How to maintain your summer tan

We all know how frustrating it is to spend all summer working on that killer summer tan, just to loose in an instant when fall sets in.

Although it's hard to maintain your healthy summer tan throughout the winter, there are ways to help you keep it for just a while longer.

1. Moisturizer is your new best friend

For most of you it might seem obvious but you really need to keep your skin super moisturized if you want to keep your tan for a longer period. Try to apply a moisturizer at least twice a day to delay skin exfoliation.

Also avoid taking long showers or baths, as they will have a similar effect on your skin as cosmetic exfoliation has.

2. Work from the inside too

Work from the inside too not only from the outside. Eat vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamin E, and zinc. For egg. broccoli, vinegars, apricots, apples, peaches, watermelon, peanuts and sunflower seeds.

Also drink plenty of water to help your skin look healthier.

3. Sunless tanners

This is a more like cheating but once your sun tanned starts to fade, you can start considering sunless cream tanners. Try a gradual tanner that slowly builds up your color. Before you use any tanning creams be sure to scrub your entire body.

4. Makeup tricks

When the cold weather sets in, you can create the tanned skin by using makeup tricks. The magic is in a little bronzer and blush!

Sweep a bit of bronzer across your cheekbones, nose, and forehead to highlight those areas. Finish the look with blush on the apples of your cheeks for a natural look.

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10 Superfoods for Beautiful Skin

Here's the list of the top 10 superfoods for beautiful skin nutritionists, celebrities, estheticians and makeup artists are raving about. Make your skin glow from the inside by feeding it essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in the healthiest superfoods!

By now, we know that beauty starts from within. The secret, known by many celebrities, estheticians and makeup artists, is in the foods we eat. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, contain a multitude of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that not only give the skin a radiant glow, but also help improve its texture and fight the effects of aging. Here are 10 superfoods to add to your diet now, and how they work to beautify your skin:

Greens, like broccoli and kale

These are chock full of vitamin C, which builds the immune system internally and helps to promote cell turnover, which is essential since slow-acting cells will clog the skin and give it a dull appearance. Vitamin C is also known to help the skin resist damage from the sun.

Pumpkin

This autumn vegetable, and other brightly colored produce, is packed with vitamin A, which is actually believed to help fight off signs of aging skin like brown spots and wrinkles. Try adding pumpkin puree to a smoothie.

Green tea

This is another powerhouse menu item, in that green tea has been proven in studies to boost the skin's defenses and fight off wrinkles and age-related discoloration (like age spots). It also fends off unsightly blotchiness and with tons of anti-inflammatory agents, helps the skin to heal, too.

Spices like ginger and turmeric

These calorie-free natural flavor enhancers contain anti-inflammatory agents that will help your skin repair from damage – like dreaded pimples or sunburns.

Asparagus

You may be surprised to learn that asparagus is a great source of vitamin E, which has been proven to help the skin's cell membranes repair themselves. It's great for the hair and fingernails, as well.

Garlic

It may not be your breath's best friend, but garlic contains selenium, a powerhouse mineral that fights off toxins and free radicals that can dull the skin's complexion. Plus it defends against inflammation, as well.

Coffee

This morning staple has received a lot of attention lately for its antioxidant benefits for health on many levels, and that includes the skin, too. However, be careful because too much caffeine from coffee can keep you awake and wreak havoc on your much-needed beauty sleep. Be sure to stop drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks no later than 2 p.m. every day.

Avocados

Yummy, smooth avocados work in nearly any meal of the day (add some to your omelet or smoothie in the morning) and they're excellent for your skin as well because they include vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both essential for cellular health.

Nuts

Grab a handful of nuts and get lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which help with cell metabolism and can also give dry skin cells a bit of internal hydration and may even increase the skin's natural barrier, protecting against the environment and the sun.

Poultry

Quality protein is essential to a healthy, glowing complexion because it helps to boost the skin's natural collagen production. Collagen is the protein-based substance within the skin that gives the complexion a more youthful-looking lift.

Source

10 Superfoods for Beautiful Skin

Here's the list of the top 10 superfoods for beautiful skin nutritionists, celebrities, estheticians and makeup artists are raving about. Make your skin glow from the inside by feeding it essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in the healthiest superfoods!

