Too Dark? Here’s How to Lighten Your Hair at Home

Too Dark? Here’s How to Lighten Your Hair at Home

We are soon saying goodbye to winter and approaching spring. During this time many of us begin to get our summer body together. We might start to work out a bit more, drink more water, try to clear up our skin, and many of us want to lighten our hair. If you are feeling like it is time to get rid of that dark hair, here are some ways to lighten your hair at home.

If you are more of a natural living kind of person then these next few solutions are for you:

Lemons

Diluted lemon water (half lemon, half water mixture) can lighten the hair when applied. This is a very common method for naturally lightening all over the hair.

Honey

Honey when mixed with olive oil will lighten hair. This is a very popular at home method for creating highlights. It does need to be left on for longer periods of time: approximately 30-60 minutes is recommended. You may also need to apply multiple times to have effects. Make sure to be careful if you are washing it off while standing in the shower as it is sticky and you could slip.

If you do not prefer olive oil, you can mix honey with apple cider vinegar and apply it to the hair. Use two cups of vinegar to one cup of honey. Apply it to the hair and cover with a towel. Leave it on overnight and wash in the morning.

Baking soda

Use approximately ½ cup of baking soda and water to make a medium thickness paste. Apply the paste to the hair and leave on for 15-20 minutes. If you like the lightness it offers you after 20 minutes, you can wash it out. If you want lighter hair you can leave it on longer.

If chemicals do not bother you, the bleaching your hair at home may be the right fit:

Bleach

You can bleach your hair at home, however, you should have very healthy hair to proceed. If you are not using virgin hair and healthy hair, this is not recommended. You will need to purchase bleaching powder and developer/peroxide. The developer/peroxide comes in 10 volume (ideal for already light hair), 20 volume (light brown hair to lift 2-3 colors), 30 volume (for darker hair to life 3-4 colors) and 40 volume (high-lift but really damaging to the hair). Once you have mixed the bleach and developer/peroxide, apply it to the ends of your hair with gloves and apply it to the scalp last. Do not leave the bleach on for more than 30-40 minutes. Carefully watch it to see when your preferred lightness has arrived. Wash it out thoroughly and be sure to use a deep conditioning treatment to prevent damage.

Whatever method you prefer, natural or chemical, it is so fun to be able to experiment with how you look. For some reason hair is always the go to. Maybe because we feel instantly transformed by a simply color change. However you achieve your perfect look is great. I just hope you enjoy the outcome!

15 Best Lip Masks For Your Smoothest Pout Ever

15 Best Lip Masks For Your Smoothest Pout Ever

By: Bobbie Terry

Lip treatments come in a variety of flavors and options, just as there is a mask in an array of options for every area of the body. Lip masks are one of the latest beauty trends in face care. With everything from infused gel patches to clay masks there is a lip mask for everyone regardless of your style. Considering all the options available we put the best lip masks to the test and have listed our 15 favorites that give you the smoothest softest looking lips regardless of when, where, or why you apply them. Here comes the array of lip masks that help you fall in love with your beauty routine all over again. Even while sleeping, you will be able to receive the benefits of a lip mask.

1. Henné Organics Lip Mask

This organic lip mask from Henné, a brand that only produces lip care products. This means you can trust they know what they’re doing. Henné organic lip mask is made with Jojoba oils, avocados, rose hips, and sweet orange peels with a light citrus and vanilla scent. Since soothing, moisturizing, and plumping your lips is this mask’s only job wearing it whenever, wherever, and for as long as you want. Whether you are getting ready for a night on the town or a good night’s sleep this organic mask will ensure that your lips are plump, smooth, and soft.

$38

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2. Sara Happ The Sweet Clay Lip Mask

If you are looking for a lip mask that can be used nightly or weekly that after only one use will leave your lips obviously smooth. From your first use you are going to love the Sweet Clay Lip Mask by Sara Happ. With shea butter to nourish, bentonite clay to deep clean, and the Ayurvedic herb Swertiamarin from the Himalayan mountains this clay lip mask is all business. Your lips will look as if they were dipped in creamy light pink icing. This also happens to be a top fashion magazine’s skin care editor’s absolute favorite lip mask.

