Crunchy Betty Honey Challenge-It's Been Two Weeks (almost!)

   So as you may know, I took the Crunchy Betty Honey Challenge as of 7/18.  We were instructed to wash our face with (raw) honey every day for two weeks and it has been a rather gooey, but enjoyable, journey.  Perhaps I am guilty of overly inflated expectations, but my results did not end up quite as I had hoped.  Previous to the honey cleansing I had been doing oil cleansing, which my face seemed to love.  Granted, I do have temperamental skin, but I had not expected how drying the honey would be.  I've used honey as a mask before, with good results, but just straight honey every day made my skin dry and spotty.  Within the past few days I have switched over to adding a bit (1/4 teaspoon or so) of honey in with my cleansing oil mix and this has taken care of the dryness issue.  I'll follow up after a bit (another week or two) to let you know if I have found my golden mean so to speak.  I'm definitely a believer in the benefits of honey and I certainly welcome a way to incorporate it into my daily routine.  Another way besides eating it that is!

Oil Cleansing

After a particularly unpleasant few weeks where my face decided to rebel, I thought I'd do some research and see what I could find that may help to calm my skin down.  Enter Crunchy Betty and her awesome site with all sort of awesome recipes for natural health and beauty products.  I had picked up some jojoba oil last time I was at Trader Joe's but I wasn't really sure the best way to use it.  She gives a bunch of different suggestions as to the best oils and amounts for your skin type.  I found the best combination for me was 2/3 castor oil and 1/3 jojoba oil.  I also add a couple drops of lavender essential oil.  It's super easy, just combine the oils in your palm and massage onto your face for a couple minutes.  After that, wet a washcloth with hot water, cover your face let it steam for a bit, then wipe off your face.  Repeat as necessary until all the oil is gone.  I usually dab on a couple drops of jojoba oil after I'm done.  It took a few days for my skin to get used to, but over all it's worked wonders for my face.

I'm Taking The Crunchy Betty Honey Challenge

I've used honey masks many times before, so when I saw this on Crunchy Betty's website I thought it was right up my alley.  With the Honey Challenge you just wash your face with honey once a day.  Yup, that easy.  She has detailed instructions on her website-along with a super cute little video of her doing a demonstration.  I'll be doing this for at least two weeks and I'll let you know how it turns out at the end.  How about giving it a try along with me?  Just click the button above for instructions!

Olay Pro-x Cleansing System Review-Week 2 Update

So, it's been two weeks since I started using the Olay Pro-x Cleansing System.  I've been using my normal cleanser daily and mixed in a bit of baking soda every few days.  I have found baking soda to be useful for exfoliation and have never had any negative issues from it.  Over all, I am really liking the system.  My skin is definitely smoother and make up goes on better.  However, just a bit of warning-it really seems to work when it comes to deep cleaning your skin...In other words, the old "you may get worse before getting better" holds true. While my skin has certainly improved, it is not 100% better.  I'll will keep using on a daily basis and give you an update in another couple weeks.

Olay Pro-x Cleansing System Review

   Ok, if you've watched TV or read magazines in the past year, you've probably seen these.  Basically, it's a knock off of the Clarisonic.  However, in spite of its knockoff-ness, I have heard really good things about it and when you compare $30 to $199, it is worth a shot.  I checked the box, and if I don't like it I have 60 days to say so.  Fair enough.  So, over the next couple months I am going to use this happy little gadget and let you know if it is everything it claims to be.
   Just a little about me and my face...I have super fair combination skin that alternates between being cooperative and rebelling for no apparent reason.  For make up, I use BareMinerals foundation and their Warmth bronzer.  Gentle Facial Cleanser from Trader Joe's Spa is my cleanser of choice, moisturizer is Derma E's Tea Tree & E moisturizer.  I also use RoC serum.
   Upon opening the box, my thoughts were mixed, but positive. I liked that they included a sample of their cleanser and 2 batteries.  I will say it was a bit smaller than I had expected, but that's no big deal.  It is fairly quiet and has a nice texture-soft but still sturdy.  After buzzing around on my face for a minute or two I can say it is fairly quiet and left my skin feeling smoother.  I will continue using it on a daily basis and update you next week!
   For the purpose of this test, I am not using the Olay cleanser included.   Rather, I will be using my normal facial cleanser.  I am testing the device itself, not the Olay cleanser, I'll leave that for a later date.
Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

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Raw Honey Face Mask

Photo Courtesy of www.benefits-of-honey.com

I don't know about you, but winter hasn't done my skin any favors.  Just when you think you are recovering from the icy wind, the crazy temperature changes kick in.  Booooo.  If you are looking for an in expensive yet effective remedy for unhappy skin, try a raw honey face mask!  Honey has natural anti-bacterial properties as well as being a great moisturizer.  Raw honey has not been heated or filtered so the vitamins and antioxidants present in nature are preserved.  You may find bits of honeycomb, wax, etc. that form a cap over the honey.  Unlike "regular" honey, raw honey has a thick, spreadable consistency.   You can find raw honey in a natural foods store or in some regular grocery stores in the honey section.  Making this mask is super simple, all you need is a jar of raw honey.  I personally used Really Raw Honey, but I am sure any other brand would be fine.

Warning-If you are allergic to bees, honey, or anything close, don't use this mask.

Directions:

1-Pull your hair back.  If you have very short hair, I would recommend using a headband to get it away from your face.

2-Scoop out a generous teaspoon of raw honey and spread it onto your face, avoiding the eye area.  I even put it on my lips.

3-Let the mask sit for at least 15 minutes. I usually leave it on for 30+ minutes.  Whenever I use a mask of any kind, my nose seems to itch, so if you can tolerate having goo on your face for an hour, more power to you.

4-Rinse off with lukewarm water, using a washcloth to assist if necessary.

5-Admire your soft, glowy skin.