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Why to Avoid Buying BB Creams

Saturday 18 May 2013 - Filed under Beauty and Health

BB CreamsThere has been a new beauty craze of late that has spread like wildfire in the beauty sphere and has seen every other cosmetic brand jumping on the band wagon. Like with most trending beauty items, this product is not necessarily good for you nor does it do what it says it should. So, here we are to tell you to step away from your BB cream!

What is BB cream?

BB stands for blemish balm or beauty balm. It is touted to be an “all-in-one” beauty product that acts as a serum, moisturizer, primer, skin repairer, foundation and sunblock. Stop the press! This sounds like the greatest beauty product of all time! But wait – Does it really do all that it promises?

The original BB cream was developed in the 1960s in Germany and was given to patients after treatments with a popular dermatologist to cover redness and protect the skin layer while it healed. From there, it gained mass hype from being touted the reason for Korean actresses perfect pale skin. Nowadays, it sits on Western product shelves claiming to be the be-all-and-end-all, all-in-one product of the century.

But don’t believe the hype.

A simple read of the ingredients in BB cream will reveal the truth – That you that you are not buying a magic potion for perfect skin but rather a glorified tinted moisturizer.

Why are BB creams bad?

They’re a waste of money - Refer to the previous point. Would you ever consider paying $50+ for a tinted moisturizer?

They contain harmful ingredients - Silicones, alcohol, talc, mineral oils and the madness goes on. Next time you’re in the beauty aisle, compare the ingredients of the 3 best BB creams (judging by their in-your-face advertising). Chances are the top 10 ingredients on the 3 labels are one and the same and on our ingredient no-no list. For more specific information on harmful ingredients, take a look at our Greenify Your series including this post here.

They can wreak havoc on your skin - If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne breakouts, please be wary that these products may aggravate the problems that you’re trying to solve. Namely because a lot of them contain alcohol which you do not want as it is very drying. They also contain ingredients that are known to clog pores and build an oxygen-starving layer over your skin such as silicones.

They don’t perform the magic they say they will – Use the latest BB cream for a week or a month but you will not see improvement in your skin. If you do then the positive change is coming from something else like your diet or another beauty product. The ingredients in these BB creams are nothing special. They are cheap and synthesized and not designed to nourish your skin.

Now, we’re not trying to say all BB creams are bad for you. There will be ones out there that contains safe ingredients but unfortunately, these are few and far between. Always read the ingredients.

What is the alternative?

We know that Alexami’s founder, Alenka Dirnbek, would 100% tell you to just use loose mineral powder so, we’ll use her suggestion as she knows what she’s talking about.

Why use mineral powder?

Well, it’s simple. No, really, that’s why we would recommend it. It’s a very simple product that does what it needs to – Provides coverage, evens skin tone, provides SPF protection and doesn’t aggravate the skin. We’ll toot our own horn here and suggest using Alexami’s mineral powder because it is tried and tested (not on animals, though) and uses only the safest ingredients.

In conjunction with the loose mineral powder, we’d recommend finding a skin routine that works for you. This usually includes a cleanser, toner and moisturizer that is designed for your skin type. Once you have a routine sorted, you won’t have a need for an overly complicated makeup routine. Keep an eye out for Alexami’s own HydraBotanique Skincare range coming soon.

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Hopefully this post has been of some use to you. We feel it necessary sometimes to remind people to be conscious of clever marketing from the bigger beauty brands. We will always stand by the fact that the most honest marketing of a product always lies in the ingredients list.

That’s why we here at Alexami do our best to step back from the craziness of the beauty industry and let our products speak for themselves. We believe in keeping things simple and developing products that are good for your skin, health and the environment and our products are supported by years of scientific research.

