Halloween -- Black Dahlia Zombie w/ No Specialty Products!

Halloween is in less than two weeks, and I know I've definitely been procrastinating getting this look out. However, I think it's about time! If you've never read about the "Black Dahlia" murder case, I definitely recommend reading up on it! Personally, I find it fascinating how far forensic science has come in 50 years. If this murder case had happened in the 21st century, who knows what we could have found! More than 55 years later, though, this case is still unsolved, and the story has been featured in film and television.

I chose to do this look on a budget, meaning I could only use products I already had, and I had no fake blood! Of course, if you want to do this look, I highly recommend purchasing a cheap bottle of fake blood from your local Halloween store. This tutorial is also perfect if you want to do a Joker costume!

This look is actually super easy, just time consuming, To start off the look, I used the NYX Slide On Pencil in "Pure White," and traced on the shape of the Glasglow smile. This will disappear under the "prosthetic" we'll be using, but it just helps to give a general idea of where we will be placing everything.

Now for our "prosthetic." Of course, if you are allergic to latex, you will want to use a latex-free lash glue, but I just went for the Duo Eyelash Adhesive in "Clear-White," which dries clear. For a latex-free alternative, you could also go for the NYX Latex Free Eye Lash Glue, which also dries clear! You will also need some single-ply toilet paper, but if you only have two-ply, you can simply peel the two sheets apart. From here, I used a cotton swab and started patting the lash glue over the white liner we used earlier. Then, taking small pieces of the toilet paper, I began layering the toilet paper to create a torn skin effect. To help the edges of the toilet paper blend better, I layered the lash glue on over the edges of the paper, and feathered it out with the cotton swab.

Once I got a few good layers down, tapering out at the edges of the outline, I began to take small pieces of toilet paper and rolled them, placing them along the edges to create an indent for the cut. I did this along the upper and lower edges, to make it look more like the skin has been ripped apart (cute, right?). At this point, it won't look like much of anything, really.

Here is where I began to add color. Before I did anything, though, I powdered over the areas that I had applied the toilet paper with a translucent powder. Then, I mixed together my CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation and my Aveeno Natural Protection Sunscreen, to create a pale base. The reason I mixed in the sunscreen is because of the zinc oxide in the sunscreen. If you use a sunscreen that has zinc as an ingredient, it will give you a white cast, which is perfect for this look!

Now, back to the mouth, I used the skinny end of a cheap cosmetic sponge, and first layered on my OCC Lip Tar in "NSFW." I got pretty messy with this, but try to avoid getting it in places you don't want it, because it is a real pain to get off. I pounced this into the "cuts," as well as around it, to create an irritated look around the edges. Then, I used the OCC Lip Tar in "Black Dahlia," which only seemed appropriate, and did the same thing, this time focusing more on the inner parts of the cuts. Again, don't worry if it gets a bit messy. Around the edges, I added little bits of Lime Crime's Velvetine Lip Color in "Salem" to add a bit of a dried-blood effect. I also mixed together "Salem" with "Black Dahlia" and blended this into the inner corners of my lips, while still keeping the inner portions of my lips pale.

Now that the main portion of the look has been set up, you can begin adding some finishing touches that really bring everything together. I took the black shadow from my Coastal Scents 252 Ultimate Palette (which has obviously been well-loved) on a small angled brush, and applied this to the inner edges of the ridges that we created with the toilet paper. This creates a truer bloody color, and adds more depth to the cuts. Then, I took a mix of the blue, purple, and brown, on a fluffy blending brush, and began adding some bruising around my face. I added it around my nose and eyes, specifically, as well as around the edges of the cuts and on my chin. 

Then, I took a mix of the olive green, yellow, and just a touch of the brown, and took this again, under my eyes, in the hollows of my cheeks, and over the forehead. This creates more of a gaunt, sickly appearance. To add the effect of the peeling skin, I took my lash glue and smeared it across my forehead. Once it was dry, I began to scratch and peel at it a bit. Then, I added more of the green, yellow, and brown mixture to create almost a rotting skin appearance. 

