New! Garnier All-in-1 Perfecting Care BB Cream Review

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Today, I want to share with you this exciting new skincare/makeup hybrid product that I recently started using. 

I received Garnier's new All-in-1 Perfecting Care BB Cream in the shade Light/Medium from @topbox and @garniercan for testing purposes and I have to say, I've been loving it!

This product is perfect for my aging and dehydrated skin. It's very hydrating yet lightweight as it's enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera Extracts & Mineral Pigments For a Natural finish. It's easy to apply and blends beautifully. 

I find that my skin looks younger when I use this product, and it gives me a beautiful glow. It has medium coverage and isn't heavy or cakey. It evens out my skin tone, yet I can still see my skin through it, but my skin looks more perfected. It also gives my pale skin some colour, which makes me look healthier and more rested, even if I'm not. It has a thin consistency which spreads out easily, and I only need a small amount, especially since I apply it on top of my moisturizer. I definitely need to powder on top of it, which I would do anyway since I have quite an oily T-zone.

From Garnier:
"This daily All-in-1 Perfecting Care BB Cream gives you the benefits of a makeup foundation and a moisturizing cream. Our new blendable coverage lets skin breathe, leaving a natural finish. A light texture enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera Extracts and Mineral Pigments."

• Evens skin complexion by 83.6%
• Corrects the signs of fatigue by 74.5%
• Gives a luminous complexion by 83.6%
• 24H intense hydration

I put a little too much on here. Just a tiny amount blends into my skin very nicely

This is one of those products that I like to wear on a day-to-day basis. It's great for no-makeup-makeup days as it gives me much-needed colour and evens out my skin. Even if I'm not doing much, I like to wear this BB Cream because it makes me look better, and when I look better I feel better. I've never been one to wear heavy foundations as I find they can make me look older. Yet, products like Garnier's BB Cream do the complete opposite and make me appear more youthful, and that's something that I am always down for!

This product is suitable for all skin types. I haven't experienced any breakouts or irritation. It's actually quite soothing on my skin. It's currently available in limited shades and seems to vary from country to country. So far, I have found it in the shades light, light/medium, medium, and deep.  Garnier's website has a skin coach tool that can help you find the right products for your skin type using AI. Hopefully, you find one that works for your skin tone.

Garnier's BB Cream is affordably priced at $13USD (currently), and the 50ml bottle should last for quite a while as a little product goes a long way. 

This product was kindly gifted by Topbox and Garnier for testing and marketing purposes.

Juice Beauty PREBIOTIX 20% Vitamin C Serum Review

Finally, a vitamin C serum that doesn't make me breakout! If you're like me and vitamin c serums can make you breakout, you've gotta try @juicebeauty 's PREBIOTIX Freshly Squeezed Glow Vitamin C Serum with 20% Vitamin C! 🍊 

I've been using it daily for just over 2 weeks and I haven't experienced any pimples or irritation. I've also noticed that my skin is clearer and brighter  I have one age spot that popped up on my skin last year, and it has definitely lightened up quite a bit since I started using this serum, which makes me very happy! I use 2 pumps of this serum every morning to cover my face and neck and follow up with a moisturizer. I also use Retin-A .04% in the evening and have for years. 

About my skin: Aging, combo/dehydrated and can be reactive to overly stimulating products. 

From Juice Beauty:

For luminous skin that evokes a freshly squeezed glow! Our 20% active Vitamin C serum is antioxidant rich, helps smooth your complexion, and provides skin microbiome hydration for a balanced, healthy look. O Magazine Best in Class.

✅️ Evens complexion 

✅️ Visibly brightens 

✅️ Hydrates and helps balance skin

This product is formulated with 20% Vitamin C in its most powerful form for the skin: ascorbic acid. All serums containing this potent form of the best Vitamin C show a color change over time and since Juice Beauty does not use synthetic dyes to mask these color changes, customers might notice the serum turning more orange.

Vitamin C can break down and oxidize over time. Juice Beauty’s formulation keeps Vitamin C for skin as fresh as possible with our rich antioxidants, Vitamin E and ferulic acid and then we deliver it to our customers in an opaque, airless glass bottle for further protection.

