How To

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How To: What to Put Inside a Skincare Fridge

How To: An instructional series to instruct our readers with routines, guides, and recipes.

Not only for the cooling effects, but a skincare fridge may also extend the life of your products.

@mandymadd

Sheet Masks

Refreshing, tightening, and brightening — not to mention hydrating.

Eye Cream

Helps with deputing and can wake up your tired eyes.

Day Creams

Will increase their effectiveness at reducing puffiness, firming, and temporarily reducing the appearance of pores when kept in the fridge.

Facial Tools

Helps reduce puffiness, brightens the complexion by boosting the circulation and blood flow beneath the skin — giving a visible glow.

Temperature Sensitive Products

Like Vitamin C, a skincare fridge promotes shelf life.

Flawless by Finishing Touch Skincare Fridge

The compact mini fridge that keeps your beauty tools and skincare products cool.

$59.99

Shop here

Sephora Skincare Fridge

The convenient mini-fridge extends your products’ life and performance.

$60

Shop here

@reenasedit

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How To: Smooth and Glowy Legs

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How To: An instructional series to instruct our readers with routines, guides, and recipes.

Tips for Shaving:

Exfoliate your legs before you shave with a body exfoliator or a natural recipe. Try a mixture of white sugar and any oil.

Use a men’s razor for a closer shave.

Use a hair conditioner or baby oil gel with cocoa vaseline oil gel instead of a shaving cream.

After Shaving:

To reduce dry skin, look for products with petroleum or hyaluronic acid. After shaving, use a shave balm, like Men’s Nivea, and coconut oil to prevent razor bumps.

Apply Aveno daily lotion every night on your legs and feet.

@nastiacranberry

Nivea Men’s Shave Balm

Soothes and moisturizes skin after shaving. Use with coconut oil to prevent razor bumps.

$6.99

Shop here

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Helps improve the health of your dry skin. This daily body lotion replenishes moisture for softer and smoother skin and has been recommended by dermatologists, it is fragrance-free, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for daily use.

$8.99

Shop here

4 mistakes you may be making while shaving:

1. The water is too hot. This can dry out your skin and cause irritation. Use cooler water instead.
2. Using a dull razor blade. You put yourself at risk of cutting yourself. Change your blade every 2-3 weeks.
3. Not rinsing the blade enough. The hairs that stick between the blades clog the razor.
4. Not storing your razor correctly. It should be in a dry spot. Wet blades will rust.

@reenasedit | @mandymadd

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How To: Homemade Face Masks I Swear By

How To, Reena's Edit

How To: An instructional series to instruct our readers with routines, guides, and recipes.

Wash your face with soap and luke warm water. When rinsing, rinse with luke warm water as well. I have been using these recipes for years now. Mix and lather one on right before a bath and let it sit while you enjoy a lovely bath.

Brown Sugar and Olive Oil

– exfoliates and moisturizes, leaving you with a soft and glowing face

2 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil

Keep on for 7 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Honey

– calming, reducing inflammation and redness, and minimizes appearance of dark spots

2 tablespoons of honey, a splash of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Massage onto face and keep for 20 minutes.

This Homemade Face Mask Tightens Your Skin Better Than Botox

1 egg white, 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice

Keep on for 15 minutes and rinse with water or chamomile tea.

From shemademygrace.com

Vinegar as Toner

– cleanse and tighten skin

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water

Let dry and use twice a week.

@nastiacranberry

Egg

– freshen and moisturize

Dry skin – egg yolk | Oily skin – egg white with lemon or honey | Normal skin – entire egg

Keep on face for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Milk Mask

– freshen, rejuvenate and reduces blemishes

2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons nutmeg and 2 teaspoons milk

Keep on for 15 minutes and follow up with moisturizer.

Yogurt

– revitalizing (cleanse skin and tighten pores)

1 teaspoon plain yogurt, juice from 1/4 slice of an orange, some orange pulp, and 1 teaspoon aloe

Lather on face and let sit for 20 minutes.

@bellamichlo | @matildadjerf

How To: A Hustler’s Approach To Meditating

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How To: An instructional series to instruct our readers with routines, guides, and recipes.

Sitting down for 10-15 minutes every morning and evening to meditate may not be your cup of tea. Many of us are hustling to maintaining the duties of school or work, handling the responsibilities of our home and kids, and find ourselves not finding time to meditate. Most will analyze the process of sitting down and doing nothing as counterproductive. Indeed, the traditional method of meditating is sitting down, closing the eyes, and focusing on breathing. Meditation is not time to let your mind think about your duties you have swirling around. One sits and focuses on the breaths coming in and out.