By now, we know that beauty starts from within. The secret, known by many celebrities, estheticians and makeup artists, is in the foods we eat. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, contain a multitude of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that not only give the skin a radiant glow, but also help improve its texture and fight the effects of aging. Here are 10 superfoods to add to your diet now, and how they work to beautify your skin:

Greens, like broccoli and kale

These are chock full of vitamin C, which builds the immune system internally and helps to promote cell turnover, which is essential since slow-acting cells will clog the skin and give it a dull appearance. Vitamin C is also known to help the skin resist damage from the sun.

Pumpkin

This autumn vegetable, and other brightly colored produce, is packed with vitamin A, which is actually believed to help fight off signs of aging skin like brown spots and wrinkles. Try adding pumpkin puree to a smoothie.

Green tea

This is another powerhouse menu item, in that green tea has been proven in studies to boost the skin's defenses and fight off wrinkles and age-related discoloration (like age spots). It also fends off unsightly blotchiness and with tons of anti-inflammatory agents, helps the skin to heal, too.

Spices like ginger and turmeric

These calorie-free natural flavor enhancers contain anti-inflammatory agents that will help your skin repair from damage – like dreaded pimples or sunburns.

Asparagus

You may be surprised to learn that asparagus is a great source of vitamin E, which has been proven to help the skin's cell membranes repair themselves. It's great for the hair and fingernails, as well.

Garlic

It may not be your breath's best friend, but garlic contains selenium, a powerhouse mineral that fights off toxins and free radicals that can dull the skin's complexion. Plus it defends against inflammation, as well.

Coffee

This morning staple has received a lot of attention lately for its antioxidant benefits for health on many levels, and that includes the skin, too. However, be careful because too much caffeine from coffee can keep you awake and wreak havoc on your much-needed beauty sleep. Be sure to stop drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks no later than 2 p.m. every day.

Avocados

Yummy, smooth avocados work in nearly any meal of the day (add some to your omelet or smoothie in the morning) and they're excellent for your skin as well because they include vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both essential for cellular health.

Nuts

Grab a handful of nuts and get lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which help with cell metabolism and can also give dry skin cells a bit of internal hydration and may even increase the skin's natural barrier, protecting against the environment and the sun.

Poultry

Quality protein is essential to a healthy, glowing complexion because it helps to boost the skin's natural collagen production. Collagen is the protein-based substance within the skin that gives the complexion a more youthful-looking lift.

Source

5 Habits to Quit for Better-Looking Skin

Do your skin a favor and quit the following bad skin habits that may sabotage your beauty routine! Get radiant, better-looking skin naturally by giving your body the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals to look its best.

One of the easiest ways to determine someone's health is to simply look at their skin. As the largest organ on the body, the skin is a direct reflection of what's going on internally and what you're putting it through externally. We spend a lot of time worrying about what to do to the skin to improve it. But what about what you shouldn't do? Here are five habits to cut out of your life today:

1. Stop skimping on water

Dehydration is one of the top culprits when it comes to dull skin that develops fine lines anywhere on the body. You need to drink water to rehydrate and detoxify all of your body's organs, especially the skin. You can tell that your skin is dehydrated if its lacking a glow and if it feels especially tight and inflexible. If you need additional flavor in your water, add some fresh lemon juice, which is invigorating, energizing and detoxifying, too.

2. Move your body

Your skin, just like the rest of your body, needs good circulation to look healthy. Exercise gets the lymphatic system moving, which gives skin a healthy glow and promotes better cell turnover, an important element for beautiful skin.

3. Stop smoking

Nothing good is coming from this bad habit – internally or externally. It breaks down your natural collagen, which keeps the skin plump, and it also saps protective vitamin C. Not to mention that sucking on a cigarette is the No. 1 factor in developing those unsightly vertical lines along the top of your lips. And finally, the chemicals in cigarettes cause dehydration in the skin.

