beauty

Facts About SPF

~ Yasmin ~ Leave a comment

Hey Everyone!

Hope you’re all doing well!

I think its safe to say that nearly all skin care experts agree that wearing sunscreen is one of the best things that you can do for the long term health and appearance of your skin.

Here are a few quick facts about sunscreen:

UVA/UVB

When choosing a sunscreen it is very important to choose one that is labelled as being broad spectrum because the ideal sunscreen must protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

UVB rays can be considered the more dangerous rays because these are the ones that can cause skin cancer. UVA rays are the rays that penetrate deep into the skin and can cause premature aging of the skin.

It is very important to wear sunscreen each and every day no matter how cloudy it is because as long as it is daylight the suns rays can affect your skin.

 

SPF

SPF literally stands for sun protection factor. Most experts recommend wearing an SPF of 30 or higher because an SPF of 30 blocks out about 95 percent of the cancer causing UVB rays and an SPF of 50 blocks out about 98 percent of the UVB rays and an SPF higher than 50 is usually not worth it because it won’t provide much more protection.

The More the Better:

One of the biggest mistakes that people make with sunscreen (other than not wearing it all) is that they do not put enough of it on. Most experts agree that you need to apply a filled shot glass amount of sunscreen to adequately protect your entire body and in my opinion you should apply a thick quarter sized amount to your face enough to cover your entire face including the eye area and even on (not in) your ears as well. And try to use an SPF lip balm for your lips as well.

Physical vs. Chemical:

A physical sunscreen contains either Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide or a combination of both these as its active ingredients. A physical sunscreen works kind of like a mask in the sense that once you put on a physical sunscreen it will immediately shield your face from the harmful rays.

A chemical sunscreen contains active ingredients such as Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octycrylene, etc. As its name implies a chemical sunscreen causes a chemical reaction on the skin in order to protect the skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays.

The logical question is which type is better?

From a safety and effectiveness perspective the clear answer is physical sunscreens simply because Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are more natural and well-studied ingredients whereas chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that have not been studied as widely and so as of now we do not know their true effects and safety. This is something that the FDA is currently studying and hopefully the results of this additional research will be released sooner rather than later.

In terms of effectiveness, most experts in the U.S. recommend physical sunscreens over chemical ones because while both types of sunscreens provide adequate protection from the cancer causing UVB rays the physical sunscreens have an advantage when it comes to the skin aging UVA rays.

The problem with chemical sunscreens in the United States is that they most often contain Avobenzone which is currently the only FDA accepted UVA filter in chemical sunscreens. The other active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are usually only UVB filters. Avobenzone is a decent UVA filter but the problem with Avobenzone is that it degrades very quickly when you are exposed to sunlight which may make you more susceptible to UVA skin damage.

European and Asian chemical sunscreens contain chemical protectors that are stronger and more stable. And these filters definitely make these chemical sunscreens more competitive than the ones we have in the U.S. Hopefully the FDA will approve some of these filters for use in the U.S. as well.

When it comes to ease of use anyone who has used both options will likely agree that chemical sunscreens are simply much easier to apply and they are much more cosmetically elegant.

The problem with physical sunscreens is that they are often very thick and dry and very difficult to apply on the face especially for those of us with dark skin. I notice that everytime I use a physical sunscreen on my darker skin tone it completely messes up my skin tone (my skin usually looks purple) and alternatively for people with light colored skin physical sunscreen can make them look excessively pale.

Chemical sunscreens usually go on very clearly without any residue. However, some sport chemical sunscreens can be excessively greasy but overall chemical sunscreens do not alter the appearance of your skin tone. The one drawback of chemical sunscreens is that they can be very irritating to those with sensitive skin.

Ultimately, I think that the best answer to this question is that the best type of sunscreen is the one that you are more likely to wear each and every day. This is a sunscreen that you are willing to put on each and every day no matter how busy and tired you may be.

Finally, many people only associate sunscreen with summer time. However, UVA and UVB rays affect us at varying levels during each and every season and so as we approach the colder and darker months we must continue using sunscreen on all exposed skin each and every day, rain or shine.

With Love,

Yasmin

 

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Favorite Skin Care Youtuber

~ Yasmin ~ Leave a comment

Hey Everyone!

Hope you’re all doing well!

