Author: Admin01

The Bravolebrity talks Frick and Frack, shade, and her comeback. 

The anti-aging skin industry is currently growing at amazing rates. All of us aging beauties are looking for the next best product to reverse aging or make it stop and companies are making billions of dollars per year.

That’s an awful lot!

Did you know that you have plenty of amazing natural skin care products right in your kitchen and garden?

10 All Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

I want to share 10 of the best natural products for aging skin, and then I’ll give you the secret recipe to my anti-aging facial mask that is amazing and safe to use daily.

Before I share these natural anti-aging products with you, it’s important to make sure you do a sensitivity test to watch for allergic reactions. And of course, always consult your doctor before trying anything new, even natural products.

Aloe Vera Gel

Hands down without a doubt this is my #1 favourite product. I gently rub fresh aloe gel on my skin immediately after washing in the morning and the evening. Just a tiny amount will do! I don’t wash mine off though I feel that’s a preferential choice. It helps improve collagen production and skin elasticity. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps slow down the appearance of aging skin.

Honey

Who would have thought that this yummy sweet treat is also good to put right on your skin? Honey is amazing at retaining and rebuilding moisture on your skin without any irritation. It’s also really good at keeping the skin looking plump and young and preventing infections!

Word of caution: don’t leave it on your skin overnight or you may just end up being a human venus fly trap!

Turmeric

Turmeric can be taken orally, of course, in delicious foods and dishes but did you know you can also make a wonderful face mask with it too? Yup. Turmeric also boosts collagen production and speeds up the body’s ability to regenerate new skin. It’s also really great for lightening dark spots.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee is also a great brightening agent. It helps lighten age spots, sun spots, and reduces fine lines. It’s also great for acne and those nasty dark circles under your eyes. When using coffee grounds make sure they are super fine and don’t rub too hard. This can cause more damage than good.

Oatmeal

Oh gosh oatmeal has so many amazing skin benefits! Let’s start with how moisturizing it is. And then I can’t forget to mention it’s a wonderful exfoliant and cleansing ingredient too!! Another great product that boosts collagen and helps tighten and brighten the skin.

Yogurt

Yogurt is an amazing product for your skin. It is high in alpha hydroxy acid which is fantastic for reducing fine lines and preventing wrinkles. Using yogurt in a face mask is a really great way to get the most out of it.

Cocoa Powder

Besides putting this in your morning smoothie to make it chocolatey (yum), cocoa powder is also great for detoxifying your skin and increasing its elasticity. It also reduces oxidative stress which leads to premature aging.

Mangoes

These are super high in Vitamin C, not to mention they are also super delicious. Next time you are making a face mask, blend some mango in there too. This fruit helps boost collagen production too. Mangoes are high in antioxidants which help prevent premature aging.

Bananas

You can plop one in your blender for your smoothie and then mash another for your face! Bananas are considered nature’s Botox as they plump up your skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. They are also high in Vitamin A and zinc.

Essential Oils

Oh, how I love these. Where do I begin? Here are my recommendations for essential oils for the skin:

• Lemon
• Lavender
• Frankincense
• Neroli
• Rose
• Rosemary
• Carrot seed
• Sandalwood

Just to name a few. Add a couple of drops of any of these into a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Avocado, and you have a wonderful cleansing oil for your face!

More Tips for Healthy Aging Skin

Taking care of our skin also includes doing things from the inside like eating a healthy, well balanced diet, reducing your sugar intake, cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking.

Getting a good night’s sleep and proper exercise also play a huge role in how our skin, and bodies, age! I recently just started doing yoga and that has made a huge difference in how strong my body feels. I love it.

It’s never too late and you’re never too old to start a new health regime. Start small and go slow, but just start somewhere!

Skin Care Doesn’t Have to Hurt or Cost a Fortune

I get that some women don’t mind going under the knife for cosmetic surgery. I tried it once, a small filler and a little Botox, and I hated both and have never done it again. I’m aging, and I’m totally ok with that. I don’t need to look 25 or 35 or 40 anymore.

At almost 60, I’ve honestly never felt better in my entire life. It’s never too late to start self-care. You are so worth it!

Iva’s Anti-Aging Mask

This is my anti-aging mask that I use daily! Don’t forget to test the ingredients first to make sure you have no allergies!

