Why Pilates

 I know some people do pilates but I’ve never really done it since I know little about it.  It’s been around for a while and people swear by it but I’ve not lived in places where it was offered.  I wondered if it could be done with a DVD safely or if it were better done in person?  So first thing, what is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise created in the 1920’s as a way of helping injured athletes and dancers recover faster and better. Over time, it moved out into the general public as exercise.  Pilates itself, is composed of around 500 exercises combining calisthenics, yoga, and ballet. In addition, Pilates can be aerobic or anaerobic depending on the exercise.  

Pilates requires more focus than many other exercises because the body is moved through a series of precise movements while working all the major muscle groups in the body. It is necessary to find the center point needed to control your body during each movement.  

One of the big differences between Pilotes and other forms of exercise is that it does not work the muscles to exhaustion, instead it uses a low number of repetitions throughout the 45 to 60 minute session.  Furthermore, the most effective sessions are done so the exercises are individualized and adjusted on a regular basis. Pilates is designed to increase flexibility, muscle strength and tone, stabilizes the spine, and improves coordination and balance.  

There are two types of Pilates.  One is mat based while the other one relies on equipment.  The mat based version is performed on the floor, relying on gravity and one’s body to provide resistance.  It is used to work the deeper muscles used to support the body. This helps improve a person’s posture, balance and coordination. On the other hand, the equipment based version uses equipment to provide the resistance.

The advantages of doing Pilates are many including the fact that this one works the whole body while concentrating on the core so a person is stronger and in better shape. Pilates helps people develop long strong muscles by using a muscle contraction that contracts the muscle while elongating it.  It improves flexibility, improves posture, while increasing energy. Pilates can also help a person look fitter.  

Although it is recommended for just about everyone, it is suggested that people who have recently had surgery, are expecting, are over the age of 40, are overweight , or who have not exercised in a long time talk to their doctor before beginning this type of workout. If a person has never done Pilates before, it is recommended they sign up for a class at the local gym or studio to learn to do it correctly.  

So if you want something to make you look better, feel better, and help you increase your fitness without a lot of sweating, you might want to check it out.  I plan to this summer when I have a bit more time.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.

Alternatives To Working Out

What if you are one of those people who know you need to exercise regularly but don’t want to do the standard ones found at a gym or studio?  Are you one of those people who head the other direction when someone mentions a 45 minute aerobics class, weight lifting, or even Pilates?  Fortunately, there are things you can do to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

1. Head over to the local park to play on the equipment.  Between the slides, the monkey bars, and the swings, you could have a great 30 minutes having fun and managing a great work-out.  Some places have trails with stops to do certain exercises so when you are done you’ve completed a circuit but I’d rather enjoy the play equipment.  

2. Pop on a video or throw on a game such as Wii bowling and spend a nice 30 minutes enjoying your time.  I tried Wii bowling one time and was surprised I managed a good workout. I’m told they offer many different sports.

3. Take your pet out for a walk or offer to walk a neighbor's dog. I don’t own a pet but I’ve seen friends who take their dog out walking, or running while they ride their bicycle or even roller skate.  They say it is a great workout.

4. Pull out a rope and start jumping or offer to jump with a child or family member.  Jumping rope is a great exercise and it is quite aerobic.  It can be done either inside or out and if you have to move the equipment, it is easy.

5. One thing I loved to do as a child was bowl because I could do it with my grandparents.  Bowling is great for strengthening and toning your muscles,   In a really good game, you can use up to 300 calories. According to research, the average bowler walks over a half mile during a three game set.

6.  Head out to a nice evening dance and enjoy yourself dancing but if you don’t like doing it in public, clear out a large space, put on the music and dance.  If you have a lot of great moving music, you can work up a great sweat, burn calories, and engage your whole body.  

7. Most cities have walking tours you could sign up for.  A walking tour might take you through some of the places reputed to have ghosts, or maybe a foodie tour, or one that allows you to check out various parks.  In downtown Anchorage, I did  part of the solar system walk which started you off in the sun and you could walk to mercury, venus, the earth, mars, etc.  Another time, I visited Pikes Peak Market in Seattle and explored that thing from top to bottom and edge to edge.  I got quite a workout that time.