Eco-values: With Certified Organic Ingredients to protect humans, animals and the planet.

Sustainable Packaging: Sustainable recyclable glass bottle. 100% FSC box.

Verdict:

Although this serum comes with a heavier price tag than some other vitamin C serums, it may be worth it to you if a natural product is important to you. And, most importantly, a product that delivers results. After seeing how much my age spot has faded over the last couple of weeks, there is no denying that this product really works!

Learn more about this product at 20% Organic Ingredients Vitamin C Serum | Clean Vitamin C Moisturizer | Juice Beauty

Can be purchased in Canada on Prebiotix Freshly Squeezed Glow, 20% Vitamin C Serum - Juice Beauty | Sephora

                                                                

This product was kindly gifted for testing purposes

How to Continue Your Chiropractic Results at Home

If you've been dedicatedly showing up to your chiropractor's office, feeling the hard-won results and relief in your body, and have been thinking: 'How can I keep this momentum going at home?', then this article is for you.

With a bit of knowledge and the right technique, you can prolong the benefits of your in-office adjustments. Here are some of the best tips on continuing your chiropractic results at home, ranging from posture tweaks to mindfulness practices!

Beginning Chiropractic Aftercare

After every adjustment, your body needs a little time to understand and get used to the newly achieved alignment. You might feel sensitive, exhausted or even experience a slight discomfort. It is entirely normal!

It's essential not to disrupt the treatment by using muscles that are still tender. A phased return to normal activity allows weakened muscles to strengthen as they adjust to their new positions.

Sustaining Spinal Alignment

Spinal health significantly impacts overall wellbeing. Remaining attentive to spinal alignment while sitting, standing, or moving proves vital. Visualizing a string suspended from one's head to the ceiling while stationary or mobile provides an excellent mental image of proper upright posture - greatly benefiting spinal alignment.

Apps and wearable posture trainers now enable people to monitor spinal positioning throughout the day and provide helpful alerts when slouching occurs. Setting reminders to pause and reset posture throughout lengthy tasks bolsters mindfulness. Even gentle stretches and neck rolls alleviate tension from hunching.

An integrative approach to chiropractic care means supplementing adjustments with complementary wellness techniques like massage, acupuncture, or yoga. These modalities work together to quicken recovery and cultivate robust health.

Maintaining Posture Awareness

Consciousness of one's posture throughout the day strongly influences how long chiropractic results endure. Remaining observant of the body's positioning - whether relaxed on the couch or hunched over a work desk - proves insightful. Brief posture checks enable course corrections of slouching while tools like ergonomic chairs or standing desks offer neck and shoulder support.

Practicing mindfulness meditation enhances self-awareness which translates into improved posture mindfulness even while engrossed in challenging cognitive or physical tasks. This modern device-driven world often compromises posture but conscious corrections mitigate cramping and misalignments.

Importance of Regular Movement

Frequent physical activity crucially maintains wellbeing. Movement lubricates joints, energizes blood flow, enhances flexibility, and strengthens muscles – all contributing to a thriving spine! The spine necessitates movement to uphold its supple function. Small additions like walking or stretching into one’s routine keep it nimble.

Any gentle activity works wonders on spinal health though doctors specifically recommend exercises benefiting core strength, flexibility, and balance like Pilates, swimming, or yoga. Thorough warm-ups and cool-downs bookend workouts helping to keep yourself in shape and prevent injury. Those with limited mobility can perform seated exercises.

Strengthening Exercises

Depending on one's unique needs, chiropractors may recommend targeted strengthening exercises, often focused on the core muscles surrounding the spine to bolster postural support. Consistency remains key when strengthening yet never forcing discomfort. Carefully listening to the body’s responses to these workouts prevents injury.

While core exercises prove foundational, full-body functional movements mimic everyday life in safely building usable strength. Low-weight, high-repetition training suffices over straining with heavy loads. Stretching tense muscles after fortifying them brings the body back into balance.

