CoolSculpting Gone Bad

June 29, 2019, 1:53 pm

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Yes, gone really bad as instead of reducing the size of my stomach it made it bigger! Now before I get into this, I want to share that if you are new to my website, that 99% of the content I provide is positive as I feel opinions are just that and not facts. Hence, when I talk about a product, I am only telling you about the ones I like, the ones I hate, you will rarely hear about those.

However, this is a different circumstance, as I feel it is essential to share with you a side effect of CoolSculpting that I was unaware of, primarily as it is claimed to be rare, but it is not. So, what the heck am I talking about? I am talking about a complication called "paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH)." Where instead of the fat shrinking, in the area that is treated with CoolSculpting, it gets bigger, and over time it gets hard and can be painful. WTF?? Yes, you read correctly, I now have a large permanent bulge on my stomach that resembles the CoolSculpting applicator shape!

CoolSculpting Gone From Bad To Worse; My Entire Experience
If you do not want to read my story, you can skip to What is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia. If not, continue reading. Please note, I mention two doctors, Dr. A, where I had CoolSculpting, Dr. B is the plastic surgeon I went to for a second opinion.

Now, I know you are probably thinking well when you decide to have an elective procedure you are taking risks. Well, in this case, yes and no, as I agreed to promote Dr. A’s  total body bundle, that includes red light therapy first and to finish with CoolSculpting. In turn, I would share my progress on my blog and social media as the company had no marketing or testimonials from anyone.

Before And After For Red Light Therapy And Where My Stomach Was For The Start Of CoolSculpting

The first procedure in my fat reduction journey,  which was red light therapy was amazing. I lost weight, and you can see the results from the image above. You can also see in this picture what my stomach looked like prior to CoolSculpting from the AFTER photo. While that experience was successful and I would highly recommend Red Light Therapy for weight loss, the Coolsculpting was a downhill nightmare.

Butter Stick After CoolSculping, This Is Normal

For the most part, CoolSculpting has an excellent safety record. During the procedure you will get the butter stick effect, which is supposed to be massaged out, this is normal. After the procedure, most patients experience mild side effects such as redness, tingling, and numbness, which goes away after a few weeks. Mine, however, was much longer.  About the 2nd week in, I still had no feeling in the area in which I had the procedure done, and it was still very red and swollen. Because of the concern, I called Dr. A’s office in which I had the procedure, and they said for some people it takes longer to get the feeling back and for me to wait about two more weeks and check back in.

My Follow Up With The Practice
When I called back, I was able to schedule an appt. With the owner of the practice, he (Dr. A) looked at me and told me, I was fine, and that the area still appeared to be swollen and to check back with him in another month, in which I did.  Two plus months in and while the numbness eventually went away; I started to notice a bulge, that was getting harder, that too me looked like the CoolSculpting applicator.

Dr. A claimed that sometimes you must have more than one process done to remove the fat. Since he was not the one to do the procedure (a licensed Aesthetician did it) he had no idea what I looked like prior.  So, I told him with all due respect, my stomach is larger than before, and it's not fat, it's very hard, and I did not gain weight. And that I don't think having another CoolSculpting series is what I need. The spot is not soft fat; it is hard and feels like it did after it was frozen (cryolipolysis) during the procedure. And more importantly, the mark is the exact size of the CoolSculpting device, in the exact place it was used.

Dr. A repeatedly told that if I wanted the bulge to go away, I needed more CoolScultping treatments. Frustrated as Dr. A was not listening, I left and went home.  Once I got back, I looked through all my photos to see if I had a before and after to share with him.  I know you are probably thinking; well, didn't the practice have a before and after? NO, they did not, as this is one area there were horrible at.

None the less, the photos I did have were the ones I took of the procedure. And if you compared my current state with the picture you could visibly see the bulge was from the CoolSculpting device and looking back now, it was clearly PAH.

What Is PAH And Why Can It Happen After CoolSculpting?

I was not aware of PAH. I only found out about it, after my frustrations with my stomach, I decided to go to a plastic surgeon (Dr. B) to get a second opinion. It was at that appointment that I was told it was PAH. I was like what the heck is that?

The Plastic Surgeon explained the technology behind CoolSculpting, which I already knew but will share with you. You see, a CoolSculpting procedure cools fat cells to temperatures that trigger their natural death.  Those cells are then eliminated naturally by the body over the following weeks and months.

During the procedure, a non-surgical applicator delivers precisely controlled cooling to the treatment area to selectively target treated fat cells, slimming you down, and leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. Usually, this is what happens.  However,  a side effect is that the fat in the treated area, instead of shrinking expands and hardens into an unnaturally shaped lump in response to the extreme cold.

This is called paradoxical (abnormal) adipose (fat) hyperplasia (unusual increase in a structure), or PAH for short. Instead of the area shrinking, the bulge after CoolSculpting gets larger and usually becomes firmer than surrounding tissues and resembles the shape of the CoolSculpting applicator.

Needless to say, I was frustrated, but that wasn't the worst. Dr. B told me the only way to fix this was with Liposuction. WTH, you mean I must have an invasive procedure now and pay for it out of pocket to fix this?

Click Here To Watch Video

The Only Way To Treat PAH Is With Liposuction
Yep, that is right while PAH is treatable, the only way to fix this bulge on my stomach is with Liposuction, not another CoolSculpting procedure like Dr. A told me. Furthermore, this is not something I can get right away, as I have to wait about nine months until the bulge softens enough to remove safely.

This entire ordeal has been both emotionally and physically draining, especially considering I did the procedure to help market the practice and secondly to address an already bothersome area on my stomach that now appears worse.

The Doctor Told Me He Would Not Help Me
After finding out that I had PAH, I proceeded to contact Dr. A directly via email, this was a fail as I got no response. About two weeks later, when I acquired his cell phone number, I called him and left him a voicemail telling him I needed to speak with him.  When he finally called me back, he was very nonchalant and said that he was closing his weight loss practice and couldn't help me and that if it was PAH, he agreed I would have to get Liposuction done to fix it and that I should make an appointment with a plastic surgeon as he could not help me. I was like, so let me get this right, you are telling me, that I have to fork out $8000 plus to be put under anesthesia and have lipo done to fix this and you have nothing to say about it but, you can't help you're closing your practice. He said, yes. And that was the end of our conversation.

Liposuction VS CoolSculpting To Lose Fat
In hindsight, I would not have CoolSculpting done. While it is a promoted as a noninvasive procedure, it costs more as most have to do 2-3 treatments and you don't even get the benefit of detailed sculpting.

On the other hand, Liposuction can end up costing less than some non-surgical alternatives in the long run. A plastic surgeon can determine precisely how much fat to remove to achieve the desired results in only one procedure unlike me, who now has to pay twice.  And if there is an issue, even a side effect, most Dr's offer to help fix and rectify the situation. Not tell you, sorry, I can't help you, and by the way, we suck so bad we are closing our practice!

Takeaway
Do your research on any cosmetic procedure and always ask about possible complications.  While I did do research, I did not read anything on PAH, nor did the practice, tell me this was a possible side effect.  Otherwise, I may have reconsidered the procedure, since I was only about 15 lbs. overweight.

In conclusion, I hope my story will give some insight to know that while CoolSculpting is marketed as a noninvasive way to lose fat. It is costly, and you should way out your options. And lastly, go to a plastic surgeon, not a spa with an aesthetician to perform, as they can't fix any mistakes or assist with adverse side effects. Otherwise, you will end up like me, stuck as because this was a side effect, there isn’t anything legally I can do about.

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The Ultimate Self-Care Guide

July 29, 2019, 9:44 am

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Having a self-care guide in our lives is a must in my book. Let's face it, life is busy, and sometimes, it can be darn hard! We all have things that take their toll on us, and if we don’t look after ourselves, we may find a lot of the things that we face to be overwhelming. Sound familiar? If so then this guide is for you, so keep reading!

I know, the expression self-care can sound a bit cliche. But there is a lot of evidence behind self-care, along with tons of benefits it can bring to us. For example, feeling less stress and anxiety, furthering our overall well-being, even improved mental health. The good news is that self-care doesn’t have to take long. You could do one thing a day and feel the benefit right away! If you’re not sure where to start, but want to make some changes, then here are some of the things that you can be doing.

Don’t Forget #selfcaresunday
No matter where you turn online and on social media, someone somewhere will be talking about self-care, as it is all about putting yourself first physically, mentally, and emotionally.  The truth is it can be hard for some to think about taking out some me-time. But you need to remember that self-care is not selfish. The truth is when you put yourself first, everyone around you will win. You can be a better partner, a better parent, a better friend, and a better colleague. So take some time each day and make it count.

Create A Happy List
While this may sound a little odd, trust me, it works. So, what I want you to do is at the end of every day, write out a happy list, or a list of things that you are grateful to have in your life. It can be small things, like finding a Sephora gift card that you did not know you had, adding fresh cut flowers in your home, to eating a yummy meal. A focus like this can shift your motivation and thinking. It helps you to recognize the things that are going right in your life, rather than concentrating on the negative. To motivate you, it can be a fun idea to get a cure journal to write it (Erin Condren does some amazing ones). Then you can be inspired and motivated to do with daily prompts.

Rest Your Eyes
So much of our days, through work and social time, is spent in front of screens.  Not only can this lead to tech neck, but it can and does take a toll on our eyes.  Which can cause things like headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision. There is a rule of twenty, where every twenty minutes you should take a twenty-second break, and look at something that is over twenty feet away. If you wear contact lenses, then it can be a good idea to have at least one or two days a week where you don’t wear your glasses, for example.



Spa Time
It can feel like such a luxury to take yourself off to a spa to have facials or a massage and trust me; this is the type of pampering you need! If you really can’t fit that in with what you have going on in life, then you could at least treat yourself at home. There are so many at-home sheet masks that you could use, as well as foot spas and essential oils to give you that wonderful spa feeling.

Think About Your Breathing
Studies have suggested that around 20 minutes of yoga breathing(like you would in a yoga class) can improve your mood and even help to improve your memory.  Which is why implementing some yoga into your life is essential.  If you can't find time for yoga, at least take the time to do some yoga breathing techniques right before going to sleep. There is an alternate-nostril approach that you could try:

• Make an L-shape with your right thumb and first finger; then take a deep breath.
• From there, press the right side of your nose with your thumb, like you are trying to block your nostril. Breathe out.
• Breathe in with your other nostril, and then block your left nostril and take your hand off the right one. Breathe out, and then breathe in.
• Repeat for twenty minutes.

