Face Mapping - What's your skin telling you!

No, this is not some crazy new makeup trend, like contouring or strobing! 

This is all about what your own body is telling you, from the inside :)

A great tool which I learned back in my old beauty therapy days when I was working in salons and day-spas, doing facials for those lucky lucky clients, and as I did them, I was trying to understand what their skin was telling me as a practitioner! 

The technique comes from came from traditional Chinese medicine and is a form of skin analysis which helps us to understand the root causes of spots and breakouts.

Underlying the theory is the idea that the skin is the body’s largest organ and if something is affecting that organ, it could well mean that something is going on, inside you! 

Put simply, think of your face as a map, and any blemishes on it as X’s on that landscape. Therefore, spots in different zones of your face would correspond to different issues or problems which may exist inside you!

We all know that life factors such as poor food choices, high stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep may cause breakouts, pimples, rashes, or change of skin color and tone. 

So, following this through, with this “map” as your guide, not only will you address the blemishes on your face and make the unsightly pimples disappear, you will also be treating treat the underlying health or lifestyle problem too! An all over win!!!

And all of this will lead to better skin and a generally healthier (and longer) life!! 

Pretty awesome, right??

To learn more about face mapping here is an awesome video from Asian Beauty Secrets https://youtu.be/Z139_OHNuLE

Love your skin!

BloggaBling xx

Go Green! The Skin benefits of drinking Green Tea

When the weather is turning so cold, (so fast here in Sydney) you feel the need to keep warm! With lovely warm winter knit jumpers, running fragrant baths after a long day at work and then curling up on the couch with a nice cuppa tea (ahhh!) But I bet you didn’t you know the benefits of drinking tea?

The benefits of drinking a regular cup of tea goes way back to centuries and cultures, and now, there are an increasing number of clinical studies suggesting a hot botanical blend is also good for your skin from fighting free radicals to promote healthy skin.

Let’s start with the obvious benefit - WATER! Well I’ve told you before about importance of hydration, how water moisturizes our skin from the inside out.  Well now drinking tea (especially green tea) may even be better than drinking water alone, since tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants. (green tea does contain caffeine – but less than black tea and a lot less than coffee but it is still good for you!)

Why is green tea so good for you? Because this leaf reportedly has the highest levels of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. These polyphenols are some of the best weapons again free radicals, which form in our skin from a variety of sources, including exposure to environmental toxins and pollution, stress in our daily lives, not enough exercise, overexposure to UV rays and the simple, plain old, natural aging process. Drinking green tea seems to help reduce or even prevent free radical damage, slow down signs of aging and increase the body’s overall antioxidant activity — that’s a lot of power in a cup! And this is why you will see green tea in skin care products as well. It’s one powerful antioxidant when used topically as well!

In fact a 12-week study with women, green tea was found to reduce skin redness after a sunburn, and the researchers also found that the tea drinker’s skin had increased elasticity, less roughness and higher moisture content. Drinking green tea has also been shown to help with acne by reducing stress. Green tea has amazing anti-inflammation properties as well, so drinking it can also benefit people with psoriasis, eczema and rosacea.

What about other teas? Are they also full of the awesome benefits of polyphenols? The answer is yes! All teas, even with caffeine, contain polyphenols, however the types in each tea vary. Black, green, red, white, oolong, and herbal—all have their own benefits. Add in fruit, medicinal herbs, even flowers, and you have a potent cupful of healing liquid.

There are actually many plant-based botanicals that are excellent for balancing and correcting skin conditions. These herbals can promote detoxification and support the health and appearance of your skin. Not only can you drink these teas, you can use them as a facial steam or add them to your bath water for a luxurious, healing soak. That’s why you’ll see so many of these herbs and herbal blends used as ingredients in 100% pure, organic skin care formulas. Here are some DIY ideas:

For soothing dry skin

Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory properties, and is wonderful for red, dry skin and eczema. Chamomile is related to the daisy, and this tiny white flower can also help improve digestive health as well. Poor digestion is often a source of skin irritations (which is also why I recommend that everybody take a daily probiotic!), and your skin is a reflection on your body’s overall health. Other good choices for dry skin are lavender, detox blend and calendula. You can create your own toner using a combination of these teas—just brew one or more of them, let the infusion cool and apply to your face with a cotton ball or mist sprayer. 

For detox or acne relief

Okay, we know about green tea’s terrific anti-inflammatory properties, but there are other great herbs for acne, including burdock root, an excellent plant for correcting a variety of skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Dandelion is wonderful for cleansing and is used in many herbal blends as a diuretic and as a rich source of potassium. Other herbs like the natural antibiotic echinacea, calming valerian and bacteria fighting goldenseal are great for acne.

For healing and rejuvenation

Rosehip tea — made from dried rosehips — is not only yummy and refreshing, but it’s also one of the best sources for vitamin C, an antioxidant that is vital for a healthy immune system. Rosehips also have antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-aging properties. Hibiscus teas also protect against cell-damaging free radicals, and as a bonus you can blend them with green or white tea, other great sources of antioxidants. Sassafras is a good herb for clearing skin, and sarsaparilla is excellent for its cleansing properties.

So now you won’t feel so guilty sitting on the couch all curled up feeling like you should do something. Your little cuppa in your hands is working wonders on your skin!