Of course, inspired by the American Horror Story rendition of Elizabeth Short, I finished off the look with a classic winged liner using my Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner, as well as a coat of my Maybelline The Mega Plush Mascara and a coat of my Maybelline The Rocket mascara! Besides, what zombie-fied aspiring actress of the 1940s would want to be seen without big lashes and winged liner?

I hope this look has inspired you to do something a little more out of the box this Halloween! I personally am considering doing this look for a party I was invited to, and it's great because you don't have to go out and purchase a ton of special effects makeup! What are you planning on doing for Halloween?

- D.

How I Grow My Brows

It's no secret. I hate my brows. And I know a good majority of my brow hatred is my own fault. To start off, I don't have very thick brows because of genetics. I am half Taiwanese and because of that, I have sparse, thin brows. On top of that, I have horrific anxiety, and when I get anxious, I often pull my brow hairs out. Let me tell you, it's an awful habit that I'm trying to stop, but either way, my brows aren't very voluminous in the first place!

To solve my sad brow problem, I hunted high and low. The most affordable brow serum I seemed to find was the Anastasia Brow Enhancing Serum, at $38. And then, of course, there was the ever-popular Latisse, which can range anywhere from $40 to $240, and requires a prescription. Okay, so I wanted thick brows pretty badly, but not so badly that I was will to pay that much for it. For a while I felt that I would have to just live with my brows. But then, about a year ago, I found a miracle product that is super affordable and can be found at any drugstore in the...laxative aisle?

This miracle product is castor oil. While castor oil is known to induce vomiting when ingested, it is also known for hair growth. Castor oil contains all kinds of beneficial ingredients for your hair, such as vitamin E, proteins,  fatty acids, as well as having antibacterial properties. Castor oil is also known to help improve circulation, which is can promote hair growth! At first, I was very skeptical about this stuff working. However, what did I have to lose? It was such a low cost, between $5-$10 on average, so I figured I might as well try it.

A year later, I still pull my brows out due to my anxiety. However, my brows have greatly benefited from the use of castor oil. Within about a week of applying castor oil for the first time, I noticed results! It's very quick and easy, and I apply it at night before I go to bed with a cotton swab. This oil has changed the way I see my brows, and has kept me from looking like a mad woman, especially on days when I don't fill in my brows. 

- D. 

Razor Burn RemeDIY -- Potatoes?

Alright I know what you're thinking. What do potatoes have to do with razor burns? Well, let me first tell you a little back story on my current problem:

A few days ago, one of my favorite YouTubers, Tati (AKA GlamLifeGuru), posted a video discussing coconut oil. I already love using coconut oil in my hair and on dry elbows and feet, but in the video, she talked about how coconut oil makes for a great shaving gel. Usually, Tati has great advice for stuff like this -- in fact, she's the reason I bought coconut oil for my hair in the first place. But using coconut oil on my legs for shaving was an absolute DISASTER. At first, my legs felt alright. They felt moisturized because of the coconut oil, and I felt pretty good about it. I went to bed, got up the next morning, and experienced some of the worst razor burn I've ever had.

Immediately, I started researching razor burn remedies. As I was looking through the different home remedies, I was hoping to find something that I already had at home. I knew that a milk and honey mixture would be a good idea, but I wanted to see if there was anything else that would be more effective. So as I was reading, I kept noticing people mention the same old things: aloe vera, milk, honey, oatmeal baths, and...potatoes? I'm a very curious person, so the second I saw "potatoes" on the list of remedies, I had to try it.

Turns out, potatoes have vitamin E and calcium which helps to soothe and restore damaged skin. Milk is a well-known remedy for burns, because the lipids in the milk coat the burn and promote healing. And then of course, we have honey, which is a fantastic humectant (meaning it draws moisture out of the skin and to the surface) and antiseptic.

I'm happy to say that this treatment really helped calm my razor burn. While I still have little bumps on my legs, my skin is no longer irritable, itchy, and hot, like it was prior to this treatment.

