Foods for Healthy Skin

Food. It's the giver of life, the bread to your literal butter. You need it. But just in the same way that certain foods can ruin your figure, some foods will ruin your skin -- and, conversely, adopting a healthy skin diet can make all the difference in the world.

Skip to see the 9 best and worst foods for healthy skin now. 

Turns out it's most likely what's on your plate that dictates how healthy your skin is, how young you look, and whether or not you have acne. 

Sure genetics and other lifestyle and environmental factors play a part (ahem, the sun), but you'd be hard-pressed to find any esthetician, nutritionist or dermatologist that wouldn't consider food a major factor in deciding whether you have a clear, youthful-looking complexion. 
Basically, whether you like it or not, what you feed your body dictates whether you havehealthy skin or "problem" skin, so it's time to watch what you eat. Being food-conscious is officially not just important for helping you fit into your jeans. 

There are proven ingredients that clear up even the worst of problem skin and ones that can help prevent your cells from aging prematurely. 

To find out which foods do the most good and which wreak havoc on that face of yours, we went to Sinead Norenius, skin care esthetician and founder of the skin care lineBeautisol. She gave us the rundown on what to load up on for healthy skin and what to skip. With the right foods, you can stop looking for the fountain of youth in a fancy face cream or cleanser and instead finally start to put the items that will really help in your grocery basket. 

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What Not To Eat If You Want Longer Hair

We already published your guide to the ultimate Hair Growth Diet, but as you know a diet can be just as much about what you don't eat. The good news is, the foods that hurt your hair growth goals are foods that your general health would benefit from cutting down on too.

“Any foods that would make you breakout, such as those filled with sugars and grease are going to cause a buildup on your scalp that's going to affect the way your hair feels, looks and grows. Anything that irritates your skin (think ice cream) will bother your scalp, which can damage your hair follicle. A damaged hair follicle will either grow weak hair or not grow hair at all” explains Carla Rivas, hairstylist and co-founder of the all-natural hair growth vitamin Hair La Vie.

So if you have been staring longingly at your hairspiration's long curls, then you might want to leave these food groups off of your next grocery list.

1. Sweet Treats

Sugary foods like your favorite candies or cupcakes cause your insulin level to rise, which also causes anincrease in androgen (a male hormone) in your body. This hormone is known for causing hair follicles to shrink or become irritated. This leads to hair thinning and hair loss.

2. Greasy Foods

The grease form fatty meats like fried chicken and french fries can cause more secretion on the scalp. Also, a lot of the time after eating greasy foods people touch their face and hair without washing their hands. This causes both acne and damage to the hair. You need a clean, debris free scalp or your hair will not grow healthy and your follicle could be damaged.

3. Salty Foods

Think potato chips and canned/frozen meals. Consuming a lot of salty meals and snacks will dry your hair out and leave it weak, lifeless and breaking.

4. Low Protein, Filler Foods

Starches like pasta and a lot of cereals which can be low in protein will leave your hair limp and unhealthy. That bounce and shine most ladies want is not possible without a healthy dose of protein.

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Oils For The Best Hot Oil Treatment

There’s just something about a hot oil treatment that is so soothing. I remember there was a time when hot oil treatments were an absolute must for me! I actually looked forward to them and trust me when I tell you, these treatments did wonders for my hair; leaving it manageable and full of luster. For some reason, I can’t even remember the last time I had a hot oil-treatment. In the process of thinking about my next hair-style, I realized I had given up something vital to hair length retention  and strength. With that being said, tonight I’ll be revisiting the hot oil-treatment life and making sure to stay consistent.

Check out the list of oils you can use for hot oil treatments and their benefits. You’ll find that some oils may work for you better than others or you may even have to mix some oils to find the perfect fit. 

COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is one of my favorites oils, hands down! Not only does it promote healthy growth, it also softens and conditions hair.

OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is a little on the heavy side and not one of my favorites, but it may work for you! It contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and helps you retain moisture.

