SAVVY MINERALS TIPS AND TRICKS
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Kaye Ng
Ok, lets be honest, using mineral make up is not always the easiest. If it was the EASIEST, CHEAPEST and MOST CONVENIENT was of putting on makeup, all those other toxic versions out there would simply not be selling. But there are ways and tips to make your make up experience with the Savvy Minerals range a breeze – here’s sharing my 10 tips with you.
- Right Brushes – Brushes are important. Make sure they are not too huge for the cover size. If your brush is too big, you will end up making a huge mess as you try to dip, tap and swirl your mineral make up off. Also you may find that the pigments are then on a different area of the brush and will not help in proper coverage of your face. SO make sure the brush you use is not TOOO BIG!
- Dip, Tap and Swirl – If you don’t want to have sudden chunks of colour on your face, it is VERY important to remember these steps. First, DIP your brush gently into the powder. You will then get alot of powder/pigments stuck to your brush. DO NOT PUT IT ON YOUR FACE AT THIS POINT! You will get a huge colour block on your face and will look like you belong instead on the chinese opera stage. 😂 Secondly, SWIRL your brush on the side of your makeup cap to allow the pigments to be covered around the bristles. Lastly, TAP your brush at the edge of the cap. This ensures that the excess pigments fall off the brush.
- Layer It – The make up range is very very forgiving, HOWEVER, it doesn’t mean that its coverage is not good. So start with covering your entire face with a foundation evenly, and then slowly build up over areas that are more problematic. Such as if you wish to cover up redness or freckles. Remember that this is NOT a concealer. It is not going to cover it 100%, but it will instead give you a nice even colour and fade imperfections. So if you want to look nice and even colored, remember to cover your whole face first then build up over the problem areas.
- Circular Motions – To blend your makeup into your skin so you don’t look like you placed a horizontal swipe on your face or to ensure you look nice and natural, always remember to apply your make up in a circular motion. Esp for your foundation. This will help to blend your makeup into your skin nicely.
- Keep Blending – I can’t stop emphasizing this to people. When you look into the mirror and you think that your foundation, blusher or eyeshadow is already nicely blended togther, BLEND AGAIN. It is most important to do so! You want to look natural right?
- Match your Neck – Remember that your foundation colour should match your neck colour. So when you apply your foundation, remb to also blend down to your neck! If not you will have your face one colour and your neck another colour! 🙈 Just like below 👇🏻 AHHHH NO NO NO!
- Wetter and Darker – If you decide to put on the foundation with water or with a serum etc, expect the SM foundation to go up to 3 shades darker. It will become much more intense in colour. If you are someone who is also prone to oily skin, your foundation colour might also darken in time thanks to oxidization. So choose a shade lighter, or try the make up with a wet brush so you can see how the colour will appear on your skin. My own personal preference for my skin is that i always use the foundation dry. I prefer to blend it in and work it up, then to use a wet brush to get the foundation to stay, as it is harder to blend in a wet foundation, and the colour is immediately darker – which means it is also harder to build up coverage. Test the make up till you get a colour that you are comfortable with.
- Mix It – There are fewer colours now. That is true, though I have no doubt that the range will just grow exponentially. Some colours might be a little too orange for your liking, and others may be a little too pink. Or the Dark 1 foundation may be too dark and the Warm 3 may be too light. What do you do now? MIX THEM! I love the fact that they are all simply mineral pigments. So mix them up evenly and you can achieve the colour you want. My favourite mixing? – On a Whim Lip Stick with Abundant Lip Gloss. 💋 Perfect for me!
- Liquid Foundation – Convert the powdered foundation to a liquid foundation by just mixing the pigments together with your current Young Living moisturizers. I enjoy using a pump of moisturizer in my palm, mixed with some pigments and then applying that onto my face with a brush. Its easy to do and the coverage is “thicker”.