Laugh With Friends
If you want to feel good and be happy, then what is better than being able to laugh with your friends? Research has found that when you laugh, it helps to release endorphins, which are those happy or feel-good hormones. So yes, you can benefit from having a giggle! It can also be comforting to spend time with friends and talk things out, at the same time, too.

So beauties, as you can see the overall the goal to self-care is to take advantage of the opportunities around us! Doing so will allow us to change the outcome in life to something more positive. Which ultimately will encourage healthy relationships, less burnout, self-love, happiness and more!

SkinStore Beauty Box Reveal Of Top American Beauty Brands

July 30, 2019, 4:47 pm

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What better way to end the month of July, than with some top American beauty brands to celebrate all the BEAUTYful things made in the USA! From skin care to beauty, the SkinStore has you set!

And if that wasn't enough, there is nothing like getting a beauty box, and this one from the SkinStore is one bang of a box! While I haven't had the chance to try these all, I would love to share with you the many goodies that came in the box as it is a skincare junkies dream!



Glass Glow Face From Kevyn Aucoin
A dewy look is must for us over forty, trust me! The universal, lightweight, unique formula creates youthful-looking, well-hydrated skin, with a glassy finish.

I love that it is a multi-purpose glow-gel that can be used on the face and body, leaving skin appearing bright, radiant, and glowing.

Can be used alone for a fresh look, or add it to your existing routine or foundation, for an added glass effect.

Available in three shades: Crystal Clear, Spectrum Bronze, and Prism Rose.
 

NEOSTRATA Sheer Hydration SPF 35
Got oily skin or live in an area the summer months are dreadfully humid? If so this, light oil-free SPF hydrator is for you. It is perfect for oily skin or to use in hot, humid climates when increased oiliness is a concern.

It also contains NeoGlucosamine, which is supposed to help reduce the appearance of dark spots from aging and acne — balancing for more even tone, improving the skin's texture and some much-needed firmness, for me.

Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster 15ml
I was so excited to see this in the box as I am a big fan of Paula's Choice and skincare products that have Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid is well known for its skin benefits, especially for boosting the hydration of your skin as well as minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. You can really see a difference in the texture of your skin when using this. I still have my wrinkles; but when you use a product that boosts the hydration of the skin, it helps to prevent moisture loss and reinforce the skin's barrier function. Which is an anti-aging plus.

Cruelty-free Murad Prebiotic 3-in-1 Multi Mist
I've been so wanting to try a skincare product with a prebiotic in it. This one seems pretty impressive as it is a 3-in-1 Multi Mist and of course the pink packaging is so me! It contains a peptide-rich formula that works to promote a smooth, healthy-looking complexion by rebalancing the skin's microbiome (the collection of good and bad bacteria living on the skin).

I tried it as a setting spray over my makeup, which I liked as I am all about that dewy look!  It provides an extra boost of moisture, helping to minimize those lines that your makeup could set in.

Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, nuts, and animal-derived ingredients.

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy AM Gel Cream
This product is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner, and I can't wait to try it.

It is formulated especially for daytime use alone or under makeup that delivers an instant burst of cooling hydration upon application. You can use it both on the upper eyelid and under-eye area. According to Allure, it is great for priming the skin so makeup will not slip or pill, which is what I need.

Erno Laszlo White Marble Essence Lotion
A brightening toner...Yeah, I do not have one of these.  Brighten formulas are great for helping to combat age spots and lighten your pigmentation for a more balanced complexion.

One of the ingredients in it is the extract of Comfrey Root, which helps to stimulate cell renewal and repair for a visible plumping effect.

Free from phthalates, petrolatum, sulfates, and mineral oil.

Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
With Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, you need not worry about your sensitive skin anymore. As the 2010 Winner of Elle Genius Award for Skin,  this product not only offers UVA/UVB protection but also maintains skin health by freeing skin of fatty acid levels and reducing redness.

It is oil-free and light, which again is perfect for this time of year.

Kat Burki PH+ Enzyme Essence 100ml
Balance and refine your skin! I have not tried a product that helps to balance the PH levels, so I am intrigued by this.  The goal of this treatment is to address your skin's acidity to alkaline ratio.

Basically equalizing your pH levels and replenishing the acid mantle barrier to help improve moisture retention levels and combat free radical damage.YEAH!!!

Dermablend Loose Setting Powder
Last but not least, this is a cult favorite of makeup artists and beauty influencers. It is a lightweight, translucent setting powder designed to be worn over your foundations or concealers.

The powder is perfect for baking, setting, and finishing any makeup look. Helps with the long wear of your makeup, aiding with smudging and makeup transfer.

Free from parabens, phthalates, triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate. Vegan formula: no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts.

So there you have it. SkinStore Beauty Box Reveal Of Top American Beauty Brands, pretty impressive, right?

Have you tried any of these skincare products? If so would love to know your thoughts.

Mega Fall Watch Giveaway Plus A $500 Gift Card To My Gift Stop

August 16, 2019, 3:32 pm

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With the change of seasons upon us, having seasonally appropriate accessories are just as essential as your must-have fall clothes, and this goes for watches too. And My Gift Stop has the perfect selection of watches to step up your fall look!

Fall is my favorite season, not only is it beautiful outside, but a fall wardrobe is my favorite! Not only the boots and hats but adding some awesome accessories like some watches are a must for me.

Stylish watches can help you to elevate your look instantly! And My Gift Stop is here to help us kick start our look with a fantastic giveaway!

Check out all the details below.

Contest Terms & Conditions
No purchase necessary.

• One prize per winner. Five winners total. 
• Prizes are: one Casio GD100-1B, one Mockberg MO1404, one Caravelle 44B114, one Wenger 01.1441.103, and one $500 MyGiftStop.com gift card.
• Open to domestic and international individuals aged 18 and older only; void where prohibited.
• Entry closes on September 30th, 2019 at 11:59 PM EST
• Winner will be selected in random on October 2nd, 2019.
• Winner will be notified by email, so be sure to add mygiftstop.com to your safe list and to check your spam/junk folder.
• Prize unclaimed after 48 hours from notification is forfeited, and My Gift Stop reserves the right to select another winner.
• Winner agrees to allow My Gift Stop to publish his/her name with home city and state as a giveaway winner and to promote future giveaways and promotions.
• Participant agrees that his/her email will be added to our email newsletter to receive sales, new product updates, and other marketing emails. Email is never sold or shared. Participant may unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time.
• TO ENTER, CLICK THE ENTER HERE BELOW.

The Benefits Of Turmeric For Back Inflammation And Pain

September 3, 2019, 4:24 pm

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The Benefits Of Turmeric For Back Inflammation And Pain...

I am such a huge fan of Turmeric. I first started out taking Tumeric for back inflammation and pain.

You see, sitting at your desk all day can cause so many issues!. According to a study published by the Mayo Clinic, back pain is the third most common cause of doctor visits in the United States. Many people like myself who struggle back pain, also wonder how the heck did this happen. As I did not lift anything, I am not overweight, and I did not twist or turn oddly. But the truth is the back-pain culprit is from sitting 8 or more hours, which I do for work!

While I do try to stay active, all of that sitting has done tons of damage to my lower back, and it has even caused tech neck!

So, What Is A Person To Do?

Examining Your Back Pain
First, you want to determine the problem. If X-rays are necessary, I suggest going to a Chiropractor first as they can run X-rays in their office. With the cost being about 80% cheaper than if you went to an orthopedic. Or even your PCP, (primary care physician) who more than likely would request the X-rays to be taken at a hospital, which can be ever so costly, even with insurance.

If the results show that it is something that is not severe, that would NOT need surgery or treatment from an orthopedic. You could proceed with the recommended treatment from the Chiropractor. Which could be E-stim Therapy and taking an NSAID (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and or Turmeric as my Chiropractor prescribed. Either way, you do need to consult with your PCP as I am not a medical professional. I am only speaking from my successes.

Ways To Treat Your Back Pain Without Prescription Medication
I am not a fan of pain pills, steroids, or any pharmaceutical drugs for that matter. And this is the solution from most orthopedics and PCPs; let’s put a band-aid on it with a drug that can cause you to gain weight or worse yet, something that can be addictive. Bottom line, I DO NOT WANT A BAND-AID, I want a safer solution. Something that is not harmful that can help relieve inflammation and Turmeric can do just that.

Turmeric For Pain Relief

You may be familiar with Turmeric as a spice as it is common in Indian and Thai food. But, never knew what else it could be used for.  Curcumin, an active compound that is found in Turmeric, is where all the magic is as it is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, that can promote healing. Although it only takes up 3% of the plant, companies will extract this and concentrate the compound into a nutritional supplement.

Many studies have shown that Turmeric has tremendous anti-inflammatory powers equal in some cases to that of prescription and over-the-counter medications, like NSAID (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). And I am here to testify to this, which is why I highly recommend adding turmeric supplements to your diet regularly.



Working Turmeric Into Your Diet
Turmeric is found in a variety of forms, from a fresh root at Whole Foods and as a dried, powdered form in most upscale grocery stores. However, this can be expensive and who has time to grind a root? Which is why I prefer taking a quality supplement like the Ultra Turmeric Complex from Detoxification Works. I am a major fan of their products like their multi-vitamin and multi-mineral blend in easy-to-take capsules as well as their Cherry & Beet Wellness supplement. Which is why I decided to try their turmeric for pain relief.

Detoxification Works Ultra Turmeric Complex is a unique combination of organic turmeric powder with synergistic extracts, herbs, and nutrients.

In addition to High-potency organic turmeric extract (95% curcumin - the active ingredient), this supplement also includes:

• Ginger root extract (5% gingerols)
• Cayenne extract (100au capsaicin)
• Piperine (black pepper) extract
• Zinc citrate
• Vitamin B6

BONUSES:
Piperine: The piperine has been included to potentiate the absorption and effect of the other herbal actives - a well-known herbalists' combination.