Unlike our fellow beauty brands who compete with each other to such an extent that they are releasing a new ‘It’ product every minute, we put time, care and research into each and every one of our products so we know we’re releasing something amazing. We are committed to providing skincare and beauty products that work for you because Alexami was built out of a need for simple, honest, nurturing products for the modern woman. We will continue this commitment to offering women of today a brand that has a conscience.

Thanks for reading.

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The May Happiness Challenge

Thursday 2 May 2013 - Filed under Inspiration

Phew! Another month has flown by which means another challenge.

This month of May is all about simplifying your life and eliminating those aspects of it that cause us stress and that we deem to be important and necessary but really aren’t.

1. For every ONE thing that you buy, get rid of TWO things from your house (excluding food items). We all love to reward ourselves with little gifts every now and then. But after a while, these gifts/impulse buys/purchases all begin to pile up whether it be in that forgotten closet, corner, drawer or on the floor. The more items you expel from your life, the more comfortable you will be. Get in the habit of every time you buy a personal item to throw out or donate TWO other items you no longer use. The beauty cupboard is a great place to start (especially if you have some unsafe or animal tested brands lying around) and the closet.

2. Add at least $20 to your petty savings jar. That’s only $5 per week which is barely even two bought coffees. Every little bit counts.

3. Donate something other than money. To pay it forward this month, choose to either donate clothes, food or your time to a local charity. Filling a bag with worn out and unused clothing and putting it into a donating bin is so easy. Too easy, in fact, that there are no excuses for not doing it. Another option is dropping off cans and other food items to your nearest food bank to help out the poor and the homeless. Otherwise, for the truly big hearted, dedicate a couple of hours one weekend to working at a soup kitchen or a food bank to help those in need.

4. Write a postcard to a loved one overseas. In the vein of simplifying, the simple act of mailing a postcard to a long lost friend or relative overseas or out of state can be a very beautiful gesture that only costs a couple of dollars to do. Keep it short and meaningful and it will be well received.

5. Do ONE 60 minute meditation session. We know- That’s a big jump from last month. But here is your big goal for this month. Set aside one hour out of the whole month to do a 60 minute straight meditation session. That means no talking, no texting, no checking your email, no moving for one whole hour. Make sure to find a secluded location (preferably outdoors) so you are not disturbed or hyperaware of your surroundings. Sit there for one complete hour (you can have a time set on your phone, if you wish, but make sure to keep your attention off of it). If thoughts come, try to focus on contemplating this thought: ‘In what ways could I simplify my life?’ If your thoughts stray from this, then do your best to keep your attention on your breath as usual.

We hope that you guys are enjoying these challenges. Even if you don’t do all of them, it’s always great to attempt some ideas that you would otherwise not try.

Happy simplifying, ladies!

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The April Happiness Challenge

Monday 1 April 2013 - Filed under Inspiration

photo credit: AMELIA SPEED

The time has come to get your happy ready for April. Are you up for the challenge?

1. Go out of your way to help a stranger – In this face paced world, we often witness moments where we see someone requiring assistance but often let up the opportunity to help them as we’re late for something, don’t feel we should help them or even forget that we can help them. This month, find a situation where you have to go out of your way to help a stranger whether it be pulling over to help if you see someone’s car broken down, carrying an elderly persons shopping bags to the car or pushing their trolley, buying a coffee and muffin for a homeless person, volunteering somewhere etc etc.

2. Add 5 more things to your Happy List. For those who don’t know what this is, it is a list of situations, items, smells, activities or any other kind of thing that brings you joy in life away from a computer screen, TV screen or smart phone screen. It’s also helpful to read back over your previous entries and remind yourself of what makes you happy.

3. 5 minutes of meditation 5 times per week OR 10 minutes of meditation 3 times per week. We’re pushing the boundaries on this and moving up your meditation duration from last month. It’s time to allow yourself even more time to yourself to do absolutely nothing but sit and flow with the rhythm of your breath.