4. Eat well

Your diet plays a direct role in the look of your skin. Some foods work for your benefit, and others to your detriment. Cut out toxic foods like overly salty, processed or fatty foods, all of which cause excess oil production in the skin that leads to blemishes. You skin needs lots of healthy nutrients, vitamins and minerals to look its best, so go for fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy. Raw produce is best, but add it slowly to your diet to avoid stomach upset and work up to having raw veggies at every meal. Organic poultry is a great protein source that will actually help boost your collagen production. And don't forget omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, almonds or olive oil, to hydrate the skin from within.

5. Shun the sun

While it may give you a golden glow when you tan, the damage is not worth it. Unprotected sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin and is the No. 1 cause of age spots, wrinkles and dryness in the skin. Not to mention that you're putting yourself at risk for skin cancer. Wear sun protection every day, even if it's not particularly sunny out. If you want a tan, invest in a spray tan or a tinted moisturizer or bronzer to give you a temporary glow.

Source

5 Habits to Quit for Better-Looking Skin

Do your skin a favor and quit the following bad skin habits that may sabotage your beauty routine! Get radiant, better-looking skin naturally by giving your body the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals to look its best.

One of the easiest ways to determine someone's health is to simply look at their skin. As the largest organ on the body, the skin is a direct reflection of what's going on internally and what you're putting it through externally. We spend a lot of time worrying about what to do to the skin to improve it. But what about what you shouldn't do? Here are five habits to cut out of your life today:

1. Stop skimping on water

Dehydration is one of the top culprits when it comes to dull skin that develops fine lines anywhere on the body. You need to drink water to rehydrate and detoxify all of your body's organs, especially the skin. You can tell that your skin is dehydrated if its lacking a glow and if it feels especially tight and inflexible. If you need additional flavor in your water, add some fresh lemon juice, which is invigorating, energizing and detoxifying, too.

2. Move your body

Your skin, just like the rest of your body, needs good circulation to look healthy. Exercise gets the lymphatic system moving, which gives skin a healthy glow and promotes better cell turnover, an important element for beautiful skin.

3. Stop smoking

Nothing good is coming from this bad habit – internally or externally. It breaks down your natural collagen, which keeps the skin plump, and it also saps protective vitamin C. Not to mention that sucking on a cigarette is the No. 1 factor in developing those unsightly vertical lines along the top of your lips. And finally, the chemicals in cigarettes cause dehydration in the skin.

4. Eat well

Your diet plays a direct role in the look of your skin. Some foods work for your benefit, and others to your detriment. Cut out toxic foods like overly salty, processed or fatty foods, all of which cause excess oil production in the skin that leads to blemishes. You skin needs lots of healthy nutrients, vitamins and minerals to look its best, so go for fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy. Raw produce is best, but add it slowly to your diet to avoid stomach upset and work up to having raw veggies at every meal. Organic poultry is a great protein source that will actually help boost your collagen production. And don't forget omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, almonds or olive oil, to hydrate the skin from within.

5. Shun the sun

While it may give you a golden glow when you tan, the damage is not worth it. Unprotected sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin and is the No. 1 cause of age spots, wrinkles and dryness in the skin. Not to mention that you're putting yourself at risk for skin cancer. Wear sun protection every day, even if it's not particularly sunny out. If you want a tan, invest in a spray tan or a tinted moisturizer or bronzer to give you a temporary glow.

Source

Easy Homemade Body Scrub Recipes

Ran out of body scrub or you just want to try eco savvy, pocket-friendly alternatives? Find out how to make your own homemade body scrubs with our five easy recipes! Your shower might be a mess, but who cares when your skin is soft, silky and baby smooth!

If you're not paying attention, your body's skin can easily get weighed down with dead skin cells that create dry patches on your elbows, cracked skin on your heels or simply and overall, drab appearance. To restore softer, smoother skin that seems to glow from within, it's necessary to slough away all those dead skin cells. While you can purchase high-priced exfoliators at the beauty supply store, many of them are filled with artificial fragrances and other chemicals that can actually cause more damage to your skin than benefits – especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you'd rather go a more natural route, you can simply check your pantry and refrigerator for the ingredients to combine homemade body scrubs that smell delicious and greatly improve the texture of your skin. Because the skin on your body is typically less sensitive than your face, you might want to try more abrasive scrubbing agents in your recipes. Here are five to try today:

Zesty Body Scrub

1 cup oil such as sweet almond, olive oil, coconut oil or your favorite body oil

2 cups coarse sea salt

Zest of one lemon

Mix together the oil and sea salt until you form a nice paste. Stir in the lemon zest for extra fragrance and energizing properties.