8. Have you ever thought about playing a sport? It is easy to get a workout when you are involved in a sport.  I love Volleyball but haven’t been involved recently due to Covid but I do remember how great I felt at the end of the night.  If you are into sports and enjoy playing one, you are more likely to continue participating

These are just a few ways to make exercise more fun while fitting it in so it becomes a habit.  I love taking walks by the ocean, or participating in volleyball, or even exploring shopping malls from top to bottom, end to end. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.

Sleeping Better At Night.

 We are reaching the time of year when the days become longer and the darkness is much shorter.  I live in a place where the sun sets after midnight and is up by 6:00 in the morning right now and daylight will get longer. This can make it difficult to get enough sleep every night. Fortunately, there are things one can do to make it easier to fall asleep at night. 

The first thing to do is to make sure you get enough bright light during the day so your body’s internal rhythm knows when it is time to be awake.  It is best to be exposed to bright sunlight but if that isn’t possible, use lights that are extremely bright for the same effect.  

At the same time, cut back on using electronic devices in the evening because they produce a blue light which tricks your body into thinking it is still daylight.  One way to do this is to wear a special pair of glasses that block blue light or download an app for your device which blocks it. If all else fails, stop watching television or electronic devices about 2 hours before bedtime.

In addition, quit drinking anything with caffeine after dinner because the caffeine can remain in your blood system for up to 6 hours after it’s consumed.  Furthermore, if you love to nap that is fine but don’t take naps that last more than 30 minutes because it can confuse your internal clock. In fact, taking a longer nap can leave you feeling sleepier rather than refreshed.

Another suggestion is to make your routine consistent for going to bed and waking up.  One should try to go to bed and get up at about the same time every day because it helps you get a better quality of sleep. If you want a more regular sleep, taking a small dose of melatonin helps people fall asleep faster and experience a better night's sleep.

Don’t forget to arrange your bedroom to make it more inviting.  Make sure the lights are dimmer, the temperature is cooler, extra light from devices and clocks are limited, and the amount of outside noise is kept to a minimum so as to improve your ability to fall and stay asleep.  

Relax through meditation, take a relaxing bath or shower, and make sure you have a comfortable bed, good sheets, and covers.  If your mattress is too old, it can make it harder for you to sleep and possibly can cause back pain.  It is best to replace mattresses every 10 years or so.  Finally make sure you don’t eat or exercise too close to bedtime because both can interfere with your ability to sleep and keep you awake for hours.  

I learned to think about going to bed one to two hours before I need to be asleep.  I take a nice shower, grab a book, and enjoy a relaxing read in a room whose lights are dimmer.  It works and usually I’m ready to go to sleep at my normal bedtime and I sleep.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.

With Friends

 

With friends

I’m Loved.

 I’m Loved

F.I.T.T Principle

The F.I.T.T. principle should be your guiding principle when choosing your workout routines.  F.I.T.T. stands for frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise one should do as part of a regular exercise program.  These principles can be applied to the whole workout or just a specific component of the program.

Frequency refers to how often one will exercise.  The frequency often depends on the factors such as type of exercise, its intensity, where you are at as far as being fit, and your weekly goals but in general everyone should exercise every day ideally but at least three times a week.  Certain exercises such as cardio workouts are recommended between three and five days a week depending on your final goal.

For strength training, they recommend two to three non-consecutive days per week to give your muscles a chance to recover. The strength training should be such that your whole body is worked but it is possible to spit the workout up so you do upper body one day and lower body the next with a day off before repeating the sequence.  

As far as intensity goes, it again depends on the type of exercise.  For cardio workouts, you want a mix of low, medium and high intensity to stimulate different parts of the body and keep you from overtraining.   I often choose interval workouts because they alternate medium with high intensity and are often a bit shorter.  

On the other hand, intensity is defined differently when talking about strength training.  Intensity is defined by the exercise chosen, the number of repetitions, the amount of weight, and the total sets done.  If you are a beginner, you might want to build muscle stability and endurance by using weights that weigh less but have sets with a higher number of repetitions.

  On the other hand, if you want to develop your muscles, you would do fewer sets with a higher number of repetitions while using moderate weights.  If you want to build strength consider doing more sets containing fewer repetitions while using heavier weights.

Time refers to the length of time you exercise.  For cardio workouts, it is recommended  that a person workout for 30 to 60 minutes but if you are a beginner, you might only do 15 to 20 minutes. On the hand if your cardio workout is high intensity, you might only do 20 minutes for the day instead of 30.  In regard to the strength training workout, the time involved, depends on the type of training you are doing.  