AVOCADO OIL

Avocado oil is great especially if your hair is dry, since it is super lubricating and helps your hair retain much needed moisture.

JOJOBA OIL

My second favorite is jojoba oil. Jojoba oil in a way, reminds me of coconut oil. It doesn’t weigh down your hair, yet it leaves it soft and manageable

ALMOND OIL

I have yet to try almond oil, however, I will be trying it soon. It nourishes hair while conditioning and promoting growth.

How to warm the oil

Avoid using the microwave (for anything honestly, especially your food). Instead bring a pot of water to boil, place the oil of your choice in a heat-safe bowl or glass container, then place the container in the pot of hot water for about two minutes.

1. Make sure to test the oil on your wrist prior to applying it to your scalp.
2. Apply the oil to your scalp when safe and massage.
3. Cover head with shower cap, plastic cap, or plastic bag.
4. Allow oil to sit in your hair for thirty minutes or even overnight. Your hair will thank you!

What's your favorite hot oil treatment?

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Window to Their Death While Making Love

How does a couple fall out of a window while having sex in their home?

According to The Sun, a Chinese couple did just that, falling out of their apartment window to their deaths while making love.

The unstable window they were having sex against allegedly broke, causing them to plummet to the ground in central China. Witnesses say that as they fell from their apartment, they were seen holding tight to one another.

This tragedy may remind you of the sex scene in the movieShame, where Michael Fassbender and Amy Hargreaves are pressed against the glass window of a room in Manhattan’s The Standard Hotel, except it has a very heartbreaking ending.

A shocking photo of the scene in Wuhan, appearing to show the man and woman on the ground beneath white sheets, was a little too dark for us to post here on FTK. You can find that, as well as more information on the incident,

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Kissing Styles Women Hate

Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote, “The sound of a kiss is not so loud as that of a cannon, but its echo lasts a great deal longer.”

That being said, women (and men too) tend to hold on to the memory of a kiss for a lifetime. Plus, a single kiss has the power to make or break a connection.

According to Sheril Kirshenbaum, the author of “The Science of Kissing,” an amazing kiss “quickens our pulse and dilates our pupils, which is the reason so many of us close our eyes. Our brains receive more oxygen than normal… our checks flush… but that’s only the beginning.”

On the other hand, a horrid kiss can send the moment into a deal breaking spiral.

In order to help men around the globe (and women, you can definitely benefit from this as well), we’ve done a bit of research and found which kissing styles are a complete turn-off. The above slideshow includes them all — and if you want some extra explanation, check out the following:

1. Too Much Tongue

One of the biggest things is to not use too much tongue or too much force. You know what these are? Deal breakers. Too much tongue makes us want to throw up.

2. Nothing But Pecks
On the contrary, it’s a bit boring if you never use your tongue. Getting pecked over and over again, without any deepening of the kiss, gets extremely annoying.

3. Suffocating Smooches

Have you ever kissed someone who never seemed to want to come up for air? Great kisses are supposed to leave you breathless, but we don’t think that implies feeling as if we are drowning.

4. Porn Tongue

Yeah, don’t do that. Remember that the majority of porn is made to turn men on. If you’re not sure how to use your tongue, ask what she wants. Let her show you, rather than assuming she wants to recreate the porn scene you’ve seen 100 times.

5. Dead Fish Lips

This is where the person just opens their mouth like a fish and does nothing else: no tongue, no lip pressure or movement–nothing. So boring and so gross. One episode of dead fish lips, and you’re likely to lose your hot catch forever.

6. The Vacuum

Think of having a hand-held vacuum and sticking your lips on it. This kind of kiss feels like the person is trying to suck out all the air from your mouth. Totally not sexy, not sensual, just plain horrible.

7. The Biter

Sure, the occasional lip bite may be sexy, but if it feels like you’re trying to eat our face, we won’t be leaning in for any more kisses.