The Benefits Of Ginger: In addition to helping relieve pain, ginger can help to protect the lining of the stomach. So, unlike some of the side effects associated with high dose use of aspirin and NSAIDs, like getting an upset stomach or possible damage due to long-time use. You do not have to worry about that when using an herbal supplement, like the one from Detoxification Works. At least from my personal experience.



Other Benefits Of Turmeric
Well, I couldn't end without telling you how great Turmeric is for the skin!

That's right, regular intake of Turmeric Curcumin is also great for the skin, due to its super amazing anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Not only can help to heal and prevent dry skin. But it is excellent for anti-aging, by helping to slow down the signs of aging, diminish wrinkles, and improve skin’s elasticity! Wait, it does all of this… YES and more!

How can one supplement have such a powerful impact across such a broad range of health conditions? The magic is in its life-altering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which is why I highly recommend taking a turmeric supplement, like the one from Detoxification Works.

Have you tried Turmeric? If so, let me know in the comments below!  Until next time!

REPIN ME!

Give Your Eyelashes A Blowout With Itcosmetics And Drybar Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara

September 9, 2019, 4:27 pm

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It's Time To Give Your Eyelashes A Blowout With Itcosmetics And Drybar

Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara!

Has anyone tried It Cosmetics Drybar inspired Mascara?

If you are a regular to my page you know I am a big fan of IT Cosmetics!! Which is why I am ever so excited to share with you this new Mascara, the "Lash Blowout Salon Volume Lift Mascara" that IT Cosmetics gifted me.

What makes this Mascara so cool is IT's like a Drybar Blowout for Your Lashes!

WHAT???

Itcosmetics And Drybar Partner Up Creating A New Mascara
That is right! IT Cosmetics partnered with Drybar to bring to us a mascara that is loaded with a lot of the same ingredients you'd find in some of their hair products, like biotin and collagen!

The tube even looks like one of the Drybar yellow hairbrushes. The bristles also have little yellow balls on the tips, which are meant to help with lash separation and lift. The same technology behind the hairbrush!

Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara Review

Aside from the cool branding, what does this mascara actually offer to our lashes? It really is like a blowout for your lashes as it provides...

• Root-to-tip application
• Great lift
• Volume
• The formula includes ingredients that are known to benefit our hair, including: 
• Collagen
• Vitamin E
• Jojoba oil
• Biotin-infused, which is supposed to help make our lashes stronger, just like it does the hair on our heads! 
• Biotin also helps to saturate the pigment, so it gives you that look of really bold lashes. 

Final Thoughts On Itcosmetics Lash Blowout Volumizing Mascara

I am all about a mascara that gives you volume and lift. These are the two most important things to me, and this mascara did offer that. The formula was not a wet formula which I was happy about. While I would not say it was tacky, which is my favorite, it did apply well, giving a lot of volume.

Want to try the new Lash Blowout mascara? If so,  you can order it from Itcosmetics, Ulta, Sephora, QVC, Macy's, even Amazon!

Top Four Myths About Plastic Surgery

September 10, 2019, 12:28 pm

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There are many common myths about plastic surgery and beauty for that matter.  Which is why in this blog, we like to educate and share tips on all things beauty, and this includes cosmetic procedures.

For this post, I have partnered up with some professionals, to help share and debunk the "Top Four Myths About Plastic Surgery."But I still recommend that you consult with someone in the medical field as I am not a medical professional.

So without further ado, my top Four Myths About Plastic Surgery!

Myth 1: Cosmetic Surgery Is All About Vanity
When most people hear the word plastic surgery, they often think of a breast augmentation or a facelift.  But the truth is plastic surgery is more than just volumptious breasts and looking younger.  See some of the real reasons people consider a cosmetic procedure below.
 
Confidence:
A lot of people consider a cosmetic procedure because of a life-long dream to correct that one thing about them that has seeped away at their confidence. Like a crooked nose from playing a sport or face scar, from their childhood.

Corrective:
There are procedures that a plastic surgeon can perform that is cosmetically corrective. Meaning procedures, whether surgical or nonsurgical that can help to amend something that is not fixable with conventional approaches. Like when a diet doesn't work for weight loss or a face cream for premature aging. They seek something like, CoolSculpting or Botox.

Comfort:
Plastic surgery can also be about making a life situation more comfortable. Let's take a very large bust, for example. Those that are top-heavy can end up having significant back problems, even severe discomfort. So the chance to have a breast reduction can help a person to live a more active, pain-free life.

Reconstructive:
What some people do not realize is that a lot of plastic surgeons can help with correcting birth defects like a cleft palate. And for a friend of mine who had breast cancer, a plastic surgeon helped her with some post-cancer breast reconstruction.

To sum it up, the right plastic surgeon is one that cares about the overall results after surgery, not just the aesthetics. Which is why, before any procedure, there is always a consultation.



Myth 2: All Plastic Surgeons Are Qualified
The sad truth is that not all plastic surgeons out there are scrupulous or even qualified. Some will prey on people’s insecurities and see it as an easy way to make money from them while promising life-changing procedures.

But even small procedures carry risks, bigger ones even more so - just take a look at these butt implant videos as an example.

That’s why it’s crucial to find a plastic surgeon who is licensed and certified.  And don’t just take their word for it or go by the framed certificate on the wall, do your research!

This includes:

• Looking at their qualifications as not all plastic surgery board certifications are the same.
• Look at their online presence, like social media.
• Do they have an up to date website?
• Always ask for before and after photos.
• What type of reviews do they have?
• More importantly, if you have a trusted friend who has gone to one, ask them about their experience. 

Another place I highly suggest is going to the RealSelf community. This is an online site that reveals the real story about each procedure and provides everything from before and after photos and stories posted by real people who've undergone a procedure, to forum discussions and doctor answers to your questions.

Bottom line, like anything we do in life, you need to do your research, especially when it comes to your body.

Myth 3: Only The Rich Can Afford Plastic Surgery
Although this may have once been the case, nowadays there are lots of options open for anyone who wants to have a cosmetic procedure.  And let's be honest if it were only for the rich and famous, there wouldn't be that many plastic surgeons.

In most cases, cosmetic surgery is considered elective surgery, and it is not covered under insurance, leaving most to pay with cash or put it on a credit card.  Plastic surgeons want to make themselves available to all, which is why, some of them offer 3rd party finance options, like through CareCredit.

Others also offer a discounted rate for specific procedures throughout the year, which is why it is a good thing to follow someone on social media, or sign up for their newsletter.  Better yet, sign up for a Reward Program like Brillant Distinctions, which is excellent for those who are considering Botox, Latisse, or fillers like Juvederm.

 
Myth 4: Liposuction Is Guaranteed For Permanent Weight Loss
While liposuction is a highly effective procedure, when it comes to getting rid of unwanted fat in areas of the body, your surgeon will tell you that the fat may come back after you’ve had surgery.

Lipo is not a band-aid to permanent weight loss! To maintain a healthy weight, you must live a healthy lifestyle, to include a well-balanced diet and exercise.

So there you have it beauties, our top four myths about plastic surgery debunked.

And while many of the myths above may have been talking about cosmetic. A lot of these apply to many medical procedures. Which means at the end of the day, having any medical procedure needs careful thought and planning. You want to make sure that you are getting the work done for the right reasons with a qualified medical professional.

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Skincare Sins; Dirty Pillowcases

October 14, 2019, 10:23 am

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Our first post in our Skincare Sins Series Is Dirty Pillowcases. Beauty sleep is real, to look and feel our best, we need rest, and more importantly, we need the right kind of bedding, and this goes for your pillowcases. So if you are ready for some dirty pillow talk, literally, continue reading! 

A lot of us spend time on night creams, but our beauty sleep can either age us or make us younger.  And when it comes to our pillows, it can be a skin aging culprit.  So, let me ask you: "Are you using a clean pillowcase, is it silk?"

A Regular Pillowcase
The moisture pulled into the pillow can draw in dirt and bacteria, causing damage to the skin.

Also, the dirt on the pillowcase exposes the skin to oxidative stress from free radicals. And free radicals can cause premature aging as it breaks down the collagen and elastin in the skin.

These yuckies breed on your pillowcases, especially from the dead skin cells on your scalp and skin!

Silk Pillow Cases  
Sleeping on a silk surface means less moisture will be taken from your skin and hair, so less is pulled into the pillowcase. One silk pillowcase that I like a lot is the Slip, silk pillow that can be found at Sephora.

How Often Should You Wash Your Pillowcase
Once a week, if using a silk pillowcase. Non-silk about every three days.

Do Beauty Pillows Work
This has been an argument by a lot of people.  But the truth is cotton pillowcases can pull and tug on the skin, which can cause premature aging. While silk pillowcases, on the other hand, glide over your face, reducing the stretching and pulling that can cause lines and wrinkles.  So to me, redefining my beauty sleep by anything that can minimize without harm, I'm all for implementing into my skincare routine.

Nighttime Skincare Routine
To help your skin at night, stick to a great skincare routine, and do not forget to remove all of your makeup before you go to bed! Until next time, sleep tight!

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5 Tips To Help Relieve Stress This Holiday Season With CBD

October 21, 2019, 8:05 am

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5 Tips To Help Relieve Stress This Holiday Season With CBD

Thanksgiving and Black Friday are right around the corner, and while this can be such a wonderful time of year, it can also be ever so stressful!

This stress can have such a negative impact on the body, mind, and soul. Whether short or long term, it is crucial to find ways to lessen the holiday stress! To not only to help you look and feel better but to have a happier piece of mind.

So, if you what to find out some of the best ways to give your body, skin, and mind a break, continue reading.

Relieve Stress This Holiday Season With Smart CBD Shop

For this post, I have partnered up with Smart CBD Shop. Smart CBD Shop is the ultimate store that supplies the highest quality, 3rd party lab-tested, hemp-derived CBD products that include gummies, oils, tinctures, teas, creams, ointments, and more.

Now before I get into the tips, I wanted to explain how CBD can help to minimize stress and anxiety.

You see, CBD interacts directly with your endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including your sleep and mood.

So, when you introduce CBD to the body, these functions are optimized, helping with stress, anxiety, and more. And no worries about getting stoned as CBD is non-psychoactive! It is not weed, it will not give you that mind-altering high that you would get with a cannabinoid that has THC in it.