And luckily, making this remedy is pretty easy and only takes a couple minutes!

For this treatment, you'll need:

• 1 potato
• 1 tbsp of honey
• 1 tbsp of milk (whole milk is best, but you can use any kind of milk as long as it's cow's milk with some percentage of fat)

I'm only 5'3", so if you are significantly taller than me, you may need to adjust this recipe for you. 

The first thing you need to do is peel the potato. Don't bother cooking it or boiling it -- you want it in its raw state! After peeling the potato, just cut it into cubes. From this point, I took a small food processor (but you could always use a blender or a hand mixer), and blended up the potato cubes. After the cubes start to break down, add in your milk and honey. Continue blending until you get a chunky paste, similar to oatmeal. It will look something like this:

While you clean up the kitchen, stick the mixture in the freezer for a couple of minutes. This will ensure that it's nice and cold when you apply it to the affected area. 

I definitely suggest applying this in the bathtub, because it will get messy! You'll instantly feel a cooling sensation when you apply the mixture. I waited about ten minutes and then rinsed it off with lukewarm water. Pat it dry to avoid irritating your skin even more, and apply a lotion or body butter. It's best if it is unscented, again, to avoid irritating your skin even more.

I hope this helps anyone who may be suffering from a razor burn. Always be careful when shaving -- it's tricky business! 

What are your favorite home remedies?

- d. 

My Daily Skin Care Routine + DIY Eye Makeup Remover

Finally! I've been talking about doing this for a while, and now I'm finally getting around to doing a skin care routine post, as well as a super easy DIY eye makeup remover! Fair warning: this may be a bit of a long, rambly post, because my morning and nighttime routines are mostly the same, so I decided to discuss them both at once! Let me start out by telling you a little bit about my skin:

I have sensitive, dry-combination skin -- my forehead and cheeks get very dry, my nose is balanced and normal, and my chin is very oily. My eyelids are oily in some areas, with dry patches in others. On top of that, I have patches of plaque psoriasis around my nose and around my hairline. I have never really had trouble with acne, although I do tend to get mild cystic acne on my chin around my time of the month.

The key to my skin care routine is to find the perfect balance for my entire face, without irritating it. Like I said, I have sensitive skin, so I do my best to avoid fragrant products, or anything with harsh chemicals.

Every night, if I've been wearing makeup, I make sure to remove as much of it as I possibly can. I start out with eye makeup. At this end of this post, I will have details on my incredibly easy and fast DIY eye makeup remover! But first thing's first, using a cotton pad, I hold the eye makeup remover to my eyes for about 10 seconds and wipe away my eye makeup. I also run it along my lower lash line with a cotton swab to ensure that I got all my makeup off.

Next, I go in with a cleansing water. I used to use the Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water, but the smell turned me off. In the US, cleansing waters are hard to find, so the Sephora brand cleansing water is a great option if you don't have a credit card or are just trying out cleansing waters for the first time. However, I've recently started using the Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water, which is half the price for the same size. The only downside of this product is that I have yet to see it in the US. I'm not sure where this product can be found elsewhere in the world, but I ordered it through FeelUnique! I use the cleansing water to remove any of the excess olive oil and get any leftover makeup on my eyes, and then use it to remove my face makeup. If I'm being extra lazy, I will stop here.

After my cleansing water, I use a gentle cleanser. Like I said before, finding that balance with my skin is key, and Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash does exactly that. I sometimes use this product both day and night, although some people recommend only cleansing once a day. I find that this face wash is gentle enough, though, to be used twice a day without drying out your skin. If I decide I want to exfoliate, I prefer manually exfoliating with a wash cloth. I have yet to find a really great scrub for my face, as most of them just leave me red and irritated. So instead, I usually just take a warm, damp wash cloth and, using circular massaging motions, remove all the cleanser from my face!