8. The Lizard 

You’ve probably come across this one in your lifetime. It’s where the person’s tongue shoots in and out of your mouth rapidly, like a lizard searching for food.

9. Too Wet

You know that feeling when spit is left all over your mouth after you kiss someone? When you have to wipe off your mouth and chin afterwards? It seriously feels as if we just stood in front of a sprinkler. And fellas, that’s not the kind of wet we’re looking for.

10. Sloppy Kiss

Kisses that are sloppy are pretty self-explanatory. You know what we mean, right? Focus and slowness is the key! We don’t like when you try to fit the entire bottom half of our face into your mouth. Sloppy kisses give us the shivers.

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BENEFITS OF OLIVE OIL FOR HAIR

Olive oil and its production have been with humankind since ancient times and the olive tree has played an integral part in the life of the people of the Mediterranean basin since about the time of the third millennium B. C. Olive oil is the fat obtained from the fruit of the olive tree or Olea europaea. The tree has a life span of around 300 to 400 years. The method of producing olive oil has not changed in thousands of years. The olives are ground into a paste and then the oil is extracted through centrifugal motion with stainless steel. The first extraction creates extra virgin olive oil, where the oil retains the flavor, color, and nutritional value of the original fruit with the exclusion of chemicals and heat.

What’s the difference in olive oils?

There is a real science to how olive oils are graded by their extraction process and the acidity of the pressed oil, according to Dr. Timothy Harlan, an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Tulane University states in an article by Gina Shaw on WebMD. Extra-virgin (EVOO), virgin, pure, and light are different olive oil grades that do not legally affect residents of the United States, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not a member of the International Olive Council. However, in October 2010 the U.S. Standard for Grades of Olive Oil and Olivek-Pomace Oil went into effect and the USDA grading of olive oil is now based on flavor, odor, absence of defects, and acidity.

GRADES OF OLIVE OIL

These are the U.S. Standards for Grades of Olive Oil, according to Medical News Today:

• U.S. extra virgin olive oil has an excellent flavor, odor, and a free fatty acid content of ≤ 0.8g per 100g (0.8%).
• U.S. virgin olive oil has a reasonably good flavor, odor, and a free fatty acid content of ≤ 2g per 100g (2%).
• U.S. virgin olive oil not fit for human consumption without further processing is a virgin oil of poor flavor and odor.
• U.S. olive oil is an oil mix of both virgin and refined oils.
• U.S. refined olive oil is an oil made from refined oils with some restrictions on the processing.

Which types of olive oils are best for hair?

EVOO and refined olive oil retain their nutritional value. Lighter formulas typically have chemical additives that can dry the hair out where as the pure olive oil is thick, provides intense moisture and shine. If you have dry or damaged hair, steering clear of the chemically altered olive oils is a must.

What are the benefits of olive oil on hair?

There are three main reasons to use EVOO on your strands: it will nourish the scalp, condition the hair, and improve the elasticity of the hair. Olive oil is the dream oil for dry and or damaged strands. It is ideal for coarse hair and for damaged, porous strands due to chemical processing. EVOO can actually penetrate the hair shaft and retain hair’s moisture because the richness of the oil is able to reach the cortex and moisturize the hair from within. This heavy oil is optimal for controlling frizz and should be used sparingly as too much can weigh the hair down and even makes it greasy.

It is perfect for the winter months where, as the hair is more prone to dryness. Olive oil will not repair split ends, but it helps smooth them and can decrease their rate at which they occur after a trim. Its primary chemical elements are oleic acid, palmitic acid, and squalene. All are emollients and have softening qualities.

Read more: Oleic and Linoleic: The Reason You Love Oils So Much

How to use olive oil on hair

Here are a couple of DIY recipes to try for optimal moisture and a few products in case you prefer OTC for your olive oil boost.