2 teaspoons oatmeal

1 teaspoon natural honey

2 teaspoons all natural yogurt

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon super fine grind coffee

2-3 drops of each essential oil – neroli, lavender, frankincense, rosemary

Apply gently on your skin and let sit for 10-20 minutes. Wash off gently. I usually apply aloe vera gel right after this and my skin feels amazing! Mmmmmm. This should last in the fridge up to one week.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you take care of your skin on a daily basis? What about weekly basis? Do you have your own recipe for skin care? Which are your favorite natural products that you use to make your skin glow?

I had cataract surgery the other week – both eyes. It is amazing to wake up in the morning and see clearly without having to first put on glasses. Colors are more vibrant, and I am noticing things that I wasn’t able to see before. Sadly, these things also include the wrinkles on my face, grey hair, and brown spots.

I have worn glasses for more than half of my life and I always thought of them as an albatross, literally around my eyes. I chose my eyeglass frames carefully as I was actually creating what my face would look like, kind of like choosing which components to add to an emoji. My eyeglasses became part of my identity and style. Now that I only need glasses for reading, my face is an open canvas and I see a lot more irregularities.

In a previous piece titled “I Am Cataract Old,” I wrote about how the “old age diseases” creep up on you and how these events may become certain catalysts in one’s life. Well, with one “old age” ailment taken care of, I now see others – wrinkles, brown spots, and nonsense.

I Can See Clearly Now

Yes, I know the imperfections were always there, but now I see them more clearly and don’t have spectacles covering them up. Don’t get me wrong, I love my new eyesight, it’s just that sometimes what you don’t see, won’t hurt you. Now with 20/20 vision, I see EVERYTHING and that means coming to grips with the entire picture, warts and all.

Amazingly, this new clarity in vision trickles over to the inanimate. I have seemed to gain a super power in detecting poppycock. They say with age comes wisdom, and I now see people for what they truly stand for, not just what appears outwardly. Yes, this is a metaphor, and I am taking this opportunity to bring clarity in all aspects of my life.

It’s interesting how one action brings more focus to another (no pun intended). As I embrace seeing my surroundings for what they truly are, this also includes seeing certain behaviors as they are and making appropriate adjustments.

Cataract Surgery Is Truly Eye-Opening

Just as I will be applying makeup differently to my face, and may even select a different color palette to accommodate what I am now able to see more clearly; I will now concentrate on surrounding myself with people who share my values and bring joy to my life. I will focus on living authentically. I will no longer let my eyes deceive me (pun intended).

Cataract surgery truly is eye-opening. I am thankful for the clarity it has brought me in seeing everything! No more blurry lenses. What you see is what you get.

Let’s Discuss:

Are your friendships changing as you get older? Was there ever an “a-ha” moment that put you on a certain path?

See what he’s said.

When it comes to achieving a seamless makeup look, having the right tools is just as important as having the right makeup products themselves. The best makeup brushes can help you blend, sculpt, and define with precision, making your beauty routine easier and more effective. 

A high-quality brush ensures that your foundation goes on smoothly, your blush is blended to perfection, and your eyeshadow has a flawless finish. Understanding which brushes to use and how to care for them will make a world of difference in your routine.

Top picks for makeup brushes:

1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush – This brush features ultra-soft synthetic bristles that help evenly distribute foundation without absorbing too much product.
2. EcoTools Full Powder Brush – This eco-friendly brush is made with synthetic bristles that feel luxurious on the skin and apply powder evenly for a flawless finish. 
3. Sigma F10 Blush Brush – This high-quality brush is designed to deposit just the right amount of blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blending it out for a natural glow. 
4. Morphe M433 Pro Firm Blending Brush – A favorite among makeup artists, this brush has the perfect balance of firmness and fluffiness for blending shadows effortlessly.

Continue reading to discover more makeup brushes.

Read more: How to Choose the Best Makeup Products for Your Skin

What Are the Different Types of Makeup Brushes, and How Do You Use Them?

Makeup brushes come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. The right brush will help you achieve a polished, professional look with minimal effort. Here are some essential brushes and tips on how to use them.

Foundation Brush

A dense, flat or rounded brush designed for applying liquid or cream foundation evenly. A high-quality foundation brush ensures smooth, streak-free coverage. Flat foundation brushes work best for precise application, while buffing brushes help blend the foundation seamlessly into the skin for a more natural finish.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush – This brush features ultra-soft synthetic bristles that help evenly distribute foundation without absorbing too much product. Its slightly domed shape allows for precise buffing and blending.

iT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Brush #6 – This densely packed brush is perfect for blending liquid and powder foundations effortlessly. It provides an airbrushed finish with minimal effort.

