five delicious hues.
Youth Code Dark Spot SPF 30 Day Cream diminishes dark marks left behind after that annoying pimple or acne flairs up, fights sun damage and prevents dark spots from forming for an even skin complexion.
Try Voluminous Power 24H Mascara for the brand's biggest boldest lash in an instant.  The key?  It's the mega brush. (Psst...Voluminous is my FAVORITE mascara...and it's only $8!)
Eversleek Precious Oil Treatment w/ Argan Oil is for frizzy unruly hair.  It's sulfate-free and is infused with sunflower and olive oil to seal in smoothness.