10 Benefits of Warm Water and Lemon in the Morning


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Warm lemon water works all kinds of miracles. I initially started drinking it to aid with weight loss, but have since found numerous benefits that I thought I would share with you all too. There’s really no reason not to be taking advantage of this morning health ritual and everyday detox drink.

INSTRUCTIONS

Squeeze 1/2 lemon (organic if possible) into a cup of lukewarm filtered water, first thing in the morning. Avoid using boiling or ice cold water as it takes longer for your body to digest and uses more energy in the process.

BONUS: try adding freshly grated ginger or a little cayenne for a boost.

THE BENEFITS

1. Aids digestion. It flushes out unwanted materials & toxins from the body. It also helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn and bloating.

2. Boosts your immune system. Lemons are filled with vitamin C, which helps fight colds. They’re high in potassium which stimulates brain and nerve function.

3. Detoxes your system. It acts as a natural diuretic, releasing toxins at a faster rate as the citric acid maximises enzyme function which stimulates the liver.

4. Balances pH levels. Due to the alkalising properties of lemons, they help remove uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

5. Clears skin. The antioxidants and vitamin C in lemons help decrease wrinkles and blemishes. The alkaline nature also kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne.

6. Aid in weight loss. Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings.

7. Energizes & enhances your mood. Lemons contain negative charged ions which provides your body with energy when it enters the digestive tract. The smell and scent of lemon can brighten your mood and help clear your mind. Lemon can also help reduce anxiety and depression.

8. Promotes Healing. Ascorbic acid found in abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage.

9. Freshens breath. It’s also been known to help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. However, be aware that citric acid can erode tooth enamel. It is best to brush your teeth first.

10. Hydrates Your Lymph System. Warm water and lemon juice supports the immune system by hydrating and replacing fluids lost by your body. When your body is deprived of water, you can definitely feel the side effects, which include: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, lack of sleep, lack of mental clarity and feeling stressed, just to name a few.

 

Related image  Do you drink warm lemon water in the morning?

How do you take your lemons?

Natural Looking Makeup: Learn the Tips For Getting the Look Just Right

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Finding the right makeup to wear when you’re going for a natural look can be more complex than you think. You don’t want anything too cakey, too bright, or too dark. And we all know, that looking natural does indeed require SOME makeup application – and some skill, too. The best tip that I have for you is to wear colors close to your natural skin tone, and ones that just enhance and perfect your skin. For your best natural look, follow the tips and tricks below, followed by some of my favorite beauty products to use to get that natural looking glow.

1. Moisturize. Creating the perfect base for your makeup is very important. Moisturizing boosts hydration in your skin, prevents flaking and dullness, and creates a protective layer of moisture that lasts all day. Plus, proper application of a face cream will help anti-aging ingredients work better – increasing the odds that they’ll work.

Beauty Tip:

  • I use Shea Moisture Head-To-Toe Nourishing Hydration 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
  • Sometimes, I feel like I have a dry skin so I have been using POND’S Dry Skin Cream. It deeply hydrates for smooth, soft, radiant skin. *Don’t worry, it won’t clog pores. Pond’s Dry Skin Cream is hypoallergenic and is suitable for sensitive skin. It has been Dermatologist tested for the ones that are concerned.
  • Since I have discovered a ULTA Beauty close by me, I have been going insane. A month ago, I purchased Luminizer Primer Base Lumiere by Dr. Brandt. You can either wear it under your makeup or by itself. If you want to control those pores of yours then Dr. Brandt is the way to go plus it adds a natural glow to your beautiful face.
  • Also, I use Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist. Here is the bonus: It formulates with certified organic ingredients. Tones with this refreshing blend of rosehip, ylang ylang, resveratrol-rich grapeseed oil and antioxidant-rich organic botanical juices for a fresh, radiant complexion.

2. Conceal. Hide away any dark circles, fine lines or blemishes with a concealer. This will get rid of any imperfections and leave your skin looking flawless

Beauty Tip: My go-to concealer is NARS honestly. I have many concealers by different brands but I always end up using NARS.

But sometimes I end up using PUR Bare It All foundation by itself without a concealer because it is a high performance, 12-hour, demi-matte foundation that helps to cover imperfections and instantly perfect the skin while helping to correct the problem areas. Designed for face and body and formulated with PUR’s proprietary Energy Complex and Ceretin Complex, this formula renews the look of your skin and goes the distance.

3. Powder or light foundation. I recommend to use a powder or an airy liquid foundation. The illusion that we’re going for is natural makeup, so using a thick cakey makeup doesn’t fit the bill. Be sure to apply evenly with a brush or sponge for an even, non-streaky, look and your face will appear naturally perfect.