If you are anything like me and you are interested in learning more about skin care the internet anf Youtube in particular can be a great resource.

However, the problem with simply relying on any particular Youtuber is that the overwhelming majority of these famous Youtube skin care gurus and influencers are not experts. They may have experience but most of them do not have any degree or certification

This is what makes Dr. Andrea Dray such an incredibly important and reliable asset for anyone who is looking to learn more about skin care. Dr. Dray is a borard certified and practicing dermatologist who also happens to have a Youtube channel simply named Dr. Dray.

I just recently discovered her channel and I have already learned so much. She posts a new video almost every day so she already has hundreds of skin care videos on a wide range of different skin care topics and concerns.

Here are just a few of the things that I have learned from her channel so far:

  • First and foremost, sunscreen is absolutely essential and you definitely have to put it on each and every day even if you are inside. Because even when you are inside the UVA rays which are the rays that lead to premature aging of the skin can actually pass through the windows.
  • One more thing about sunscreen is that you have to re-apply it at least two to three times a day because it loses its effectiveness i.e. the active chemicals break down when you’re exposed to the sun.
  • In almoat every video Dr. Dray emphasizes sunscreen so be sure to watch her videos for more info all about the different types of sunscreen, etc.
  • When choosing skincare products, especially those for thre face, try to choose fragrance free options because in the long term fragrance can be verry irritating to your skin.
  • Even if you don’t have sensitive skin its still good to opt for products that are created for sensitive skin because they tend to be more gentle and contain fewer irritants.
  • Vitamin C serums and collagen supplements are very trendy these days but Dr. Dray does not reccommend these products simply because she feels there is no scientific evidence showing that that these do anything for the skin.
  • Eye creams are not really neccassary. Your regular face moisturizer should be fine for the eye area as well assuming that it is fragrance free.
  • Less is more when it comes to skin care. The fewer products you use the less likely you are to have any adverse reactions.
  • Benzoyl peroxide is both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial which makes it great for acne. However, its very drying and its best to use lower concentrations which can be just as effective.
  • Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antiniotic but you can use it consistently without ever becoming immune to it.

So far, these are just a few things that i have learned from Dr. Dray. If you are interested in learning about skin care from a very reliable source make sure to check out her Youtube channel!

 

With Love,

Yasmin

10 Uses of Coconut Oil

~ Yasmin ~ 6 Comments

Hey Everyone!

Hope you’re all doing well!

A few weeks ago, I posted about some of the benefits of coconut oil for hair. Since that post received a lot of positive feedback I thought I would create another post about some of the benefits of coconut oil for the skin and skin related conditions. As a reminder, in all of these cases its best to use virgin organic and unrefined coconut oil.

Moisturizer:

Coconut oil is a great skin moisturizer. A little bit goes a long way so just take a dime sized amount and rub it on your face or on any rough or dry patch of skin.

Coconut oil actually has a small amount of SPF sun protection (like around SPF 4) so if you’re going to be inside during the day, coconut oil can help protect your skin from some of the harmful radiation from the sun that might for example, come through the window. However, obviously it is no substitute for sunscreen.

Coconut Oil and Acne:

If you have acne prone skin I would recommend approaching coconut oil with caution because some people claim that coconut oil makes then breakout but then others argue that coconut oil can actually help with acne due to its antibacterial properties.

Eczema:

People of all ages who suffer from eczema, including babies and toddlers, can benefit from coconut oil. All you have to do is rub a small amount on the affected area or as a preventative measure rub some of the oil on areas that generally tend to flare up.

Ideally the best time to do this is after a shower or bath. Coconut oil can help with eczema due to the fact that it has vital nutrients such as lauric acid, caprylic acid, and vitamins E and K. Coconut oil can really help ease the itchiness associated with eczema.

Sunburns:

Its important to mention that you should always wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to prevent a sunburn. However, if you do get a sunburn the first thing you should do is apply a cool damp towel on the sunburn for around 15 minutes to hopefully cool down the skin and ease the burning sensation.

After a few hours have passed, apply some coconut oil to the affected area. The coconut oil can prevent the sunburned area from becoming excessively dry and it may even speed up the healing process.

Mosquito Bites:

If you get a mosquito bite or other bug bite, consider applying some coconut oil to the affected area. It can protect the affected area from bacteria and it can help quickly stop the itching and reduce swelling. It is best to use warm coconut oil so it penetrates faster and reapply two to three times a day until symptoms improve.