- Concealer – Need a concealer? If you are looking to cover bad eye bags or spots, choose a foundation colour that is perhaps one shade lighter that the one that you use. Mix it with a light serum or moisturizer and use it to cover blemishes. You can also use your existing foundation colour and build up more over the areas you want to cover, blending and buffing it in. After this, continue with you normal foundation and you should be all set!
If you are interested in trying out the Young Living oils, or would like to purchase the PSK do drop me an email at kaye@onedrop.sg or sign up to buy the products here.
MAKEUP & ITS’ TOXINS
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Kai Tan
Most girls love their make up too much to read into the ingredient list.
Whilst some love their full scale mascara-foundation-blusher-bronzer-eyeshadows shimmerbangbang, others just like their straight-forward minimalistic powder at least for work or dinners. Either way, knowing what is layered upon our skin every day or on those once-in-a-blue-moon occasions MAKES A DIFFERENCE.
Girlfriends do not let girlfriends run amok with harmful.
Period.
So here’s the spiel on some of the most common toxic substances found in make up and personal care products :
1. PARABEN (METHYL, PROPYL, ETHYL, BUTYL) :
Found in deodorants, lotions, lipsticks, shampoos, scrubs
– Parabens can mimic estrogen and act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors in the body’s cells.
– Parabens have been found present in breast tumors and are possibly linked to breast cancer.
Safe Cosmetic Reference
2. TALC:
Found in baby powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eye shadow, foundation, lipstick, deodorants and face masks
– Some talc may contain the known carcinogen asbestos that may be linked to cancer
Safe Cosmetic Reference
Found in baby powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eye shadow, foundation, lipstick, deodorants and face masks
– Some talc may contain the known carcinogen asbestos that may be linked to cancer
Safe Cosmetic Reference
3. PHTHALATES :
Most frequently used form in cosmetics include dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), and diethylphthalate (DEP).
Most frequently used form in cosmetics include dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), and diethylphthalate (DEP).
Found in nail polish and in the fragrances in cosmetics
– Phthalates are endocrine/ hormone disruptors
Safe Cosmetic Reference
– Phthalates are endocrine/ hormone disruptors
Safe Cosmetic Reference
4. LEAD:
– 99% of cosmetic contains lead
Lead in lipstick was presumed an urban legend until 2007, when the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released the report A Poison Kiss, with the results from an independent laboratory that tested 33 popular brands of lipsticks for lead content. The findings – 61 percent of lipsticks contained lead including L’Oreal, Cover Girl and even a $24 tube of Dior Addict. This is a known carcinogen!
– Exposure to lead also has been linked to neurotoxicity, hormonal and fertility issues
Safe Cosmetic Reference
– 99% of cosmetic contains lead
Lead in lipstick was presumed an urban legend until 2007, when the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released the report A Poison Kiss, with the results from an independent laboratory that tested 33 popular brands of lipsticks for lead content. The findings – 61 percent of lipsticks contained lead including L’Oreal, Cover Girl and even a $24 tube of Dior Addict. This is a known carcinogen!
– Exposure to lead also has been linked to neurotoxicity, hormonal and fertility issues
Safe Cosmetic Reference
5. BISMUTH:
Cosmetic companies use bismuth because it hides flaws, adds a radiant glow to the face and is a dirt-cheap filler! It also has binding qualities, so the make-up will “stick” to your skin and last all day.
Cosmetic companies use bismuth because it hides flaws, adds a radiant glow to the face and is a dirt-cheap filler! It also has binding qualities, so the make-up will “stick” to your skin and last all day.
– Causes itchiness when wearing products containing bismuth, most noticeably when person sweats. This can often lead to nasty rashes and severe acne.
Bioaccumulation is a real challenge for the modern woman.
It is defined as the accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other chemicals in an organism.
Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism (like us!) absorbs a substance at a rate faster than that at which the substance is lost by catabolism and excretion. Because of the wide-range exposure in our lives, not just from cosmetics but from food, medication, pollution etc – it is no longer just a matter of “it’s just a small amount”.
If switching out your full palette of cosmetics pinches the heart, why not just start with ONE item today.