Powder Brush

A large, fluffy brush used for setting makeup with loose or pressed powder. The soft bristles evenly distribute powder across the skin without disturbing the foundation underneath. A high-quality powder brush helps prevent cakiness and ensures your makeup stays in place throughout the day.

EcoTools Full Powder Brush – This eco-friendly brush is made with synthetic bristles that feel luxurious on the skin and apply powder evenly for a flawless finish. 

Bobbi Brown Powder Brush – This ultra-soft, dome-shaped brush applies powder smoothly without disturbing foundation.

Blush Brush

A medium-sized brush with soft, tapered bristles that blend powder blush seamlessly. The slightly rounded shape helps diffuse the pigment evenly across the cheeks, preventing harsh lines and over-application.

Sigma F10 Blush Brush – This high-quality brush is designed to deposit just the right amount of blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blending it out for a natural glow. 

e.l.f. Blush Brush – An affordable, high-performing brush with soft bristles that pick up just the right amount of product for a fresh, radiant look.

Eyeshadow Blending Brush

A fluffy brush perfect for blending eyeshadow in the crease for a smooth transition between colors. A good blending brush allows for a seamless gradient, preventing harsh lines and creating a professional-looking eye makeup look.

Morphe M433 Pro Firm Blending Brush – A favorite among makeup artists, this brush has the perfect balance of firmness and fluffiness for blending shadows effortlessly.

MAC 217 Blending Brush – This iconic blending brush is a must-have for flawless eyeshadow application. Its tapered bristles create a seamless look.

Angled Brow Brush

A firm, angled brush that helps define eyebrows with powders, pomades, or gels. A high-quality brow brush provides precision and control, making it easy to create natural-looking, well-defined brows.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush 12 – This dual-ended brush features an angled side for applying brow products and a spoolie for blending and shaping. 

Benefit Cosmetics Angled Brow Brush & Spoolie – A great tool for applying brow products with precision while keeping hairs in place.

How Do You Choose the Best Makeup Brushes?

Choosing the best makeup brushes depends on a few key factors. The right brush can make a significant difference in how your makeup applies and wears throughout the day.

• Bristle Type: Synthetic brushes are best for liquid and cream products as they don’t absorb too much product and allow for an even application. Natural bristles, on the other hand, are preferred for powder products as they pick up and distribute pigment more effectively.
• Brush Shape: Different brush shapes serve different purposes. A rounded brush is great for blending, an angled brush helps with precise application, and a flat brush is perfect for packing on pigment.
• Handle Length: Longer handles provide better control and are easier to use for detailed work, while shorter handles are compact and great for travel.
• Brand Reputation: Opt for reputable brands known for durability and high-quality craftsmanship. Brushes that maintain their shape and bristle integrity over time will save you money in the long run.
• Budget: While high-end brushes often offer superior performance, there are plenty of affordable options that provide excellent results. Investing in a good set of brushes can enhance your makeup application and ensure a polished finish.

How Do You Care for Your Makeup Brushes?

Proper care extends the lifespan of your brushes and keeps them free from bacteria, which can cause skin irritation and even infections. Regular cleaning also ensures that your makeup applies smoothly without streaks or unwanted color mixing.

• Clean Regularly – Brushes used with liquid or cream products should be cleaned at least once a week, while powder brushes can be cleaned every two weeks.
• Use Lukewarm Water – Avoid hot water, as it can weaken the glue holding the bristles in place and cause shedding.
• Avoid Soaking the Handles – Keep water away from the ferrule (the metal part holding the bristles) to prevent loosening.
• Use a Gentle Cleanser – A mild shampoo, brush cleanser, or gentle soap will effectively remove product buildup and bacteria without damaging the bristles.
• Dry Flat – After washing, reshape the bristles and lay the brushes flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid drying them upright, as water can seep into the handle and cause damage.
• Store Properly – Keep your brushes in a dry place, preferably in a brush holder or case, to protect them from dust and bacteria.

A highly recommended brush cleaner is Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner – This fast-drying, antimicrobial formula effectively removes product buildup while conditioning the bristles.

By choosing the right brushes and taking proper care of them, you’ll enhance your makeup application and enjoy long-lasting, beautifully applied makeup.

Read more: Transform Your Makeup Game with This 1 Crucial Hack for Mature Skin.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you own makeup brushes? What makeup brush brand is your go-to? How do you care for your makeup brushes? Do you have any recommendations to add to our list of makeup brushes? Tell us about it in the comments below.