It’s all the good stuff from the hemp plant that has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, treat anxiety, stress, nausea and much more!

Tip 1: Focus With The Help Of CBD
For many of us, the week of Thanksgiving kick starts the holiday stress. This is when our to-do list starts to pile up both professionally and personally. CBD can help to take the edge off, allowing us to relax, whine down, and focus on what we can control! Giving us the ability to concentrate and prioritize. Remember, you can't do everything, and that IS OK!

Tip 2: Exercise
Now I know you are probably thinking, when can I find time for that. Trust me; you need to find the time and will be happy you did. You see, working out releases endorphins and has many benefits for your body's health both physically and mentally, like:

• Decreases anxiety and stress levels
• Brings more oxygen to your skin cells, leaving you with skin that's nourished and firmer.
• Better sleep
• Physical shape
• Gives you more energy

Soothe Sore Muscles With CBD
And when you are done working out, do not forget to soothe those sore muscles with CBD Clinic revolutionary pain relief. This cream penetrates deeply to target the source of your muscle and joint irritation. Absorbs quickly and efficiently to end the tenderness experienced with muscle and joint pain.

Tip 3: Recharge By Making Some Time For Alone Time
There is nothing like some alone time. While I know it may seem impossible, setting aside 15 minutes a day, without any distractions can calm your mind.

One way to calm your mind is meditation. It helps with related functions, like how you will respond to stress. By practicing it daily, you can also help to improve your concentration and awareness. And for those of you may have a wandering mind and find it hard to implement meditation. A fantastic way to give your mediation a boost is with CBD. That's right CBD can help with your anxiety, so that now you will not have that barrier that could prevent you from being able to meditate.

In addition to mediation, some other things can give you a mental recharge. It can be things as simple as...

• Taking a walk and enjoying the crisp fall air
• Listening to your favorite music
• Reading a book
• Taking a bath

Tip 4: Socialize By Having A Spa Day With The Girls
Now, I know I just said you need your alone time. But taking time to socialize with others is also essential to living a healthy lifestyle. While your family and even work can stress you out, engaging with the girls helps you feel supported, mentally alert, and calms the soul.

Taking time out to pamper yourself is a must for me to help balance some of the craziness this time of year can bring. While there is nothing like going to the spa for treatments, they can be costly, which is why I like to organize a skincare spa day with the girls.

A spa day doesn't have to be expensive! Just ask each of them to bring something with them, and you can all unwind together with some wine, candles, snacks (including CBD gummies), warm fuzzy robes, and some hemp skincare. Oh, and don't forget the Sky & Wyatt Hemp Infused Teas!



That's right there is a tea that has CBD in it. Sky & Wyatt Hemp partnered up with The Tea Spot to create a beautiful line of Hemp infused teas! And one thing I like about this tea is unlike other CBD teas which are made from CBD isolates, Sky & Wyatt tea uses the hot water in your cup with an added fat, like cream or almond milk to extract the CBD naturally.

Tip 5: Pamper Yourself With A CBD Soak
Sometimes the best remedy for a tough week is to draw a bath, pour some wine, light a candle, and let the hot water melt your stresses away. And CBD oil can make a fantastic addition to any bath.

The bottom-line beauties, whatever you choose to do to help with stress and anxiety, remember that each day is a gift and an opportunity to care for yourself better, so please make time.

Want to try some CBD products for yourself? Well now you can get 15% Off at SMART CBD SHOP with code BARBIESBEAUTYBITS

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How The Air We Breathe Can Age Our Skin

November 20, 2019, 6:29 pm

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What??? Yes, you read correctly, the air we breathe can also age our skin! Most people do not realize this as we can't always see or feel it. But there are all kinds of nasties floating around in the air that can impact our skin in a negative way.

Sucks, doesn't it? As whoever thought air pollution could also be a culprit for making us age quicker.  Well, beauties it is. Not only can these evil free radicals (these are created from the pollution, and even the sun) attack our skin causing several premature aging issues like breaking down the collagen of the skin and creating wrinkles. They also can weaken the skin, which can cause sagging, brown spots as well as triggering oxidative stress in our skin and much more. So, in addition to topical creams for anti-aging, we also need to be taking some steps to help protect ourselves against these free radicals caused by pollution and other environmental factors.

Top 6 Ways To Fight Free Radicals From Damaging The Skin

 

No. 1 ATMOtube Personal Air Quality Trackers 
This is a wearable, portable device that monitors the quality and safety of the air you breathe. It comes in with two different options, the Atmotube pro, and the Atmotube Plus.

One thing that I like about this product is that unlike other air quality trackers that only measure outdoor or indoor air quality, this product is a perfect fit for both.  Additionally, it is small enough that you can clip it to your purse on the go or leave it on your table at your home or office and get real-time information about the air around you.

Atmotube PRO
This device detects PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 pollutants, like dust, pollen, soot, and mold, plus a wide range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). All in real-time! It also measures atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity, and helps you to stay in the most comfortable and safe environment.

Amtotube Plus
This bad boy is like your personal air quality coach as it lets you know what's in the air, wherever you are. It also has immediate alerts when the air is not safe enough and can tell what you can do to reduce exposure to polluted air.

The Atmo plus can detect things like

• Volatile Organic Compounds: A wide range of TVOCs like acetone, methanol, benzene, ethanol, xylene, and formaldehyde.
• Built-in weather station
• Barometric pressure sensor for those who are sensitive to weather changes.
• Temperature & Humidity

How To Use: I will not get into all the details here. But I did want to mention that you connect this to your cellphone or tablet. Simply down the free app and the device starts measuring air quality immediately but will get more accurate after the first 12 hours. (Proper calibration takes time).

No. 2 Diet
Eating foods that are high in antioxidants such as berries, tomatoes, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, avocados, and nuts are a must.  Remember what you put in your body is as important as what you put on it.

No. 3 Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that can safely interact with free radicals and stop the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged.

Why is this important? By preventing the production of harmful free radicals, your skin will have the ability to produce healthy cells, which, in turn, generate more healthy cells, which can help to slow down the aging process.

In addition to finding these in foods, they can also be found in vitamins E, C, and A as well as in some skincare products that you can apply topically.

No. 4 Skincare Products
There are tons of products out there that can help, way too many to list. So, I am going to suggest the types instead of brands.

A Toner: Toners are great as they help to thoroughly clear away makeup, dead skin cells, and any other grime and pollutants that may be on your skin.

A Vitamin C Serum: Products with Vitamin C in them can help protect our skin against these age provoking dangers. They do so by complementing our skin with natural ingredients that further strengthens its durability and protective agents, enabling us to achieve a better, healthy complexion.

Probiotics: You may already be familiar with the fantastic health benefits of eating foods that contain probiotics or of taking probiotic supplements.

But there are also benefits for the skin. Although the top layers of our skin are dead, there's an abundant population of microflora living there (both good and bad). The bad can affect the skin's appearance, cause premature aging, acne, and more. A skincare product with probiotics in it can help to not only balance the good and bad flora, but also strengthen the skin's surface against environmental threats.

No. 5 Wash Your Face
I'm sure you've heard many times the importance of washing your face daily.  Not only because of the dirt and other pollutants you've exposed yourself to all day but also to remove your makeup.

You see, our skin renews itself while you sleep, and when you don't wash your makeup off before going to bed, you are preventing this renewal process from happening.  Skin that does not breath will fatigue much earlier than you want, leading to premature aging. In addition to washing, I suggest adding some exfoliation to help sloth away some of those dead skin cells that are holding on to the pollutants!

No. 6 Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Let's first start with the fact that our makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and dead skin cells, and who wants to put that on their skin, NOT ME!

So, if you are NOT cleaning your makeup brushes regularly, you are putting this nasty stuff back on your skin. And guess what, dirty makeup brushes can lead to wrinkles. Also, dirty pillows can too!

So, there you have it beauties, not only have you found out how the air we breathe can age our skin, but ways to fight those free radicals caused by air pollution.

BONUS:
As I am sure you can see this entire process starts with the air we breathe, and the healthier it is, the less it can negatively impact our skin! This is why I am excited that Amtotube offers all my readers 22% OFF PLUS Free shipping with code BARBIESBEAUTYBITS.

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The Perfect Holiday Beauty Gift Sets From Itcosmetics

November 28, 2019, 11:10 am

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I am such a big fan of ITcosmetics, from skincare and makeup to the most fantastic makeup brushes, they have the perfect holiday beauty gift sets. 

So if you are ready to make IT your most magical holiday ever and discover the perfect beauty gift sets those beauty lovers on your list, continue reading.

Your Brush Magic Brush Set
This is almost too pretty to use. This stunning makeup brush set comes with five makeup brushes along with a luxe transparent clutch and a holographic zip pouch that stores your brushes in style—and doubles as an accessory.

Brushes Include:

• Foundation Brush
• Concealer Brush
• Blush Brush
• Powder Brush
• Shadow/Smudger Brush

Multitasking Foundation STAR Shaped Brush

Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might Have this Star Makeup Brush, I want to tonight... Well enough of the rhythms, and look at this stunner unique star shape.

Multitasking Star Shaped Foundation Brush does the work for you to apply your favorite liquid and cream foundations for your most flawless finish every time.

IT’s Your IT Girl Super Squad
Discover game-changing IT Girl essentials with IT’s Your IT Girl Super Squad!

This 7-Piece Skin & Lash Loving Collection is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

This limited-edition set includes full sizes of

• Your Skin But Better Makeup Primer+ Oil-Free (30 ml)
• Full-Size Bye Bye Under Eye Brightening Eye Cream (15 ml)... Smooth, brighten and depuff the undereye area.
• Full-Size Secret Sauce™ Moisturizer (60 ml): This Luxurious moisturizer helps to boost visible radiance and reduces the look of skin imperfections.
• Superhero Mascara Travel Size (5 ml).
• Miracle Water Micellar Cleanser Travel Size (50 ml).. So love this toner. This lightweight toner boosts the look of radiance, diffuses the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and gently removes impurities and makeup!
• Confidence in a Gel Lotion Moisturizer Travel Size (15 ml) A Hydra-Plumping Skin-Transforming Weightless Gel Moisturizer that helps smooth the appearance of fine lines, leaving your skin looking radiant and primed to apply your makeup.
• Confidence in a Cleanser Travel Size (50 ml) This is a serum, cleanser, and moisturizer all in one.