EVOO + HONEY HAIR MASSAGE

• 4 Tbsp. EVOO
• ½ tsp. raw honey
• 2 bowls (one smaller than the other)

Fill the larger bowl with boiling water. Place the mixture in the smaller bowl and place in the larger bowl to warm the mixture; this method does not destroy the benefits of the oil from direct heat. Allow to warm before applying to scalp in circular motions. Allow to sit on the scalp for 20 min. before washing and styling as usual.

EVOO PRE-POO DANDRUFF FIGHTER

• 2 Tbsp. EVOO
• 2 Tbsp. pure lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. water

Mix ingredients together before massaging into scalp. Leave on for 20 min. before rinsing and shampooing. Style as usual. This mixture can be used weekly to free up the flakes and moisturize the new, exfoliated layer of skin underneath.

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BENEFITS OF FLAXSEED OIL FOR HAIR

A favorite among curly girls, flaxseed oil is a rich source of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid or ALA according to the Mayo Clinic. Some call flaxseeds the most powerful plant food on the planet and has been touted as reducing one’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes. Flax cultivation became a common practice somewhere between 400 and 200 B.C. in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and in regions of the Middle East. 

Read more: Oleic and Linoleic Acid: The Reason You Love Oils so Much

Flaxseeds in their raw form range in color from amber–yellow to brownish red. The seeds come from the flax plant, which is an annual herb. Flaxseed can create two different yet similar oils: flaxseed oil and linseed oil. Flaxseed oil is typically processed by cold pressing the seeds. Linseed oil is also extracted by pressing the seeds but petroleum solvents are used during extraction to maximize yield. Flaxseed oil is safe for human consumption but linseed oil is not. Linseed oil is primarily used for industrial applications, most notably as an additive to paints and finishers for furniture.

Benefits of flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are rich in ALA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that is helpful for heart disease. Just two tablespoons contains more than 100% of your recommended daily intake for those heart-healthy fats. Lignans have antioxidant qualities, and according to WebMD, flax seeds contain 75 to 800 more lignans than other plant foods. Flaxseeds also contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, but one of the features that make these little seeds a favorite of curly girls is their mucilage content.

Read more: Omega-3: The Essential Hair Secret 

one of the features that make these little seeds a favorite of curly girls is their mucilage content

Benefits of flaxseed oil for hair & skin

Flaxseeds contain lignans but flaxseed oil does not. However, the oil does contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are both needed for health. People who are lacking in those necessary essential fatty acids may experience dry, brittle strands. Omega-3 fats nourish the hair follicles and encourage growth. They also prevent inflammation, helping to stave off hair loss, dandruff, and other hair and scalp conditions. Flaxseed oil can be found in liquid or softgel capsules. It is a sensitive oil that is best when made fresh from pressed seeds, bottled in dark containers, and processed at low temperatures in the absence of light, extreme heat or oxygen. The hair mask recipe below is worth trying if you want to receive the many benefits of flaxseed oil.

How to use flaxseeds

FLAXSEED HAIR MASK FOR ITCHY SCALP

• 1 tbsp. flaxseed oil
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 2 tbsp. ACV
• 2 cups water
• Spray bottle
• Plastic cap

Mix the flaxseed oil and sugar in a small bowl and then massage into your scalp. Cover with a plastic cap for 20 min. Get in the shower, pour the ACV and water into a spray bottle, massage mixture into your scalp well, and cover with a plastic cap. Allow to sit for up to one hour before rinsing thoroughly. No need to cleanse again and just style as usual.

DIY: HOMEMADE NATURAL HAIR GEL WITH FLAXSEEDS

Flaxseed gel is a favorite among naturals because it is a natural gel that will restore shine, detangle, and add moisture to your strands without leaving your hair hard and without the use of chemicals. Check out our flaxseed gel recipe below.