Lip Care:

If you’re like me and you have dry chapped lips, coconut oil can be a great natural alternative to most lip balms that contain alcohol. At night, you can dab a small amount on your lips and overtime you will wake up to softer and more moisturized lips.

Alternatively, you can mix one tablespoon of melted coconut oil with two tablespoons of brown sugar to create an easy and effective lip scrub to exfoliate your lips.

Also, the MCT, or the good fats in coconut oil can help speed up the healing process of cold sores. Or, alternatively, if you feel a cold sore is about to pop out rub some coconut oil on the area to prevent it from getting larger.

Fungal Infections:

The lauric acid and caprylic acid in coconut oil help fight many different types of fungal infections. Just cleanse and dry the area and apply warm coconut oil and massage it in. For more severe cases, consider adding a drop of tea tree oil to the coconut oil and then apply to the affected area.

Make-up remover:

Coconut oil is very helpful in removing make-up from the face. It is especially useful in removing stubborn eye make-up. It can even remove waterproof mascara.

Shaving Cream:

Coconut oil is a great all-natural shaving cream. Just apply warm coconut oil onto your legs and make sure to spread it evenly over the area you will be shaving. Then, just shave the area and if you take a shower afterward your legs will feel extra soft and smooth.

Cracked Heels:

Coconut oil can help soften and heal the rough skin on your heels. First, while you’re in the shower use a pumice stone or any other exfoliator to slough off some of the dead skin and then rub coconut oil onto your heels once or twice a day.

A few additional uses:

Mouthwash: thanks to its antibacterial properties you can take a spoonful of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for a few minutes to help freshen your breath and fight bacteria.

Coconut oil is also great for gum health. Just massage the oil onto your gums for a few minutes to prevent gum damage.

My father was taking a medication that can cause gum damage as a side effect. He found that rubbing coconut oil helped decrease the damage of the medication on his gums.

Coconut oil is also great for your nails and cuticles. The fatty acids in coconut oil can lead to healthy nails and cuticles. It can also help strengthen weak and brittle nails and thanks to its anti-fungal properties coconut oil can help prevent nail fungus.

You may have never considered rubbing coconut oil on your armpits but the coconut oil can act as a natural deodorant. It won’t prevent you from sweating but thanks to its antibacterial properties it can kill the bacteria that causes the bad smell.

A Word of Caution:

Without a doubt, there are many great topical uses of coconut oil. However, it is important to mention that the American Heart Association warns against eating a lot of coconut oil. This is because coconut oil consists of 80 percent saturated fat which is more than lard or butter. Saturated fat can increase bad cholesterol so its best to limit your intake of coconut oil.

I really hope you found these tips to be helpful!

With Love,

Yasmin

Coconut Oil for Healthier Hair!

~ Yasmin ~ 22 Comments

Hey Everyone!

Hope you’re all doing well!

If you’re interested in improving the health or texture of your hair, there are literally hundreds of products out there, some that work better than others. However, if you’re interested in using an all-natural product then in my opinion the number one product would be coconut oil.

Coconut oil is very helpful in helping your hair to become healthier and shinier. Many people from the Indian sub-continent, at least partially, attribute their luscious locks to coconut oil. In fact, the gorgeous Priyanka Chopra swears by this oil.

Hair Benefits of Coconut Oil:

  • Strengthens hair strands
  • Adds shine to the hair
  • Fights frizz by moisturizing the hair
  • Fights dandruff thanks to its antibacterial properties.
  • It’s an all-natural product without any harmful ingredients.

Additionally, according to a study by the Journal of Cosmetic Science, coconut oil can strengthen the hair shaft because it can reach deep levels of the scalp.

How to Use Coconut Oil:

It is best to purchase virgin cold pressed coconut oil. Depending on the temperature, the oil will either be in a solid or liquid state. When you’re getting ready to apply the oil on your hair it is best to use it in its liquid state so if its solid feel free to warm it up so it becomes liquid.

Before you start applying the oil make sure that you’re wearing something that you don’t mind getting dirty because this can be a messy process.