Beauty Tip: For powder, I either use BLACK RADIANCE, IMAN, or Bare Minerals Matte. But remember, if you are using a matte foundation then you don’t want to use a matte powder because you might end up looking cakey.

I also love, I mean I LOVE IMAN Second To None Cream Powder Foundation . It is not heavy on the face and surprisingly, it is full coverage. When wanting to look natural but still be flawless, IMAN Second To None Cream Powder Foundation is the IT FACTOR!

If you still have the desire to bake then lets go bake! I tried the Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Setting Powder and loved it. Now I can’t get enough. I also use the Black Radiance Soft Focus Finishing Powder to bake and the IMAN Second To None Semi-Loose Powder .

* I don’t use all these powders at once, I use 1 or the other depending on what makeup look I’m going for or usually what my hand grabs first. These are the products that I have used or is still using.

4. Subtle blush. Creme blushes work well because you can rub them in as much as you like for a dramatic or subtle look. Depending on your skin color, blush colors will vary – but peaches tend to look great on everyone. Blend in to your natural cheekbone line where pink undertones normally show.

Beauty Tip: I don’t normally wear blush but when I do, I go for Too Faced Blush.

5. Neutral shadows. Sweep a neutral color over your lids for a muted but beautiful eye. Choose a color that is just a shade or two darker than your skin tone, anything too dark will create a more dramatic eye and won’t look natural.

Beauty Tip: You don’t have to wear eyeshadows, it is totally up to you. Try the L’OrĂ©al L.A Palette Nude or The Nudes Maybelline New York. 

6. Nude lip. When choosing a lip color, go for the light pinks, peaches and sand colors. You could also apply a little gloss for an even simpler lip.

Try Burt’s Bees for the lip balm, Lucie + Pompette lipglosses, ColorKillMakeup, NYX, Fenty Beauty, LipLand by Amrezy, fullips, NARS, Sonia Kashuk lipliners, or Maybelline lipliners.

7. Little mascara (if any). A thin layer of mascara is all you need for a natural look. You still want your eyes to stand out, so if you have light lashes, adding a layer of mascara may be a good idea. If you naturally have dark, full lashes you may skip out on the mascara.

My Favorite mascara is Benefit Roller Lash and my two favorite eyelash primers so far are L’OREAL Voluminous Primer or the Elf Cosmetic Primer. *Benefit they’re Real mascara is a good one as well and Maybelline has good mascarars as well, it is so hard to choose.

8. No liner. While eyeliner is great for a dramatic eye, it doesn’t fit with the natural makeup look. Don’t apply any eyeliner on the top or bottom. Not only will your face look naturally stunning but you’ll love how easy taking off your makeup is!

Skin Care: 5 tips for healthy skin- including sun protection and gentle cleansing — can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come.

Don’t have time for intensive skin care? You can still pamper yourself by acing the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five quick and easy tips:

1. Protect yourself from the sun

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

  • I generally use the Maybelline New York dream BB Fresh Cream that has SPF 30 but you can use sunscreen too if you like. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and apply the  sunscreen/BB Cream generously.
  • Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays. When UV light is strongest are between 10 am and 3 pm (standard time) or 11 am and 4 pm (daylight saving time).
  • Try to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense. But, if you can’t avoid the sun between those time then wear long sleeved clothes. Try to wash your clothes with a UV -repellent laundry detergent .
  • Drink plenty of water

2. Don’t smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health.
Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:

  • Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot water.
  • Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
  • To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
  • After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
  • If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

4. Eat a healthy diet

I know it is hard, trust me I deal with this battle everyday. But try to find something that motivates you to eat better. Start cutting things out and eating smaller portions. It is all about starting somewhere.

For example: Lately I’ve been drinking soda a lot but I don’t eat candy anymore.

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

  • Focus on the positive things that is going on in your life now
  • Live your life for yourself
  • Eliminate the negative people out of your life. Your space, your bubble, and etc is very important. Choose wisely who you let in.
  • Exercise
  • Smile and laugh
  • Get social support, Talk about your problems
  • Meditate, yoga
  • Use your time wisely
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Make time for hobbies
  • Take a breather and relaxed
  • Take control
  • Get more sleep
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
  • Start Writing, it doesn’t have to make sense. Writing helps me to heal and it makes me a very happy girl.
  • Soothing bath
  • Develop healthy responses
  • Establish boundaries
  • Drink a cup of water
  • Ditch the “should”
  • Go for a walk
  • Take a break from technology, Take a break from people
  • Use positive self-talk
  • Focus on right now