After cleansing, I use a homemade toner and spot treatment, both made from tea tree oil. For a toner, I take a small travel spray bottle and fill it with purified water, then add a few drops of tea tree oil. Then I shake it up and spritz it all over my face. This is also great as an antibacterial refreshing spray! For a spot treatment, I take a cotton swab and just a tiny bit of tea tree oil and dab it on any spots I notice. Due to its antibacterial properties, the tea tree oil helps to reduce and cut the life of my breakouts! I usually only use pure tea tree oil at night, as it can smell quite strongly and some people are put off by the scent.

After spot treating, I use an eye cream. For a while, I was loving the Origins Eye Doctor Eye Cream, but every time I went to purchase a new jar, my credit card would sing a sad song. So recently, I discovered the Boots Botanics Organic Hydrating Eye Cream, which is half the price! My sensitive eye area is so happy, and so is my bank account. My biggest problem when it comes to eye creams is that most of them are too rich for my skin and cause small milia to appear. I haven't had this problem with either the Origins or the Boots Botanics eye creams, and they are both light enough to be used day and night.

From here, I move onto moisturizing. For the day time, I use the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Moisturizer, which hydrates my skin without being heavy and thick. Because it isn't heavy, it doesn't feel greasy on my oilier areas, but it is still hydrating enough for my drier areas. I also mix this moisturizer with the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen. I discovered this sunscreen in high school and fell in love because of its texture. It never feels greasy, and can be applied over makeup without ruining it!

At night, I skip a traditional moisturizer altogether, and reach for the Josie Maran Argan Oil Light. I put two to three drops into clean hands, spread it in my hands, and gently pat the oil onto my face. I find that this oil really hydrates my skin overnight, but never leaves me feeling greasy. It may be a bit pricey, at $48 for the full size, but they sell it in a travel size for $16, and it lasts forever! I also use this argan oil one or twice a week to massage my face, to really get the blood flowing and to invigorate my skin. To finish off my daily routine, I always top off my lips with my Jack Black Intense Lip Therapy Lip Balm.

Once or twice a week, I will use a face mask to refresh and really deep clean my skin. As I've raved about a thousand times, I absolutely love the Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask. Not only does it do a great job of really pulling out any sebum and dirt from my pores, but it has actually made my psoriasis better. Since using this mask, I've noticed the psoriasis around my nose slowly going away! I actually have an entire rave about this mask here. Another mask that I love to use, especially when I have active breakouts, is the Lush Cosmetic Warrior Fresh Face Mask. This mask is a godsend. I discovered it a few years ago when I was on the hunt for the Cupcake Mask, but the Lush in my area was all sold out! The young woman recommended the Cosmetic Warrior mask instead, and I don't regret it one bit! I probably have 7 or 8 jars of this face mask alone that I need to trade in.

Now let's talk about my super easy DIY eye makeup remover. 

Things You'll Need:

• Any empty travel bottle
• Purified water
• Extra virgin olive oil

To create my eye makeup remover, I use a small travel bottle and fill it about 4/5 of the way with purified water. Then, fill the last 1/5 with extra virgin olive oil. You hardly need any of the olive oil, and too much of it can cling to your skin and get into your eyes. Of course, it will separate, so shake well before using. I find that this solution can gently remove even the most stubborn waterproof mascara, and the olive oil will condition your lashes and prevent breakage! 

And that's it for my skin care routine! I know it seems like a lot, but once you get into the habit, it really seems like nothing at all. It only takes a couple of minutes for the entire routine, and I find that my skin is happiest when I'm actively making time to take care of it. Keep in mind that this is the routine that works for me. Your skin is different and always changing!

- d.

Top 5 Tips for Managing Dry Skin This Winter!

Here in sunny California, I don't feel the effects of the winter as harshly as many people do. However, I have had my share of white Christmases, and I know that dry skin can be a battle! Not only do I normally have dry-combination skin, but I also have a skin condition called psoriasis, which only gets worse in the cold weather. Here are my top 5 tips for managing dry skin!