4. Start a petty savings jar. I know this will be a particularly challenging one due to varying money situations but sometimes, us ladies need a little something for ourselves. It’s time to have a little savings jar of your own. Feel free to make it a goal jar that will save up for maybe a massage, a manicure or a new little black dress you’ve been eyeing. Either way, gather your loose change from the bottom of your purse or under your car carpets and add it to this jar. Over time, when it feels heavy enough, dedicate that loose change to purchasing something entirely for yourself.

5. Find your inner yogi. Finally, I challenge you this month to either attend one yoga class at your local gym or studio OR find a Youtube yoga video of at least 30 minute duration and get your yoga on. Yoga is proven to alleviate symptoms of depression and make you feel more vibrant and joyous. If you already go to yoga classes, then this will be easy!

Good luck!

In review of last month: How did last month treat you? Did you find yourself denying yourself time to be happy because their were more important things? Was it hard to find items for your happy list? Leave us a comment and let us know your struggles and your highs from the tasks.

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Saffron: The Wonder Stem

Saturday 16 March 2013 - Filed under Health

Image via puresaffronslim.net

While at work the other day, I had a lady come in and purchase 20 grams of saffron threads. This may not sound like a lot but, to put it in perspective, this much saffron could last in an average household for a year if not two. I asked her if she was a huge fan of paella perhaps and was surprised by her response: “Oh, it’s not to eat. I had a friend come back from Morocco and she told me that they use it as a beauty product over there and that it inhibits wrinkles!” I had never before heard of these benefits related to saffron, assuming it was just a luxurious addition to recipes. It turns out, after a bit of research and fact checking, that saffron really is a wonder stem of the world.

Once used as merely a coloring for exotic rice dishes, saffron is now earning its rightful place in the health world. Studies covering a vast range of ailments and how saffron aids in their cure are being documented allowing for a truly surprising revelation that could make saffron a staple in western diets.

Benefits:

  • A powerful anti-oxidant due to its non-volatile active components including α-crocin, zea-xanthin, lycopene and α- and β-carotenes. I.e. They fight cancers and infections.
  • A good source of vital vitamins and minerals including copper, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin-C, iron, zinc and manganese.
  • Aids digestions by promoting blood flow to the organs involved in your digestive system. It can also calm down gas and bloating issues.
  • Help prevent UTI’s. Due to its ability to stimulate the function of the kidney, saffron works similar to cranberry juice in helping get rid of a UTI or preventing one in the first place.
  • Research has been conducted that supports the idea that saffron may help aid people who suffer from depression due to its effects on neurotransmitters.
  • Promotes good memory due to containing crocin, a compound that has been found to stimulate the brain and allow for better learning and recall.
  • Saffron can help people with irregular or uneasy sleep patterns due to its sedative effect on the body.
  • Reduces and prevents wrinkles. By adding a slight amount of saffron to your face cream, it is said that the properties of saffron promote rejuvenation in skin cells making for a better appearance for your overall complexion and may also prevent fine lines.

Phew! There’s much more to mention but we’ll start with these benefits for now.

How to introduce it to your current diet:

Saffron is expensive in Australia but this is due to the manual labour involved in picking the stamen from the flowers and also the limitation of where saffron can grow. Be wary, however, that you don’t need a lot to acquire some of the health benefits of it. A tiny pinch of saffron is enough for a whole rice dish or a tea.

To add saffron to your diet, simply add a pinch here and there to Middle Eastern and Spanish dishes, make a tea from it by adding a pinch to a cup of 90* water then sweeten it with your favorite natural sweetener or add to a glass of cold milk before bedtime.

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There you have it – Everything I didn’t (and maybe you didn’t) know about saffron. Hopefully this information is revealing to you to and is making you want to run out to your nearest eastern spice supplier or at least eat a little more paella rice.

Please note – Saffron should be avoided if you are pregnant or if you have allergies to certain flora. We are not medical professionals so please consult with your health care specialist to see if saffron is safe to introduce to your diet.