Last is type which might be cardio such as running, walking, dancing, or anything that requires movement while strength training includes, kettlebelly, bands, dumbbells, or resistance machines.  If at any time, you start getting bored, adjust to the level of intensity, or your weight loss stalls, think about changing one of the F.I.T.T components to shock your body into burning calories more efficiently.

I try to change mine around but I am not as successful as I might be. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.

Why Change Exercise Routines Around?

I keep hearing how important it is to switch up your exercise routine rather than just doing the same thing every day.  I realize most of us have that one type of exercise we want to do on a regular basis whether it be weights, aerobics, or just a quick walk around the block.  For instance, I don’t do enough weights and I’m trying to work them in more often than when I feel like it.  

It is important to vary your workout routine for several reasons including helping the brain and shocking the muscles otherwise, things might not progress.  If you are trying to lose weight, switching up workouts can help you break through the weight loss plateau you are experiencing.  When you add a new activity, your body has to work harder thus burning more calories.  With the new exercises, your body is becoming more efficient which helps you lose weight more easily.

Secondly, switching up workouts helps your body avoid getting a repetitive stress injury.  This type of injury occurs when you do the same motion such as running, kicking a ball, or hitting a tennis ball, over and over.  When you switch up workouts, you give your joints and muscles a chance to recover.  In addition, if you injure one part of your body, you can still workout using other parts of your body. 

Switching up workouts also allows every muscle to develop rather than just one set such as happens with long distance runners or swimmers.  Furthermore, working all the muscles allows you to be a better all round athlete and allows you to build stronger muscles.  It also helps you look better.

Unfortunately, when you do the same set of exercises over and over, you can get bored.  When you switch up your workouts, you feel as if each season is new and exciting. This helps your mental attitude towards exercising.  If you aren’t in a position to change out the type of exercise, you can add variation such as speeding  up for three minutes during your walk and then walking at a regular speed for one minute.  Or you might carry hand weights during the walk every other day, just something to change it up. 

In addition, when you add in a new workout or change them around, your brain won’t get bored, and if it requires some thought and memorization, it helps the brain stay alert and active.  Active people tend to be at a lower risk for certain types of heart issues.  Another possibility happens when you workout at a gym because you get to know people and may end up with new workout partners.  When you have a workout partner, you are more likely to continue exercising and it makes life more interesting.

I know I love having someone to walk with when I head out on my two to three mile walks in the summer.  It makes the time go so much faster.  So these are some reasons why you should switch up your exercise routines.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.

Hair cuts? - How often?

 I have gotten frustrated during the pandemic.  Usually, I get my hair trimmed three times a year.  I do it at the beginning of summer, end of summer, and at Christmas when I am back in town.  This year, due to COVID, I haven’t gotten my hair trimmed since July and I’m noticing it.  I’ve read that one should get their hair trimmed once every six weeks but does it need to be that often? Today, I’m looking into the topic of trimming your hair regularly.

Yes, every six weeks is nice but the time between trims depends on several different factors.  One needs to consider if they are able to achieve the style as easily as before or is it much, much, harder?  Another factor is to check the ends of your hair to see if they are frayed, split, or damaged?  If either of these is a yes, it is time to get your hair taken care of.  It is recommended that people begin checking their hair after a month to see if it needs trimming.

On the other hand, it depends on the length of your hair and the style you have.  For instance, if you have a short hair cut, bangs, or a short, bob, you might need to go in every three to six weeks to have it neatened up and refreshed.  If your hair is really short and layered, it might be every three weeks but if it a longer bob, it might be every six weeks.

If your hair is a longer length, say just past the shoulders, you should be able to get away with getting it done three to four times a year as long as it is healthy.  The trim is to get rid of split ends, and adding shape so it looks styled and proper.  If it is super long, it is important to get it done a minimum of three to four times a year to keep it looking good. You might need to go in more frequently if the ends are thinning out due to breakage, or chemical treatment, or split ends.

In addition, your type of hair plays into the calculations.  If you have curly or wavy hair, you can usually go once every 6 to 12 weeks but if you have tight curls, you can look at going in once every three months but again, it depends on the shape of your hair.  Is it healthy?  Does it have split ends?

Furthermore, if you chemically treat your hair on a regular basis such as go from a dark color to blonde, straighten it, or heat treat it, you might need to go in more often.  If your hair is damaged, one needs to go in more frequently to help the hair.  