5. Moisturize.
While using lotion may seem like a big "duh" to most people, you would be shocked at how many people forget this step in their routine. Find a lotion that works for you. Personally, I try to avoid any kind of scented lotions (except my Soap & Glory Hand Food, but I just can't get enough of that stuff!), because I often find that it just irritates my skin and leaves it more dry than before. Bath & Body Works lotions especially tend to do this, unfortunately. Do your best to avoid mineral oil as well, as it creates a barrier between your skin and the outside world. You want to protect your skin, not suffocate it! Coconut oil is also a great natural moisturizer. 

4. Take a bath.
One of my favorite ways to help moisturize my skin is by relaxing in a nice warm bath. However, not just any kind of bath! I love to mix extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar into my baths. They are incredibly cheap options and leave your skin feeling silky. If you really want a luxurious, moisturizing bath, look for a buttery bath melt or bath bomb. My absolute favorite is Lush's Butterball, but you can find products like this just about any place that sells bath supplies.

3. Exfoliate.
You are covered in dead skin cells. Sounds gross, right? But that's just how your skin works. The average person has about 15-20 layers of dead skin cells on their body. So you can moisturize all you want, but how much of that product is actually effectively moisturizing your skin? Exfoliation can help encourage cell turnover, which will help reveal beautiful, glowing skin. Don't over-exfoliate though. You don't want to rub yourself raw! 

2. Eat raw fruits and vegetables. 
A balanced diet is key for beautiful skin. In the winter time, raw fruits and vegetables tend to go unnoticed, since they are often a summer time treat. Keep them in your diet year-round. Raw fruits and veggies are loaded in antioxidants and vitamins, which will help keep your skin healthy and bright. Raw fruits and veggies are also generally better for you than cooked fruits and veggies, because cooking often destroys most of the nutrients and enzymes in your food. 

1. Drink WATER!
I cannot stress this enough. Water is your best friend. Water not only hydrates you, but you are made of it! Two-thirds of your body is made up of water. Needless to say, it's pretty important. Caffeine in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and sodas will dehydrate your body. Switch out at least one sugary drink per day for water, and you'll see a difference!

Remember, beautiful skin starts from the inside. You can use thousands of dollars worth of products, and never see a real, long term difference. These tips are not only for use in the winter, but year-round. Keep in mind that your body is a temple, and you only get one of them, so treat it right and it will thank you!

- d.

p.s. If any of you follow me on Tumblr, you'll know that my best friend, Christine, is running for Miss San Diego! Being a part of the Miss America organization, Christine is supporting local children's hospitals, and is raising money for the Children's Miracle Network. On top of that, for every $10 she raises, she and her mom will make a scarf that will be donated to the homeless, which can help make the difference between life or death this winter. Let's help make miracles happen! Click here to donate. 

How I Clean/Disinfect My Makeup Brushes & DIY Brush Drying Rack

My brush cleansing routine is far from extraordinary. However, I still know a lot of people who spend $15-$20 on brush cleansers that don't last! For just a little more money, you can cleanse your brushes for more than a year, as opposed to a few months, and this routine will clean, condition, and disinfect your brushes.

Typically, for powder brushes, I recommend deep cleansing at least once a week. For foundation and concealer brushes, or really any brush that is used to apply liquid or cream products, I recommend deep cleansing after every use. Liquid and cream products are more likely to trap bacteria than powder products. When dirty brushes are applied to the face over and over again, they will spread dirt and bacteria, and can be a major cause of breakouts! 

To begin, I always lay out paper towels, simply as a holding place for my brushes before they are hung to dry. Then, I section out my brushes based on use. There is no particular reason for this, I just find it easier to manage that way. 

Extra virgin olive oil is the key to cleaning your brushes. Many people are scared of the word "oil." However, extra virgin olive oil has so many amazing uses, including being an amazing brush cleanser! It helps to break down even the toughest product buildup, as well as condition your brushes.

I've had this bottle for at least a year now, and still have plenty left. You can buy huge bottles of this in any grocery store, ranging in price from $3 to $20, depending on the size and quality. The bottle I have is from Costco, and has also been used for cooking. It has been very well loved.

