Search Results: Claire Aviles

By Claire Aviles · Published July 17, 2012

Lianne La Havas, age 22, is an English folk and soul singer, songwriter and instrumentalist. When I first heard her voice in an ad on Spotify, I was stunned into silence. I immediately looked up the featured song, “Is Your Love Big Enough?” and found her official website.

La Havas released her first EP, “Lost & Found” in October of 2011, and was nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2012, an annual list that highlights new talent, a short two months later.

Her debut album, “Is Your Love Big Enough?” was released in the UK in early July. You can buy it on iTunes. Give her a listen…I think there’s a Grammy in her future. And maybe I’m biased, but I think her curly ‘do makes her even more fabulous!

Is Your Love Big Enough?

By Claire Aviles · Published July 16, 2012

According to a new L’Oréal Research and Innovation study, skin cancer does not discriminate. It exists in all populations, regardless of skin color.

Many believe that Caucasians are at higher risk for skin cancer and that non-Caucasians are essentially immune. Because of this attitude, non-Caucasians are often diagnosed at a later stage, when the cancer is more difficult to treat.

“The lack of skin cancer recognition in patients of color is a problem and poses a serious health threat if left untreated,” said Dr. Wendy Roberts, Medical Director of Desert Dermatology Skin Institute in Rancho Mirage, California. “When detected early, skin cancer is highly curable. That’s why people of color need to be aware of their risk and be vigilant about protecting their skin from the sun, as well as seeking help with skin lesions that do not heal.”

L’Oréal has been a leader in photoprotection research for over thirty years. The company is working to educate all races about the risks of sun exposure.

The risk of skin cancer should not keep you from avoiding the sun altogether. Sunshine is a great way to get vitamin D, otherwise known as the “sunshine vitamin,” which is very important to your health. Here are some tips to keep your skin beautiful and cancer-free!

1. Apply sunscreen. Even on days where sun exposure is limited, it’s important to use sunscreen. Try to find a facial moisturizer with sunscreen at the very least. One of my favorites is the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15. Aveeno also makes a great Daily Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, use a product with SPF 30 and let it dry sufficiently before you head outside. Don’t forget to reapply!
2. Cloudy days still put you at risk. You might not be able to see the sun, but you’re not safe from UV rays! Protect your skin as usual — don’t change your behaviors simply because of the overcast skies.
3. Avoid peak sun hours. UV rays are typically strongest in the summer between 10 AM and 3 PM, when the sun is high in the sky. Try to limit your exposure during these high-risk hours.
4. Wear a hat. Protect yourself from the sun in style! A wide brim straw hat will protect both your hair and your skin from harmful UV rays.
5. Know your skin. Become familiar with your skin so that you can recognize any changes.

How do you plan to protect your skin this summer?

By Claire Aviles · Published July 6, 2012

As a college student, I am always looking for inexpensive ways to take care of my skin, especially in the summer months. Our skin tends to produce extra oils in the heat and humidity and if we don’t find a way to cleanse properly, the oil buildup can quickly lead to congested pores and acne.

I found that cleansing and regularly using an exfoliating scrub was not enough for my skin. There was still extra buildup and my skin wasn’t as soft anymore. After searching the web for natural skincare remedies, I settled on the following process. I have done it twice and I am already noticing a huge difference in my skin.

The Process

The process involves three major components: steaming, exfoliating, and moisturizing. I would recommend trying it at night. The lavender oil is a great relaxant and it will work best with a heavier, nighttime moisturizer.

You will need:

• 2 cups of water
• A handful of fresh or dried basil (antioxidant and antibacterial”>
• 5 drops of lavender oil (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; muscle relaxer”>
• Baking soda (as an exfoliator”>
• Scrub
• Toner
• Moisturizer

1. Combine the water, basil and lavender on the stovetop. Boil for five minutes.
2. Remove the mixture from the stove and pour it into a wide, shallow bowl. Let it sit for a minute before beginning the steam—if it’s too hot, you could burn your skin.
3. Position your face over the bowl and let the steam hit your face. Wrap a light dishtowel over your head and the bowl to keep the steam from escaping. Steam for 8-10 minutes.
4. When you are finished with the steam, combine baking soda and water to make a paste. Lightly scrub your skin with the paste. When it is evenly applied, let it dry. This may sting, if you have sensitive skin. Redness is normal.
5. Once the baking soda past dries, wash it off with cold water. Follow up with a scrub—try to find something gentle and nonabrasive. I use Origins Never A Dull Moment.
6. Finally, use a toner and seal with moisturizer. I use Origins A Perfect World and Neutrogena Ageless Essentials Continuous Hydration: Night.

Final Thoughts

For the best results, try this steam once a week. You will definitely notice a difference after the first time, but if you are consistent with the process, you will notice major improvements to your skin.  It will be cleaner and softer and over time, your pores will begin to diminish.

Do you have any homemade skincare treatments?

By Claire Aviles · Published June 20, 2012

A widow’s peak — a distinct point in the hairline — can be frustrating, especially when you have naturally curly hair. For most of my life, I hated my widow’s peak. I cut it off at age five and tried to hide it with not-so-flattering bangs when I was twelve.

Eventually, I learned to accept my widow’s peak as part of my natural beauty at around the same time that I accepted my natural curls. Over the years, I have collected several tips and tricks to enhance my curls without exaggerating my widow’s peak. Here are the most important:

1. Avoid a center part. A widow’s peak is situated around the center of the forehead, so center parts only exaggerate the V. If you have a shallow widow’s peak you might be able to pull it off but if you’re sporting a deep V, you’ll want to sweep your hair to the side or smooth it back.
2. Pin it up. If you air-dry your curls, you’ll want to pin up the top section of your hair. This keeps your hair from flopping on either side of the widow’s peak, drawing more attention to the V shape.
3. Hairspray is your friend. After a few hours, the curls around my widow’s peak tend to wither. To keep them looking fresh, I pin up the top section of my hair and add a little bit of light hairspray.
4. Try a new haircut. If you have a true heart-shaped face, a widow’s peak, a wider forehead or a prominent chin, try a haircut with volume around the chin. Soft layers that fall by your cheeks and your chin are stunning and they will draw attention away your forehead.
5. Be you. Stunners Marilyn Monroe, Milla Jovovich, Vanessa Williams and many others have rocked the widow’s peak. Why shouldn’t you? Your widow’s peak is uniquely you. Embrace it!

How do you rock your curly widows’ peak?

By Claire Aviles · Published June 6, 2012

“God, I can just see myself getting uglier.”

Seven months ago, this is what filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa said as her braided extensions were cut from her hair. She was shaving her head for a video installation and planned to return to the extensions in a few weeks. But today, she continues to wear her hair short, embracing its natural texture. Zina Saro-Wiwa unintentionally transitioned, joining many other black women who were motivated to return to their roots.

In her short documentary, entitled “Transition,” Saro-Wiwa explores the decision to “go natural.”  She began taking photographs and filming herself and other naturals, inspired to begin a new relationship with her hair and with her body. In doing so, she suddenly recognized the lack of natural hair in the media.

Celebrities may continue to sport wigs and smooth weaves on the cover of magazines, but many black women are no longer conforming to this ideal of beauty.  The natural hair movement is rapidly spreading across the United States, fueled by social media. Zina Saro-Wiwa believes that, at the core, the natural hair movement is one of freedom, brought on by different personal reasons but united by the theme of self-acceptance.

Watch the documentary here: “Transition”

Get tips and advice on transitioning here: All About Transitioning