But another very important, simple, and affordable thing one can do is to change the water you are bathing in. Invest in a shower filter and don’t take such hot showers!

I know it may be hard during these cold winter months not to have that steaming hot water running first thing in the morning. But the cooler water will save your skin and hair. Cold water closes the pores and cuticles, in turn, will lock in more moisture. It strengthens the hair and makes it shiner. It also helps with overall hair loss. Other benefits of cold water include reduced swelling and dark circles under the eyes and makes for a healthier glow. Colder showers also trigger better circulation which can help with all kinds of problems including varicose veins.  And it’s simply invigorating and energizing.

Personally, I have a really hard time with cold showers in the winter. But I am mindful not to take piping hot ones anymore. If you have a hard time, like myself, you can ease into the cold by starting off warm and finishing off as cold as you can stand.  But remember to at least end cooler to seal those pores and cuticles.

As for the shower filter… this one’s easy. First of all, I will say we are fortunate to have clean running water in this country. But it’s a little too clean to the point where it’s toxic. How is that so? Chlorine! Chlorine is added to our water supply to kill off harmful micro-organisms. It’s also a toxic gas that attacks living cells and organic materials such as the skin and its natural oils. Add hot water to the mix, and it is an especially bad combination. Hot chlorinated water vaporizes and those toxic chemicals are inhaled in high concentrations and more easily absorbed in the skin. Remember, hot water opens pores. Cold – closes. Five times more chlorine enters through the skin during a shower than through drinking 8 glasses of chlorinated tap water, according to some experts. A shower filter will remove the chlorine and naturally soften the water. Your skin will look and feel smoother and be less itchy. It’s especially great for people with extra sensitive skin. It  helps with brittle hair, split ends, and colored or chemically treated hair.  I highly recommend getting a shower filter. They can be found online or at most health food stores.

I will stress that this is the perfect sunscreen to wear on a day to day basis. However, I wouldn’t necessarily use it under makeup for film and television . Especially when shooting in HD as it contains zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is an ingredient that is great to help protect the skin against harmful uva rays. But it also reflects a lot of light on camera.  Like I said, it’s perfect for everyday use. And very affordable. Ask your dermatologist or physician if he or she carries it. Or you can check out their website to find the closest carrier to you. http://www.eltamd.com/

Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara by Tarte Cosmetics

This is my new favorite mascara. I love how it builds on the lashes. It’s hydrating and reparative. It lasts all day, doesn’t run,  yet comes off easily with eye makeup remover. And best of all, it is all natural, paraben and cruelty free!

Facial Oil

Tarte 100% Cold Pressed Maracuja Oil

I think oils are perfect to apply straight out of a hot shower right before bed. I like to have something rich to rehydrate my skin over night and apply something lighter under my makeup during the day. This Maracuja oil is perfect for the face and neck. Especially after a good steam and exfoliation. Again, it’s all natural, reparative, and free of parabens and mineral oils.

Thank you Tarte for creating a nourishing, natural, green, and amazing cosmetics line!!! Love it!!

Treat

Banana Manna Almond Shake with Carrot Coconut Juice from Beverly Hills Juice Co.

My friend Cindy introduced me to The Beverly Hills Juice Co. and now I am obsessed! They make the best juice I have ever had. Freshly pressed, nutritious, rich and organic.  There’s something about this little cash only business that’s been around since 1975 that no other juice place can compare to.  It’s all in how they press their juice that makes it so special.  I have tried to recreate what they do at home with my own juicer and Vita-Mix. But it’s just not the same. Their product is worth every penny. My favorite item on the menu is The Banana Manna Shake with Carrot Coconut Juice. The banana mana is an alternative to ice cream, made simply from banana and almonds or banana and sunflower seeds. Then blended with your favorite juice. And it doesn’t taste “banana-y”. To me, it’s such a decadent treat. Similar to a rich vanilla shake, but unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before. And it’s guilt-free with nothing but simple, healthy, and delicious ingredients.  Juicing can do wonders for the skin. If you’re ever in the Beverly Hills area, stop by, treat yourself and you’ll see what I’m talking about! Make sure you have cash! You’ll be hooked too!

