Sunday, May 30, 2021

How to Declutter and Make Money Doing it



Over the last few years there's been such a craze over decluttering and minimalism. Although I could never be a minimalist (I like shopping too much), I still have the desire to own less, reduce clutter, and have more room to breathe. But, at the same time, I have a conflicting desire to aquire more at times. Maybe some of you feel this way, too. I think this is where the old adage comes into play "out with the old, in with the new." Who doesn't want to try something new that interests them, or update their wardrobe to be more current.

I've heard a lot about the Mari Kondo method based on her best-selling book, The Art Of Tyding Up. I haven't read her book but I've learned a lot about her suggestions and tips for decluttering through the internet.  I like a lot of her tips but also find that some of them don't work for me. So I take what I like from her methods and make my own decluttering journey, as we all should.

Sometimes, I find that I can conquer my closet or the kitchen and do fairly well. Although, Mari Kondo probably wouldn't agree with that statement. Other times, I feel like I just can't let go of anything but I know that I need to.

Here are some tactics that I use to help myself declutter:

1. Get real with yourself and toss those old, expired products. Think food, skincare, makeup etc.
2. Ask yourself: Do I need it? Do I love it? Has it been used recently or is it just taking up space? Can someone else get better use out of this? Can I make some money with this?
3. Keep what you love and/or need. Do you have duplicates of some items that perhaps aren't necessary? 
4. One question I love to ask myself is "would I buy this in the store today?" If not, get rid of it or sell it
5. Try to adopt a 1 in 1 out policy. If you buy some new items, try to get rid of some old items
6. When you've done all the purging that you think you can, revisit the decluttering concept in a more gentle way. By this I mean, try and find one item per day, from any area of your home that either needs to be thrown away, donated, or maybe you want to sell it and make some of your money back
7. Another tactic, is to do this weekly and try to find 7 items at the end of each week. Then take the items to be donated at the end of every week or month. Whataver works for you. This decluttering tip of mine is meant to take the pressure off, so nothing is set in stone, do your best and you will get ahead.  By using this method I recently got rid of some old cell phones, packaging I no longer needed, old electronic parts that didn't have a partner, some shoes I don't wear, blankets and pillows that needed to go, etc. 
8. Tackle one area at a time and recruit your family members to tackle their areas, too. If they aren't eager to participate, the incentive to make some money or buy something new with that money might just be the nudge that they need
9. It's a good idea to keep a list as you go of items that you need to purchase to fill a need or replace items that were discarded but are still wants/needs

Note: Animal Shelters can always use your old towels, blanket, etc. It's a much better way to re-purpose those items than dropping them into a donation bin where they will probably end up in a landfill.

Also, there are a lot of Women's Shelters, and Shelters period, that can definitely use a lot of our unwanted items.

After the initial declutter, I try to keep on top of things by letting go of items that I no longer need or want. Making room for new things that I do want or maybe even need. "Use it or Lose it" has become my new motto.

You can also make money with the items that you declutter, especially if they are in good condition. Or, maybe they are vintage or collectable. You'd be surprised what you can find in the depths of your drawers, closets, basement, garage, and even on your bookshelves that you could make money with. From jewelery to shoes and even fitness gadgets and the like. 

My favourite places to sell items
  • Facebook Marketplace and FB groups
  • Poshmark (Get $15 with code poshsummergirl on sign up page)
  • Varage sale (App)
  • Letgo ( App- in USA, no longer in Canada sadly)
  • Kijiji
  • Ebay
  • Pawn shops
  • Amazon (I've sold a ton of books and DVDs on there)
  • Garage sale (when permitted or by appointment due to covid)
  • Plato's closet - they pay on the spot. They are choosy and want items in good condition and current trends. They don't pay much but if you don't have the time to sell your own items, they are a good option
  • Other local consignment shops
  • There are lots of other Apps to sell your unwanted goods. Just check your app store

Once you've decluttered your home, you'll probably make more conscious choices about future purchases and what you are bringing into your home. Either way, unless you are a true minimalist, the process of letting go of items that no longer serve you will most likely become something that is ongoing as we are usually bringing new things into our homes. 




#declutter #makemoney #minimalism 

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Self Care Sunday | Mask a Day Skincare Challenge

.

Happy long weekend! πŸŽ‰
.
For #selfcaresunday , I'm sharing the sheet masks that I've used since I challenged myself to use a mask a day. I was accumulating a lot of masks (hoarding) and some were so old. I wanted to use them up before they expired, but some were already expired πŸ™ˆ  ps. I hope the pics are ok. I'm using the one's from my Instagram post that have filters to brighten them 
.
My favourites were:
🌟 7th Heaven Detox + Replenishing Hydrogel Mask
🌟 Jayjun Mega Bright Program Toning Mask
🌟 b.liv Age Eraser (was expired by 1 year πŸ™ˆ)
🌟 Comfort Zone Skin Perfect Mask
🌟 The Creme Shop Avocado Face mask
🌟 Maskeraide Eye Gel Patches 


My notes on all of these were that they were refreshing, soothing, and hydrating, and some were brightening and firming as well! Read on for more details...


Other good ones:
🌟 Innisfree My Real Squeeze #greentea
🌟 COS.W My Real Skin Rose mask
🌟 Skyn Iceland Hydracool Firming eye gels

*Note: links to products will be provided in the product headings whenever available 


this 2-piece hydrogel mask. With fruit antioxidants including 7 different types of berries to create a powerful Berry Complex this mask will moisturise, calm and help plump skin. With Bamboo Charcoal to draw out impurities and absorb excess sebum, your complexion will be left feeling smoother, deeply cleansed and feeling renewed.

One of my top picks. Not surprising since 7th Heaven is one of my favourite affordable brands! 

This one was super hydrating and soothing and left my skin looking plump and healthy.


