Fashion 411
What’s up ya’ll? It’s ya girl again and I’m back at it. More fashion dos and don’ts, household tips and a few new things. I’m thinking about answering a few of your questions or just maybe let you guys suggest a topic.
Now, I don’t know about ya’ll but I’m so over this cold weather (I ain’t about this life)! I’m tired of the high winds, freezing rain, and frigid temperatures. My skin and hair are taking a beating this winter but I’ve found a way to fix it and I’m sharing it with you.
Bye Ashy!!!!!!
We all know that winter is very harsh on skin and hair. This is the reason for extra moisture and protection. Inexpensive products work just as well as high-end ones. In fact, the extra price you pay for the expensive stuff is often just for packaging and marketing. What’s most important is how your skin responds to the product — and how you like its feel, not how much money you paid for it.
Skin:
Use oil-based, rather than water-based moisturizers as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. Many lotions labeled as “night creams” are oil-based (who would’ve thought it)! Look, no one loves a hot bath more than me plus soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. You’re better off with just warm water and staying in the water a shorter amount of time. A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy.
Face:
Not all oils are appropriate for the face. Look for “non-clogging” oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Shea oil — or butter — is controversial, because it can clog facial pores. Look for lotions containing “humectants like glycerin, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxyl acids that attract moisture to your skin. Also, If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face.
Air:
Did you know that central heating systems (as well as space heaters) blast hot dry air throughout our homes and offices; therefore, opt for a humidifier. It will add more moisture in the air which will help prevent your skin from drying out.
Order!!! Order!!!
Okay, I admit that I’m not the most organized person but I can’t do clutter. My Granny and mom have always said, “When your house is in order, your life is in order.” Well they were right. It’s a new year, a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. Every year I do a massive purge. I’m talking deleting old files, old numbers in my phone and a full purge of my closet. It’s not my dream closet but I have to maximize my space the best way I can. So if this is something that interest you, here are a few tips to help get that “dream closet” look.
Clear out your whole closet and go through items you can no longer use and donate them to charity.
Invest in a closet system like hanging bars, cubby storage, and drawers. These help organize clothing and ensure that everything has a place. Also, keeping your new system in the same color makes everything look uniform and professional.
Freestanding armoires are perfect. You can add tiered shelves to store shoes at the bottom and place sweaters and seasonal accessories in baskets on the top shelf.
Over-the-door storage is great for shoes and belts — items that take up unnecessary space in the closet.
Uniform hangers, though a simple detail, help keep your closet neat and tidy. (Ex. All one color, material or style)
If you prefer to fold your clothes or have a lot of clothing that is best stored group like with like (jeans with jeans, etc.). Same-size items stack more neatly. Put clothes you use most in the center at eye level. Add drawers to collect smaller items. If you don’t have drawers, use a basket or two. Position drawers below eye level so it’s easy to peer in.
Organize garments by category (dresses, pants, shirts etc.) from short to long. Also, Organize by color within a category (lightest to darkest).
Label bins and boxes with luggage tags. Loop the tag around handles and insert a label into the tag’s pocket. This way you won’t have to guess what’s in the box, and you can pull down the right one on your first try.
Well now that you have gotten some info on winter skin care and closet organization, I hope this helps anyone looking for tips and ideas. Like I said earlier, if you guys have any suggestions on topics or even have questions hit me up on Facebook (Aisha Edwards). My profile is with the one with the blackout pic. Smooches!!!
Submitted by: Aisha E.
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