I take just a little bit in my hand, and swirl in one brush at a time. You will instantly begin to see product coming out into the oil. I like to squeeze the bristles to try to get more product out of the brushes, but keep in mind, squeeze, don't wring. Don't twist the bristles to get the excess oil out. Squeeze, almost like you would a toothpaste tube. 

I usually repeat this with five or so brushes before moving onto the next step.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap is a "pure-castile" soap, which means that it is a vegetable oil-based soap. Again, here's that "oil" word. However, this soap cleans so deeply yet gently, and because of the organic oils, it doesn't strip the brush hairs of the oils they need to stay soft. No one likes prickly bristles on their face, especially around the delicate eye area! The soap I use is the Baby Mild Liquid Soap, and ranges in price from $3 to $60. My 16 oz bottle cost about $10 at my local Sprouts Market! You can use this locator on their website to find a bottle near you. Their website is fascinating, and talks all about the products and why they work. The best part is, there are absolutely no harsh detergents in this soap, making it safe for use just about anywhere. You can even use it to brush your teeth!

Anyway, enough blabbing about this product. The cool thing is that you only need a couple of drops to cover quite a few brushes. This stuff is potent. Again, just swirl your brush around in the soap, and rinse in warm water until you are no longer seeing suds.

Quick Tip: Make sure to avoid getting water above the ferrule. The ferrule is the metal piece that connects the bristles to the handle. Getting water into the ferrule can cause the wood to warp, or the glue to decay, both of which will lead to broken brushes. 

From here, I lay my brushes flat on the paper towels to soak up the excess water before moving onto my next bunch of brushes. You can always stop here, but there is still a chance of water leaking into the ferrule and ruining your brushes. To prevent this, you can always purchase a brush drying rack. Or, you can make you own with some clothespins and a hanger! 

To create your own brush drying rack, you will need clothespins, a wire flexible hanger, and a safe place to hang your brushes. You can also use chip clips, but wooden clothespins are so cheap and easy to get a hold of! I got mine in a pack of 50 at Target for $1.79. 

Assembling this drying rack is so quick and easy! First, I twisted the top of the hanger, so that the hanger would be parallel to the wall my brushes will be hanging near. I chose to hang my brushes on a towel bar in my bathroom, which sits about 3 to 4 inches away from the wall. 

Next, add the clothes pins! Face the mouth of the clothespin downward, and attach it to the hanger. You can add as many as you like, but I generally like to keep at least an inch between each brush. Then, place the brush handle into the mouth of the clothespin! You should be left with a little something like this:

Keep in mind that this may not work for brushes with thicker handles. For example, the clothespins were not big enough for my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. If you have any larger-handled brushes, I suggest using chip clips instead. This works really well for kabuki brushes! Hanging your brushes upside down will also speed up the drying process, all thanks to gravity. 

Now, before you use your brushes, you need to make sure that they are sanitized. I like to use tea tree oil to sanitize my brushes. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is poisonous to ingest, so do NOT eat it, and do not get it in your eyes! I can tell you from personal experience that tea tree oil in your eyes is extremely painful. However, when diluted with purified water, it has been used for many different cosmetic purposes. In fact, my beloved Cosmetic Warrior mask from Lush contains tea tree oil! I purchased mine at Target, but it can also be picked up at your local drug store. 

Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial properties, but because it is an essential oil, it will not dry out your brush hairs like an alcohol-based antiseptic would. 

To create your tea tree oil brush disinfectant, you will need a small spray bottle. You can pick one up at just about any drug store. I suggest checking the travel section. Fill your bottle with purified water. The rule of thumb for creating this disinfectant is, know how many ounces your bottle contains! For each ounce of water, add one drop of tea tree oil. Only one drop per ounce, meaning, if you have an 8 oz bottle, only use 8 drops. 

After you have properly filled your spray bottle, close it tightly and shake. Mist the mixture onto your bristles and you're ready to use your freshly cleaned brushes! 