To use, gently rub onto moist skin (like while you're in the shower), focusing on dry patches, such as the elbows, knees and heels. Rinse off and follow up with a lotion to lock in the moisture.

To store the rest of your scrub, place it into a plastic jar with tight-fitting lid. Use remainder of scrub within a week.

Rise and Shine Body Scrub

½ cup brewed coffee grounds, cooled

3 tablespoons sea salt

Within a half an hour after brewing your coffee, mix the grounds with the salt to form a thick, coarse paste. Smooth generous amounts all over your skin, massaging in circular motions and focusing on extra-dry areas of skin. Wash off with a moisturizing body gel and follow with a hydrating body lotion.

Sweet Apple Body Scrub

½ cup granulated white sugar

1 cup unscented, unflavored applesauce

½ cup olive oil (or other oil of your choosing)

Mix all ingredients together and massage into the skin in sections, rubbing for a minute or two in each area. Rinse off and moisturize skin with your favorite body lotion.

Quick Brown Sugar Scrub

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup olive, coconut or almond oil

Blend sugar and oil together until it makes a smooth paste. In the shower, rub the scrub in circular motions onto the skin, wherever it is dry and needs exfoliation. Rinse off with warm water. Lock in moisture with your favorite body lotion.

Pumpkin Pie Body Scrub

1 can of pumpkin

¾ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Whisk pumpkin and sugar together until well mixed. Add cinnamon and mix again. Use this fragrant scrub in the shower as you massage it into damp skin, focusing on your knees, elbows, hands and feet. Rinse off with warm water and follow with a body moisturizer.

Source

Easy Homemade Body Scrub Recipes

Ran out of body scrub or you just want to try eco savvy, pocket-friendly alternatives? Find out how to make your own homemade body scrubs with our five easy recipes! Your shower might be a mess, but who cares when your skin is soft, silky and baby smooth!

If you're not paying attention, your body's skin can easily get weighed down with dead skin cells that create dry patches on your elbows, cracked skin on your heels or simply and overall, drab appearance. To restore softer, smoother skin that seems to glow from within, it's necessary to slough away all those dead skin cells. While you can purchase high-priced exfoliators at the beauty supply store, many of them are filled with artificial fragrances and other chemicals that can actually cause more damage to your skin than benefits – especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you'd rather go a more natural route, you can simply check your pantry and refrigerator for the ingredients to combine homemade body scrubs that smell delicious and greatly improve the texture of your skin. Because the skin on your body is typically less sensitive than your face, you might want to try more abrasive scrubbing agents in your recipes. Here are five to try today:

Zesty Body Scrub

1 cup oil such as sweet almond, olive oil, coconut oil or your favorite body oil

2 cups coarse sea salt

Zest of one lemon

Mix together the oil and sea salt until you form a nice paste. Stir in the lemon zest for extra fragrance and energizing properties.

To use, gently rub onto moist skin (like while you're in the shower), focusing on dry patches, such as the elbows, knees and heels. Rinse off and follow up with a lotion to lock in the moisture.

To store the rest of your scrub, place it into a plastic jar with tight-fitting lid. Use remainder of scrub within a week.

Rise and Shine Body Scrub

½ cup brewed coffee grounds, cooled

3 tablespoons sea salt

Within a half an hour after brewing your coffee, mix the grounds with the salt to form a thick, coarse paste. Smooth generous amounts all over your skin, massaging in circular motions and focusing on extra-dry areas of skin. Wash off with a moisturizing body gel and follow with a hydrating body lotion.

Sweet Apple Body Scrub

½ cup granulated white sugar

1 cup unscented, unflavored applesauce

½ cup olive oil (or other oil of your choosing)

Mix all ingredients together and massage into the skin in sections, rubbing for a minute or two in each area. Rinse off and moisturize skin with your favorite body lotion.