First of all, to reap the full benefits you should rub the oil on dry hair. Start rubbing the oil between your fingers and then rub your hair from the roots to the ends. Most people say you should focus only on the ends of your hair but I personally make sure to rub the oil throughout my hair including my scalp as well. I find that this makes my hair shinier and helps keep the dandruff away. If you have excessively oily hair than you might want to avoid the roots but in most cases your shampoo should remove most of the oil.

By the time you have finished applying the coconut oil your hair should look wet (just like you came out of the shower) In order to make sure the oil is fully absorbed you should leave it on overnight to wash it out in the morning. Obviously, you might want to wear a night cap or put a cloth over your pillow to avoid getting the oil on your bed.

If you’re not able to apply the oil at night then just feel free to apply the oil during the day and let it sit for a minimum of 45 minutes before washing it out in the shower.

Caution: While this treatment works for many people, it may not work for everyone. Additionally, Coconut oil interacts with Keratin products so do not use this treatment if you’re currently using keratin products on your hair.

For best results, use this product once a week. Also, be patient, it may take a number of months to see all of the benefits of this treatment.

With Love,

Yasmin

My Skin Care Tips

~ Yasmin ~ 7 Comments

Hey Everyone,

Hope you’re all doing well!

I have been very hesitant about sharing my skin care tips on this blog because first of all I really don’t do anything too special or noteworthy but mostly I have been hesitant because I really believe that there is no such a thing as a magical product or set of products that will work for everyone. We all have very different skin care needs and what may work for one person may not work for another.

Even if we suffer from a common problem such as acne, there are a multitude of different causes of acne, and thus there likely is no single effective treatment and different treatments may work for different people.

Nowadays there are a lot of bloggers and YouTubers out there who promote various skin care products and I truly believe that the majority of these are well intentioned people and I believe that most of them are promoting products that have worked for them. However, I think that before rushing to buy the latest products it’s important to remember that just because it worked for that person may not mean it will work for you. Perhaps the best solution is to start looking at the ingredients that are used in various products and making a decision to purchase a product based on its ingredients.

The products that I am going to recommend below have worked for me but once again they may not work for everyone. However, before listing the products I think it’s important to mention a little about my skin. I have brown normal to slightly oily skin that is acne prone. I do feel that the products mentioned below have helped me control my acne.

Witch Hazel

I don’t wear makeup very often so I often do not use a facial wash or cleanser on my skin. I do wash my face with water but I just don’t use soap. Instead I use Witch Hazel poured on a cotton pad to clean the extra oil and impurities off my face. I do this every morning and every night.

What I love about Witch Hazel is that it is a natural product that is extracted from the bark and leaves of the Witch Hazel plant which is native to North America. Witch Hazel is a toner that cleans the skin without irritating it. Witch Hazel is reported to have antioxidants and it is anti inflammatory.

It has also been reported that Witch Hazel also helps constrict body tissues and blood vessels so I usually dab some under my eyes to prevent my eye puffiness from worsening.

Tea Tree Oil

After removing all of the impurities on my face with Witch Hazel I then use Tea Tree Oil as a spot treatment for my acne pimples. Tea Tree Oil (otherwise known as Melaleuca alternifolia) is derived from the leaves of the Tree Tree in Australia (this is different from the tea leaves that we drink).

Tea Tree Oil is antibacterial and anti inflammatory so it is beneficial for a wide range of conditions such as acne, fungus, and dandruff to name a few. Aside from the skin care and beauty industry, Tea Tree Oil is becoming a trendy ingredient in household cleaning products as well.

I personally only use Tea Tree Oil for my acne. In fact, studies have shown that using Tea Tree Oil for acne can be just as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide. Tea Tree Oil may take a little longer to work but it can definitely be an effective remedy for acne.

I use Radha Tea Tree Oil and I really like this brand because it is 100 percent pure Tea Tree Oil that is steam distilled. In the past I have tried other acne spot treatments with Tea Tree Oil as their active ingredient but unfortunately such products didn’t really work for me. I would honestly only recommend a product that has pure Tea Tree Oil.

I apply Tea Tree Oil every night. The one thing that I have to mention about Tea Tree Oil is that it has a very strong scent. I don’t really mind the smell but I know some people that absolutely hate the scent of it.