Ergonomics and Workspace Setup

The environments where one spends considerable time critically affect spinal health. Ergonomically optimized workspace setups that configure equipment like chairs, desks, and screens to match individuals’ proportions assist in maintaining good posture throughout the workday. Investing in ergonomic tools like supportive chairs or keyboards eases neck and shoulder burdens. Even small upgrades generate immense impact over time.

Proper office setup clearly benefits employees but companies implement ergonomic equipment and flexible work-from-home policies also report increased productivity and morale while reducing turnover and absenteeism costs. Schools uniquely position themselves to nurture healthy posture and movement habits in children that will serve them lifelong.

Nutrition and Hydration Importance

Proper nutrition and hydration prove vital to prolonging chiropractic benefits. Healthy eating is one easy way to integrate wellness into your daily life. Balanced diets supply the nutrients necessary for growth and repair while adequate water intake preserves spinal disc and joint health. The recommended daily intake stands at 8-10 glasses to enable optimal bodily functioning.

Anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega fatty acids, leafy greens, and antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables provide raw materials to heal irritated tissues and reinforce connective structures. Staying properly fueled with nutrient-dense whole foods also powers one through strength and flexibility training critical to spinal health.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

Chronic stress often translates into bodily tension, tightening muscles, and disrupting spinal alignment. Thus, incorporating stress relief techniques like mindfulness meditation retains chiropractic results by calming the nervous system. Even brief daily breathing exercises or meditations drastically decrease anxiety.

Mindfulness directly targets the thought patterns and emotional triggers catalyzing stressful states through non-judgmental awareness cultivated through regular practice. Over time anxious rumination reduces, allowing once tense muscles now poised for misalignment to release.

Sleeping Habits Improvement

Sleeping positions affect conditions such as spinal health. Yet they often go overlooked. Side and back positions better support the spine’s natural curves, especially with contoured pillows elevating the head and knees. Improving sleep ergonomics prevents musculoskeletal pain exacerbation.

Those struggling with discomfort at night may benefit from strategically bolstering pressure points with supportive pillows in side or back sleeping. Stomach sleeping twists the neck and low back excessively over long periods. Establishing cooling, relaxing nighttime routines primes the nervous system for restorative sleep critical to recovery.

Mobility and Flexibility Practices

Upholding joint mobility and flexibility constitutes a key factor in continuing chiropractic benefits at home. Otherwise, rigid, tense muscles emerge, restricting range of motion and causing discomfort. Consistent flexibility exercises via yoga, Pilates, or stretching sustain elasticity. Frequent short sessions prove more valuable than occasional lengthy ones when cultivating lasting flexibility.

Daily movement sessions first actively warm up tissues through light activity then move them through full range of motion to maintain that mobility. Assisting stiff areas with props like yoga blocks or straps helps them regain flexibility at their own pace without causing injury. Cross-training flexibility methods consistently challenge tissues.

Self-Myofascial Release Techniques

Self-myofascial release stretches tight, knotted muscles through movements like foam rolling or massage balls allowing them to regain optimal length and movement following chiropractic adjustments. This self-massage treatment enhances body mechanics and posture when regularly performed.

Myofascial release may produce some discomfort when pressing into tender trigger points but pain should never linger after. It releases bonded muscle fibers improving circulation and lymphatic flow disturbed by scar tissue accumulation over time. Practiced gently, it sustains positive outcomes.

Continuing Routine Check-ups

Continuing routine chiropractic check-ups can aid in maintaining the benefits garnered from initial treatments. Regular check-ins allow for any necessary adjustments or corrections to keep your spine as healthy as possible.

A continual care plan will enable your chiropractor to monitor your progress and make changes if necessary to maintain alignment and promote optimal spinal health.

Closing Thoughts

Maintaining good chiropractic results at home involves holistic consideration of various aspects such as mindful posture awareness, engaging in regular movement, strength training, optimizing workspace ergonomics, staying hydrated, balanced diet intake, stress management practices, and improved sleeping habits along with departmental exercises focused on mobility and flexibility.

Additionally, knowing the role of heat and cold therapy to supplement your chiropractic treatment can prove advantageous. Remember, everyone's body and situation is unique; so always listen to your body, respect its limits, and consult your chiropractor before trying new approaches.