Quick Brown Sugar Scrub

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup olive, coconut or almond oil

Blend sugar and oil together until it makes a smooth paste. In the shower, rub the scrub in circular motions onto the skin, wherever it is dry and needs exfoliation. Rinse off with warm water. Lock in moisture with your favorite body lotion.

Pumpkin Pie Body Scrub

1 can of pumpkin

¾ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Whisk pumpkin and sugar together until well mixed. Add cinnamon and mix again. Use this fragrant scrub in the shower as you massage it into damp skin, focusing on your knees, elbows, hands and feet. Rinse off with warm water and follow with a body moisturizer.

Source

Shine Control Tips / Summer Skin Care

Don't accept excessive oiliness and unwanted shine as a fact of life this summer. Try some of these fun and effective strategies instead to be able to keep things under control.

Summer comes with a lot of perks, but at the same time, it brings a whole new set of challenges to deal with. Among the most common summer complaints when it comes to skin care there is excessive oiliness which tends to emerge at the worst possible times. Being prepared and minimizing damage are the best ways to deal with this problem. Here are a few ways to maintain the illusion of perfect skin without relying solely on blotting papers:

Try acne-fighting cleansers

Even if the days when you were battling acne are officially gone, if you're having regular shine issues, using a salicilic acid based cleanser can be a good idea. Don't go beyond 2% concentration though, as it might have opposite effects.

Switch up your night cream

You realized the need for lighter formula moisturizer the minute temperatures started soaring. But have you applied the same logic for your night cream? If you didn't, it's time to go lighter to see better results without much effort. Also, skip the entire nose area which gets enough moisture as it is.

Don't skimp on facials

Even if you don't necessarily feel like spending big bucks on spa visits, keeping the ritual of applying suitable homemade facials on a weekly basis should be an important concern. Choose adequate facials like clay based ones for a better result.

Eat right

It's not only the products you put on your skin that influence the degree of oiliness you experience. Spicy foods along with alcoholic beverages such as cocktails dilate blood vessels causing your skin to sweat more. Limit your consumption of these and instead fill up on a variety of fruits and veggies with high water content and save a few calories in the process.

Try mineral based sunblock

It might seem unintuitive but it appears that sunblock can actually help control shine and excessive oil production. Micronized zinc or titanium dioxide are the two helpful ingredients for this purpose. Denatured alcohol is another helpful ingredient which can keep the skin oil free. Of course, be sure not to overdo makeup in the summer for best results.

Source

Shine Control Tips / Summer Skin Care

Don't accept excessive oiliness and unwanted shine as a fact of life this summer. Try some of these fun and effective strategies instead to be able to keep things under control.

Summer comes with a lot of perks, but at the same time, it brings a whole new set of challenges to deal with. Among the most common summer complaints when it comes to skin care there is excessive oiliness which tends to emerge at the worst possible times. Being prepared and minimizing damage are the best ways to deal with this problem. Here are a few ways to maintain the illusion of perfect skin without relying solely on blotting papers:

Try acne-fighting cleansers

Even if the days when you were battling acne are officially gone, if you're having regular shine issues, using a salicilic acid based cleanser can be a good idea. Don't go beyond 2% concentration though, as it might have opposite effects.

Switch up your night cream

You realized the need for lighter formula moisturizer the minute temperatures started soaring. But have you applied the same logic for your night cream? If you didn't, it's time to go lighter to see better results without much effort. Also, skip the entire nose area which gets enough moisture as it is.

Don't skimp on facials

Even if you don't necessarily feel like spending big bucks on spa visits, keeping the ritual of applying suitable homemade facials on a weekly basis should be an important concern. Choose adequate facials like clay based ones for a better result.

Eat right

It's not only the products you put on your skin that influence the degree of oiliness you experience. Spicy foods along with alcoholic beverages such as cocktails dilate blood vessels causing your skin to sweat more. Limit your consumption of these and instead fill up on a variety of fruits and veggies with high water content and save a few calories in the process.

Try mineral based sunblock

It might seem unintuitive but it appears that sunblock can actually help control shine and excessive oil production. Micronized zinc or titanium dioxide are the two helpful ingredients for this purpose. Denatured alcohol is another helpful ingredient which can keep the skin oil free. Of course, be sure not to overdo makeup in the summer for best results.

