Quick Fixes

Never thought I’d say this … in fact, I’ve held out for several weeks. I’m still pinching myself. Kiehl‘s has done it again. Their new Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler, $39, is truly a scientific breakthrough. OK, OK, before I talk it up to the point of no return, I shall disclaim. For the first two weeks of using this product, I saw little to no change and lamented the fact that I had run out of my beloved Kahina Eye Cream. I still miss Kahina, but for now, I’m content watching the miracle that is Kiehl’s slowly unfold before my eyes. And now I’m upset that I haven’t taken before-and-after photos. (more…)

Yet again, I’ve let almost 6 months pass without a “Quick Fix” post. Yikes! I will try to do better in ’08. Anyway, you all know that scrubs are a fantastic way to exfoliate, but sometimes…you just don’t want (or can’t) spend the money on one. The following will be the quickest (and cheapest) scrub ever. It’s perfect to use on hands, feet, elbows, etc. Mix 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1/4 cup of brown sugar (or however much you want). Voila…scrub your heart out.

For those of you who like to shy away from the chemicals and the doctors, Barbara Close has a great DIY formula to help you zap that zit and clear up your skin. The following Rosemary Acne Serum is taken from her book: Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics.

1 ounce hazelnut oil
6 drops rosemary verbenone essential oil
5 drops of juniper essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
1 ounce apricot kernel oil
2 ounce glass bottle

Pour hazelnut oil in bottle. Add essential oils, close bottle, and roll between palms to disperse the oils. Top off with apricot kernel oil, close bottle, and agitate a second time.

Cleanse and tone skin. Apply 3 or 4 drops to a cotton pad or finger-tips and wipe over entire face. To plump up the skin, use serum in conjunction with facial massage. Â

Let me know if any of you try this and your results!

I can’t believe it’s been months since I’ve posted a quick fix! Well, here’s one that you can put you use now. With summer months, your feet may not smell so fabulous after a day of walking around the city. Here’s how to solve the problem in approximately 15 minutes. Fill a basin with cool water. Add the juice of freshly cut lemon, as well as slices of another. The juice from the lemons will get rid of odors and smooth feet, while the citrusy scent perks you up. Optional: if you want moisturization, simply add a splash of baby oil or a favorite essential oil. Soak and rinse.

I’m taking a tip out of the February issue of Glamour (pg. 64) – just because I thought that it was ingenious! If you have a pair of runny hose (oh, you know that you do!), cut off the torso and feet. Then wrap it around and under your hair, making a knot at the nape. Voila! An instant headband that will stay put.

Happy Thanksgiving! To celebrate this holiday, we are leaving you with a quick recipe for a pumpkin facial…enjoy!

Blend together 3 tsp of pureed pumpkin (canned is ok), 1 tsp of honey, 1/4 tsp of milk, 1/2 tsp of brown sugar and 1/4 tsp of apple cider. Apply to your face and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

P.S. We will be off during the Thanksgiving holiday. Have a wonderful long weekend with your family and friends!

Does the idea of another hectic work week leave you with a headache? Relieve some of the tension by giving yourself a 5-minute head massage. Begin by dimming the lights and laying down. Apply a dime-sized amount of lotion onto your palms. Choose a lotion with cooling ingredients that also contain circulation-boosting properities, such as peppermint. Place palms on temples and slowly rotate your hands in a circular motion for a few minutes. Then, cup your forehead, along your hairline; lightly, press upwards on the crown and repeat. Lastly, draw your fingers lightly through the hair several times. Feel more relaxed?

Soft waves are oh-so-alluring! But are you afraid to attempt them, thinking they’ll be too complicated or time-consuming? Try these simple steps and get this gorgeous ‘do before you know it! Take a large barreled curling iron and wrap hair around in free-form twists. Take a quarter-sized amount of shine serum, such as Kiehls’ Silk Groom Serum, and using your fingers, run it through your hair for extra polish.

As the temperature drops, hair can dry out – especially after a summer spent in the sun and surf or if you simply just have a sensitive scalp. So remember, don’t skimp on conditioning your hair! Start using a deep conditioner with ingredients such as jojoba oil or honey, which are fantastic emollients. Or go to the kitchen and make your own DIY conditioning mask! Just blend 1 tbsp of honey with a ½ cup of milk. Massage into hair and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Fall is just around the corner and the changing, cooler temperatures can dry out your skin. Try this at-home invigorating facial mask to rehydrate your skin. Mix 1⁄2 of an avocado and 1⁄4 cup of honey in a blender. Apply to your skin and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with a washcloth drenched in cool water.

Note: I apologize for the lack of response to emails, etc. We will respond as soon as possible. It’s been a crazy work week!