                                          

           

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Beauty: A Green Revolution

The growing echo for sustainable practices has birthed a profound revolution within many industries, and beauty is no exception.

The rise of eco-friendly beauty epitomizes the green revolution, transforming not only how products are formulated but also how we perceive beauty.

This article sheds light on various facets of this evolution, delving into why these advancements are critical and how you can join this movement towards a more mindful and respectful relationship with our planet.

Exploring the Green in Beauty

"Sustainable", "organic", "natural"- these eco buzzwords now grace beauty shelves across the world. But what truly defines an eco-friendly beauty product? Several factors determine if a product is genuinely 'green'.

This includes sourcing and formulating with organic, vegan, biodegradable ingredients that cause negligible harm to ecosystems upon disposal. Additionally, brands that prioritize minimalistic packaging or use recycled, recyclable materials offer another dimension to sustainable beauty.

Green cosmetics not only contribute less towards polluting natural resources but also often abstain from harsh chemicals commonly associated with traditional cosmetics. Notably, however, certification for eco-beauty varies worldwide - it's crucial for consumers to delve beyond superficial branding claims.

Brighter Complexions and a Brighter Future

Why should you opt for green beauty products? Beyond avoiding skin irritants present in many conventional products, choosing eco-friendly cosmetics means indirectly advocating for reduced pollution and carbon footprints. Industrial processes involved in creating makeup and skincare inherently require energy consumption.

Thus contributing to greenhouse emissions. By supporting brands conscious about their manufacturing processes - such as relying on renewable energy sources or offsetting carbon emissions - we as consumers can demand better environmental practices within the industry.

From Tube to Landfills: A Hard-hitting Reality

Conventional beauty products don't just potentially harm us during their use - they continue to wield a deleterious impact long after. Discarded conventional makeup packaging often finds its way into landfills or oceans, contributing to plastic pollution and subsequently reaching various wildlife forms.

Certain sunscreens, when washed off in the sea, can hurt coral reefs. Complex sanitary products take years to decompose. Sustainable counterparts, on the other hand, often come in biodegradable or recyclable packaging and contain materials that won't harm ecosystems upon washing off or disposal.

Brands Reimagining Beauty

Several pioneering brands are redefining how we envision beauty by placing environmental consciousness at the forefront of their missions. Brands such as RMS Beauty, Love Beauty and Planet, etc., provide products that stem from ethical sourcing practices, recyclable materials, and bio-safe ingredients. They're demonstrating that caring for both your skin and the planet is indeed possible.

Separating the Green from the Greenwashed

Unfortunately, 'greenwashing'—a deceptive marketing strategy where brands claim to be environmentally friendly without wholly embodying sustainable practices—pervades the beauty industry. Scrutinizing ingredient lists, understanding labels such as cruelty-free vs vegan vs organic, checking for credible eco-certificates.

All this helps distinguish genuinely green brands from those merely donning the green mask. In an age where information is accessible and transparency highly valued, equipping ourselves with such knowledge becomes crucial in becoming mindful consumers.

Demystifying Eco-Certifications

Numerous eco-labels and certifications adorn cosmetic packaging, often leading to confusion among consumers. Some of the reliable ones include EcoCert, USDA Organic and Rainforest Alliance.

These certifications consider factors like responsible sourcing of ingredients, manufacturing practices, packaging, and disposal, thereby providing assurance to consumers about the product's green claims. However, regulations can differ from region to region - it's essential to understand what each certification implies in your country.

Sustainable Beauty and Your Wallet

There's a general conception that eco-friendly products are more expensive than their mainstream counterparts. While in some cases this might be true due to higher quality ingredients or sustainable production methods, being mindful about beauty purchases doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank.

Many affordable brands cater to eco-conscious consumers while maintaining competitive pricing. Furthermore, adopting a minimalist beauty routine or opting for refillable products can also contribute towards financial savings in the long run.

Holistic Approaches To Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t confined just to formulations and packaging - it extends to every aspect of a brand’s operations like energy usage, waste management, employee welfare etc.