IT's Your Confidence Superpowers Giftset
Transform your skin with this 7-Piece Life ­Changing Skincare & Mascara Collection! This set is excellent for the maturing skin, with tons of ingredients to help with that beauty on your list, seeking some fantastic anti-aging products that can help stimulate surface cell renewal for a more youthful appearance.

Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, this limited-edition set includes

• Full size 
• Superhero Mascara
• Confidence in a Cream Rosy Tone: This is a Surface Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Vitality Moisturizer.
• Confidence in a Gel Lotion: This is a Hydra-Plumping Skin-Transforming Weightless Moisturizer.
• Plus travel sizes of
• Confidence in a Cleanser: This Is Skin-Transforming Hydrating Cleansing Serum.
• Confidence in an Eye Cream
• Confidence in a Neck Cream
• Confidence in a Cream

 

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The Difference Between A CBD Isolate And Full Spectrum CBD

December 13, 2019, 7:57 pm

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The Question Today...What The Heck Is The Difference Between A CBD Isolate 

And Full Spectrum CBD?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of CBD oil and some of the possible benefits.  In the wellness realm, the hemp industry is exploding with a variety of oils, tinctures, creams, and more.

One of the most popular is cannabidiol oil,  commonly known as CBD oil. With so many new and different CBD oil products available, the choice of which product to try can be confusing, to say the least.

What is even more confusing is the different terms, like an isolate, broad-spectrum, or full spectrum. While I am far from an expert on this, I wanted to share with you what I do know about the two most popular, which is a CBD isolate and a Full Spectrum.

Zion Medicinals Hemp
For this post, I have partnered up withZion Medicinal Hemp as they offer a full spectrum CBD Oil. One thing that impressed me with the brand is that they produce health-grade quality by focusing on 4 Pillars of Quality, which I will go over below.

Zion Medicinals Four Pillars Of Quality

No. 1: Organic
 Zion manufactures its CBD product from a single-sourced and farmer-direct organically grown hemp from the mountains of Colorado for consistency and quality.

No. 2: Spagyric Extraction
WTH is this??? Zion uses “spagyric extraction," which is an age-old process where they carefully separate the herbal compounds into three core parts, extracting their nutrients, then reunifying them into a single extract.  This process involves taking the leftover hemp plant matter after extraction and burning it to white ash, filtering it, turning it into hemp mineral salts, and add it to a hemp tincture. Why?  Because this creates a product that more bioavailable and medicinally potent. And according to Zion, there simply is no higher quality product on the market.

No 3: Ethanol Extraction
Since alcohol is both polar and nonpolar, it extracts a broader range of molecules from the plant than with traditional CO2. So in lamens terms, this means they are supposed to pull more compounds from the plant than CO2 extraction, so it is to create a more medicinal product.

No 4: Full Spectrum
Last but not least, as for the Zion brand, this is their specialty where their product contains all the plant’s natural cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, oils, and the other hundreds of naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant.

Which now leads me to explain the difference between a Full Spectrum, like one that Zion offers and a CBD Isolate.

What Is The Difference Between A CBD Isolate And A Full Spectrum CBD

For those wanting holistic alternative medication to improve conditions such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and more. You should probably get a better understanding of the difference between a CBD Isolate or Full Spectrum CBD.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD
In lamens terms, this type is when the entire plant is being used. They extract all of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.

This process is what Zion Medicinals performs, where they use all the natural cannabinoids, INCLUDING <0.3% d9THC & terpenes. Because the full spectrum is non-genetically modified, they are all organic and don’t have chemicals or other pesticides.

According to Zion Medicinal's website, the full spectrum is best because of the‘entourage effect.’ Basically, this means that all the parts work better together, hence the synergizing (team working) of combining all parts of the plant, which can give you the benefits the plant was intended for.

Supposedly this effect enables the CBD to work with the THC to reduce the impact of being high or stoned and the CBD to stimulate one's cannabinoid receptors.

CBD advocates say that the full spectrum can create a much more powerful CBD treatment, which is best for more severe conditions like migraines, depression and other adverse medical conditions.

What Is A CBD Isolate
Unlike the full spectrum where the entire plant is used, an isolate uses a single strain of the CBD that is removed from the plants and isolated from the other marijuana-based compounds of the plant.

Most of the CBD products that I have used are tinctures, where the company will add a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to the CBD isolate and CO2.

The primary difference between the two is the strength and how long it works. Full-spectrum CBD is more powerful, thanks to its "team efforts"while CBD isolates can be weaker and don't last as long in the body.

Additionally, while extremely low and legal, a full-spectrum product does contain THC, less than 0.3%.  While you will NOT get that mind-altering high, it is still THC, and for me my body does not react well to it. So if you are like me this is something to keep in mind.

Get 20% Off Zion Medicinals Full Spectrum Hemp Oil
Interested in finding out if a Full Spectrum CBD is for you? Well, Zion Medicinalhas been kind enough to offer all of my readers 20% OFF. Simply use code: BARBIESBEAUTYBITSat Check Out.

15 Tips To Healthy Winter Skin

December 21, 2019, 12:09 pm

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No need to hide your dry, itchy skin from the ole man winter! Instead, implement these 15 Tips To Healthy Winter Skin!

While Winter can have its pleasantries with ice-skating, fireplace gatherings, warm cozy sweaters, and seasonal fun, what it does not have is love for our skin!

Not only can jack frost be nipping at our nose, but he is also robbing our entire face of its natural moisturizers.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, the dry indoor heat wreaks havoc on our skin. Not only does this heat zap all of the moisture out of the air, but also from the skin! This is why it is essential to make sure you have a great skincare routine to help you through the winter skincare blues!

For this post, I have partnered up with Posie Cosmetics to share with you my top 15 tips for healthy winter skin!

Now before I get into the winter skincare tips, I wanted to share with you a bit about Posie Cosmetics and why I am a big fan of their products.

Posie Cosmetics
Posie Cosmetic skincare line is cruelty and paraben-free. It is formulated with natural plant-based ingredients and packed with hydration, vitamins, and minerals. Posie is designed to replenish and nourish, resulting in healthier, reinvigorating skin.

The company was founded by Tasha Gunter, a nurse, and Aesthetician. I love the meaning and mission behind the brand as well; see below.

From The Posie Cosmetics Website: The name Posie means “a bouquet of flowers.” We believe that caring for a flower is very similar to caring for our skin. Each flower is unique and requires individualized care. This is similar to each skin type. The more time and commitment you make to care for your flowers, the longer they stay healthy, vibrant, and beautiful. And when you take the time to feed flowers the right nutrients and protect them from harsh environmental factors, the more likely you are to prevent imperfections, disease, and damage. Like a flower, your skin requires consistent care to maintain its health and vibrancy.  Now, how cool is that???

So without further ado, My Top Tips To Healthy Winter Skin.

15 Tips To Healthy Winter Skin

Use A Humidifier
I made this one first as no matter what skincare products you are using; you will be in a losing battle if you are not doing something to add some moisture back into the air.  While we did mention earlier how the dry air can wreak havoc on the skin, it can also lead to accelerated aging. WTH?

A humidifier has been a lifesaver for me. I have a portable one that I keep in my office and move to my bedroom in the evening.

Changing Up Your Skincare Routine
Just like changing our wardrobe, with the change of season comes a change in our skincare products, and this is where Posie Cosmetics comes into play. From serums to eye creams, they have all the winter skincare essentials to help with banishing dull, dry, irritated winter skin!

Bag Those Puffy Eyes
Oh my, the skin around my eyes is the worst this time of year.  Because this skin is thinner and more delicate than on other parts of the body, it doesn’t absorb moisture! It is also the first area to show dryness, especially from dehydration, which also ages you! Because of this, an eye cream is a must, and Posie Natural Botanical Eye Cream is here to the rescue.

The cream not only has some fantastic anti-inflammatory ingredients that deeply conditions and restore skin, but it also has some natural antioxidants to help fight against free radicals that can damage.

Key ingredients:

• Arnica: Soothes and reduces puffiness and swelling.
• Vitamin K: Antioxidants reduce dark circles and supports firm, healthy skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Draws vital moisture to the skin, plumps and reduces the look of lines.

Hydration Baby!
Winter skincare is all about hydration, and the sugar plum fairy is here to help, with Posies Refresh Cream Gel Moisturizer, that harnesses the powers of plant-based sugars to help your skin maintain proper hydration.

SUGAR? Who would have thought that sugar can help your skin to retain hydration? Well, it can! You see, not only is sugar an AHA, but it is also a natural humectant, meaning it maintains and preserves moisture from the environment into the skin. Hence, when you use skincare products with sugar, they hydrate your skin, while encouraging cellular turnover, revealing younger- brighter skin. Now that is what I call some pretty sweet results!

Rescue Your Parched Skin With Some Hydrating Serums
When it comes to skincare, serums take center stage, especially Hyaluronic acid, and a vitamin C serum! They are perfect for fighting skin hydration and plumping the skin.

Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is excellent at helping to replenish and retain moisture, leading to a hydrated, plump complexion, which is why I love Posies Blossom Peptide serum.

This serum features a powerful complex of peptides and antioxidants that protect your skin from pollution and other free radicals that can make dehydrated winter skin skyrocket.

Furthermore, is it great at rejuvenating dry winter skin by…

• Sealing in moisture
• Attracting moisture
• It helps to plump the skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Antioxidant properties that support your skin’s defensive barrier and replenish with essential minerals, enhancing lackluster skin that’s losing its volume

Vitamin C Serum
This is the superstar of anti-aging! You see, the younger we are, the more vitamin C we have in our skin. But as we get older, our skin changes, aside from natural aging and stress, dry winter air can strip the skin of its natural oils.

This loss can contribute to a reduction in collagen, and our wrinkles become more defined. However, when applying a Vitamin C Serum, you can help promote the formation of collagen, helping to firm and plump the skin.

A Berry Good Cleanser
Bye, bye damage caused by free radicals with Posie's Fresh Berry Cleanser. Packed with antioxidant vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties, this berry cleanser refreshes and brightens tired skin while fighting off environmental damage caused by free radicals. And let me tell you, it smells good enough to eat!