Source

Model Freja Beha Erichsen Shares Her Top Beauty Secrets with Teen Vogue

Teen Vogue got the chance to chat with famous Danish model Freja Beha Erichsen and talked about her top beauty secrets, her style and being the new face of Valentino's 'Valentina' fragrance.

Freja Beha Erichsen appeared in ad campaigns for numerous famous brands such as Balenciaga, Jil Sander, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Hermès, Isabel Marant, Chanel, Emporio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Chloé, Karl Lagerfeld, and Tom Ford eyeswear. She is also one of the faces of the fragrance Gucci by Gucci along side Natasha Poly and Raquel Zimmermann, and starred in the television ad directed by David Lynch.

Teen Vogue got the opportunity to chat with the famous Danish model and talked about her top beauty secrets, her style and being the new face of Valentino's 'Valentina' fragrance.

Discovered when she was 17, Freja is also renowned for her 16 tatoos which include "float" written on her neck, "serendipity is life" on the back of her right arm and "this world tonight is mine" on her right wrist. When it comes to her style, Freja admits that, "I like to be casual. I feel at home in my favorite outfit: a leather jacket with a tank top or T-shirt, black skinny jeans — which I have at least 20 pairs of — and flat boots." Moreover, she suggests, "Buy quality, and mix it with something more casual."

Talking to Teen Vogue, Freja also reveals some of her top beauty secrets. "I really just believe in healthy skin. I try not to wear makeup unless I have to for work — I usually wash my face right after shoots and also before I go to bed," she explains. "And I eat a lot of fruit for vitamins." What else? "I try to find a moment to relax wherever I am. Doing that helps my skin," she says.

In fact, Freja confesses that she just tries to be herself. "I don't worry too much about the way I look," she says. "I do know that when you're uncomfortable, you act differently. So I always just try to be myself."

In 2011, the 24-year-old model was named the face of the fragrance 'Valentina' by Valentino. It seems that Freja's love for all-things-simple made designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli choose her to represent the brand's first signature scent. "She's a little bit punk, a little bit princess. You can't define her in one word, which you can do with some models," says Pier. "She can really change from fragile to strong with one look."

For the fragrance's campaign, Freja had to transform her grungy appearance into a super-feminine and romantic one, specific to the brand. "Valentino is romantic, ultrafeminine, and beautiful—but it's also a little rock 'n' roll," she explains. "Think of all the leather and studs! I never have a problem switching from my day-to-day style to another 'world' — it's my job."

Directed by Johan Renck, the ad is a tribute to Rome and its particular spirit of 'la dolce vita.' "Shooting the ad was like being in an Italian film! The paparazzi were calling out at me, and I loved the locations we shot in," Freja recalls. "It was so enjoyable to do something different, like acting." 

Source

Model Freja Beha Erichsen Shares Her Top Beauty Secrets with Teen Vogue

Teen Vogue got the chance to chat with famous Danish model Freja Beha Erichsen and talked about her top beauty secrets, her style and being the new face of Valentino's 'Valentina' fragrance.

Freja Beha Erichsen appeared in ad campaigns for numerous famous brands such as Balenciaga, Jil Sander, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Hermès, Isabel Marant, Chanel, Emporio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Chloé, Karl Lagerfeld, and Tom Ford eyeswear. She is also one of the faces of the fragrance Gucci by Gucci along side Natasha Poly and Raquel Zimmermann, and starred in the television ad directed by David Lynch.

Teen Vogue got the opportunity to chat with the famous Danish model and talked about her top beauty secrets, her style and being the new face of Valentino's 'Valentina' fragrance.

Discovered when she was 17, Freja is also renowned for her 16 tatoos which include "float" written on her neck, "serendipity is life" on the back of her right arm and "this world tonight is mine" on her right wrist. When it comes to her style, Freja admits that, "I like to be casual. I feel at home in my favorite outfit: a leather jacket with a tank top or T-shirt, black skinny jeans — which I have at least 20 pairs of — and flat boots." Moreover, she suggests, "Buy quality, and mix it with something more casual."