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USE GINGER YOUR THINNING EDGES

With a medicinal value dating back thousands of years, ginger has been well researched with many of its traditional uses confirmed and still used today.Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is from the Zingiberaceae family, which is closely related to the turmeric and cardamom. Ginger originated in the tropical jungles of Southern Asia, dating back to over 5000 years ago, and is mentioned in ancient Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern writings and prized for its culinary and medicinal properties.  The commonly known spice ginger is the rhizome (the underground portion of the individual spears) of the ginger plant.

What are the benefits of ginger?

Ginger is loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties like beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, and gingerols. It is full of vitamins, minerals, anti-viral, circulation-stimulating, detoxifying, digestive, and antiseptic compounds. This explains why it is so widely used for ailments like the common cold, vomiting, motion sickness, nausea, mild stomach upset, pregnancy, and even cancer chemotherapy.

Why is ginger so great for your hair?

In Ayurveda, ginger is highly regarded as a hair growth treatment. There are several components in ginger that aid in hair growth like magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. These minerals help stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which encourages restored hair growth. Ginger has an abundance of fatty acids that help with thinning hair, so while it is encouraging blood flow to the scalp it is also preventing thinning hair from turning into hair loss.

Ginger has natural antiseptic properties that provide alleviation for dandruff. Just mix 2 tablespoons of grated ginger with 3 tablespoons of olive or sesame oil and a dash of lemon juice. Massage into your scalp and leave in for 30 minutes or overnight before rinsing. This mix should be used at least three times a week until dandruff has been remedied. Besides helping with hair growth ginger is also known to help with eliminating dandruff and adding sheen.

Ginger for thinning edges  

Thinning edges is a common problem and can occur from genetics, hormones, certain medications, or excessive styling. Overuse of ponytails that are pulling too tightly, slicking down edges with gels that contain drying alcohols, wig caps, and glues can also damage your delicate edges. With the blood circulating properties in ginger, you can turn a nightly massage into something more than just a relaxing way of drifting off to sleep. You can simply squeeze the juice from the ginger and massage it into your edges with with jojoba oil avocado oil. This should turn into a nightly routine to encourage the hairs to stop breaking and to regrow those edges. Keep in mind that ginger does two things for thinning edges: stop the hair from falling off by even more and stimulate the hair follicles to grow at its own optimal speed. It does not make it grow faster, but it increases blood flow to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles and encourage growth.  

DIY Massage Oil for Edges

• Ginger oil
• Jojoba, olive or avocado oil

Mix equal parts of ginger root oil with another oil like jojoba, avocado, or olive oil. Massage the oil mixture onto the scalp around the edges gently and in a circular motion. This can be used on your entire scalp as well. Do nightly until you feel they have grown back fully.  There is no need for a lot of the mixture to be used during each application or you will end up with an oily mess ,so use enough to gently massage and not leave significant residue. Understand that this will not work if you are still using those techniques that may have caused the thinning edges in the first place so do not cause tension to your edges while you work on growing them back. If the scalp is thinning due to hormonal problems or medicine then seek the advice of a medical professional on what you can do to revive the problem without interfering with your health. If you are more interested in just using ginger as a hair growth remedy, then I have a great and popular mix below!

DIY Hair Growth Mix

• 1 tbsp. grated ginger
• 1 tbsp. of jojoba oil (or favorite carrier or base oil)

Mix ginger and jojoba oil together before applying directly to your scalp and massage in circular motions gently. Allow to sit for 30 min. (you may notice a warming sensation but nothing to worry about. That just means it’s working!). Proceed to shampoo and condition.

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Spring Break without

Top Ten Tuesday is going on Spring Break. We had to decide what we’d take along and I decided a beach vacation would be in order just about now. No temperatures fluctuating between snow, rain and warmth. Nothing to think about but relaxation. First things I’d take are my iPad and iPhone. After that I’d chose some favorites like the items shown.

SUNGLASSES – Do not leave home without sunglasses. This pair is Kate Spade New York Cat Eye in Translucent Blush and I’d love to own them. I have more limited choices because I have to have my RX but this would be the pair I’d pick if I didn’t.