It is a common belief that cutting your hair frequently will cause it to grow faster.  It really doesn’t change the actual rate but it does make the ends better so it looks as if it is growing faster.  Overall, it is best if you do not go more than 6 months without visiting the stylist.  I am glad to know I’m fine going every few months and I know my hair desperately needs a trim.  I will get it done at the end of May when I head back into town. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.

Or this.

 Too foggy to see sunset.

Too Foggy To See This

 

Too foggy to see the sunrise most days.

How Much Water Is Enough?

 

If you read up on the amount of water you need every day, you’ll see a rather large number but according to Mayo Clinic, that number may not be correct.  Let’s start with how water helps us.  First of all, your body weight is composed of 50% to 70% water and it is necessary to survive

Water helps get rid of wastes from the body via urination, sweating, and breathing.  It also helps your body regulate its temperature, and helps lubricate and provide padding for joints.  If you consume enough water, you will dehydrate and feel off and tired. Since your body is always losing water, you need to replenish it on a regular basis.  

On average, it is recommended men consume about 15.5 cups of water each day while it is suggested women only need around 11.5 cups each day.  However, there are some situations which will contribute to a person’s need to increase their intake of water on any one day. 

For instance, if you exercise, it is necessary to drink water before, during, and after so you minimize water loss. If it is hot outside, you will need more water due to an increased amount of sweating and if you are at higher altitudes, you may end up with dehydration if you are not careful.

You also can lose liquid when you have a fever due to sweating, or if you vomit or have diarrhea so you need to make sure you regularly drink liquids.  There are also certain medical conditions such as a bladder infection that require additional liquid. Furthermore, it is easy for people to think about fluids in the summer when it is hot but in the winter when it is cold, 

In cold weather, most houses have some form of heating going.  Central heating causes the house to have dryer air which can lead to losing more moisture by just breathing.  In addition, your kidneys actually excrete more liquid in the winter than in the summer and it is sometimes harder to remember to drink fluids in the winter.

If you wait till you are thirsty, you are already on your way to being dehydrated.  It is important to drink plenty of fluids regularly throughout the day.  Drink some with all your meals, between meals, before, during, and after exercising or being outside on a warm day and if you feel thirsty.  Another way to monitor your hydration levels is to look at the color of your urine.  You want it to be a very light yellow, not a dark vibrant yellow.  If it is dark yellow, that is a sign to tell you to drink more. 

When people are mildly dehydrated, they will experience difficulty in concentrating, have trouble remembering things, and exhibit bad moods.  To avoid even mild dehydration, enjoy consuming lots of fruits and vegetables which are 90 to 95 percent water or add soup to your daily diet.  

When I worked at an outdoor theater, the rule was to keep drinking enough liquid to have to go to the bathroom on a regular basis.  A person should be going at least 6 to 7 times each day and as mentioned before, make sure your urine is a very pale yellow, not a deep yellow or orange.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.

Facial Serum Acids

 The other day, I took time to read all the bottles of serums I have for my face and noted that many have a variety of “acids” I’m unfamiliar with, so I’m  sharing the information  so when you see it, you’ll know what it is.  

Let’s start with glycolic acid.  Glycolic acid is actually a water soluble form of AHA or alpha hydroxy acid which is made from sugar cane.  Due to it’s super tiny size, it penetrates a person’s skin quite well and it’s size also allows it to exfoliate the skin better. In addition, glycolic exfoliates a person’s skin while reducing fine line, helps with dark spots and hyperpigmentation and improves an uneven skin tone.  It works on all skin types.  

It also helps increase cell turnover by dissolving the bonds that hold cells together so cells can fall off.  Furthermore, it encourages collagen production which makes your skin look plumper, and firmer.  One great thing is that Glycolic acid helps fight sun damage which many of us experience during the summer. It is often found in acne treatments because it helps keep pores cleaner.

Next is salicylic acid which is a beta hydroxy acid derived from the willow tree.  It is great because it exfoliates the skin while helping to clear pores, and treating breakouts.  Salicylic acid is good for combination, oily skins or someone with acne.  It works well to clear mild acne and help prevent blackheads.  It works by penetrating the skin to dissolve any dead cells that clog your pores.  