Now, I'm sure you are starting to notice me mention the term "Free Radicals"frequently in this post.  To me, these environmental factors are little skin vampires, sucking the life from our skin! And with this time of year, especially with traveling, we are exposing ourselves to tons of external elements, especially in a crowded airport. Elements like dust, sweat, recycled air, pollution, and even left on makeup can be culprits! And while these may seem like minor things, over time, they can contribute to premature aging, breakouts, wrinkles, loss of collagen, dull skin, and more.

Spa Time… The Perfect Gift To Yourself
Although the holidays can be so much fun, they can also be a bit stressful, and this stress can aggravate skin conditions, which can lead to premature aging, not what I want on my holiday wish list.

So what are we to do? Treat yourselves to a spa day with the girls! And it doesn’t have to be expensive! Just ask each of them to bring something with them, and you can all unwind together with some candles, snacks, wine, warm fuzzy robes, and some skincare! And let me tell you it can be some fun as I just did it myself with Posie's Sahara Rose Bubble Mask! This oxygen mask was a hit. Aside from the fun we all had using it, the mask promotes circulation, antioxidants that even the skin tone, and moisturizers that help to preserve and provide skin hydration – all from the comfort of the couch.

Some Other Skincare Tips To Maximize Your Winter Hydration

• Stay away from products with a lot of alcohol in them as they can be very drying.
• To lock in hydration, apply your moisturizer to damp skin.
• Don't over-exfoliate.  The skin barrier is already comprised due to the cold, dry winter air; you don't want to intensive it.
• Take a cool shower. Hot water can strip your skin of essential oils.
• To avoid over dryness lower the thermostat to 68°F-72°F
• Add foods or supplements that contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil
• Add lemon to your water. Lemon is an excellent skin detox.

In conclusion, when it comes to glowing winter skin, you want to make sure you are using products that contain moisturizers and are not too harsh, so you are not stripping the skin even more of its natural moisture barrier.

Do you have any special winter skincare secrets? If so, let us know below!

Top 5 Ways To Save Money On Your Beauty Products

January 9, 2020, 12:13 pm

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Top 5 Ways To Save Money On Your Beauty Products!

Do you, like most women, have a daily skincare routine, or if not daily, almost every day without fail? For some, it’s a simple cleansing and moisturizing, and for others, like myself, it’s much more extensive.

Whether you are a person who only focuses on skincare when you can or a die-hard everyday person like yours truly. One thing we all need to be taking into consideration is how much we are spending on our beauty products! Yes, for those skincare junkies like myself, this sounds like a question my boyfriend asks me! But in all seriousness, I do spend wisely!  This is why I am here today to share with you some practical ways you to can save on your daily skincare routine without losing your shine.

DIY Beauty Routine
Yes, beauties, don't be afraid to do it yourself. Now, this isn’t a suggestion that you get the chemistry set out and try to recreate every product that’s in your beauty arsenal. However, there are websites like Wellness Mama that can be an excellent source for some DIY natural beauty recipes.  This site has a plethora of information from DIY face scrubs and masks to providing details on which ingredients are best for you and why.

Never Go Without A Discount
Okay, so perhaps you’re not entirely willing to give up on your favorite brands for the homemade approach just yet. However, that doesn’t mean you should always, or ever, pay full price for your beauty and skincare products.

In today's technology, there are tons of online places that curate coupons, vouchers, and discount codes from just about every retailer. One of my favorite sites for saving money has a great selection of discounts on everything beauty from makeup and skincare to evenBath and Body Works Coupons for when you want to treat yourself to some spa day pampering!

Look For Recycling Deals From Beauty Brands
Aside from offering deals, beauty brands are always looking for ways to reward their loyal customers, especially those who are a little more sustainably minded. Many of these companies will even recycle your empty containers to help fight the waste of plastics and packaging rife in the cosmetic world. Some of them will also offer a little bonus for those who decide to recycle! Like a free item with your next purchase or some extra savings-now, how cool is that?

Choose A Long-term Beauty Solution
Beauty treatments tend to be more expensive than beauty products. However, when you compare the long term effects, a cosmetic treatment might end up more cost-effective. This is one of the big reasons why some women opt for botox, laser resurfacing, or even fillers, as when it comes to looking youthful, these treatments can get you more bang for your buck than anti-aging cream, alone.

Get FREE Beauty Products
Sounds like a skincare junkies dream come, doesn't it? Well, it can be a reality as if you’re willing to try new brands (some of which you may never have heard of) there are plenty ofinfluencer platforms out there that you can join, and get products in exchange for a review. You may even want to consider writing a blog or starting a Youtube channel to share your love of beauty.

So as you can see, feeling and looking great does not have to cost an arm and a leg! As the more you save on beauty products, the more you can get. Now that came from the skincare hoarder in me, sorry!

Until next time!

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Whip Yourself Into Shape With These Cool Fitness And Wellness Trends For 2020

January 18, 2020, 11:37 am

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 Top Cool Fitness And Wellness Trends For 2020

Every January, most of us set new goals to make our lives better. Whether stepping stones, short term, or long term goals, most of us place some aspirations for the upcoming year.

And with this goal-setting can come fitness and wellness targets, some that shouldn't even be considered. While others may be worthwhile adding to your fitness and wellness routine.

So if you want to see my top ways to Whip Yourself Into Shape With The Cool Fitness Trends Of 2020, continue reading.

Your Diet
Calories in and calories out are essential. However, I do not want you to confuse the word diet with dieting. Instead, imagine a healthier life focused on nutrition, knowledge, and with the right mindset.

To me, when I focus on the word dieting, it is restrictive, short-lived with an outcome based on losing weight. But when I think of healthy eating, I think of a lifestyle choice, choosing high-quality foods that can nourish the body, mind, and soul; while maintaining a healthy weight with a focus on nutrition and self-care, not self-control.

With that being said, there are some things you should be considering when it comes to creating a nutritional plan. For instance...

• Portion control.
• Enjoy foods high in antioxidants: Leafy Greens, Vegetables, Berries, Nuts, Whole Grains,and Fish.
• Instead of grabbing those prepackaged foods between work and life that contain too many refined ingredients enjoy foods that are rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids.
• Create prepared meals you can eat throughout the week and take to work with you.
• Dining out? Share the meal.
• Have a realistic plan you can follow and enjoy.

Eating Breakfast
While all meals are important, breakfast sets the day for success or failure. This is why having breakfast is a must, and skipping this meal is bad news. Studies have found that people who don’t eat breakfast tend to overeat during the day and have more overall body fat. Our body is drained of its fuel sources, due to overnight fasting and sleeping.  Hence to wake the body up, it must be refueled with food.

Also, research has shown that eating breakfast determines how well your metabolism functions for the rest of the day. The benefits of breakfast are just too good to pass up. See some of them below.

• Helps you to perform and concentrate throughout the day.
• It gives you energy.
• It helps to keep blood sugar stabilized, which helps control your appetite and urges.

As busy people, there may seem to be no time for breakfast. However, breakfast can be as simple as a quick piece of fruit, protein, or a high fiber snack! Which brings me to my next tip, which is a snack between meals.

The Importance Of Snacking Between Meals
Yes, I said snacking. Unfortunately, the word snack has a bad rap. But, a healthy fiber snack between your meals, can give you energy while decreasing your hunger, helping you to keep from overeating at mealtime.

Snacks High In Fiber
One New Cool Diet Trend is yellow pea fiber snacks or pea fiber cookies! What the?? Yes, pea cookies, like these fromBelly Crush for weight management! And the best part is they taste great, coming in two yummy flavors. (Oatmeal Hemp and Ginger Flax).

Aside from the great taste, these cookies remind me of homemade cookies. As they are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and deliver a burst of natural flavor with each bite! Plus...

• Assists in maintaining a healthy body weight.
• It helps decrease unhealthy fatty acids that are aligned with weight gain.
• Promotes a healthy gut.
• It lowers your LDL cholesterol.
• Elevate ketone bodies that help to suppress appetite. 
• And Much More!

Add Lemon Water To Your Diet
We’ve all heard it “Drink at least eight glasses a water a day,” while there is no magic number, the magic is that you have to drink plenty of water.

I am first to admit I am horrible at this, as I only drink when I am thirsty, which is not good. One fundamental way to increase your water intake is to add lemon to it.

Fitness
Now that we've gone over our diet let's dive into some of the fun, cool fitness trends.  One of the reasons I like some of these is because lifting weights every day can be tedious. Hence tying in some fun physical activities can help us to stay on track.

Fitness Drumming
Move over Tommy Lee; the '80s are back in session!

Yep, here is your chance to channel your inner Rockstar with this full-body cardio-jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing, and sweat-dripping fun of playing the AIR fitness drums.

High-tech Fitness At Home
Meet the fitness mirror. The world’s first nearly invisible, interactive home gym, in the form of a mirror! It's everything in one:

• A cardio class
• Yoga studio
• Boxing ring
• Personal trainer
• And so much more

Virtual Training
Having a personal trainer on your schedule with either a fitness app., program, or online trainer can be convenient and encouraging. Also, if you are a person who struggles with being consistent, lacks will power, or feels overwhelmed or “stuck” and just need help staying committed and focused on your goal, the virtual approach may be the way to go.

Red Light Therapy For Weight-loss
Sometimes exercise and eating healthy are not enough to reshape your body the way you want it.

But what if there was another way to get rid of some of that unwanted stubborn fat while toning? Well, there is with Red Light Therapy For Weight-loss. 

Many of you have heard of CoolSculpting, a procedure that cools fat cells to freezing temperatures that trigger their natural death. But the time involved, the number of sessions, risks of Coolsculpting gone bad, and let's not forget about the costs (which are determined on how many areas of your body need the treatment), can be an expensive reality check. 

That is why many people are now turning to advanced body fat loss options, like Red Light Therapy that can eradicate stubborn body fat quickly. There’s no freezing or bruising, and you could lose up to 2 dress sizes in 30 days!   

BONUS
You mean, there is more? Well, yes, there is! Not tips but some discounts to give you a kickstart for 2020.