The newly launched Savvy Minerals would be a good clean option to indulge in!
Should you like to purchase the Young Living oils, please drop me a message at kai@onedrop.sg. I would love to support you in using the oils for yourself and your loved ones.
THE ART OF SLEEP
This post is contributed by One Drop member – Ranna Seah.
Being someone who do not like to think too much, sleep has never been difficult for me. I use to be very proud of the fact that I can sleep anywhere, anytime and even under pressure from deadlines. However, all that changed after I became a mother.
I couldn’t sleep well for 4 whole years as I was waking up constantly in the middle of the night to make sure my baby is breathing. Yes, its crazy, I know. I could not help it. And it got worse whenever she falls sick. I could stay up the whole night just to check her temperature.
So I was miserable, tired, cranky, stressed and jittery for 4 whole years!!!
Some kind soul by the name of Joanne Ng then introduced me to Young Living Essential oils. I started to ingest Grapefruit Vitality in the hope of losing weight but to my utmost surprise…I started to sleep better! And for the first time after 4 years, I was able to sleep deeply. Wow…I was blown. My sleep got better and my energy came back. Even the sinseh I was seeing felt my pulse and remarked how much better I was than before.
I did a little research and it seems that grapefruit is an awesome lymphatic drainage support. The ingesting of Grapefruit supported my lymphatic system and set my immune system back to work and thus! I am able to sleep well again. Amazing isn’t it?
However, if you just want to know what oils to use for an awesome sleep,
here are my top 5 essential oils for supporting healthy sleep…
1. Lavender
The easiest and must-have oil in every household. Lavender is well-known for its relaxing and calming effects for literally everyone.
2. Frankincense
This is very important to me as it helped calm my daughter down from an over-stimulated evening and ensured her sleep quality…thus ensuring mine as well.
3. Cedarwood
I once diffused Lavender + Cedarwood and I had the best best sleep of my life as I find my mind relaxed enough to send me into sleep where I start to dream again.
4. Ylang ylang
Ylang ylang means “flower of flowers.” Historically, the ylang ylang flower has been used to cover the beds of newlywed couples on their wedding night. That’s because this powerful oil helps to balance male and female energies, supports focus and restores peace.
I couldn’t stand the smell then…but the message of self-love that Ylang Ylang carries, made me feel loved and thus ensure a great sleep.
5. Vetiver
Because vetiver essential oil is distilled from the roots of the plant, it has a very rich and earthy smell. It is psychologically grounding, calming and stabilizing. HOWEVER, it is so thick that most mommies almost fall asleep waiting for the one drop of oil to come out of the orfice…hahaha…
How to use essential oils for sleep support.
When using essential oils to help the whole family sleep through the night, there are two main methods I like to use:
Topical.
For my Heidi, I will just take 1-2 drops of essential oil, mix it with V6 and apply all over her back, giving her a good back massage.
For myself and my husband, I will take 1-3 drops of essential oil and apply to the back of my neck, chest and inside of my wrists. Allow a few minutes for the essential oils to absorb a bit. I will usually take any leftover oil, rub it between my hands, cup over my nose and inhale.
Aromatic.
Diffuse 8 drops of the selected essential oil with the dewdrop diffuser. My favourite to diffuse for a great sleep is Lavender (4 drops) + Cedarwood (4 drops).
If you like my articles and would like to purchase the Young Living oils or have further clarifications, please drop me a message here or email me at fabulana@gmail.com. If you are ready to sign up as member to purchase, you can click here. I would love to support you in using the oils for yourself and your loved ones.
BLENDS TO MANAGE STRESS
This post is contributed by One Drop Business Manager – Kaye Ng.
Stress is often thrown about and used casually. But stress really affects our bodies in everyway – even physically.
Extracted from Mayo Clinic:
Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that nagging headache, your frequent insomnia or your decreased productivity at work. But stress may actually be the culprit. Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Its almost impossible not to be stressed, but there are tons of various ways to manage your stress levels and using the oils is one of the best ways to do so. The smells do not just calm you down, they also work in your body to lower cortisol levels.
