Read on… some of the Beauty by Numbers answers will surprise you!

1. How long does it take for the nail polish to dry and become smudge proof after my manicure?

Answer: 20 minutes

A typical manicure usually consists of a base coat, two coats of colour and a clear top coat. For every coat you paint on your nails you need five minutes drying time under the nail dryer. 

If you don’t have a spare 20 minutes consider having a Shellac Manicure done as it is zero drying time.

2. How many times can you use dry shampoo in between washes?

Answer: 3 times. 

Dry shampoo is overused. Limit it to three times before washing your hair, otherwise the powder will become visible to the naked eye.

3. How often should I switch my foundation ?

Answer: Every 3 months 

By regularly swapping your foundation the shade and formula will always match your skin texture and colour perfectly. 

At a minimum ensure you have a summer and winter foundation as your skin colour and texture are very different with each of the two seasons.

4.  How long should it take before I see results from my new skin care products?

Answer: 90 days

You must take into account the severity of the skin condition you’re trying to fix. If you’re committed to a twice-daily skincare regime, you should feel some improvements after 45 days but actually see improvements within 90 days.

5. How often should I clean my makeup brushes? 

Answer: Once a week

Regular cleaning will remove trapped make-up residue and kill any bacteria.

Wash your makeup brushes in shampoo and rinse them well then place them out flat on a clean soft towel to dry overnight.

6. How long should I wait for my sunscreen to adsorb before heading outside?

Answer: 20 minutes 

This allows the sunscreen absorb into your skin. Always use a sunscreen with a protection factor SPF30 (or higher) and reapply every 2 hours.

Always wear a sunscreen, as ultraviolet rays damage skin and contribute to skin problems.

7. How often should I exfoliate?

Answer: Every 3 days.

Regular exfoliation of your face and neck will not only clean up your pores but gentle buffing can also help to minimise fine lines and wrinkles.

Removing dead skin cells from your face and body allowing your serums, creams and moisturisers to do their job.

8. How often should I moisturise my face and neck?

Answer: Twice a day 

Once in the morning and once before bed. However, if you are finding that your skin is still thirsty, try using a hydrating serum in conjunction with your moisturiser to properly restore moisture to your skin. 

If that doesn’t improve your skin after 45 days, try using different brand of skincare to see if that improves it. 

9. How often should I have my eyebrows professionally groomed?

Answer: Every 4 weeks in summer and every 4-6 weeks in winter. 

Whether you are booking in for a complete brow tint, tidy and reshape or just a brow wax, you will not only feel more polished afterwards but your eye makeup application will be flawless.  

A professional henna brow session is the quickest way to improve your brow shape and colour not to mention flatter your eyes.

10. How often should I dry brush my body? 

Answer: Daily 

Dry brushing daily will help to increase your circulation, soften your skin and help to remove toxins. Always dry brush before your get into the shower starting at your feet and working upward strokes towards your heart. 

For a step by step guide to dry brushing click here

11. How often should I replace my mascara?

Answer: Every 3 months

The core ingredients in mascara only has a 3 month life span, so after 3 months they will start to dry out and not coat your lashes properly. Bacteria also breeds inside the tube so you want to discard it regularly.

For tips on how to apply your mascara click here

12. How long should I leave my serum to absorb into my skin before applying my moisturiser?

Answer: 2 minutes

It is essential to allow serum to properly absorb this way the active ingredients can penetrate the skin without interference. Wait until the serum is no longer felt on the skin before applying your moisturiser – this usually takes approximately 2 minutes (depending on skin type). 

After you have completed the rest of your skin care routine, wait approximately 5 minutes before you apply your foundation.

Its so easy to solve some of your beauty concerns naturally with an $11.00 jar of Coconut Oil.  

Beauty Tip #1 Dry hands

This won’t work for dry digits when you’re on the go, but at home, coconut oil can work wonders on dishpan hands or excessive handwashing. Try keeping a jar of organic extra virgin coconut oil by the kitchen and bathroom sinks and put a little on after washing your hands to keep them soft and moist. Every second hand wash you should apply hand cream or moisturiser to keep them from drying out. 