1. 10% OFF your purchase at Bellycrush use code: BARBIESBEAUTYBITS
2. 20% OFFRed Light Therapy at Sunday's Sun Spa
3. Complimentary Phone Consultation with John Carr Fitness
4. FREECopy Of Big Fat Lies 

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50% Off The Best LED Ring Lights And More

March 2, 2020, 4:19 pm

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Today I am sharing with you some beauty bloggers dream LED accessories with the best LED ring lights and more! From a cool LED mirror that plays music to ring lights, a selfie ring light with cell phone holder, I have you covered!

As a successful beauty blogger, Voted #13 of Top 100 American Beauty Bloggers. Featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox Affiliates, C- Suite TV, AND SOON ROKU, having the proper lighting is essential for photoshoots, video, even adequate light for makeup applications.

Additionally, if you are like me, I love to use my phone to help capture some of these moments!  Whether video of a skincare routine or a flat lay of my favorite beauty products, Aduro U-streaming products allow me to bring my audience the latest in all things beauty!

Check Out Some Of Their Cool Products Below!

Selfie Ring Light Stand With Cell Phone Holder
I love that I can clamp this device onto my desk or beauty vanity. The ring light offers three distinct lighting options: White, warm white, and warm yellow, so no matter where you are, or the time of day, you always have the perfect amount of light!

Some Additional Features Of The Selfie Right Light

• A remote brightness feature that has ten different levels of brightness for you to choose.
• A 24" flexible gooseneck so you can always have the best angle while videoing or taking selfies.
• It is USB powered, and you can plug into any standard USB port. You can even connect it to your laptop.
• And last but not least, a phone holder to hold your phone securely in place!

LED Vanity Mirror With Built-in Bluetooth Speaker
Now my niece has tried to take this from me as it is right up her alley as she can listen to music while she is putting on her makeup, especially on the go at a music festival!

Features Include:

• A full ring of LED light surrounding the mirror with ten different levels of lighting by touching the screen control for the perfect amount of illumination.
• The built-in wireless speaker has 5 hours of playtime, so you don't always have to worry about the battery life while blasting your favorite tunes.
• The U-Reflect Plus is the perfect size mirror for you to always pack with you whenever you're on the go. Again my niece loves it for getting ready for her music festivals. From glitter to makeup, she needs proper lighting to look great!  

Ring Light And Tripod
I think this is the one I am most excited about. I've been looking for a ring light that has a place for your cell phone too! And since I've loved the other products from Aduro, I was like I need this also!

Ring Light And Tripod Features:

• It has a 10” Ring light with three different lighting options.
• Brightness feature on the remote that provides ten different levels of brightness.
• An adjustable tripod stand that extends from 18” to 52”! I like this option as I can use it on a table for flat lays or standing for video.
• The ring light and phone holder are both adjustable.
• Simple and convenient remote control to power the ring light On/Off and adjust the lighting modes.
• USB powered so that you can plug into any standard USB port, even connect it to your laptop.
• A phone holder that has a non-slip rubber grip to hold your phone securely in place.

Discount Time With 50% OFF
Yes, beauties, you know I couldn't let you walk away paying full price. This is why Aduro has been kind enough to offer all of you 50% OFF! Simply use code BARBIESBEAUTYBITSat checkout!

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Help, I Can't Stop Touching My Face

March 21, 2020, 4:18 pm

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Yes, we are all seeing this everywhere, with the Coronavirus, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE! To some, it is common sense. Others, although they think they are practicing the"do not touch,"this touching action is either habitual or subconscious and they do not realize they are doing it. So for these people, how the heck can they stop touching their face?

Now before I get into that, I am going to address this action of touching your face, which primarily is referring to your mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, and nose).  These membranes are vulnerable as they are wet and porous, allowing dangerous germs to enter the body quickly. But since I am not a medical professional, please refer to the CDC for more advice.

Awareness
Try to be mindful of when you are touching your face and stop.  Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, as some do not realize they are doing this, and for others, it can be downright bothersome. Think about it, if someone tells you a story about a pink car they saw that was so ridiculous, and for the rest of the day everywhere you go you see pink.

The same goes with this awareness of not touching your face, as now you seem to have an itch, a bug flies up your nose, you get something in your eye. Or worse, now that you can't do something, you get the urge to do it! But whatever you do, DO NOT ignore the urge, instead imply another competing behavior, which we discuss later in this post. 

 
Triggers That Cause Us To Touch Our Faces
A friend of mine touches his face all the time, and it would drive me nuts, and this is before the Coronavirus outbreak. He would rub his hands very quickly up and down his face (exactly as in the picture). I would say something to him, he would look at me like, what are you talking about as he was not even aware he was doing it.

Some other triggers to be aware of.

• You get a hair in your face and wipe it away from your eyes
• You are a nail bitter
• You pick your nose
• Play with your hair (I am guilty of this)
• Twirl your mustache
• Relational
• Nervous Tic
• Stressed
• You wear glasses
• Face picker

Top 3 Ways To Break Those Bad Habits Of Touching Your Face
Like any bad habit, a form of redirecting those efforts can help, see some of our suggestions.

The Rubber Band Technique
This technique is when you wrap a rubber band around your wrist, and next time you catch yourself rubbing your face, biting your nails, etc. lift the rubber band and make it snap against your wrist.

Reminders
Now that a lot of us are working from home, adding a sticky note to your computer NOT to TOUCH your face can be helpful, maybe even an alarm on your phone, also a google calendar reminder.

Reinforcement
If you are quarantining yourself in your home with others, ask one of them to point out when you are touching your face. And of course, offer the same for them.

Preventive Measures
While the above are some ways to help you alleviate yourself from touching your face. Do not forget about those other preventive measures that can reduce your risks of getting sick. Like washing your hands properly, washing hands before and after going to the bathroom, eating, cooking, touching shared surfaces and objects in your home, even something as simple as a bottle of wine. And of course, use sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.
 
The bottom line is for us to be VERY aware, and when we are aware, we can make changes, reprogram, and improve our actions.

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Top 6 Benefits Of Lavender Water

April 7, 2020, 11:59 am

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So, what is up with lavender water? I'll tell you what's up; it is has become my secret weapon for my skin while being quarantined and supplementing my beauty regimen with products that have multiple uses.

What Is Lavender Water Used For? The origin and history of floral waters are nothing new. Did you know that''Lavender''comes from the Latin word “lavere,” which means "to wash."  The use of lavender water can be linked back to ancient Thrace as nature was people’s answer to grace and beauty. It still is now with its purity and perfection in beauty products.

One product I've been using these past few weeks is Thracian Bio Lavender Water, made from steam-distilled premium lavender blossoms, with nothing else added.

Thracian Bio Lavender Water is 100% pure essence of premium lavender from the highest oil-producing lavender blossoms in the world, Bulgarian lavender. Bulgaria has overtaken France as the world's largest producer of lavender and is famous for its lavender plantations!

Lavender is not only fantastic for the skin and hair, but it has plenty of health benefits, including being therapeutic and detoxifying.

And beauties, that's not all it can do! Check out some more benefits on why lavender water is a secret weapon to glowing, radiant skin and healthy hair.

The Many Benefits Of Using Lavender Water
Lavender Water Acts As A Toner
A toner is that in-between skincare step that a lot of people forget to include in their skincare routine. But trust me, adding a toner to your skincare regime is a must. As not only does it help to rebalance and hydrate the skin. It is excellent at removing any stubborn dirt or leftover makeup after cleansing, leaving your skin ready to absorb your other skincare products.

Minimizes Enlarged Pores
When the skin produces too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and dirt in a pore. This oil and dead skin get trapped, causing the pore to become inflamed.  Lavender water is very effective at exfoliating the dead skin cells, unclogging, leaving your complexion tightened and radiant.

Lavender Is Rich Of Vitamins And Minerals
Lavender is a source of vitamin A, helping to speed up healing and supporting the skin's immune system. This means its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties are excellent for acne-prone skin.  It has some other significant calming effects on the skin like reducing redness while fighting and preventing further skin irritations.

Most Popular Anti-aging Herb
Our skin is continuously exposed to tons of environmental factors that are harmful to our complexion, preventing cellular turnover. Aggressors like UV rays, dirt, pollution, even makeup can settle into our pores, dulling our skin's radiance. But lavender is here to the rescue as it contains powerful antioxidants to fight free radicals that can lead to premature aging, including a loss of collagen and wrinkles.

Helps To Achieve Healthy Hair
Lavender has amazing antiseptic properties that aid with a dry, itchy scalp. If you have oily hair, it will keep the production of sebum in check. On the hair itself, lavender water restores, moisturizes, and softens dull, dry hair.

Lavender improves blood circulation, which is why some people use it to give their hair that extra boost towards growth and thickness.

In conclusion, the benefits of lavender water are abundant – making it one of the easiest and cost-effective ingredients (which we all need right now) to add to your beauty routine.

For a deeper dive into the magic of this fantastic flower, check out Thracian Bio, as they are dedicated to bringing you only the best in skincare.

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Quarantine Skincare Tips Using Watts Beauty

April 28, 2020, 3:38 pm

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Quarantine Skincare Tips Using Watts Beauty

While social distancing has allowed people to get creative for communications, work, and dining out, it has left many struggling in the self-care department. Manicures, root-touch ups, and other spa related treatments are now in the far-off future. But beauties, that does not mean that you can’t implement at-home treatments, especially when it comes to skincare.

So, if you want to find out what can you do to maintain a skincare routine at home and not look like a hot mess, continue reading!

Stressed Out Skin
We are bringing this up as stress can really have an impact on the skin. Not only does stress cause a chemical response, but it also has a hormonal response, where there is an increase in your cortisol levels (AKA stress hormone). Which, in turn, can lead to a breakdown in elastin, causing wrinkles. And I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want after quarantine is dull, aggravated skin and premature wrinkles to add to my gray roots, that I couldn’t cover.

 
Did You Know Stress Causes Dehydration?
So, let me get this right; I can have gray roots, wrinkles, and will also become dehydrated? Yes, unfortunately. And if your body is not hydrated, your skin starts to feel and look, lackluster, dry, and flaky and downright old!

Ways To Add Hydration Back Into The Skin
For a dewy, hydrated complexion, you want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water (alkaline water if possible). Even consider adding some fruit to it for an extra detoxification and antioxidant boost.

There are some skincare products, like those with hyaluronic acid, that you want to add to your routine, which we will discuss below.

