Cosette's Beauty Pantry

Hello everyone! Do you remember the banana peel skincare post?  Back in August of 2012 a wrote about how bananas can help acne, psoriasis, warts and poison ivy. Bananas are a very rich source of potassium and vitamins , which also make them the perfect choice for a DIY hair mask . This mask is very easy to prepare, all you need is one or two ingredients. Ingredients: 1 banana (the riper, the better) 1 tbsp honey (optional) Method: Blend banana in a food processor , making sure there aren't any chunks. Add honey (optional) Apply the mixture to your hair, and cover it with a shower cap or plastic bag .  ( more info: A t-home deep-conditioning hair treatment ) To lock in the nutrients, wrap a hot towel around your head. Wait 20 minutes . Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Tips: You can also add olive oil  or a tablespoon of conditioner . Use  once a week for best results. Ideal for thin and damaged hair. If you like DIY

Hello everyone! Make-up primer is one of those beauty products that can make a big difference in the look and wear of your make-up.   It preps your skin for make-up and creates a smooth base.   Even if you are happy with the foundation you are currently using, a layer of primer underneath can bring it to a whole new level . Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to apply make-up primer: Moisturise:  Apply a light moisturiser before your primer and allow it to fully absorb into your skin for a few minutes.   Primer is applied after sunscreen and moisturiser and before any foundation or tinted moisturiser. Blend:  A little primer goes a long way, so apply a pea sized amount with your fingertips and starting in the centre of the face, work your way out.  You can also apply the product with a damp foundation wedge sponge.   Be sure you cover all areas as evenly as possible, use a little extra in places where your make-up tends to wear off quickly, such

Hello everyone! Here’s how to make your lipstick last, so you don't have to keep re-applying throughout the day.  All you need to do is follow these few simple steps. You will need: lip scrub lip balm nude lip liner your  favourite  lipstick translucent powder Method: L ightly scrub your lips. You can use one of my  recipes; DIY Simple scrub or DIY Yummy scrub   or you could also use a damp toothbrush to get rid of dull, dry skin cells.   Apply a moisturising lip balm on the lips to hydrate the skin.   Allow the product to sink in for a few minutes before moving on to the next step. Blot with a tissue to remove any excess cream. Line and fill in the entire lip with a pencil to create a base for the lipstick to cling to.   Choose a shade that’s close to your natural colour .   Using a brush , blend a layer of lipstick into the lips.   Apply your first coat, blot with a tissue, and apply again . Place a thin layer of tissue over the li

Clear mascara is one of those make-up products you might not use very often.  It defines and separates the lashes, adding volume and the illusion of length.  But did you know that there are other ways you can use clear mascara? Here are just some of the ways to use clear mascara:  It is essential for the natural look - especially on the beach when you still want extra oomph, but without the panda-like effect. Clear mascara can be used to tame the eyebrows - for an instantly polished look. Try it as a base coat .   Layer a light base of clear on first, let it dry, and then apply the dark mascara. If your regular mascara tends to smudge, you can apply a top coat of clear mascara to seal it. Use clear mascara after curling the lashes to hold the curl. If you only apply dark mascara on the upper lashes, use a clear one on the bottom - for a lighter, daytime look that won't run . Coloured mascara – Get loose powdered shadow in a fun, bright colour

Hello everyone! Check out this  hair growth chart from  NaturallyCurly.com ! 5 tips for faster, healthier hair growth: Condition & detangle:  Comb and detangle regularly with fingers or a wide-tooth comb to strengthen the muscles that hold each hair in place.  Deep condition every 2-3 days to replenish moisture. Massage your scalp:  Products containing peppermint or eucalyptus oil can increase blood flow to your follicles.  Massage your scalp for 3 minutes before washing to add an extra inch of hair growth in one year. Feed your hair:  Fruits and vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, collard greens, honeydew and mango contain nutrients essential to healthy hair.  Take supplements that contain folic acid and vitamins A,B,C,E and D. Trim only when needed:  Get trims only when you have split ends or breakage.  If you don’t see any damage six weeks or six months after your last trim, then leave it alone. Handle with care:  Avoid blow-drying  hot curling irons, colouring,