If you cook with coconut oil (you can substitute it for butter in baking recipes because it’s solid at room temperature) scoop out a little extra for your hands. Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking,  it makes the perfect moisturiser for your hands and body.

Beauty Tip #2 Cheekbone Highlighter

Nothing wakes up a tired face like a little highlighter, but you don’t need store-bought products to achieve the same effect. Simply weep a tiny amount of coconut oil on tops of your makeup, let it set and forget.

It looks like your skin but glowier, which is why many natural makeup brands use it as a base ingredient in their formulas. 

If you’re looking for a more portable option to give your skin a satin-pearl glow… try this cult favourite from Mecca which is enriched with coconut oil and rosemary extracts.

Try Living Luminizer by RMS Beauty

Beauty Tip #3 Shaving Gel

Conventional shaving cream is an expensive cocktail of chemicals that you don’t need in order to get a nice clean shave on your legs or underarms. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is inexpensive, naturally antimicrobial, and smells divine. Plus, its skin-soothing properties will leave your legs looking silky smooth and hydrated (but never greasy).

To make up your own shaving gel from our DIY Beauty Recipes click here

Beauty Tip #4 Hair Mask

There’s a reason many conditioners contain coconut oil: it’s better able to penetrate hair (and prevent protein loss) than mineral and sunflower oil, according to research. You can use it on your hair and on your skin for deep conditioning.

Once a fortnight or whenever your hair is feeling dry, after completing a single shampoo to remove hair spray and styling products, apply a twenty cent size dollop of coconut oil to your hair, comb it through, and then pile it into a loose bun and leave in overnight. You’ll want to place a soft towel over your pillow or sleep in a shower cap. In the morning, shampoo as usual and apply your regular conditioner and style as usual.

To make up your own Hair Mask from our DIY Beauty Recipes click here

Beauty Tip #5 Eye makeup Remover

Yes ladies, coconut oil even works on waterproof mascara! Put a little on a cotton round, hold over eye makeup for a minute and gently sweep it over your eyes, paying attention to your under-eyes as well. The oil does a great job breaking down waxy, inky eye makeup, and leaves the delicate area hydrated, too. Once you’re done, complete your normal skin care regime.

To make up your own Eye Makeup Remover from our DIY Beauty Recipes click here

Beauty Tip #6 Body Moisturiser

A recent animal study found that when applied topically, virgin coconut oil can speed up wound healing, and a human study found it to be effective in increasing hydration and reducing water loss in seriously dry skin. 

Sounds like a recipe for a really good lotion! It’s a health-expert favourite, too. It smells delicious, is very affordable, and leaves skin feeling nourished and smooth.

To make up your own body lotion from our DIY Beauty Recipes click here

Beauty Tip #7 Face Cleanser

Because coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, anti-fungal, moisturising and, according to research, great for atopic dermatitis, many women swear by its use as a night time moisturiser for their face, too.

Try the double-cleansing method: Simply rub the oil in circular motions all over your face and neck, giving yourself a gentle massage as you go. When you’re done, wash off the residue with your favourite cleanser. 

(If you’re adult-acne prone, avoid this technique unless you know your skin tolerates coconut oil.)

Beauty Tip #8 Shine serum

After you have finished styling your hair smooth a tiny amount of coconut oil onto your ends to add a little shine, or on fly-away strands if you have dark hair.

Remember that a little goes a long way, a dab will do you: anymore and your hair might appear greasy.

 Beauty Tip #9 Body Scrub

Here’s a well known beauty secret: the store-bought body scrub you save for special occasions? It’s a waste of money. 

That’s because you can make one yourself with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

To make up your own body scrub from our DIY Beauty Recipes click here

Beauty Tip #10 Massage Oil

Many store-bought massage oils have either coconut or jojoba oil as their base. Cut out the middleman and go straight to the bottle, it’s slippery, skin-friendly, moisturising and absorbs quickly.

Beauty Tip #11 Fights tooth decay

Coconut oil could be a healthy, non-chemical additive in toothpaste and mouthwash, Irish research suggests. Scientists have found that when the oil was treated with digestive enzymes it became a powerful killer of mouth bugs that can lead to dental cavities. 

Oil pulling is another way to take care your oral hygiene. Using coconut oil during “oil pulling” is one of the best ways to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums.

For more information click here