If you have an extra stubborn pimple that you really want to get rid of I would recommend using Neutrogena’s On the Spot Acne Treatment cream which has 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide and then topping this with some Tea Tree Oil directly on the pimple. In my experience this is a very effective treatment but I wouldn’t recommend it all the time because it can be very drying to the skin.

Eye Cream:

I definitely believe that taking care of the skin directly under your eyes is very important because this area is extra sensitive and prone to early aging. In my teens I started developing under eye bags and I believe that this is just something that is genetic and there is no non surgical way to get rid of them however, I do use an eye cream twice a day to prevent them from getting worse. I am currently using Baebody Eye Gel. This product is a bit on the pricier side but it lasts a long time and I like it because it feels very cool and soothing when I apply it in my skin and it also has a number of natural ingredients. It is a gel and not a cream or lotion so it might not be the best option for those with extra dry skin.

Moisturizer/Sunscreen:

I have to admit I am not that great at consistently using a sunscreen and moisturizer because I feel like if I put anything moisturizing on my skin, it will cause me to breakout. However, I think it all comes down to using the products that have ingredients that are non comedogenic and non irritating for your skin.

If I will be spending my day mostly indoors I use Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel. I love this product because it’s not oily and it’s ideal for my acne prone skin. However, if you have dry skin I wouldn’t recommend this product because it’s not very moisturizing for dry skin.

If I know I will be in the sun I will put on Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 this is definitely more moisturizing but it’s still not excessively oily and I feel that it is suitable for my acne prone skin. My skin is sensitive to some active ingredients in sunscreens so this has been the only sunscreen so far that hasn’t irritated my skin because the main active ingredient is zinc oxide.

Once again, these products have worked fairly well for me and I wanted to share them with you with the hope that at least some of this information will be of benefit to you!

With Love,

Yasmin

Benefits of Bananas 

~ Yasmin ~ 8 Comments

Hey Everyone! 

Hope you’re all well!

I love reading articles about the health benefits of different types of food and so I decided to create a post about my favorite fruit! 

I personally love bananas and I eat them on a daily basis. In fact, the other day my mom and I were grocery shopping and the store had ran out of bananas so I made her make and extra trip to another local grocery store just to buy some bananas. (Thank God the other grocery store was literally right across the street 😊) 

 Bananas are not only a delicious fruit but they are packed with a wide range of health benefits. 

Nutrients in Bananas:

The average banana is around 110 calories with 30 grams of carbohydrates, one gram of protein and fat, cholesterol, and sodium free. Bananas also include the following nutrients:

Vitamin B6

Manganese 

Vitamin C

Potassium 

Fiber

Copper 

Magnesium

Folate

Riboflavin 

Niacin

Vitamin A

Iron

Bananas and Your Heart

Bananas are definitely a heart healthy food because they contain vital nutrients such as fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and B6. Bananas also maintain heart health because they help lower the blood pressure of those who suffer from high blood pressure. 

Bananas and Healthy Children:

Bananas can reduce the chance of a child developing asthma. In fact, the results of a study conducted by the Imperial College of London showed that children who ate one banana a day had a 34 percent less chance of developing asthma. Also, research has shown that children who ate bananas (along with oranges and orange juice) had a reduced risk of developing childhood leukemia. 

Even in adults, bananas can reduce the risk of developing certain cancers thanks to its Vitamin C levels which help to reduce damage from free radicals. Also, since bananas have a high amount of fiber they can reduce ones chance of developing colorectal cancer. 

Bananas and Your Weight:

A common myth about bananas in my family was that bananas make you fat. The reality is that bananas by themselves don’t make you fat and they likely won’t make you lose weight either. However, bananas do have quite a bit of fiber and it has been shown that a diet with high fiber can aid in weight loss. 

Bananas are an excellent snack to have before, during, or after excercise. Bananas are high in glucose which means they will give you the energy you need to get through an intensive workout especially a cardio workout. Thanks to its magnesium, bananas can help prevent or relieve muscle cramps or soreness. The magnesium in bananas leads to protein synthesis which can help increase your lean muscle mass. Thanks to its potassium, bananas can help you workout longer and more easily recover from an intense workout. Additionally, bananas have a high amount of choline which is a form of Vitamin B that helps burn fat.