Hello everyone! We are told never to judge a book by its cover, but we think it's okay to judge a woman by her hair.  Take this quiz to see what your hair say about you. 1. How much time do you spend on your hair each morning?   A.   5-10 minutes   B.   Less than 5 minutes   C.   10-20 minutes   D.   More than 20 minutes   2. How often do you get a new hairstyle?   A.   Just a trim now and then   B.   Had the same style since high school   C.   Every chance I get   D.   Very rarely – a new style would require new  head shots  3. Regarding hair product, your bathroom:   A.   Has a couple of products my stylist convinced me to buy that I rarely use   B.   Shampoo and conditioner only   C.   Is overflowing with sprays, mousses, waxes, gels and more   D.   Has a solid inventory of the necessary basics like hairspray, smoothing serum and volumiser   4. In a word, how would you describe your hair?   A.   Pretty   B.   Caref

Happy 2013 everyone! Usually I don’t make any New Year’s resolutions but this year I decided to make a list of my “beauty resolutions” ...   My 2013 beauty resolutions: Exfoliate face and body once a week.   Wear SPF 15 or higher   year-round, even during the winter months. Stop squinting!!  It can deepen fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead.  Never leave the house without dark sunglasses.  Make nail polish last longer   and avoid staining nails with dark colours by applying a base coat . Work out at least three times a week.  This will stimulate blood flow and circulation, resulting in healthier skin and body. Get the most out of a hair treatment  by squeezing excess water from the hair before applying.   This allows it to effectively penetrate the hair shaft. Don’t pull back hair too tightly .  Tight hair  styles can cause breakage.  Try out new DIY beauty recipes . What are your beauty resolutions for 2013?  Share them in the co

  Amazing Pheobe  Embellished  Hardcase clutch  (Accessorize)  Never leave for a night out without… Oil blotting paper -  There’s a fine line between glowing and greasy.   Dab away the oil gently so you don't wipe away what's left of your  make-up .   Tip :  If you don't have blotting papers, head to the ladies' room and tear off a piece of toilet-seat-cover paper.    Lip gloss -  Choose a gloss with some shine and a hint of colour. Q-tips -  Good for cleaning up smudgy eye  make-up .   Eyebrow gel/Clear mascara -  Just  in case  you notice your eyebrows need some grooming.   Hairbrush , h air bands and  bobby pins  - I n case you need to tame your hair.   Hand sanitiser -   Hand sanitiser is a lot quicker than going to the the bathroom to wash your hands.  And last but not least, don't forget your compact  mirror. Wishing that you are blessed with all that you desire in the year ahead.  Happy New Year!   What are yo

Hello everyone! Whether you’re going home for the Holidays to see family, or partying with your friends, undoubtedly you’ll want to look your best.   With these beauty tips you’ll be stunning! Festive make-up:              Vibrant red lips are a must this festive season. Black liner  swept across the top lid makes a bold yet elegant statement. Choose  eye shadow  shades the suit your eye colour .  Check out this post: Eye shadow colours that complement your eyes. Smokey eyes quickly change your look from day to evening. A is dark, B is the lightest, C is the second lightest, and D is the darkest. Holiday hair: One of the best beauty skill you can master is the art of simple hairdos.  Check out this post to learn how you can create this elegant, simple and most importantly quick, sophisticated hair bun . Skin: Although you may like sipping alcoholic drinks, your skin  doesn't!   Alcohol dehydrates you and can leave your skin dry a

Knowing your face shape is essential when choosing your hairstyle, make-up, eyebrow shape and even glasses.  There are nine different face shapes ; do you know which one you are?  Take this quiz and find out! 1. What best describes your forehead? A. Square B. Narrow C. Round 2. What best described your jawline and chin? A. Square B. Pointed C. Full or Round 3. Describe the width of your face? A. Wide B. Average C. Narrow 4. Look closely at your face - What do you see the most? A. Angles  B. Sharp edges C. Smooth round curves  Your results: If you answered mostly A, you have a Squarish Shape … Now find out which one you are: Square  - Square forehead and jaw, full cheeks, almost as wide as it is long. Rectangle  - Square forehead and jaw, longer than it is wide. If you answered mostly B, you have an Angular Shape … Now find out which one you are: Heart  - Rounded forehead and sharply tapered chins.