Brands championing this holistic view are amplifying their positive impact on the environment manifold. For instance, Lush Cosmetics follows ethical buying practices to source raw materials while ensuring fair pay for farmers where they source from.

A Glimpse Beyond The Vanity Mirror

It's noteworthy that environmental care isn't relegated to just our grooming rituals; it reverberates into numerous industries around us - from food we consume to fuel we use for transportation or power generation which is safely stored in equipment like chemical diesel storage tanks (link). Considering these larger connections enhances our understanding of how individual actions play a part in a wider 'green revolution.'

Becoming A Part of The Green Beauty Movement

Transforming your beauty routine to align with the green revolution can seem challenging initially, but each step, no matter how small, significantly amplifies cumulative efforts towards a greener planet.

You could begin by reducing water usage, opting for solid bars over liquid soaps/shampoos or minimizing single-use applicators. Supporting brands that follow conscious practices or recycling empty bottles also contribute towards this positive change.

Conclusion:

The rise of eco-friendly beauty marks an important stride towards acknowledging and rectifying the environmental footprint of our daily routines. Progression in this field is about more than simply creating gentler skincare - it's a dedication to achieving an equilibrium with the environment we coexist with, echoed in many other industries.

Fostering conscious consumerism lays the cornerstone for a sustainable future where beauty complements environmental guardianship rather than undermines it. After all, real beauty must indeed be more than skin deep.

             

Sephora Birthday Gift 2024 | Kosas Lip and Brow Set In Unbuttoned with Swatches

Every year, Sephora offers a selection of deluxe samples that you can get for free during your birthday month! You can select one item per year and you must be a Beauty Insider which is free to sign up.

I shared my pick this year of the Kosas Set on my Insta and wanted to share here, too. 

This year, there are four choices:

• Kosas Lip and Brow set
• Moroccan oil Hair set
• Youth To The People skincare set
• 250 points
• Charlotte Tilbury set for VIB and up

I found it a tough choice this year. I would have chosen the Charlotte Tilbury gift but you have to be a Sephora VIB or above, which I am not. And, since I already have the Moroccan Oil hair oil and I didn't have high hopes for their shampoo and conditioner, and the fact that I already have so much skincare, I decided on the Kosas Set. I looked for swatches online of the Kosas Lip Oil in Unbuttoned but could not find one, so I figured I'd put it "out there" for others to see.

Kosas

Lip & Brow Birthday Set

- Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss in shade Unbuttoned (Soft Warm Blush): A hybrid lip treatment and gloss packed with hyaluronic acid and peptides to hydrate and visibly plump, without the sting, in a bestselling, soft, warm blush shade. 0.06 oz / 2 mL

- Air Brow Clear + Clean Lifting Treatment Eyebrow Gel with Lamination Effect: A clear brow gel boosted by hair-care actives that lifts and sets brows in place while supporting fuller, healthier-looking brows. 0.06 oz / 1.77 g

Kosas Lip Oil in Unbuttoned and Kosas Air Brow in clear

The Kosas Lip Oil is what I was most interested in. The shade Unbuttoned is described as a Warm Blush Shade. I find it more peachy and would describe it as a warm nude shade.

The Lip Oil comes with a typical doe foot applicator in a tube typical for a lipgloss. I found it very easy to apply and the colour is quite sheer but adds a hint of colour to my pale lips. It's not sticky nor too oily, so it doesn't slip around on my lips. It adds a hint of colour plus hydration to my lips for a healthy and youthful look. The nude shade goes with any look and should suit many skin tones, although will probably look clear on more pigmented and darker lips. The lasting time is average, but even after the colour wears off, my lips still feel more hydrated than before the application.

The clear Brow Gel works well to groom my wild brows and hold them in place. It dries down but doesn't flake off. It claims to have a lamination effect which I have not noticed. In general, I prefer a tinted brow gel but clear ones are great to have on hand for no makeup days as I still like my brows to appear groomed.

Keep scrolling to see the other birthday gift offerings from Sephora for 2024.

All in all, I am happy with my choice this year of the Kosas Lip and Brow Set.

Note that offerings in the USA may be different than the ones here in Canada.