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The March Happiness Challenge

Saturday 2 March 2013 - Filed under Inspiration

Happiness can be a rare thing to come across in this society of stress and sadness. It can be hard to take a minute to yourself to center yourself, find yourself and just let it all go for a little bit in amongst our busy lives and responsibilities. That’s why I present to you a monthly Happiness Guide consisting of 5 challenges that may help you rediscover that joy in life that you so deserve to feel.

1. Take an in-home holiday for 2 hours to 2 days. Taking a break off work is not always feasible for all of us due to limits with time, money and responsibilities. Another way of getting all the refreshment that comes from a holiday is to clear your schedule for an hour, a day or a weekend – whatever you can do. Send the kids to a friends house or away with the husband, push any meetings or girls nights out to next week and allow yourself YOU time. This can mean buying a bottle of red, your favorite cheese and fashion mag and watching your favorite chick flick. It could mean taking a long bath, having an at-home facial, ordering take-out – Whatever! Just LET yourself have that time as though it were a work meeting or other important event that you would feel obligated to attend. Meditate, regenerate and regroup. You and your loved ones will be thankful.

2. Make and add 5 things to your Happy List. I have only recently started doing this but what started as a list of only 10 things has grown into quite a lengthy document. A Happy List is a list (duh) of all the things in this world that bring you joy, contentment and happiness away from a TV, smart phone or the internet. This can include hobbies that you love, hobbies that you miss doing, exercise, playing with your kids, writing, baking, rainy days, smelling flowers, getting manicures – Whether it be an activity, an object, a season, it doesn’t matter because anything that you like belongs on this list. When you feel down or like something’s missing, refer to this list and think of all the things in life that you know bring you joy. If you feel like it, perform some of the activities on it, go buy a bunch of roses (if you like them). Keep this list in a private place and add to it when you realize something brings you happiness.

3. Music Wind-Down for 15 Minutes. For just 15 minutes somewhere in the month, I challenge you to put on some headphones, put your feet up on the couch and just zone out to some good music (Note: Not the radio). Don’t do anything else during this time, just smile, tune out, breathe and listen.

4. 5 Minutes of Meditation for 3 times a week. I will always stand by the idea that people who meditate are happier people. Letting go for that time in such a fast paced world can be hard to get used to but it reconnects us with what’s important. Give yourself that 5 minutes, even if it means running to hide in the bathroom so you aren’t disturbed! In those 5 minutes, breathe in through your nose for 4 counts and out your nose for 4 counts making sure to inhale with your diaphragm (i.e. your stomach should be moving in and out). Bring attention to your breath and the counts and keep as disconnected and unattentive to your thoughts as you can.

5. Have a private chuckling session. Now, this one can be a little embarrassing at first but bear with me. Whenever you are alone, force yourself to laugh like a crazy person and let it all go. It is going to feel very weird but you’ll get used to it. Why should you do this? Well, if you’re not one to really let go and express yourself on a day to day basis then there’s a lot of welled up laughter in there waiting to be set free. One you practice doing this on your own, I guarantee you that you will start laughing genuinely far more. Laughter boosts endorphins and all your other happy hormones plus it tightens your stomach muscles. What’s not to like about that?

So, there lay your challenges. Should you want to attempt one or all of them, then that’s great and let us know how you get on. Happiness is the best gift to bring to someone but sometimes you need to bring it to yourself first to give you the energy to pay it forward.

A happy March to all of you!

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The Benefits of Chia Seed Oil

Sunday 24 February 2013 - Filed under Safe Cosmetics & Ingredient Research

As a continuation of last weeks blog on the chia seed, today we bring you some information about its wonderful liquid bi-product – Chia Seed Oil.

What is it?

Chia seed oil is extracted from the chia seed which contains about 25-30% extractable oil. It can be sold as an oil or in capsule from.

Why is it so great?