- d. 

DIY How To -- Mason Jar Candles from Recycled Candle Wax

Let's be honest. Candles are not cheap, and often times, you run out of wick before you run out of wax. Sure, you can use a candle warmer, but those can get a bit pricey. I absolutely love my Leaves candle from Bath & Body Works, and I feel a bit cheated every time I run out of wick prior to running out of the amazingly scented wax.

Mason jar candles are a cheap and easy solution!

For this project, you will need the following supplies:

• Any candle that you want to salvage
• A mason jar
• Candle wicks with attached anchor
• A pot deep enough to hold the entire candle

When I did this project, I used an 16 oz mason jar and 3.5 inch candle wicks, both purchased at my local Michael's. Mason jars can be found in many different stores -- anywhere from the grocery store to Walmart. However, Michael's was the only place where I could find single mason jars, for about $1.50. Candle wicks can be found at your local arts and crafts store, and I only paid $3 for my set of 12. As you can see in the photo, I already have some wax in the jar. I had two Leaves candles that I wanted to combine to create another candle. If you are only trying to salvage one candle, I would suggest using a 4 or 8 oz jar instead. 

Now that you know what you need, let's get started!

First thing's first. Fill up your pot about halfway with water, then place it on the stove on high heat. You will need to wait for the water to begin to boil. 

While you wait for the water to boil, take a strong knife and begin cracking the wax in your used candle. I would suggest sticking the knife directly into the wax and twisting. It doesn't have to be perfect. The cracks will just allow the heat to penetrate the wax more quickly.

Once your water is boiling, carefully place your candle into the water, and turn down your stove to medium heat. This will keep the water from boiling over. You may be wondering, "Why don't you just microwave the candle?" Well here is my answer! Candle wicks have a metallic anchor that is attached to the glass, in order to keep the wick in place. Because of this metallic anchor, the microwave will begin to spark. In extreme cases, your microwave can explode, but regardless, it's a dangerous thing to play with, and you may end up simply breaking your microwave. 

As your candle sits in the boiling water, it will begin to look a little bit like this:

See that melting? At this point, bring your stove to low heat, and then you can gently stick your knife back into the wax to start breaking it up again. This will speed up the melting process. The great thing about this method is that the boiling water will not only melt the wax, but also the glue that holds the wicks into the jar and the glue on the labels, making clean-up significantly easier. 

Once your wax is completely melted, turn off your stove, and use an oven mitt or thick towel and carefully remove the jar from the water. I cannot stress enough how important it is to be careful and protected! You can easily burn yourself, so please, be cautious. After you remove the candle from the water, slowly pour the melted wax into your mason jar. 

From here, you can place in your wick. There is no real method to how to place your wick, just adjust until you are happy with its placement! Make sure that the anchor is flat before you put the wick into the wax, otherwise you will not have a steady base for the wick as it burns. 

If you would like to recycle the jars your candles originally came in, take the same knife we used earlier and scrape the wick anchor from the bottom of the candle jar. It should come off pretty easily, since it has been melted by the boiling water. The labels on the candle should also slide off easily. If you are left with any sticky residue, take a cotton ball and some tea tree oil, and the stickiness will come off almost immediately! From here, just wash out the jar and you now have some new small storage containers! These are great for storing things like cotton buds, cotton balls, lip balms, pens, rings, earrings, etc.

The quickest way to solidify your new candle is to let it set for ten minutes. After ten minutes, fill up a bowl with cool water, and place your candle into the water. You will notice the wax will begin to set almost instantly. Be careful when doing this, because if you place the warm glass into the cold water too quickly, it may cause the glass to shatter. When it's all set, it should look a bit like this!

Don't forget to cut the wick down so that it can properly burn the wax. I cut my wick down to about 1/4 of an inch. 

This is a super easy project that only takes about half an hour to do, and it's a great money saver. Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candles normally go for $20 each, but recycling candles by using mason jars is a great way to save a candle, and save a buck! 

- d.