You’ll find Hyaluronic acid in so many preparations.  Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by your body as a clear gooey substance known as hyaluronan.  About half of the naturally produced hyaluronan is found in your skin where it helps to bind water thus retaining moisture.  Hyaluronic acid is another substance that our bodies produce less of as we grow older.  It is recommended for all types of skin but is best for dry or acne-prone skin requiring an oil-free option.

L-Ascorbic acid also known as vitamin C. It is a water soluble ingredient found in some fruits and vegetables but when used in facial serums, it can stimulate the production of collagen, prevent UV damage, brighten your skin tone and enhance your skin.  When you apply Vitamin C directly to your skin, you receive the most benefits but don’t just squeeze the juice out of an orange and apply it.

Vitamin C needs to be properly processed so it has been chemically altered so it is absorbed better by your skin. It is best to use a vitamin C serum in the morning and at night after the toner but before the moisturiser and sunscreen.  Furthermore vitamin C is great at protecting our skins from car exhaust, cigarette smoke, alcohol, over processed foods and certain chemicals.  

Then there is ferulic acid which is a plant based antioxidant found in anti aging products.    It is good at fighting free radicals which helps slow down the aging process. It is often used with other ingredients such as vitamin C to help stabilize it while boosting its ability to protect skin. It also enhances retinols, helps prevent sun damage while protecting collagen, and promotes healthy skin and is good for all types of skin.

Finally there is citric acid which is a type of AHA that speeds up cell renewal while balancing the pH of your skin.  It has been found to exfoliate the upper level of dead skin cells and helps clean pores.  It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and helps skin tone.

Derma-rollers

 I indulged in something called microneedling because I read that it is a very easy way to tighten your face while making it smoother and better. It is also known as Collagen induction therapy. Microneedling is actually a small roller with lots of needles that you roll across the skin and it pricks the skin and it is referred to as a derma-roller..  The purpose behind microneedling is to cause new skin to develop while producing more collagen for a smoother, younger look.  Microneedling is quite safe because it is not very invasive and requires little recovery.  

In general, a derma-roller  is often round with lots of small needled wheels that roll across your skin.  It reminds me of those rolling machines people use to aerate their lawn.  The application of microneedles can be done either professionally or at home but there are some definite differences.

The home version of a microneedle has needles only .1 mm long while the professional version has needles ranging between .1 and .3 mm.  The home version has the shorter needles because the longer ones can be dangerous if used by someone without the proper training. It is this training that makes the use of a microneedle more effective.

Microneedling is usually less a better alternative to chemical peels or laser resurfacing in certain areas such as around the eyes or mouth. One advantage is that microneedling can be individualized so only the areas that need attention are needled.  In addition, it is well tolerated by most people and requires little recovery time.  When certain topical serums or creams are used, the microneedling improves the skin's ability to absorb vitamins and nutrients.  

According to the FDA, there are two types of microneedling.  The first is medical which is when microneedles with needles longer than 0.3mm and must be done in a doctor’s office or the office of a properly trained professional. A medical microneedling can run between $250 and $1000 for each visit.

The other type of microneedling is the cosmetic needling in which needles are only between 0.1 and 0.3 mm. These are the ones you find sold by Amazon and other places. These can be every day but one should not apply anything after their use unless it is rated for use with the microneedles.

Unfortunately, these small needles can open the skin to possible irritation and infection.  In addition, not all derma-rollers have been approved by the FDA so it is important to buy one that has been OK’d by them.  Costs for one to use at home can range from $20 to $120.  It is strongly recommended that if you buy a derma-roller to use at home, get some training from a professional so you do it correctly.  

Make sure your face is clean when you use a derma-roller and clean it properly after use.  If any of the needles are bent or out of alignment, get a new one because you do not want to damage your face.  Yes, I use one at home but not every day, only a couple times a week.  I’ve noticed my face absorbs the serums I use on my face.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.

Can Hardly Wait!

 

I want it warm enough for this!

Frozen

 

It is so cold, this is what happens to soap bubbles! 

Eyebrow or Eyeliner Stencils

One of my students has some of the most beautiful eyebrows. She uses an eyebrow stencil to get that look.  My eyebrows went up on that one because I didn’t know anyone who used them regularly.  Eyebrow stencils are defined as small stencils you place over your brow before you color them in so you “stay inside” the lines when using the pencil, powder, or gel. 

Eyebrow stencils come in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on what you want.  Do you want thick and full or thin and narrow?  Once you’ve chosen the perfect brow, you place it over your brow, hold it in place with your thumb and index finger, and color.  Then repeat on the other side.