What Is Meditating Essentially?

It’s the focusing of the mind. Have a focal point, like your breathing, and when your mind wanders, you bring it back. This way, you grow your attention and mindfulness. When you pay attention to your focal point, you learn to return to and remain the present moment.

Benefits: lower stress level, improve your focus, connect with yourself.

@myvisualcurrency

Notice how your mind gets caught up in other tasks. Your mind may wander so quickly without you even consciously asking it to do so. We practice mindfulness so we can learn to choose where we emphasize our focus. If you notice you get distracted during this exercise, you are letting your thoughts govern you every day. You think about your past and your future, but do you think about the present?

@discodaydream | @nastiacranberry

How To: 7 Days To Self Care

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How To: An instructional series to instruct our readers with routines, guides, and recipes.

Why should you care about your bad habits? “We are what we repeatedly do.” — Aristotle. Bad habits jeopardize your mental health from a broad perspective. Specifically, it may stand in the way of you accomplishing your goals. You may be wasting your time and your energy, or even hurt your physical health.

A Bad Habit You Have:

Maybe it’s continuing a toxic relationship, biting your nails, emotional eating, staying up late, sleeping in, smoking, drugs, etc. These bad habits don’t go away because we don’t pay as much attention to them as we should, and we don’t put in the effort to fix them either. It takes a lot of effort to fix, but most of us are willing to change!

13 Better Habits For A Better Life

1. plan out year, months, and weeks in advance
2. recite positive daily affirmations in the mirror
3. listen more than you speak
4. journal to keep your thoughts in order
5. have a morning and evening skin routine in place for accessibility
6. don’t do work on your bed, use a desk or an office area to put you in a working mindset
7. don’t worry about things you can’t control
8. don’t worry about something that hasn’t happened yet, you’re just living through it twice
9. buy a gym or yoga membership, you’ll be obliged to go to make your money worth while
10. do one thing now you’ve been putting off
11. spend an hour of learning – books, podcasts, online courses
12. declutter your wardrobe and “toss-drawer” in the mudroom
13. call your loved ones at least twice a week while you fold laundry or dust

Are you willing to change yourself? Yes, you are! That’s why you’re starting this 7-day process.

-Reena, Off White Mag

DAY 1

RECOGNIZE YOUR BAD HABIT

Don’t eliminate it, but replace it with something more beneficial to your body, your attitude, or whatever aspect of life you may be targeting. We replace a bad habit with a new one (a healthier one!) that provides a similar benefit. It’s challenging to change a pattern, and telling yourself to stop doing it is easier said than done.

Spend Day 1 to become aware of your bad habit, and your steps to replace it with something beneficial to you. Make a note of why this is considered a ‘bad habit’ to you, and why it’s harmful to your mind, body, or those around you. Write down your thoughts on why you are so motivated to start. Today as well, create a plan for when you are feeling uninspired.

> Find a substitute for your habit that will help you cope with your problems, whether it’s procrastination, stress, etc.
> Cut out anything that triggers you to go back to the habit. Avoid the things that cause it. If it’s eating junk food, throw it away, so you’re not tempted. Don’t shop on an empty stomach or on a day you’re not motivated.
> Surround yourself with people who inspire you to live like them- friends, YouTubers, influencers, etc.
> Join a friend for motivation. Dieting yourself on your own is very likely to slip up, but have a friend hold each other accountable.
> Have a visual of your life if you succeed and work towards it every day. Keep this in the front of your mind, place reminders all over your home of why you’re doing this, and take time to motivate yourself daily.

DAY 2

WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS OF MOTIVATION AS YOU’RE STILL FEELING MOTIVATED

These will help encourage you on the days when you’re feeling low. Also, jot down ideas or activities to keep yourself going when you make a mistake or feel like plunging back to the habit.

DAY 3

YOUR RUSH OF MOTIVATION MAY BE LEAVING NOW,

but fight through and find ways to encourage yourself. Remind yourself why this change is essential. Make an effort to spend time on an additional activity to energize yourself, or pass the time in place of the habit’s time. Most importantly, journal your thoughts and your feelings. Journaling brings clarity to a situation, and your emotions are real when you look at the words on the paper. You can thoroughly analyze them as well.

DAY 4

PLACE REMINDERS AROUND THE HOUSE TO REMIND YOU OF YOUR END GOAL

Place reminders around the house to remind you of your end goal
> fresh fruits on the kitchen countertop
> frame a photo of your dream vacation spot
> post stick-y notes on your mirror with reminders you’ll read every day

@chloelecareux

DAY 5

VISUALIZE YOURSELF LIVING WITHOUT THE BAD HABIT

Will it be a healthier body? Will you finish your work faster and have time for friends? Will it be money more in the bank to book a trip to Greece? Journal those ideas as well as your struggles if you are having any. Note the struggles your mind and body may be having due to the lack of this constant substance in life.

