Halloween Makeup Remover...from your kitchen

If you plans for Halloween include a lot of makeup (because it's awesome and fun and HALLOWEEN) then your plans should also include something to remove said makeup.  Now I tend to recommend items from name brands that I enjoy using however I don't want any of us using up tons of the good stuff on this project.  Enter: Coconut Oil.  I like the stuff in the jar from Trader Joe's but if you prefer someone other than Joe that's fine too.  

I suggest that before you head out on your Halloween evening that you set the coconut oil right on the bathroom counter...along with a dark towel.  This way it's right there when you get home...I'm always thinking of you my dear reader.  

Room temperature oil will be solid but will quickly melt as you gently (Key Word: gently) rub it in to remove the makeup.  Rinse and repeat as necessary...depending on how all out you went.  It will not be pretty, aren't you glad I told you to have that dark towel ready?  Follow up with your regular cleanser and a moisturizer, and go easy with your makeup the next day...give your skin some breathing room.  

Why am I suggesting coconut oil?  This guy sums it up best: "Coconut oil solubilizes or breaks up water-resistant substances used in eye shadow and mascara, releasing them from the skin and lashes," says cosmetic chemist Joseph Cincotta. And unlike a lot of traditional eye-makeup removers, it'll even leave your skin softer and younger-looking: "It's great for your skin, because it moisturizes and smooths," says Cincotta.  From Allure

Hope you have a very happy Halloween! Cheers.

Halloween Reads: My October Picks

 

These are the stories that I've been reading this month to totally be one with the holiday spirits.

1. The Lady and Her Monsters: A Tale of Dissections, Real Life Dr. Frankensteins, and the Creation of Mary Shelley's Masterpiece by Roseanne Montillo A lot of background into Mary Shelley's life and the science of the times.  Would totally recommend!
2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley  After reading up on Mary, I had to read the story that brought her fame...which was originally published with as an writer Anonymous because who would think a woman could write such a thing? I really liked reading about Mary first then reading Frankenstein...but whatever order you choose is fine too. (PS: this title was available for free on my Kindle). 
3. Dracula by Bram Stoker: This for me moved a little slowly, I need to remind myself that this was written before TV and movies...but overall it felt good to read about some early day vampires (you know before they got all sparkly and Hollywood).  (PS: another bargain as this title was under a dollar on Kindle)
4. The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion by Jeff Baham: My least favorite read of this list...and it had so much potential.  It's got some decent trivia but it's so unorganized it just isn't worth paying for...luckily I borrowed this one for free.  Oh well, you win some you lose some. 

Happy Halloween...and as Elvira says "Unpleasant Dreams"