5 Basic Beauty Tips

Hello, all!
IT IS OFFICIALLY OCTOBER DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW EXCITING THAT IS?!

I haven't done a beauty post in a while, so here are some simple rules that I think everyone should follow:

That's my handwriting! I know, it's almost too exciting.

1. Never pop your pimples.

This one seems pretty self-explanatory, but I admit that I'm guilty for it pretty much every week! I hate seeing acne, and I sometimes can't help but pick at my blemishes. But it's a bad habit to have, since popping zits only irritates the skin more and increases the amount of time it takes for them to heal. This is a reminder to you and me both to stop popping pimples!

2. Wear facial moisturizer with at least 15 SPF everyday.

Even on cold or overcast days, the sun always strikes your skin when you're outside. That's why we have to protect it with sunscreen! Many moisturizers (and even foundations and powders) have SPF, but you should still check to make sure. I would even take this one step further and say that you should wear sunscreen on your body everyday, but perhaps I'm just a tad overzealous when it comes to skincare.

3. Always take off your makeup at the end of the day.

I'm guilty of breaking this rule too, but it's so important! Before you go to bed, even if you're too lazy to wash your face, at least take off your makeup. You don't want to go to sleep with all that dirt and excess oil on your face. Not taking off your makeup irritates your pores and makes it more likely for you to get pimples.

4. Exfoliate your skin once a week.
Exfoliation is great for your face; by removing your dead skin cells, you're allowing your skin to repair more quickly, leaving silky-smooth skin. You can purchase facial scrubs and exfoliants at beauty stores, but I always use the DIY method of mixing olive oil and sugar! Massage your skin with a scrub for about a minute, rinse, and apply your regular skin regimen. Exfoliating just once can do wonders for your face.

5. Don't wash your hair everyday.
Many people already know how important this is, but for those of you who are unaware, washing your hair strips it of its natural oils. You need a moderate amount in your scalp to keep your hair soft and smooth. Most hairstylists suggest you should wash at most every other day. You can always substitute a dry shampoo for the days you skip washing your hair; I typically put my hair up or curl it when it's dirty. Still not convinced? Not washing your hair everyday saves the planet! By saving the water you would've used washing your hair, you're saving about two gallons of water. In short, dirty hair saves the world!

Summer Beauty Tips

Am I the only one ecstatic that summer's coming up?! Hooray for no school and endless trips to the beach! Here's what I do to make sure my face doesn't look like it's melting off on those unforgivable summer days.

1. Tinted moisturizer 
   
   Instead of caking on foundation and concealer over the summer, I prefer to put on tinted moisturizer instead. I tend to avoid using BB creams because with Western makeup brands, usually they're just tinted moisturizers anyway. Make sure to pick a moisturizer that has SPF!
2. Lipstick blush
   
   To avoid putting lots of powder on my face, I use my lipstick as blush. All I do is dab some lipstick onto my cheeks and blend it out with my fingers. It's super simple, and feels weightless! I don't wear bronzer over the summer because the sun provides a natural glow.
3. LUSH products
   
   One of my favorite skincare brands is LUSH; for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, they make handmade, organic cosmetics that are great for all skin types. Their makeup is breathable and good for your skin! My favorites are their mascara and color perfectors. 
4. Sunscreen
   
   I know this is a given for summer, but lots of people forget to wear sunscreen! This stuff is vital to keep your skin cells healthy during scorching weather. Suncreens with at least 50 SPF are best. Stock up and pile it on to avoid those uncute clothing tans!
5. Tinted lip balm
   
   To keep my lips hydrated over the summer, I use tinted lip balms. They give a nice, soft, natural look. Since the weather is humid over the summer, I usually only need one coat! I use Burt's Bees and Baby Lips.
6. Dry formula mascara
   
   My mascara tends to melt off and smudge my eyelids, especially on warm summer days. Wet formula mascaras, used for length, are infamous for doing this. To avoid this issue, opt for dry formulas; these are used for volume. Currently, I'm addicted to Covergirl's Clump Crusher mascara.
7. Water
   
   I cannot stress enough how important this tip is. Drink lots, and I mean lots of water over the summer--at least eight glasses a day! It's crucial that we stay hydrated because this helps keep our hair and skin looking glowing and healthy. True beauty has to be both inside and out!

That's all for this post! If you have any beauty tips of your own to share, please comment down below! Have a lovely summer, everyone.