Go ahead and try these roller bottle blends and roll it over your heart or even lower back.
Give the roller ball recipes an extra boost and get a good night’s rest or a relaxing atmosphere at home with some diffuser recipes as well.
If you are interested in trying out the Young Living oils, do drop me an email at kaye@onedrop.sg or sign up to buy the products here (only for YL oils).
STRESS AND YOUR BODY
This post is contributed by One Drop Founder – Kai Tan.
Do you often feel like you have a residential rock band that lives inside your head? That head throbbing drives you up the wall! Perhaps you frequently turn and toss in the nights when sleep just escapes you? And when you finally do, you fiercely clench your teeth or just about to turn your molars into sawdust as you grind those teeth at night.
Forgetfulness, trouble focusing your attention, changes in appetites, irritability, neck and back pains, palpitations, falling ill frequently – all are but a small portion of the long list of symptoms often accompanying STRESS.
Here’s a quick run-down of what stress does to our bodily systems. When you realise the magnitude of what stress can impact, you may have a better understanding the urgent and dire need to modulate the levels of stress we allow ourselves to experience daily!
1. Nervous System
– When stressed (physically or physiologically) the body automatically goes into “Fight/ Flight/ Freeze mode” to deal with perceived threat
– The parasympathetic system signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline & cortisol (hormones)
– These hormones cause heart to beat faster, raise blood pressure, change digestive process etc
– When the sympathetic system is heightened sleep is affected
– The parasympathetic system signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline & cortisol (hormones)
– These hormones cause heart to beat faster, raise blood pressure, change digestive process etc
– When the sympathetic system is heightened sleep is affected
2. Musculoskeletal System
– When stressed, muscles tense up.
– Prolonged contraction of muscles causes headaches, migraines etc
– Prolonged contraction of muscles causes headaches, migraines etc
3. Respiratory System
– Stress can make you breathe harder or cause rapid breathing (hyperventilation) which can bring on panic attacks
4. Cardiovascular System
– Acute stress (stress that is momentarily) causes increase in heart rate & stronger contractions of the heart muscles
– Blood vessels that direct blood to the large muscles & heart dilate and increases the blood pumped to these areas of the body
– Repeated episodes lead to inflammation of the coronary arteries ~ thought to lead to heart attacks
– Blood vessels that direct blood to the large muscles & heart dilate and increases the blood pumped to these areas of the body
– Repeated episodes lead to inflammation of the coronary arteries ~ thought to lead to heart attacks
5. Endocrine System
– When stressed, the brain signals the adrenals to produce Cortisol & Epinephrine (stress hormones)
– When these are released, the liver produces more glucose, blood sugar for the body to have energy to perform “fight-flight” reactions
– When these are released, the liver produces more glucose, blood sugar for the body to have energy to perform “fight-flight” reactions
6. Digestive System
– When stressed, the brain produces Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) that causes you to lose appetite
– CRH leads to production of Steroids & Adrenaline; which can cause over-eating
– Stress affects digestion and what nutrients your intestines absorb
– CRH leads to production of Steroids & Adrenaline; which can cause over-eating
– Stress affects digestion and what nutrients your intestines absorb
7. Reproductive System
– In men, increased cortisol can impair testosterone and sperm production and cause impotence
– In women, stress can cause irregular painful or absent menstrual periods.It can also reduce sexual desires
– In women, stress can cause irregular painful or absent menstrual periods.It can also reduce sexual desires
Scent is a powerful way to affect our experiences of stress. Go to this blog post to find out more what you can do with your toolkit of essential oils!
Kai Tan is one of the 4 original founders of One Drop – a Singapore grown YL team that is fast growing around the world with more than 10,000 members. She is a certified health coach with Institute of Integrative Health (NYC). Follow her on her blog, email her at kai@onedrop.sg or start your young living journey with her here.