If you get stencils made out of plastic, you can clean them and then reuse them multiple times.  Some eyebrow stencil sets have handles so you don’t have to use your fingers to hold them in place while others have a gentle adhesive to hold them in place.  When you are done, you just peel the stencil off and clean them for reuse. In addition, pick up an eyebrow contour kit so you have everything you need to use the stencils properly.  

If you don’t have the money for a kit, there are instructions on how to make your own or print out free templates on the internet but when you consider it is possible to get a kit for around $4.00, I think I’d get the kit.

Now for those of us who struggle to put on eyeliner properly, there are eyeliner stencils available for our use.  I have so much trouble getting my eyeliner to look good.  Usually it looks like a 2nd grader drew it. In addition, there are eyeliner stamps one can use to apply a nice liner.

Eyeliner stamps come in a couple of versions. The first version is dual tipped with a stamp on one end and a felt tip on the other and both are self-inking.  One uses the stamp end first to put down the basic line and then fills it in with the felt tip. The stamp is used to start the line and the felt tip finishes the line. 

The other type of eyeliner stamp has two ends which are dipped in a pot of liquid.  One end is for the left eye while the other end is for the right side.  There is also a liner that has a wheel attached to it.  The liquid liner is rolled across the eyelid to produce a nice line. Then we have eyeliner stencils which stick to the eye and give you a line to follow. These tend to be really sticky so you don’t accidentally go under the edge thus they can take off eye makeup so it’s best to apply before the eye shadow and other eye makeup.

I like the idea of stencils but nothing that could make it harder to put on my regular makeup.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.

Lipstick, Gloss, or Stain

 

There are days when a person wants a little dab of color.  Other days, a person prefers having a deep wine red to make them feel sexy and other days no color at all.  I’ve gone shopping and often wondered how lipstick, lip gloss, and lip stain vary. I can tell you right now that my mother is a lipstick person who would never do gloss or stain while my sister preferred a hit of color.

Lipstick is the most common product people use to color their lips.  It contains  waxes, oils, pigments, and emollients  to keep the lips soft.  It is usually found as a solid that can be applied directly to the lips or via a brush.  Lipsticks tend to be highly pigmented, easily reapplied, will stain anything your lips or the lipstick touches, wide variety of finishes, can be easily cleaned off, and it’s easy to change the color.

Lipstick can also be found in a liquid form that is painted onto the lips.  The liquid form provides intense smudge free coverage lasting for a long time.  It can be found in matte, velvety, semi-matte and shiny versions. Liquid lipstick can remain on your lips through dinner, drinks, and dessert without fading. Unfortunately, liquid lipstick can feel heavier than regular lipstick, could dry your lips out more, and quality does matter.  The higher quality liquid lipsticks last longer and do not fade like the lower quality ones. 

Lip glosses are sticky gel-like substances that provide a bit of color.  Lip gloss comes in a squeezable tube or a bottle with an applicator.  Gloss is also the easiest way to apply. Unfortunately, it does not last long so it has to be frequently reapplied.  Lip gloss also provides the lips with a natural shiny look. It is also the most inexpensive choice of the three and doesn’t stain things.

There is also a lip paint which is a hybrid of lip gloss and liquid lipstick. Lip paint is lighter than lip gloss or liquid lipstick but still has the color and won’t dry your lips out nor will it be sticky like gloss.  This should leave your lips nice and dewy so be careful because some liquid lipsticks are being marketed as smudge proof lip paints.

Finally lip stain is a type of dye designed to stain the lips (provide color) for a long period of time. Although it is a predominantly water based product, it comes in a variety of colors of types from gel to marker to liquid but the color is not as bold or dense as lipstick or lip paint. It will not overwhelm the rest of your makeup.  Unfortunately,  It is possible for lip stains to contain alcohol which could dry your lips.

Some lip stains can stay on your lips for up to 24 hours, does not smudge, can give a matte look, defines lips well, is fast drying so the stain needs to be applied carefully and precisely, and requires makeup remover to be removed properly. Unfortunately, the color choices are limited to the more natural colors but the lip stains can be applied in layers to increase the intensity of the color.

Lip paint is something I’ve never heard of before and hope to check it out. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear. Have a great day.