Yours in looking good

BloggaBling xx

The Secret Power about wearing Lipstick (a woman’s best keep secret)

‘If you’re sad, add more Lipstick, and attack’ Coco Chanel

There is something about wearing Lipstick for a woman, she can feel happy, sexy more powerful and confident in herself. I know if I'm having a bad day I will look through my handbag and pick 1 out of 8 various shades (yes I carry 8 lipsticks in my bag as it is easier depending on what I'm wearing!) and apply. The results of that pick me up and feeling better is instant like having a cup of coffee in the morning. This is called the ‘Lipstick Effect’. The lipstick effect is the theory that when facing the economic crisis consumers became more willing to buy less costly luxury goods. Instead of buying expensive handbags, for example, people will buy expensive lipstick. It has been rumoured that lipstick sales doubled after the 9/11 attacks on the USA.

It’s also how people see you and treat you well. Studies suggest wearing lipstick can make women more attractive to men, and new research indicates red lipstick on female waitresses' boosted tips from male customers.

Harvard psychologists took a look at how cosmetic combinations impact the way people judge a woman’s attractiveness and personality, even unconsciously. And, along with the new survey results, the brand found each shade determines what kind of woman you’re telling the world you are!

Red rockers are deemed more creative and daring by others. They are passionate, sensuous, bold and full of energy. They're most confident and get attention fast. Red is the colour of love so for most men this becomes more attractive to them. Red shades also bring out the energetic side of you.. Get it, girls!

Pink lipstick wearers are perceived as more sociable and fun-loving. Pinkish shades are very common among lipsticks and there is probably no woman in the world who does not have a pink shade in her collection. This shade is sweet and very much girlie. Pink is always associated with 

cuteness. It is well understood that it is also a colour of soft natured women.

Plum puckers allow women to seem more independent and self-sufficient. Women who wear berry shades are on the more mellow side but still want to come across as strong. Plum is also the colour of power: Senior executives are more likely to own a shade of plum. Best to wear softer plums for job interviews or important meetings. Plums and brown colours are best worn in winter as darker shades work well in the cooler months.

Nude lips help women seem more warm and caring, which is why psychologists recommend trying a nude shade for that first date or a night out with good friends. Plus, you get the perks of the women who wear lipstick and are emphasising their natural colouring at the same time, they are also confident about their natural looks. They are easy going and calm.

So there you go Ladies you had a little secret power in your handbag all this time and you probably didn't know! 

Yours in Looking Fabulous!

BloggaBling xx

5 affordable ways to keep your skin healthy and looking young!

Let’s face it, who wants to have wrinkles and dull skin?!? 

The fantastic thing is, and it’s still very much a secret! YOU DON’T NEED TO SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON SKIN CARE PRODUCTS or get skins injections, when there are easier, less invasive and much more affordable ways to still have amazing skin! 

Here is the secret! (Shhhhhh!!!! Don’t tell anyone!!!! ;) 

Tip #1 Sun protection…

It’s important to always wear sun screen! Put it on daily! Especially on your face! (And anywhere else you want to put it hehe)..   as one of the main causes of wrinkles and brown spots, is.. you guessed it… THE SUN. 

Wearing a foundation or a lotion which is classified SPF 15+ or higher, is also great to protect your skin. 

Although you may not get that lovely tan, by reducing your daily sun exposure, sunscreen allows your skin time to heal and your immune system the chance to repair any existing damage. 

Ladies, this is of primary importance!

Tip #2 Water in-take…

Drink water!!!!!! This is not only important for your skin but its also important for your whole body!

Drinking at least 8 glasses a day (yes, I said 8!!), will help get rid the body and skin of all the ugly toxins. 

By increasing your water intake, your skin will have a more radiant glow (come on ladies, who doesn’t want that?!?!), it will feel more hydrated and much firmer and plumper. 

Nothing will happen overnight, but a good couple of weeks of increasing your water intake should be enough for you to see how hydration affects the biggest organ on your whole body, your skin!

Tip #3 Keep your face clean… 

It's important to wash your face twice daily to remove all those yukky impurities, dead skin cells, and any excess oil from the surface of your skin. 

Washing even more often than twice daily may not even necessarily be better for it; it could even do more harm than good! 

Use warm water, not too hot and a mild facial cleanser. 

Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt the already inflamed skin and can even lead to more irritation! 

Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel (soft towels are even better :) 

And here’s a handy tip ladies…. After drying, toss the used towel in the laundry hamper, not back on the towel rack as as dirty towels can spread bacteria!

Tip #4 Use a moisturiser…. 

I can’t say this one enough….. M O I S T U R I S E!!!!

Most people do not realise the importance of moisturising their skin daily! 

Moisturise at least twice per day, morning and evening. No matter what your skin type, whether dry, oily or sensitive, you shouldn't skip your moisturising step in your daily skin care routine. 

Leaving it out might quickly cause redness or flaking, and in time it can allow wrinkles and other signs of ageing to show up in your skin even earlier than they should have! 

So prevent this ladies! Add moisture to your skin at least morning and night!

Tip #5 Beauty Sleep….

Can’t stress this one enough because I know we’re all busy! But… 

GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP LADIES!!!!

The expression exists for a reason! Getting at least 7 hours of solid sleep per night can makes a huge difference in the appearance and health of your skin. 

Lets get scientific, the stress hormone Cortisol, ages the skin and can also cause you acne. Your sleep will reduce the level of cortisol in your body. 

So from science to maths! haha this leads us to a VERY simple equation: 

Sleep = younger, clearer skin. 

Now YOU know the secrets too!

Yours in beautiful skin,

BloggaBling xx