Bananas and Potassium:

The recommended daily intake of potassium is currently set at 4,700 milligrams. However, studies show that the majority of Americans don’t get the recommended daily amount of potassium. Bananas are definitely a good source of potassium and the average banana has around 420 milligrams of potassium. Potassium aids in our overall health by maintaining fluid levels in our body. Potassium is vital for cell health because it regulates the movement of nutrients and waste products in and out of our cells. 

Bananas and Digestion 

Bananas aid in digestion thanks to their non digestible carbohydrates which helps maintain a healthy gut. Due to its unique combination of nutrients such as fiber and a cluster of fruit molecules bananas help make you more regular and they even help those suffering from diarrhea. 

Kidney Health

Thanks to its potassium bananas are also helpful in maintaining healthy kidneys. Research has shown that people who eat bananas four to six times a week have a 50 percent reduced chance of developing kidney disease compared to those who don’t eat bananas. However, as a word of caution other research has shown that if you do have kidney disease it is best to eat bananas n moderation because too much potassium can worsen kidney disease.

Additional Benefits:

Bananas have folate which can be beneficial to those suffering from depression. Studies have shown that many people who suffer from depression have a higher risk of having folate deficiency. If your taking an antidepressant it is recommended to continue eating bananas because folate can help enhance the results of the medication. 

Bananas also have tryptophan which leads to seratonin. This means that bananas can potentially help reduce some of the stress and anxiety that you may be going through and put you in a better mood. Also, thanks to tryptophan bananas can also help you get a better night of sleep.

Easy to Find and Easy to Eat

Here in the United States bananas are among the most popular fruits even more so than apples and oranges and in my personal experience they are pretty inexpensive as well. If you’re lazy like me, the great thing about bananas is that you can easily peel them and enjoy the tasty and healthy treat. Of course, there are many different ways you can include bananas in your diet and although I always throw the peel away, while I was doing reeearch for this post, I have learned that in many cultures the banana peel is used in cooking as well. The banana peel has numerous benefits as well. Some of these benefits include using the peel for beauty purposes such as removing pimples and alleviating wrinkles. 

Bananas and Beauty:

As I mentioned the banana peel can be used for pimples. I learned this trick from a YouTube video by Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty. She explained that its best to eat the banana when it’s ripe and keep the peel overnight until it’s very dark and then cut it into smaller pieces (just to make it easier to use) and rub it on your pimples. Continue to do this for a few days until all pimples are gone or until you see improvement. Other bloggers have mentioned that rubbing the banana peel on your skin may help with wrinkles as well. Due to its high water content and Vitamin A eating bananas regularly can be beneficial to your skins overall health. Finally you can add bananas to your face mask.

Ripe vs. Unripe

The truth is that both unripe and ripe bananas have their own pros and cons.

Unripe bananas are the ones that are green. Unripe bananas have a high amount of resistant starch and they’re not that sweet so they’re better for people with Type 2 diabetes because of their low glycemic index. Unripe bananas are also better for colon health thanks to a specific probiotic bacteria that they have. Unripe bananas are better for absorbing nutrients. 

On the other hand the antioxidants of the banana increase as it ripens so unripe bananas have a lower amount of antioxidants. Also since unripe bananas have a higher resistant starch content they can cause some extra bloating and gas.

Ripe bananas are easier to digest thanks to their higher sugar content and ripe bananas have more antioxidants. Research has shown that ripe bananas can help protect you from cancer because they fight abnormal cells in your body.

 On the other hand, ripe bananas lose some of their vitamins and minerals. Also, ripe bananas do have a higher sugar content so they are not ideal for those who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. 

Don’t Go Bananas Though

As with any other good thing, bananas should be consumed in moderation. Most experts recommend having no more than two bananas a day. This is especially true of those who are on beta blocking medications because they suffer from heart disease. Beta blockers can cause the potassium levels to rise in the blood and so this is why other foods high in potassium should be consumed in moderation

I hope you enjoyed this post hopefully it has encouraged you to reach for a banana the next time you’re hungry! 


With Love,

Yasmin 

Liebster Award

~ Yasmin ~ 18 Comments

Hey Everyone 🙂

Hope you’re all doing well! I am so sorry that I haven’t posted in a while. I have been busy taking a summer session at my university and this crazy summer heat here in California has made me a little lazy!