$32

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3. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask


Agave nectar and lanolin give your lips a shot of lasting moisture with the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask. This jelly looking balm type mask is as thick and luxurious as it is super hydrating and deep conditioning. A dose of antioxidants equal to three servings of red wine will protect your beautiful lips from the cold, sun, wind, and other elements. While overnight wear is the best option this mask comes in a couple glossy colors for wear during the day.

$32.95

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4. Klavuu Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack


A digital editor with a top fashion magazine highly praises the weightless formula of Nourishing Care Lip Sleeping Pack by Klavuu. He also applauds the mask’s ability to re-hydrate and balance dry dehydrated lips. After only five minutes use lips look and feel more moisturized. This is the result of this Korean beauty treatment’s ingredients of apricot seed oils, sweet almond, and avocado.

$15

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5. Burt’s Bees Lip Treatment Lip Mask


One of the most inexpensive selections of our favorites list is also a green option due to being 100% natural. Burt’s Bees Lip Treatment Lip Mask uses meadowfoam and sweet almond oils to hydrate and soothe lips. These masks provide instant definition and nourishment to your lips.

$17.94

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6. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

 

Between a balm and a cream, Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask with its ultra-thick formula sits on lips overnight, working its magic and allowing it to seep slowly into your lips as you sleep. Supple, bouncy, soft looking and feeling lips will await you in the morning. This lip mask also has a vanilla option available.

$13.43

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7. Jouer Overnight Conditioning & Repairing Lip Mask

 

For a luxury lip experience substitute this lip mask in the place of an ultra-thick balm. Jouer Overnight Conditioning & Repairing Lip Mask is unique in that Jouer is not commonly known for its skin care products. This lip mask has shea butter, jojoba oils, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid which helps lock in the moisture.

$20

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8. KNC Beauty All Natural Collagen Infused Lip Mask

With the KNC Beauty All Natural Collagen Infused Lip Mask, the name says it all, well almost. Some of the other active ingredients that this mask contains are cherry extract that helps to deep moisturize your lips while also plumping up fine lines, rose oil, and vitamin E. One famous unofficial endorsement of this lip mask is when Emma Stone took a selfie while wearing these just prior to appearing on the Globes award show. Rachel Goodwin, her makeup artist, had recommended she get her lips ready for the show using these jelly-like lip masks. With an endorsement like that these little patches are sure to be fabulous.

$15

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9. Patchology FlashPatch Lip Gels

Just as KNC’s lip patches do Flashpatch by Patchology lip gels also stick to lips and are cool to the touch. They look and feel similar to a sheet mask for the lips. These patches are biodegradable and contain peptides that both assist and encourage elasticity and collagen production. They also include niacinamide that reduces the appearance of redness, and green tea extract that soothes your lips.

$50

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10. Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lip Mask

The newly launched affordable portable lip mask is already becoming a favorite of many. The Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lip Mask is infused with coconut butters that help to repair flaking chapped lips and mango.

$10

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11. Clinique Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask

This adorable millennial pink tube contains a night mask that works wonders on lips that are worn from winter’s chill.  Clinique’s Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask has a number of ingredients that work to moisturize your lips. Sea whip extract works overtime while you sleep to plump and hydrate lips while the hydrogenated castor oil and murumuru seed butter work hard to moisturize them.

$24.49

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12. Kiehl’s Buttermask for Lips

The creamy consistency of Kiehl’s Buttermask for lips is worth the money. It has an abundance of ingredients that work to nourish your lips, such as cocoa, mango butter, and coconut oil. Just apply a thick coat of this non-sticky mask before drifting to sleep and waking to beautifully hydrated supple lips in the morning.

$26

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13. Kaplan MD Perfect Pout Duo

This balm has the consistency of a creamy gel and made of ingredients designed to repair and nourish lips while you sleep. The Perfect Pout Duo by Kaplan MD is made from sunflower seed wax and seabuckthorn berry extract.

