The Benefits of Saffron Spice

For the love of cooking, I collect herbs and spices and usually purchase them from my travels. During my trip to Bali some years ago, I went to a local spice shop. Like a child in a candy store, I was very excited and at the same time, confused on what to buy. Long story short, I took a package of Black Chili, 50 grams of Turmeric Spice, a package of Cinnamon Sticks, 50 grams of Yellow Curry Spice and 20 grams of Saffron. At the cashier, I was quite shocked the bill ended up more than 100 USD. I thought I was being ripped off. It was not until recently I learned that Saffron, apparently, is the world's most expensive spice. I have been using it like crazy! I should have known then I wouldn't have used it like any other spice.

The Health Benefits of Saffron

1) Asthma and Cough: It helps clear the airways making it easier for you to breathe.

2) Cancer: Saffron contains Carotenoids and apparently has an "Apoptosis" effect on cancer cells sending them signals to self destruct.

3) Antidepressant: The active components of saffron makes our body lose its depressing characteristics making it a dietary necessity sometimes.

4) Skin Diseases: Apart from imparting its exotic flavor and aroma to several recipes, saffron possesses beauty benefits. It has natural skin lightening qualities. Saffron can be beneficial for your skin and treats acne and blemishes.

5) Insomnia: Mixing it with tea will help you avoid restless or sleepless nights.

Time to Clean the Makeup Kit!!!

Spring cleaning time is here so it's about time to throw away the old cosmetics. I have been really bad at cleaning my makeup kit, so shock to see they're full of dust. Anyway since beauty products do not last forever, should keep an eye on the dates that you have used them since different types of bacterias can accumulate on these products after months of usage. And this can be very dangerous, usually resulting to face/eye irritation or infection!

Like Mascara, should only be used up to four months after opening since bacterias can breed on its wand, thus, can lead to conjuctivitis. Old lipsticks sometimes produce awful smell and they make the lips dry. Expired blusher, bronzer, concealer and foundation can clog up pores with bacteria then causes rashes or pimples. Using dirty brushes can cause skin irritations like ringworm and herpes. Health wise, it is very important to dispose those unneccesary and old cosmetics. If they change color and smell, throw them away!

COSMETIC LIFESPAN

Mascara                  3 to 4 months

Blusher/Bronzer      12 to 18 months

Eye Shadow            12 to 18 months

Foundation              6 to 12 months

Lipstick/ Lipgloss    12 to 18 months

Eye/ Lip liner         18 to 24 months

Here's a sneak peek of my newly cleaned makeup collection.

My makeup collection.

I usually separate the used from the unused ones.
These little babies here are soon to used...;)

My used ones are placed in this really cute purple makeup organizer...

My lipgloss collection... I love lipgloss..
Check my previous post about them..;)

I only have a few lipsticks, I prefer lipgloss...
My fave colors though are Red, Pink, Nude and Orange.

My Eye colors from Bobbi Brown, Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, MAC, Body Shop and etc!!!

Bronzers and Blushers...
As you can see, I use more bronzer than blusher...

The most important- the right face powder/ foundation!!!
Choosing the correct face powder/ foundation can be very difficult!
Ask your brand consultant the correct shade for you!

Eyeliners and Mascaras!!! 

My brushes from MAC, Estee Lauder and Lancome...
Cover them with plastic to protect them from dust!

Lip gloss addict!

Ok, I'm such a Lip gloss addict. I can't stop buying them, I just want to collect and not use them! I know it sounds stupid since make-up expires, eventually. It started in High school when I became interested in make-up, though I only buy those cute container lip balm/glosses (which, by the way, I still have ;p) then it became an obsession.

The reason why I prefer to wear them over Lipstick, they are shiny and not so heavy like lipsticks. But of course, I still believe in the saying that every girl should have a red lipstick in her purse! ;)

The colors I normally use are nudy, pinkish and orangey lip glosses and oh, I'm also a fanatic of flavored lippies. I could spend a day just sniffing their fruity or candy-ish scent.
I have used a lot of different brands but I can't really say which one is the best. And my favorite brands are Estée Lauder, Clinique, Lancôme, MAC and Chanel.

Will post more about my Make-up Collection soon! ;)

My Travel Must Haves

When you're travelling, are you very meticulous about skin care??? When I used to work as a Flight Attendant, I'm very picky when it comes to using lotions and skin products. A lot of them doesn't really work with my skin when working up in the sky, they dry up quickly leaving a rough and dry skin.
Here are some of the skin products I recommend to use when flying and travelling. Believe me, they really moisturize the skin leaving a healthy glow.

Body Butter from The Body Shop
L'Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion
Injecto Pure Coconut Oil Hand and Nail Cream
L'Erbario Toscano Olive Oil Body Milk
Burt's Bees Banana Cream
Nivea Creme
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Cream
Human Nature Choco Vanilla Lip Balm
The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Lip Balm