Talking to Teen Vogue, Freja also reveals some of her top beauty secrets. "I really just believe in healthy skin. I try not to wear makeup unless I have to for work — I usually wash my face right after shoots and also before I go to bed," she explains. "And I eat a lot of fruit for vitamins." What else? "I try to find a moment to relax wherever I am. Doing that helps my skin," she says.

In fact, Freja confesses that she just tries to be herself. "I don't worry too much about the way I look," she says. "I do know that when you're uncomfortable, you act differently. So I always just try to be myself."

In 2011, the 24-year-old model was named the face of the fragrance 'Valentina' by Valentino. It seems that Freja's love for all-things-simple made designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli choose her to represent the brand's first signature scent. "She's a little bit punk, a little bit princess. You can't define her in one word, which you can do with some models," says Pier. "She can really change from fragile to strong with one look."

For the fragrance's campaign, Freja had to transform her grungy appearance into a super-feminine and romantic one, specific to the brand. "Valentino is romantic, ultrafeminine, and beautiful—but it's also a little rock 'n' roll," she explains. "Think of all the leather and studs! I never have a problem switching from my day-to-day style to another 'world' — it's my job."

Directed by Johan Renck, the ad is a tribute to Rome and its particular spirit of 'la dolce vita.' "Shooting the ad was like being in an Italian film! The paparazzi were calling out at me, and I loved the locations we shot in," Freja recalls. "It was so enjoyable to do something different, like acting." 

Source

Home Remedies for Brown Spots on Skin

The years of unprotected sun exposure are best revealed by unsightly brown spots. However, even if prevention has failed not everything is lost as there are several home

remedies that can help you make them less apparent. Try a few inexpensive and natural solutions that will enable you to look younger if applied consistently.

Brown spots are a common problem of skin aging. While some take these sun spots as a part of the natural aging process and embrace them, other would like noting more than to have them removed and prevent them in the future as much as possible. While prevention is fairly easy as it only requires using sunscreen and avoiding overexposure, making them a little less visible will most likely take more time.

Although there are many creams available on the market to help treat this problem, many women are concerned with the potential side effects these treatments might have. If hydroquinone based creams are exactly one of the options you have in mind for treating this problem, natural remedies might be a better choice. While natural does not necessarily mean side effect free, certain natural treatments are better tolerated by the skin. If you've decided to go on the natural remedy root, here are a few simple recipes you can try:

Avocado, cucumber and carrot paste

Puree these ingredients for a natural, quick and simple treatment that will leave your skin nourished and well moisturized. Carrots are a great source of vitamin A while avocado contains a lot of healthy fats that can improve the condition of the skin. Along with cucumbers the mix has both a soothing and a nourishing effect on the skin. Let the paste dry and then remove it with cool water.

Lemon juice and honey

This combo is one of the most popular ones for a variety of skin problems from freckles to skin whitening as it has natural bleaching properties. While the lemon juice is a potential irritant, especially for those struggling with sensitive skin, the honey is a great moisturizer with a multitude of benefits, including anti-inflammatory ones. Other variations include lime juice, turmeric and parsley leafs for a similar effect. 

Mashed chick peas

If you are interested in international beauty tips, this brown spots remedy inspired by Israelite women might spark your interest. This recipe calls for 1/3 cup of canned chick peas or boiled chick peas. Mash the chick peas and add a little water. Smear the paste on the targeted areas and rinse it off with lukewarm water once the mixture starts crumbling. Being a gentle mixture, it can be reapplied every night without any problems.

Onion and vinegar mix

This might not the the best smelling combo from the list yet it can be effective in treating this problem. Grate an onion and squeeze it with a cheesecloth until you get a teaspoon of onion juice then add two teaspoons of white or apple cider vinegar. Massage the mixture gently into the skin and rinse off with cold water after 15 minutes.

Castor oil

This is thought to be one of the most beneficial oils when it comes to treating brown spots. Thanks to its ability to penetrate the skin deeply and its acid content, castor oil can be a useful addition to your beauty routine. To enjoy its benefits simply make sure to apply castor oil over the targeted areas, twice a day. Make sure to avoid eye contact when dealing with castor oil and only use it externally.

Source