SUNSCREEN – I think sunglasses are important but I think that sunscreen is totally vital. You need sunscreen no matter where you are even if it’s Antarctica! I like this AVEENO® Natural Protection Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 because it’s fragrance free and can be used on face and body. “Formulated with ACTIVE NATURALS® Oat Extract and mineral ingredients (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide), this sunscreen forms a protective barrier on top of the skin that scatters UVA/UVB rays for superior sun protection. It soothes sensitive skin and is oil free, fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and water resistant for 

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FACE Stockholm Collection review and swatches

Face Stockholm’s new summer collection is out, and it’s an interesting collection with some surprising colors.  I tried the Face Illuminator, the Nektar Lip Gloss, and the #113 Nail Polish.  Here’s what Face Stockholm has to say about the collection:

Our Look for Summer 2012 is here!  With the exception of Christmas, Midsummer is the most important holiday of the year in Sweden — and understandably so! When winter finally fades and summer explodes with life in June, Swedes leave the hustle and bustle of urban life behind and escape to the countryside where they take the opportunity to rejoice and celebrate the light and warmth of the summer solstice. When the maypole is raised, bedecked in greens and flowers of every color, anyone who partakes will tell you there is magic in the air.  As revelers dance in traditional garb and crowns of wildflowers, music, drink and the fresh tastes of the season — herring and potatoes and fresh strawberries are enjoyed in plenty.  And, as we all know, wherever there is magic, there is also love.  Traditionally, the young gather flowers to stow under their pillows at night in hopes of dreaming of their future spouse. It is truly a celebration of life — past, present and future. The spirit of this celebration, the optimism and nostalgia of ritual and the halcyon glow of summer, have inspired FACE Stockholm’s look for Summer 2012. Just as the flowers bloom in the warmth of the sun, this look is naturally radiant — as if kissed by the season itself. She is flushed with color and beaming with the enthusiasm of summer’s romance. A toast to a summer of good fortune, good health, and love and joy in abundance! Skål!

When you read the description of the inspiration, the colors make sense – it’s all about radiance, warmth, and the green colors of summer.

The Illuminator ($24) is a  thin liquid with tiny opalescent shimmers.  It doesn’t impart shine, but it does give a beautiful sheen to the skin.

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Wander Beauty 4 Piece Paris Collection

Nothing makes me as happy as a new cosmetics line and Wander Beauty, creation of supermodel Lindsay Ellingson, has definitely put a big huge smile on my face. QVC sells this really cool line and I have to say that it’s true…not all who wander are lost. (All you Lord of the Rings fans out there know exactly what I mean!)

Wander Beauty sent me the QVC exclusive 4 Piece Paris Collection ($49.96) which includes:

• 0.22-oz Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow in Dove Gray
• 0.07-oz Catch the Light Highlighter in Ivory
• 0.07-oz Love Lock Hydrating Lip Gel in Parisian Red
• 0.20-oz Wanderess Cheek Tint in Dusty Rose

The colors and formulas were created to capture the spirit of Paris.   have to admit, I haven’t been to Paris so I can’t say if the collection accomplishes that goal…but I can say it’s a set well worth a shopping trip to QVC.

The Catch the Light Highlighter in Ivory is a lipstick-sized cream-to-powder highlighter. Just sweep it on then blend with a sponge for a beautiful luminescence. I wear this on my cheeks, the inner corner of my eyes, and my favorite trick – straight down the bridge of my nose. It is very pretty and wears well, even with my rather OCD nose powdering habit.

First let me say that the Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow truly is absolutely exquisite – I am very, very picky about cream eyeshadows and this is one of my favorites of all time. It is just as beautiful at the end of the day as it is when first applie, and it doesn’t crease at all…a minor miracle for me since I have oily lids. Ingredients include green tea, aloe extracts, and vitamins C and E  The doe-foot applicator is fine for application, although I blend it out using a MAC 242 brush.