Anyways, today I would like to thank the lovely Kanza from Faded Rouge for nominating me for the Liebster award. I am truly honored and grateful to the lovely Kanza for nominating me. If you haven’t already please make sure to check out her lovely  blog. I absolutely love the design of her blog and everything she posts about!

IMG_2881The Rules:

  1. Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you.
  2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger gives you
  3. Nominate 5-11 bloggers that you think are deserving of the award.
  4. Let’s the bloggers know that you nominated them.
  5. Give them 11 questions of your own.

Questions:

What is the one place you would rather be at?

I really don’t want to sound cliche but since its so hot here I would rather be at the beach 🙂

What is your favorite accessory?

A pretty necklace

Name a purchase you regret?

Living Proof Anti-Frizz Hair Nourishing Oil. Perhaps I will do a separate post on this but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.

What is your favorite dessert?

Currently, it’s my mom’s rice pudding 🙂

Pen or Pencil

Pen.

Coffee or Tea

Tea. Green tea to be specific. 🙂

What do you do to relax?

Watch my favorite shows.

What is your favorite breakfast food?

Currently, it’s thinly sliced cheese with pita bread and lightly sweetened green tea.

What is a skill you would like to learn?

I would like to learn some basic cooking skills. Honestly, I am so fortunate that my mom is a lovely cook so I haven’t bothered trying to learn 🙂

If you could live in a book, TV show, or movie what would it be?

I would live with the family of Atticus Finch from the novel How to Kill A Mockingbird. 

If you could time travel, would you go to the past or future?

This is a difficult question. But if I had to choose one it would be the future because I am interested in seeing how technology will evolve and how much it will change our lives.

The Nominees: 

The Shimmer Within Her

CurlyHairedMinx

Art and Tonia

myreallifeasjess

the minimalist journal

My Questions:

  1. What is/was your favorite subject in school?
  2. What is your favorite book?
  3. Have you voted in any election before?
  4. What’s your go-to summer outfit?
  5. If you could only put on one make-up item which would it be?
  6. If you could travel in any where in the world where would it be?
  7. Do you prefer a good movie or a few episodes of your favorite show?
  8. Mac or Windows?
  9. Fruits or veggies?
  10. Do you have a specific exercise routine?
  11. Favorite weekend activity?

I hope you enjoyed this post and once again, thank you to the lovely Faded Rouge for nominating me!

With Love,

Yasmin

Beauty Blogger Tag!!!

~ Yasmin ~ 7 Comments

Hey Everyone!

Hope you’re all doing well 🙂

I am very honored that The Chic Community nominated me for the beauty blogger tag in her post. I absolutely love her blog. I love how her posts are always filled with great pictures and I highly encourage everyone to go follow her blog if you haven’t already!

make-up-1278366_1280

Here are the questions she asked me along with my responses:

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

My family! I have been blessed with very loving and caring parents 🙂

Favorite TV Show?

Parks & Recreation

Favorite makeup brand?

Bare Minerals.  I usually stick with mineral foundations because of my somewhat oily and acne-prone skin.

Eyelash extensions or hair extensions?

I usually  don’t wear too much eye makeup so I would definitely choose hair extensions.

Are you a visual learner?

Not really. Seeing things definitely helps me understand them better but I would say that I am primarily an auditory and reading and writing type of learner.

When did you start your blog?

I started my blog in April 2016.

Headphones or Earphones?

Earphones

What is the one place you would love to go in the summer?

Turkey

Describe your style?

Overall I would describe myself as casual but when I am going to a gathering or party I definitely opt to dress elegantly.

Favorite purse?

My favorite purse that I currently own is a small Burberry tote that my lovely mom bought for me.

Once again, thank you so much to The Chic Community for nominating me for this tag!

Here are the bloggers that I nominate:

Rebecca from Younique-Rebecca

Cappuccinos and Biscottis

East West Musings

The Beauty of our Imperfection

Here are my questions:

How much do you love makeup? (Love it, hate it, or somewhere in the middle?

What is your favorite makeup product?

What is your favorite skin care product?

What is your favorite color to wear during the spring and summer?

If you could splurge on anything what would it be?

Favorite place that you have already traveled to or would love to travel to in the future?

If you had to choose between earrings, necklace, or bracelet which would you choose?

High heels or flats on a typical day?

Favorite TV show and/or song?

 

 

Hope you guys enjoyed this!

 

With Love,

Yasmin