DAY 6

LOOK BACK AT THE OTHER DAYS,

and see how far you’ve come in the last few days. To most, it may be a long time! You may have been smoking daily. You may have been eating junk food daily instead of cooked meals. Analyze your thoughts on paper from today and the other days. Understand that change takes time. You’re almost seven days!

“Do it over and over again until it becomes part of who you are.”

Just as your bad habit became part of you, you are now replacing it with a new habit. It will be hard, because the new may not be as fulfilling but one must try. Your ‘old’ was harmful to your mind, body, soul, or those around you, but it was a habit.

Replacing a habit is difficult, and to some, it may be like ripping out a part of their life.

Soon, though, by doing this repeated effort of 7 days, you will put in place a new pattern in life. Soon, it will become a new part of who you are.

DAY 7

SOME OF US MAY HAVE SLIPPED UP THIS WEEK

but that does not mean you didn’t make it to Day 7. If you slipped up, you made a note of it in your journal and wrote down how you felt after doing so. We would feel guilty because our subconscious self feels that way when we have planted a seed that this habit is bad. That is the most important thing you may have discovered this week – you planted a seed of instilling guilt, and noticed the change on day 7.

Take note of the frequency of your mistakes. It would be best if you accepted that it takes time to change. To make this new, beneficial habit a habit, it will take you 63 days. Dr. Caroline Leaf explains that it takes 21 days to create a memory. You know you have to do this daily and fight this regularly. In the first 7 days, many of us will slip up, but don’t give up! That’s why we do 3 cycles of 7 days since it takes 21 days to break a pattern of thinking and create a new memory. We continue those 21 days twice more to be sure we won’t fall back into our bad habit.

Choose to see the reason why you’re doing this. Even I slipped up a few times in the first two weeks, but I made it through. In the end, after 63 days, I’m an improved being. You have to be responsible for your commitment, but if I can do it, so can you.

You can’t just brush off your bad habits. We are aware that getting out of a situation you’ve become used to takes time and effort. But always be encouraged and empowered to make the change that lasts. For the better you!

Tip To Keep You Going:

DON’T FORGET YOUR ROUTINES

Life still continues! Don’t forget to take good care of your body as well.
Self-care is not only pampering nights and relaxing activities. Self-care involves all aspects of mental health, like conquering bad habits and becoming a better you. Every day you are growing in yourself, but it is your responsibility to grow as a happy, healthier person instead of growing more in-depth into your struggles. As an aspect of you improves, you don’t become a new you. You’re merely bettering yourself.

We all have our struggles, and no one is perfect. We may never be. But improving your situation, your thinking, and your ways of living, makes for a happier day.

One thing that helped me carry on with self improvement was to keep up with the rest of my selfcare routines — skincare, baking weekly, workouts, journaling, and pampering nights.

How To: Spa Night — a 60-Minute Weekly Ritual

Featured Muse, How To

How To: An instructional series to instruct our readers with routines, guides, and recipes.

00:00-00:05

PREPARING THE BATH — run the water and throw in some bath salts. Light some candles on the side for the ultimate relaxing effect.

00:05-00:10

DRY BRUSHING — WE FIND THAT THERE ARE MANY BRANDS YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM FOR DRY BRUSH FOR YOUR FULL BODY EXFOLIATION. Just look for Dry Brush to be in the name.

Increases blood flow and stimulates collagen production, which helps to strengthen the body’s skin. It also improves elasticity, so it’s great for lifting and toning. Start by brushing the tops your feet and go up to the neck (don’t do the face though!). Do this before you hop into the bath.

00:10-00:20

FACIAL — FIRST STEP IS TO CLEANSE AND EXFOLIATE.

Use any cleanser you use daily on your face. Exfoliating will brighten your skin if done weekly. Try a chemical exfoliant to remove the skin’s dead layer for your skin to brighten and for your products to penetrate through better.

00:20-00:25

STEAMING YOUR FACE — TO OPEN UP YOUR PORES AND HELP LOOSEN THE BUILD-UP OF ANY DIRT YOU MAY HAVE.

Allows for a deeper cleanse. Soak a hand towel in hot water and wring it out. Place and pat slowly on your face for 5 minutes. It gives you the same effect as a steamer, but many of us don’t have one. If you get the chance, a steamer does wonders.