You may have noticed that my Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow pictured above is called Dove Gray. Don’t let the name fool you – this eyeshadow is definitely not gray.  It’s a beautiful champagne taupe. It’s my favorite item in the set.

Wanderess Cheek Tint fooled me at first…I would have sworn this was a lip gloss. But it’s a creamy cheek tint that dries into a light stain that doesn’t accentuate pores. It also has great lasting power. I love the Dusty Rose color, which is a very natural shade that makes you look healthy.

The Love Lock Hydrating Lip Gel is certainly interesting. It has a unique gel texture that applies with lots of slip, but then dries down to almost a stain. Ingredients include rose extract and vitamins C and E.  I like this…can’t say I love it though. The Parisian Red is a beautiful shade, just not really on me. I also find that when I reapply it after the initial application it ends up looking uneven and rather spotty. I know people rave about the Love Lock Hydrating Lip Gelso maybe it’s just me and my particular body chemistry.

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Bigelow take a shower

I remember the first time I bought a shower gel. I was a latecomer to the world of bath and body products and basically just used an unscented bar of soap in the shower. When I learned I was missing out on a whole world of products I started shopping around but everything was too perfumey or artificial smelling for my nose. I finally came across C.O. Bigelow aka C.O. Bigelow Apothecary and realized I’d found a brand that I could tolerate. I don’t remember if the first Body Cleanser I bought was Lemon or Grapefruit but I know it was one of those.

When C.O. Bigelow offered to send a Grapefruit scented Body Wash I was absolutely thrilled to have this experience again. It woke up all my memories and my senses once I started using it in the shower after all these years.This $12 bottle of cleanser has been living in my shower for a few weeks now and seems quite content there. My body is also content with using this. I am very happy that this is a more natural smelling shower gel without any of the artificialness I dislike. Instead it’s a zesty grapefruit scent that I love on my body. It even leaves my bathroom smelling so pleasant afterwards.

This lathers up beautifully and a little goes a long way when I’m using a shower pouf. If you aren’t a citrus fan there are other fragrances besides lemon and grapefruit like Lavender, Lime & Coriander, Mentha, Coconut, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary Mint. My skin feels nicely moisturized after my shower and I love that they use Aloe Vera Gel to produce this effect.

This lathers up beautifully and a little goes a long way when I’m using a shower pouf. If you aren’t a citrus fan there are other fragrances besides lemon and grapefruit like Lavender, Lime & Coriander, Mentha, Coconut, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary Mint. My skin feels nicely moisturized after my shower and I love that they use Aloe Vera Gel to produce this effect.

As the weather cools I’m finding that my C.O. Bigelow Lemon Lip Balm ($7.50) is getting more and more use. This contains Shea Butter which helps to nourish and condition lips. It also is Vitamin C rich and has a concentration of lemon oil and lemon extract to provide a dose of Vitamin C to my lips. I find this to be very soft and easy to apply. I mostly wear it alone but I’ve also used it as a base for a lip color or to add a little shine and moisture to a lipstick. It does contain sodium saccharin though so be aware of that.

A big surprise to me is that the official C.O. Bigelow site carries dozens of other brands besides their own so getting to free shipping will be easy! C.O. Bigelow products are cruelty free, reasonably priced and trustworthy.  Do you feel like jumping in the shower with C.O. Bigelow too?? — Marcia

Body Cleanser Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Oleth-10, Polysorbate 20, Lauramide MEA, Lauramide MIPA, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyquaternium-7, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sodium PCA, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG 20 Sorbitan Laurate, Octadecyl Di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dipropylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Triethylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Propylparaben, Citral, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Red 33 (CI 17200), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730).

Lip Balm Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polydecene, Petrolatum, Octyldocecanol, Polyethylene, Ozokerite, Beeswax (Cera Alba, Cire d’abeille), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Saccharin.

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