Appliance

Shark Vac-Then-Steam

I’m talking about a vacuum and steam cleaner in one! What does this have to do with hair or makeup? Not much, but it is one of my new most favorite things! Another obsession. If you have hard wood floors and like to keep them clean, then this is the perfect gadget for you! Especially if you live in polluted LA like I do. My friend Michelle, another amazing makeup artist, introduced and geeked out on me about this. And I am so grateful she did! I dont like mops, because they just push the dirt around. And the Swifter only works for smaller spaces. But the Shark not only cleans, it sanitizes your floor! It’s light weight, easy to assemble and use. And the best part is that you dont have to wait for your floor to dry before walking on it again. The steamer cleaning pad dries the floor within seconds. I LOVE this product! Thanks for introducing me, Michelle!

#4 – Coconut Oil

Not only is coconut oil delicious and great for cooking, but it does wonders for the skin. Inexpensive, all-natural virgin, organic coconut oil from your local grocery store will do the trick. It’s loaded with antioxidants that keep the skin smooth and supple, while fighting against free radical damage and long-term signs of aging. It also promotes skin elasticity and wont clog pores. It helps with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Coconut oil is so naturally perfect, healing, and versatile. No man made product could ever compare. It can be used as an eye makeup remover, shaving cream, hair conditioner…..the list goes on. Great for inside the body, all over the body, face, and hair.

#3 – Original Sprout Scrumptious Baby Cream

I love this stuff because it absorbs instantly in the skin and does not leave a greasy residue. It is also free of parabens, phytoestrogens, petroleum, gluten, and soy. It contains zinc, a natural sunscreen and is safe for everyone including babies.

#2 – Ghee

Ghee is essentially clarified butter. A lactose free product as the result of the process of melting, simmering, evaporating, and separating milk solids. Ghee, like coconut oil is also a delicious and nutritious item to have in the kitchen. It is mostly popular in Ayurveda for its healing qualities.  I love it as an all over face and body moisturizer. It used to be my favorite product to coat myself in straight out of the shower. That was until my boyfriend started doing the most horrible Elmer Fudd impression.  ”You waskally wabbit! Why dont you come over here and take a nice warm bath? I’m going to make wabbit stew!” Yes, I was all “buttered” up and I smelled like it too.  But the way my skin radiates and glows from ghee is like no other.  I still use it every once and a while despite my boyfriend’s awful impersonations.  It soothes and nourishes and is great as a massage oil. It’s also wonderful for scrapes and burns. If I had one word to describe ghee, I instantly think nurturing.

#1 goe oil by Jao

My newest discovery and now my favorite! It is an all over body oil for hands, elbows, knees, feet, heels, and hair. Goe Oil is great as an eye makeup remover and soothes chapped skin and cuticles. It is 100% natural, free of parabens, sulphates, and synthetic fragrance. Yet it smells AMAZING without being harsh or artificial.  This product is great in replacing sebum, the natural oils our skin produces and loses due to age, environmental stress, and weather. I love love love my newest indulgence!

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Our skin is the largest organ of our body and it is so important that we take good care of it. Most of us are exposed to thousands of toxins on a regular basis just from the air we breathe. Unfortunately, we dont have too much control over that, unless we choose to move, which is not practical for most of us. But we do have control over other things we put in our bodies, like what we eat, drink, and smoke. Why not make the most of it? Why not make the skin we’re in the best it can be? Diet plays a huge role. Eating an alkaline diet full of anti-oxidants and staying hydrated will dramatically change ones skin. That means staying away from toxic and acidic substances such as coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes and adding more things like green tea, water, blueberries, tumeric, and fresh air.

I’m definitely not perfect. I love a cup of coffee with cream, sugar, and a cigarette in the morning. I love a vodka beverage before bed. (Especially around the holidays) But I see the damage it does to my skin! Never mind how it makes me feel. The wrinkles, the redness, the enlarged pores, the tightness, and inflammation.  But when I am living “clean” (not smoking, eating a diet rich in alkalizing foods such as organic brown rice and vegetables, drinking tons of water and no coffee), there is a dramatic difference. My skin radiates and glows. And everyone around me notices. Not only is my skin  shining, but my eyes become brighter. Feeling great, weight loss, sleeping well, having energy, being clear headed are among the other amazing benefits.

As I said, I’m not perfect and most of us aren’t. But we can start somewhere. And awareness for 2011 is a great place to begin.  We dont have control over the toxins in our environment, but we do have the power to counteract any damage by the lifestyle we choose. Maintainenece is the key.  Start paying attention to what is going into your body, as it will undoubtably have an effect on your one and only outer shell.

Cheers to awareness, honoring, and maintaining our skin along with our bodies and well being from the inside out!

Happy New Year!!

-Michelle