$24

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14. Starskin DreamKiss Plumping and Hydrating Bio-Cellulose Lip Mask

With a texture similar to Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Sheet Mask Starskin’s DreamKiss Plumbing and Hydrating Bio-Cellulose Lip Mask uses bio-cellulose technology which was derived from coconut juice to achieve its texture and adheres seamlessly to your lips. After only 15 minutes these masks which have been soaked in a tropical scented bath will make your lips feel and look juicier than ever.

$16.04

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15. 111 Skin Meso Infusion Lip Mask and Plumping Duo

This pricey lip mask has been scientifically proven to effectively create the illusion of fuller, thinker, more supple lips. With 111 Skin Meso Infusion Lip Mask and Plumping Duo ales than a pea size amount is all that is needed to get results. You’ll get those proven results after only a few applications. Add exfoliating ingredients like citrus oils (lemon and orange peel), which creates an even toned lip surface that is softer from the natural shedding of the skins top layer.

$155

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Everything You Need To Know About Septum Piercings

Everything You Need To Know About Septum Piercings

Septum piercings have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among celebrities and pop culture icons. With all the exposure septum piercings are getting lately, we know a lot of our readers have been considering taking the plunge into the body mod, themselves. Because we love you, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to gather the information you’ll need to make the final decision.

In the sections that follow, we will cover the good, the bad, and the sometimes-ugly risks of the piercing, as well as how to ensure that your healing process goes well and the modification suits you throughout the course of the trend.

What is a Septum Piercing?

A septum piercing is a bold body modification that presents itself in the form of jewelry pushed through the septum, or middle section, of the nose (between the nostrils). It’s more daring than your typical nose piercing, but not permanent like a tattoo.

The septum piercing was originally a tradition of the ancient Mayans, who wore the jewelry as a sign of religious faith. Today, the piercing is a way to present yourself as a bold character. It boasts strength and individuality and a desire to step outside the expectative “norm” of society.

This is no doubt a statement that young people (and some not-so-young people) have been eager to make through the generations. If it sounds like the kind of statement you want to make, keep reading.

Does it Hurt?

All piercings hurt. They break the skin and puncture through a part of the body, so pain is pretty much a given. Is it unbearable pain, though?

I would say definitely not.  However, it depends largely on the person. Everybody has their own level of pain tolerance. This is why it’s so hard to put a measurement on pain. Even when visiting emergency rooms, the triage team will often have you rate the pain you feel against the worst pain of your life, which doesn’t tell them much more than whether or not you are, in your own opinion, suffering. Therefore, it’s nearly impossible for anyone to tell another living soul whether or not a piercing or tattoo or medical procedure is going to hurt.

What we can tell you, though, is that the pain has been likened to that of a regular nose piercing, with some stating that they barely felt pain at all, instead feeling simply like they needed to sneeze.

There is one precaution, though, that your piercer might not tell you about. If you have ever suffered a deviated septum, the piercing might be a more painful process than usual. Also, it might not look right, even after it heals.

If you have a non-symmetrical nose, this is probably a piercing you should just skip altogether. The risk of pain is higher and the possibility of it looking right is slim.

How Does it Heal?

Again, healing is as relative as pain. Everyone heals differently and some people (whether they admit it or not) are pickers. What we can promise, though, is that – if left alone – the piercing should heal fully within eight weeks without any infection or irritation.

You should also be careful and not change the jewelry before the healing process is complete. Doing so will put you at risk of infection and irritation.

Is it Hard to Care for?

Not at all. As mentioned above, all you really have to do is leave it alone. Don’t touch it. Don’t pick it. Don’t play with it. Don’t change it. Wash your face as normal and see a doctor if you start to notice signs of infection.

Some people have jobs that require them to flip their piercing up into the nose to hide it from customers. If you do have to do this, make sure you are keeping a close eye out for irritation and cleanliness. It is not advised to move the piercing at all, so this is already a risk- but it is unfortunately sometimes a necessary one.

Can it be Removed?