You can get the free Birthday gift on Sephora.com but you must spend a minimum of $25 to get it online. If you pick up your free gift in a Sephora store, no purchase is necessary.

#sephora #sephoragift

Happy New Year 2024

We want to wish all of our readers a very Happy New Year! May 2024 bring you and your loved ones health, happiness, and prosperity ✨️ 🙏

See you in 2024! 🥂 

Choosing the Perfect Paint Finish: A Guide to Enhance Your Home

Choosing the perfect paint finish can transform your living space, creating the ideal aesthetic and mood. This guide aims to help you navigate through the myriad of paint finishes available, from matte to glossy, so you can make an informed choice that best suits your style and the function of each room. 

Whether renovating your entire house or updating a single room, understanding the different paint finishes and their unique characteristics is the first step towards creating a home that reflects your personality and taste. 

Matte Finish

Matte finish is the most common choice for interior walls. It has a non-reflective surface that helps hide any imperfections on the wall and gives a smooth, elegant look. This makes it perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. 

The absence of shine also creates a cozy atmosphere in these spaces, making them warm and inviting. However, there may be better options for high-traffic areas as they can be difficult to clean and maintain.

Eggshell Finish

The eggshell finish is slightly more reflective than matte but has a low sheen. This makes it a great compromise between matte and satin finishes. It's durable and easy to clean, making it suitable for hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. 

The slight shine also adds depth to the color, giving a sophisticated look to your walls. A painting company in your area can help you achieve this. 

Satin Finish

The satin finish has a soft, velvety sheen that adds a touch of luxury to any room. It's more durable than matte or eggshell finishes and is easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. The subtle sheen also reflects light, making the room appear brighter.

Semi-Gloss Finish

Semi-gloss is a highly reflective finish that adds a modern touch to any room. It has a shiny surface that can make colors appear more vibrant and glossy. This makes it perfect for highlighting architectural details or creating an accent wall. However, it's not recommended for large areas as it can be overwhelming and show imperfections more easily.

Gloss Finish

Gloss finish is the shiniest and most reflective of all paint finishes. It creates a sleek, modern look that can make any room feel bigger and brighter. This makes it great for small spaces or rooms with low natural light. However, it's not recommended for walls as it can be too overwhelming and show every little imperfection.

Choosing the Right Finish

When choosing a paint finish, consider both the aesthetic and practical aspects. The function of the room should also play a role in your decision-making process. For example, high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens may benefit from a more durable finish like eggshell or satin. At the same time, bedrooms and living rooms may be better suited for a softer matte finish. 

It's also important to consider the lighting in each room. Natural light can make glossy finishes appear even shinier, so if you have a lot of natural light in your home, opting for a less reflective finish may be best.

How to Prepare Your Room for Painting

Preparation, Tools, and Cleaning

Proper preparation is crucial to achieving a professional-looking paint job. First, clear the room or cover your furniture and floors with drop cloths to protect them from paint splatters. Remove all fixtures, outlet covers, and switch plates. 

Then, clean the walls using a mild detergent solution and let them dry completely. Any holes or cracks should be filled with a suitable filler, sanded smooth, and cleaned of dust.

The right tools make a significant difference in the quality of your paint job. For most interior painting projects, you'll need a paint roller for the large, flat areas and a set of brushes for detail work and cutting around the edges. 

A paint tray is essential for holding your paint, and a roller extension pole will make reaching tall walls or ceilings much easier.

After painting, cleaning up properly will ensure your tools are ready for future projects. Brushes and rollers should be cleaned immediately after use. If you use water-based paint, warm water, and a little soap will suffice. 

You'll need to use a paint thinner for cleaning for oil-based paints. Always rinse your tools thoroughly and let them dry before storing them. Dispose of any leftover paint according to your local regulations.

Remember, taking the time to prepare properly and using the right tools will make your painting project more efficient and provide you with a finish you can be proud of.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect paint finish for your home is all about finding a balance between aesthetics and practicality. Consider the function of each room, lighting, and your style when making your decision.

And remember to prepare properly and use the right tools for a professional-looking finish. With this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and inviting living space that reflects your unique personality.

a collab with Groovy Hues