Co-washing

I’ve come across a way of cleaning hair I’m unfamiliar with.  The idea is to completely eliminate shampoo from your regime and use only conditioner.  The technique is referred to as “Co-Washing” or “Co-Cleansing” and one “washes” hair only with the conditioner.  Since shampoo can strip the hair of oil, it is thought that using conditioner only is better.

Instead of washing your hair every day or two, one should use only a conditioner once or twice between the full washing with shampoo and conditioner or when you don’t have time to do a full wash.  Using only conditioner is said to eliminate dried ends while making hair look both silky and shiny. Some people do recommend totally eliminating shampoo and only ever using conditioner.

This technique is especially good for those who have curly hair because it keeps the hair more moisturized and helps strands undergo less breakage but it can be used for any hair type.  According to those who have made the switch, your hair may suddenly feel greasy for a day or two but it will go back to normal.  

In fact, people have reported they really like the results of using only a conditioner because it always leaves their  hair feeling wonderful and manageable. If you are worried, the conditioner is quite capable of cleansing hair while working natural oils into the scalp.  Furthermore, one can rely on the more inexpensive conditioners to do the job. 

If you want to incorporate more co-washes into your routine, choose a conditioner that is meant for your hair type and has ingredients that help hydrate your hair. When you buy your conditioner, make sure it is sulphate free so it doesn’t dry out your hair.  One important thing to do before co-washing your hair is to make sure it is detangled prior to washing your hair with conditioner.  

There are a couple ways to co-wash your hair.  One method is to apply the condition  at the scalp and work it out to the ends unless you have extremely long hair in which case you might have to add more at the roots.  The other method is to section your hair into between 4 and 8 sections.  Apply the conditioner to each section both inside and outside before placing it in a bun.  Once all the conditioned sections are in the bun, undo it and rinse the conditioner out.  

Then reapply the conditioner to all the hair, massage the scalp, and comb through the hair using a wide toothed comb before rinsing.  Although the conditioner does cleanse the hair, it is recommended one use a clarifying shampoo once in a while or you can spritz diluted apple cider vinegar into your scalp before co-washing.  

I usually end up with twice the number of conditioner bottles as shampoo because I use quite a lot on my hair to keep it hydrated.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.

Happy Easter

 

One More Day

 

The Method Haircut

 

I tend to watch shows and series on Amazon Prime that deal with fashion, hair, and make-up just to learn more, see trends, and just because some of them are quite interesting.  I watched a short 6 episode series on people doing things to their hair from braids to bleaching to shaving it. In one episode, the young lady decided to go after something called a method haircut.  

A method haircut is also known as the invisible haircut. I’d never heard the term before, so I continued watching the show to learn more about it.  In the normal haircut, the hair is pretty much straight across so it’s all about the same length.  In this method, they work with the movement of the hair by cutting it at an angle.  They say they do not cut hair into a hair style, they discover the style your hair wants to be in.

In addition, they do not wet the hair before cutting, they work with it dry so they can see the way the hair flows.  They also want to know a bit about a person’s personality to help them discover the hair cut.  

The reason they cut at an angle is to remove any extra volume, adding proportions without having to use a traditional layering technique.  It also creates a more natural look without heaviness thus working with the hair rather than against it.  In order to cut the hair this way, the creator of the method cut designed a patented type of scissors which only remove 18% instead of the normal 30%.  This allows the hair stylist to create the look.

As I watched the Amazon video, I saw a young lady who arrived at the salon with hair she described as having a mind of it’s own.  The bottom was kind of fluffy with a bit of a frayed look over all. The hairstylist kept in mind the way her hair curled and moved as he snipped diagonally.  He didn’t force the hair into a preconceived style. I don’t know how long the whole appointment took because the show was no more than 20 minutes long.

When it was over, the girl’s hair looked so much better.  It had a much sleeker feel to it so it hung beautifully.  One could see the wave in the hair but it wasn’t wild, it was tamed.  I loved the look because her hair looked proper instead of out of control.  

I can see the appeal of having this type of cut done as it doesn’t require you to arrive with something in hand to show the hairstylist what you want.  Instead, it relies on the character of your hair and the way it hangs to shape it into revealing it’s true self.

I know I won't get anything like that living in the state of Alaska but if I go somewhere that has a bigger selection of hairstylists like Los Angeles or Seattle, I might look for a salon that does this.  I’d love to have hair that is more under control, looks good, and doesn’t look like Fright Night.  

Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.  Have a great day.