If you grow tired of the piercing or decide that it is uncomfortable down the road, it’s a really easy thing to remove.  Some piercings require the assistance of a professional to take out, but the septum is not one of them. You can remove this piercing on your own and the hole will eventually close up again.

The longer you’ve had the piercing, though, the longer it will take to heal. In addition, if you have used weights to stretch your septum piercing, you may need cosmetic surgery to cut away the stretched tissue. If you aren’t 100% sure that you want to have a stretched septum forever, don’t start the process.

Otherwise, in the case of a normal piercing hole, removing the jewelry should not result in any long-term scarring or complications with breathing or appearance. If you are removing the piercing because of infection, maintain a cleaning regimen until the piercing closes and consult with your physician for antibiotics if needed.

With Proper Research, a Septum Piercing Makes a Bold Statement

Always research your piercings (and your piercers) responsibly. Remember that you get what you pay for- a clean, knowledgeable body modification artist is worth the higher price you’ll pay as opposed to cousin Jimmy’s friend in a house party basement.

Research the piercing shop you plan to visit, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to walk out if you get any kind of sketchy feeling during your piercing appointment. Remember this is your body they’re modifying, so you always get the last call.

When done incorrectly, the septum piercing can be a painful process that results in infection and suffering.

When done right, however, you can create a bold and beautiful statement and celebrate your individuality in a way that honors a lost society. A septum piercing will be your most noticeable facial feature, a conversation starter, and a way to let your personality speak without words.

These Are The Best Face Masks For Redness

These Are The Best Face Masks For Redness

If you have hypersensitive skin, then you know how hard it can be to find a face mask that won’t irritate it. You may have even turned to a dermatologist for help, only for their prescribed products to be both a waste of time and money. Your sensitive, redness-prone skin shouldn’t feel like a curse or something you have to be ashamed of. There are products that work. You just need to know what to look for.

There are a number of reasons why your skin may be so hypersensitive and prone to redness. Erythema, or skin redness, can be caused by sunburns, allergens, temperature changes, hormone imbalances, or chemicals.

If your skin is hypersensitive to its environment and prone to redness, it is usually because your epidermal fibers have been comprised in some way. The most common cause for this damage to your skin barrier is sunburn. Even if the sunburn occurred when you were a child, and you’ve lived a sunburn-free life since then, that one sunburn could be the cause for your blemished skin.

Here is a list of some of the best face masks for skin inflammation and hypersensitivity. Review each product carefully and see which one may solve your particular cause for redness. 

The TreeActiv Treatment Exfoliating Cleanser

This face mask is advertised as an acne treatment, but it’s made with bentonite clay that has an electrical charge that draws out toxins, chemicals, and contaminants that irritate your skin. It is also made up of honey powder that has natural anti-inflammatory properties and essential oils that provide beneficial antioxidants that help protect skin from damage. This product can be used four ways: as a cleanser, a scrub, a face mask, or a spot remedy. The TreeActiv Exfoliating Cleanser is ideal for you if you have sensitive or redness-prone skin caused by allergens or chemicals.

$18.95

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The Green Tea Matcha Facial Mud Mask

This mud mask reduces pores and inflammation. It also lightens dark circles around the eyes thanks to the vitamin K present in the green tea used in this mud mask. If you have acne or erythema caused by hormonal imbalances, then this green tea mud mask may be your next best friend. This face mask is vegan and cruelty-free. It also has antibacterial agents that will help block acne-causing bacteria from destroying your skin.

$16.71

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The Rise ‘N Shine Dead Sea Mud Mask

This facial mask is affordable and 100% natural. It contains organic ingredients like almond oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. The dead sea mud present in it helps to even your skin tone by stimulating blood circulation. This mask travels deep into your pores and unclogs them for a near blemish-free appearance. This facial mask also improves your skin’s health and hydration by increasing its ability to absorb essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. If you need a natural face mask that can restore your skin’s pH balance while also leaving it vibrant and hydrated, then this face mask may be what you need.  

$9.49

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What Is Sugar Rush From Tarte Cosmetics?

What Is Sugar Rush From Tarte Cosmetics?