Along with all the other benefits that the chia seed offers including being the highest source of Omega-3s, a great protein source and an overall superfood warrior, chia seed oil is also great to apply topically to cure ailments of the skin:

Anti-inflammatory. A great benefit for those with acne-prone skin, chia seed oil works well at diminishing the appearance of breakouts.

Stabilises oily and breakout skin. The zinc and B vitamins available in chia seed oil makes it perfect to level out the oils in the skin, fight infections, prevent scarring and reduce redness.

Heals dry and cracked skin. Chia seed oil is great for people who experience dry, cracked skin as it creates a barrier allowing for less water evaporation through the skin. It heals and improves the quality of the epidermis layer. It also removes any itchiness that comes along with having dry skin.

Anti-oxidant. In this world of damaging free radicals alongside the copious amounts of chemical absorption through the skin due to beauty products and the wear and tear that comes along with the air quality of a developed nation, anti-oxidants allow for our cells to repair themselves quicker and set up a barrier to these harmful outside influences. In a more realistic way, this means it’s good for preventing signs of aging and healing the overall health of your skin cells.

As a general statement, the oil is perfect for all skin types as it will bring your skin back to normal and even healthier than normal. You will start emitting a glow and not experience as many breakouts (especially during shifts in hormones) that you would otherwise.

To experience the same benefits of the chia seed, chia seed oil can also be added to smoothies, salad dressings and almost any other meal as it is odorless and virtually tasteless. It can also be taken in vitamin form.

Try it out for yourself, we’d love to hear your results with it!

Until next weekend, everyone!

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The Benefits of Chia Seeds

Sunday 17 February 2013 - Filed under Health + Safe Cosmetics & Ingredient Research

Something that we’ve all been adding into our daily food and beauty regime lately is chia seeds – an ancient superfood that has solidified its place in the health community. Find out why these little guys really earn their name of a superfood…

What are they?

Chia is a plant of the mint family and native to South America, namely Mexico and Guatemala. The seeds acquired from the plant are known as chia seeds.

Many studies suggest chia seeds used to be the fuel for ancient warriors of civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans. Their almost complete nutritional content made them popular sources of energy for when food was needed on the go.

What’s so great about them?

Aids Weight Loss

When a chia seed comes into contact with water, it forms a glutinous outer layer. When you injest the seeds before a meal, the seeds form a layer in your stomach making you feel fuller faster. Their combination of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber also mean you feel fuller longer requiring less snacking throughout the day along with aiding the digestion process.

Balance Blood Sugar

As mentioned above, the insoluble fiber allow for a slower breaking down of carbohydrates and therefore, a slower release of energy throughout the day meaning your blood sugars won’t spike.

Nutritional Content

Chia seeds pack a powerful nutrional punch. They contain more calcium than whole milk, boron, magnesium, essential trace minerals to allow greater absorbtion of vitamins and its a complete protein (of 23%, at that) meaning you are getting all 8 of the human body’s essential amino acids. They also have more Vitamin C than oranges, more iron than spinach and more potassium than a banana! Plus, they’re also gluten free.

Better Hair, Skin and Nails

The oil content in the chia seed are great for enhancing the appearance and overall health of your skin, hair and nails.

How do you eat it?

It is recommended to have about one teaspoon to one tablespoon of chia seeds per day for maximum benefit which means its so easy to incorporate into your diet!

  • Soak a tablespoon of chia seeds in water for 10 minutes then stir into your morning smoothie or juice
  • Soak then add into a glass of ice cold water
  • Sprinkle over salad and fruit salads
  • Bake into a fresh loaf of gluten free bread or muffins

Basically, you can add these little babies to any meal you have otherwise. They’re flavourless and you will barely notice they’re there.

Give them a go for a couple of weeks and let us know if you experience any improvement in your health!

Next week, we’ll clue you in on the benefit of chia seeds sub-product that helps your body on the outside – Chia Seed Oil! Stay tuned!

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