00:25-00:50

FACE MASKING — DIY OR A STORE-BOUGHT MASK.

(Opt for an all-natural, homemade face mask every once in a while)
A weekly facial gives your skin a boost of smoothing and brightening to maintain your skin on track.
Use a rinse-off mask for a gorgeous glow.
Use exfoliating peels if you have breakouts.
Use a cream mask for dryness, instead of oil-based masks.

FOR A DIY FACE MASK, TRY ANY OF THESE RECIPES

AVOCADO FACE MASK
— for moisturizing
1 avocado
1 egg white
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Mash the avocado and mix all ingredients. Apply and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

HONEY FACE MASK
— for scars and dark spots
2 teaspoons raw honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Mix the ingredients and apply to face for 20 minutes.

EGG WHITE FACE MASK
— helps shrink pores and prevent breakouts (simple but very effective!)
1 egg white

Apply to your cleansed face and allow to sit for 15 minutes.

Right after you put on your face mask, apply a hair mask as well. And then hop into the bath while they sit and do their work.

HAIR MASK AND TREATMENT — DIY or a store-bought mask. (Opt for an all-natural, homemade hair mask every once in a while) A deep conditioning hair mask is good for nourishing your hair and restoring the natural shine. Because of the build-up on the hair, this type of hair treatment can smooth the cuticle and rebuild the breakage along your hair’s shaft. If your hair is often styled and is damaged, opt for a repairing treatment or nourishing masks.

FOR A DIY HAIR MASK, TRY ANY OF THESE RECIPES

HONEY HAIR MASK
— FOR DULLNESS
2 tablespoons raw honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Apply to damp hair, covering it from root to tip and leave on for 15 minutes. (If your hair is long, you may need to increase the portions)

EGG WHITE AND LEMON HAIR MASK
— FOR GREASY HAIR
1 egg white
the fresh juice from half a lemon

Apply to hair for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water (not hot).

OLIVE AND COCONUT OIL HAIR MASK
— FOR BRITTLE, DAMAGED HAIR
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Mix and heat the oils (only a little bit to warm them!) and apply to your hair’s middle and ends.

Allow to sit for 20 minutes and shampoo after. (If your hair is long, you may need to increase the portions)

Apply the hair mask thoroughly using your fingers or a brush. Apply from the roots and then follow down to the ends of your hair.

Bath — ever heard of the Korean half bath?

It’s a spa experience that helps boost circulation. Fill the tub to your belly button (in a sitting position) with hot water and soon you’ll feel hot and sweaty, but try to sit in for 15 minutes or as much as you can handle. The contrast in temperatures is the technique. Add in some bath salts for a relaxing effect on your body.

00:50-00:55

AFTER MASKING, USE A SERUM

Together with a face mask, a serum works like a power duo. A plumping serum is recommended. There are many effective serums from The Ordinary for your skin’s different needs. Apply, but use a facial tool to massage it in (next step)!

All recommended products are found on the shop tab at reenasedit.com

I definitely recommend serums for anyone who is concerned about aging. It’s a really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen.

-Dr. Waldman

@bellamichlo

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FACIAL TOOLS

Face massage — with a jade roller or gua sha stones, and a face serum.

The beauty benefits are making everyone own at least one of these tools. First and foremost, a facial massage is a stress reliever. By giving yourself a daily face massage, this ritual relieves tension. The gentle pressure to your face stimulates circulation, allows a gentle toning, and creates a lifting effect. Place these tools in the refrigerator, and when you use them, the cooling sensation also helps to calm your skin and depuff it.

How to use a gun sha stone — never use on dry skin but with water or oil-based serum. Slowly repeat each action 5 times. (Photo from maed.co)

How to use a jade roller — gently roll on your face using this tutorial. Repeat about 5 slow rolls on each area. (Photo from blitzfacialbar.com)

How To: Homemade Eye Mask

How To, Reena's Edit

This mask can be used on your entire face, but I use it to focus under the eyes. It hydrates the under eye area and works on dark circles as well.

Mix 1 teaspoon of almond oil with 1 teaspoon of honey.

Apply and leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse off gently with water. Use it twice a week to get fast results!

@skincarestandard

How To: Energy Boosting Breakfast Smoothie

How To, Reena's Edit

A sweet, refreshing smoothie always starts my day in an energy boosting way. Here’s the recipe for the tropical smoothie I made this morning —

1/2 cup pineapple juice
10 ice cubes (skip if your fruit is frozen)
1/2 large banana
1/2 cup pineapple

1/2 cup mango
1 orange peeled
1/2 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional but adds essential vitamins and minerals)

— Makes two servings

@amaka.hamelijnck