Special Treats For Your Skin
For this portion, I partnered up with Watts Beauty. Because money can be tight right now, I thought it would be helpful for me to share some tips using some products that will not break the bank.

Watts Beauty has been kind enough to offer a BOGO free deal! This exclusive BOGO free deal applies to all 5 of their Amazing Boost variations. This is a great chance to give your skin the fantastic boost it needs during this lockdown and at a great cost.

The BOGO Deal Includes:

• Boost Hyaluronic Serum
• Firming - Collagen Boosting Peptide Serum
• Retinol + HA Night Cream
• Ultra Argan Oil Moisturizer
• Derma Roller 
• Simply add 2 of any variation, mix or match, and the lowest price items or set will be absolutely FREE. 
• With CODE:  BARBIESBEAUTYBITS1

Hydrate And Vegetate With Hyaluronic Acid
So, while you are on that Netflix binge, you can still be taking care of your skin. Our go-to skincare ingredient during quarantine is Hyaluronic Acid (HA).

Hyaluronic acids are so essential in skincare. Let’s first talk about how it can help with that dehydrated skin caused by stress!

How Hyaluronic Acid Helps With Dehydration
Hyaluronic Acid attracts up to 1000 times its weight in moisture. This means it is excellent for retaining skin moisture, keeping the skin plump allowing for the space that the renewal process needs to continue cellular turnover at a much faster pace for younger-looking skin!

Wait There's More
There are other benefits of using skincare that has hyaluronic acid in it-Antiaging…

You see, as we start to age, our hyaluronic acid levels decrease, resulting in collagen declines, and wrinkles and discoloration become more visible. Maximizing and protecting collagen levels will keep the skin supple, which is why it is essential to incorporate products with Hyaluronic Acid in them.

Product Suggestion:Watt's Boost Hyaluronic Serum

Time To Get Serious About Serums
Serums are a win, win for the skin, especially those that contain peptides, like Watt’s Peptide Complex Serum. Enriched with potent peptides hyaluronic acid, and L-Arginine, this combination is a must for a radiant complexion.

Why The Heck Do I Need Peptides In My Skincare
Peptides form to make proteins, and proteins are the fundamental building block of the skin. Without these building blocks, the skin does not stay intact. Meaning, collagen will break down, and this is when you start to see sagging, loose, aging skin!

Reveal Radiance With Retinol
Retinol is one of the top 5 age-defying ingredients. To me, if I had to pick one ingredient, retinol would be it as it can offer so much to healthy,  younger-looking skin. 

Benefits Of Adding A Retinol Product To Your Skincare Routine

• Fighting acne
• Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen.
• Stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which can help with discoloration.
• Minimize large pores
• And my favorite promoting cellular turnover

Watts Product Reveal: Reveal Radiance Retinol Night Cream



We’re On A Roll With A Derma Roller
If you have not heard about the Derma Roller or at least the term"Derma Rolling,"then your skin has been missing out. As it is a "MUST HAVE" beauty tool used by almost every skincare expert & beauty blogger.

What The Heck Is A Derma Roller
A derma roller is a skincare tool that has a wheel on the end that is covered in hundreds of fine needles. WTH, yes, I know at first glance this might look like a mid-evil torture device. But once you learn about the benefits of derma rolling, you will want to implement it into your skincare regimen.

So, What Exactly Does This Bad Boy Do For My Skin?
Derma rolling is a form of micro-needling, a technique that involves a series of tiny, very fine needles that are passed over the skin, creating micro-injuries that trigger new collagen and elastin synthesis as the skin begins to repair itself naturally.

Used regularly, Derma Rollers can help to...

• Improve the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles
• Even out your skin tone
• Reduce the appearance of pores
• Smooth and plumps the skin
• Diminish acne scars
• When used in conjunction with Watt’s Peptide Complex Serum, it boosts the absorption of vital ingredients up to 90%.

Does Size Matter?
Yes, size does matter when it comes to Derma Rollers. Watts Beauty offers a variety of sizes as each size addresses specific skin concerns and areas of the face and body.

The size YOU need depends on your SKIN CONCERNS and the area in which you will be using the Derma Roller such as, are you Derma Rolling your FACE or BODY?

So as you can see there are plenty of ways you can show your skin some TLC with these  "Quarantine Skincare Tips Using Watts Beauty." And don't forget to use code: BARBIESBEAUTYBITS1 for the BOGO deal!  Click Here to start saving!

Top 10 Secrets To Getting A Salon-Like Pedicure During Quarantine

May 8, 2020, 4:48 pm

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Top 10 Secrets To Getting A Salon-Like Pedicure At Home

I do not know about you, but not being able to go to the salon to get my nails done or worse covering my grays has been a bummer.

While I’ve always been a big fan of "At Home DIY Beauty," something like my hair and nails I saved for the pampering at my favorite salon.

But, with this lockdown, it is not possible, and letting ourselves go is not what we need to be doing. This means we have to become creative, and that is just what we are going to be sharing with you over the next month, with"Our Top Quarantine Beauty Tips."

From creating your own nail polish to beauty masks made from items in your frig, pampering yourself with salon-like pedicures at home, to how to apply skincare without using your hands, and other Skincare Quarantine Tips. We have you covered over the next month.

So go grab a glass of wine, some comfy clothes, and let's get started on today's DIY Tip, which is our "Top 10 Secrets To Getting A Salon-Like Pedicure During Quarantine."

Pedi Passion
With spring in the air, the shining sun, it's time to show off those feet and toes, but are they ready? These little piggies have been cooped up for months, so let them loose.

One of the best ways to revive your feet and toes is with a pedicure. Because when your feet feel good, your whole body feels refreshed and energized.

Before we dive into the pedicure and how to get Tip Top Toenails! I am going to start with a DIY Nail Polish, so once this is complete, you can jump right into the pedicure.

Posh And Polish 

Making Your Own Nail Polish

For this portion of the post, I partnered up with Mixify Beauty's Make Your Own Nail Polish Kit.

I think we "nailed it" with this brand! It sure comes in handy with all of this downtime and for many a lack of funds! Speaking of money, the quarantine special will get you $15 OFFthis set, now how is that for a savings?

Beauties, this is your chance to unleash your inner artisan and create your favorite nail polish colors! Sounds fun, right? Well, it sure is!

Mixify Beauty's Make Your Own Nail Polish Kit comes with everything you need to mix, blend, and create your very own custom nail polish. Complete with eight different pigments so you can create everything from bright colors to neutral classics.

 
The Complete Kit includes:

• 8 Color Pigments (5 basic colors: red, blue, yellow, white, black and three passion colors: purple, orange, teal)
• 5 Uncolored Nail Polish Bottles
• Limited edition collectors tin
• Mixing Tray
• Funnel
• Spoons & Stirrers
• Mixing Ball
• How To Create Your Own Nail Polish Cheat Sheet

How Can I Make Nail Polish At Home
Creating your signature nail polish color with Mixify DIY beauty kits is so easy in 3 steps:⁠

1. ⁠Blend⁠
2. Mix⁠
3. Shake⁠

That's it! You can create 5 signature colors with each kit.

Now that you have created your own beautiful colors of nail polish, let's go over some ways to show your feet a salon-style of pedicure in the comfort of your own home!

Scrub and Soak
You want to start with clean feet, so what better way than to implement a foot scrub and a soak. A DIY approach to this is to combine some coconut oil and sea salt to soothe those soles. Finish by scattering some rose petals in the water to boost the rose scent, and add an extra feeling of calmness and rejuvenation.

Coconut Oil And Salt Foot Scrub
You Will Need

• 1 cup salt (use Epsom or any bath salt)
• ¼ cup of coconut oil
• 3-4 drops of any essential oil

Coconut oil has many healing and anti-inflammatory properties and is terrific at keeping the bottom of your feet moisturized.   And if you have really dry feet, trying adding a few drops of peppermint oil. Not only can peppermint help with itchy, dry feet, it is also relaxing, and is excellent at ridding any funky, fungus toenails. Lastly, you want to make sure to use warm water instead of hot, as hot water can strip the moisture from your feet, which can lead to dry, scaly heals.

Dry Up
After soaking your feet, make sure to thoroughly rinse off the scrub or other products and pat your feet dry. Pay close attention to moisture between the toes, which can lead to athlete's foot or other fungal infections.

Moisturize Those Dry Winter Feet
Cold weather can drain away moisture from your feet, so getting them Spring ready requires some extra moisturizing! Apply cream all over your feet and toes. Don’t forget your heels!

Cut The Crap
You want to trim your toenails, just above the top of each toe. Snip those tips by using a straight-edge toenail clipper as it gives you more of a precision cut. You want to make sure that you cut your toenails when they are wet to avoid them from cracking and splitting. Finish by smoothing out the edges and shape your nail with a professional-grade emery board.

Clean Nails
It seems simple, but you want to make sure that you completely remove all the old nail polish. One way to ensure this is a quick wipe over with some vinegar, as it will remove any leftover nail polish remover, moisturizer, or any other residue, ultimately enabling the polish to adhere longer.



Polish Up
The application is essential! After all, the nail polish is the icing on the cake, so to speak. Hence, you want to make sure you are patiently applying the nail polish you just created so it will dry correctly, preventing smudges. Mixify Beauty's nail polishes are quick-drying, long-lasting, and vegan!

Prevent Smudging
One reason your nails are smudging is that you are applying too much nail polish at once. Instead, use multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. Doing numerous thin coats will enable those layers to dry and not smudge. Painting is a 3 step process. You want to start with one coat down the middle and one on each side.

No More Messy Pedicures
A "Phenomenail" way to keep nail polish from running onto your cuticles or toes is to apply a small bit of petroleum jelly along the sides and the base of your nails. If polish seeps off the toenail, who cares, as all you have to do is wipe off the petroleum jelly, and you now have perfectly painted nails!



Baby Soft Feet
Foot moisturizing socks are perfect for baby soft feet. But you can make a DIY version by mixing some coconut oil with some aloe and lavender water, and apply the mixture all over of your feet. Finish by wearing warm socks (heat them in the microwave) overnight to moisturize your feet deeply.

So there you have it beauties, the top 10 salon secrets revealed on how to get a salon-like pedicure at home!

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