This is the time of year that the doldrums set in.  We’re over Valentine’s Day and tired of winter. There is no better perk me up than exploring a new make-up line from a name we trust! Sugar Rush, from Tarte, is just the thing to brighten your day, it’s easy on your wallet, and gives you the peace of mind of being cruelty free and vegan. The packaging is ultra-feminine, and recyclable, in pretty shades of pink and purple pastels. The best thing is that there is no item over $30 and the products are small enough to pack for Spring break, girl’s night out, or to be used as party favors for a bridal party.

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The line includes 17 items, including Tarte’s 4-in1 Lights, Camera Lashes mascara mini. The scents, and the names, of the Sugar Rush line are as sweet as the name implies. There is a lip butter that smells like angel food cake (yum!) and body butter aptly named Cake Butter that smells like cake! Sugar Rush’s lip oils and balms are equally delicious. Their sheer lip oil mini, with its jumbo applicator, comes in a raspberry sugar cookie flavor while the Sugar Rush, Sugar Coat Velvet Liquid Lipstick Mini, in a wonderful neutral shade suited for anyone, has a sweet vanilla scent.

Let’s not forget the excitement in opening a new eyeshadow palette and Sugar Rush delivery! There are two palettes to chose from. There’s the Keep Calm, Sunnies on Eyeshadow palette and the Sweet Slice Eye & Cheek palette. Keep Calm is a desert hued palette of creamy shimmers and mattes that give you a beach glow that’s perfect in the boardroom or poolside. Sweet Slice has seven eyeshadows, three matte and three shimmers, and one blush. This palette comes in warm, rose hues with a dusty peach colored blush that creates the perfect sun-kissed look.

Sugar Rush can help you complete your look with the perfect scent. Sugar Spritz Body Spray and Vacay Day Fragrance Rollerball will have you smelling as fantastic as you look. Sugar Spritz comes in a fruity floral scent while Vacay Day combines the exotic scents of mandarin and jasmine into the perfect tropical scent.

What’s better than an affordable line of make-up that is cruelty-free, vegan, and comes in recyclable packaging? The same company having a way to scrub up and get clean! Sugar Rush not only has face wash and moisturizer but a cute dual-head face scrubber. One side has massaging nubs while the other has soft bristles that are prefect for lathering. This cute starred shaped brush pairs with Sugar Rush’s Squeezy Clean citrus fragranced facial cleanser. Finish off with Don’t Hate, Hydrate non-clogging moisturizer.

Whether you’re looking for a new shade of shadow, a sweet pick-me-up, or prepping for spring break, Tarte’s Sugar Rush sister brand has the perfect, and affordable option for you. 

Winter Is Coming And So Is A Game Of Thrones Inspired Makeup Palette By Urban Decay

Winter Is Coming And So Is A Game Of Thrones Inspired Makeup Palette By Urban Decay

“Winter Is Coming!” and this time it’s here to stay, or should we say, it’s here to slay. The month of April is delivering two gems for Game of Thrones fans.

Although the HBO Series is coming to an end with its last season, Urban Decay recently announced a Game of Thrones inspired makeup collection. The brand took to social media to announce the launch and while there is limited information, fans are excited.

Urban Decay teased fans with a couple of previews of what to expect in the palettes and gave a few snippets of the inspiration. Some of the colors in the palettes are inspired by the team’s favorite places in Westeros as well as the women of the Seven Kingdoms.

While the details are limited, one thing is clear: these looks are bold. The Urban Decay team showcased two models on their Instagram, one wearing a glittery copper color and another wearing a vibrant berry color on her lips.

The Urban Decay and GOT  partnership is something many people didn’t know they needed until now.

Working with the theme of “When Worlds Collide”, this makeup palette may be the cure to all Game of Thrones broken hearts once the series is officially over.

“When you play Game of Thrones you win or you die” and with this new collaboration, all fans are indeed winning.

Urban Decay is releasing more details and new snippets of the Game of Thrones makeup palette collection on their social media every Friday. Set a calendar reminder and get ready to take your seat on the throne with some poppin’ Targaryen-inspired eye shadow.

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