Firming, elasticizing mask

Another one of my top picks. I found it hydrating and soothing with some firming, too. It contains Brown Algae and Chicory extract lift and firm the skin.

The Creme Shop Avocado Face mask 
(unable to find online, which may explain why I found these at Marshall's Canada)

A great hydrating and soothing choice. Ironically the panda mask from this same brand burned my skin, yet this one was very soothing. Must be something in the panda mask that doesn't agree with my skin.


a unique formulation of multipeptide, this youth preserving bio-cellulose mask reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while preventing premature skin aging. the result is maximum skin regeneration and a firming effect.

Wow! I don't remember liking this one as much as I did after using it this week! It has been a long time since I used this one though. It expired a year ago but I used it anyways. 

My skin was not only hydrated and soothed but it definitely felt firmer after this one!


This mask contains rosa centifolia flower water which is an effective ingredient for skin conditioning and brightening!

This one was also soothing and hydrating, and brightening, too. 


This was another one that had a real WOW effect for me! I found it brightening, soothing, hydrating, and firming! My notes on this one also stated "Refreshed looking afterwards!" Love this one!


Loved this one too for hydration and plumping the skin. (unable to find this exact sheet mask except for the tube form linked above).


What didn't work for me:
🌟 The Creme Shop Slow Down, Skin panda face mask. This was the only one that didn't agree with my skin and caused a burning sensation so I had to remove it after less than 5 min
🌟 Elizabeth Grant eye masks were dried out so I was unable to use them. Probably my fault because I've had them for a while.
🌟 Klara collagen lip mask. I think I would need to use these daily for a while to notice a difference. They weren't bad, I just needed more time with them, I think.


Infused with Bamboo Extract. This is a fun mask with the animated Panda Face. Unfortunately, this mask began to burn my skin within the first 5 minutes and I had to remove it. This is the only mask from this post that had a negative reaction with my skin. It could be an ingredient that just doesn't agree with my skin as I see a lot of good reviews on this one. 


CONCENTRATED doses of soothing ingredients. Extensin helps to firm and tone, hexapeptide helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow and helps reduce puffiness. Advanced antioxidants help prevent future damage.

I loved these eye masks as they smoothed and depuffed my under eyes. I found that the MaskerAide All Eyes on Me (below) were a better value for the same effect, but unable to find them online. 


ALL EYES ON ME undereye gels are packed with super hydrating, brightening and firming ingredients including our unique 100 Herb Complex* formula and Hyaluronic Acid that will give you a long-lasting moisture boost.

Surprisingly did help smooth my under eyes and help to depuff for a fresher, younger look! I couldn't find it online. :(


Unfortunately, I wasn't able to use either of these as they had completely dried out.


I noticed a slight difference but I feel that I'd have to use these daily for some time before I really notice a difference. I've used this before and noticed the same thing then.


Overall:
After doing these masks daily for 8 days, I do notice a difference in my skin overall. Definitely plumper, and more youthful looking. Plus, brighter and more refreshed looking!
.
Since I woke up from a migraine today, I'll be continuing with this daily mask routine today. The cooling effect from the mask will hopefully help ease my migraine.

I am definitely becoming a bit addicted to masking now. It is such a great way to pamper yourself and make some time to relax and unwind whilst pampering your skin. I had been getting lazy about masking prior to this challenge, but now I'm hooked! Once I finish up all my sheet masks, I'll be able to start using up my plethora of masks in tubs and tubes, and I'm totally here for it! 

My new-ish moto has become "use it or lose it" when it came to decluttering my wardrobe and household. Now it has expanded to my skincare, haircare and face masks. I really dislike waste, so this challenge was just what I needed to do. 

Give it a try if you are also hoarding or letting your face mask collection build up but find that you aren't using them... there is no better time than right now!

Hope everyone has a great long weekend! πŸ₯°

Amy
XO's



*Some links are affiliate and are trusted and used by this site

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Current Daily Stay at Home No-Makeup-Makeup-Routine | Quarantine Edition


Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Today, I'm sharing my current, stay-at-home daily makeup routine. Just a few products make such a difference in how I look and feel, even when I'm not going anywhere. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete this routine and I try and do it every day right now... keeps me feeling a little more put together without going full-on makeup when I'm just staying at home.


After cleansing and moisturizing, I apply the following:

🌞 St Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Moisturizer and Primer. I need the tiniest amount because it's dark for my skintone and VERY pigmented but it blends out beautifully and gives my face some colour for a healthy sun-kissed look. It's also a gradual tanner. I don't use any other face products. (You'd be surprised how much this multi-tasking product can do to Elevate your look!)
🌞 Next, I do my lashes. Currently using It Cosmetics Lash Blow Out Mascara
🌞 Then, I definitely need to tame my brows. I either use clear brow gel or a tinted one, just depends on my mood. RN I'm using Maybelline clear brow gel and Annabelle Brow Fiber Gel
🌞 Last step is a tinted lip balm. This one by ELF in Bare Kiss is beautiful.. MLBB shade. (unable to find online. I purchased mine at the Dollar Tree).

That's it!

Keep scrolling for swatches of the ELF Lip Balm and St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Moisturizer (this product is the bomb for no-makeup-makeup days!)

St Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Moisturizer blended out (L), ELF Bare Kiss (R)

St Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Moisturizer blended out (L), ELF Bare Kiss (R)
Above: blended a little more...

The St. Tropez Tinted Moisturizer is such a multi-tasking product and I really haven't found another product that gives me the same natural sun-kissed look, it's really quite different and unique from a regular tinted moisturizer. I'm really loving it! 

Keeping up a routine and even applying this little bit of makeup makes me feel so much better and makes me feel ready to take on the day.

.
What's your go-to look these days?

Amy
XO's

#peta #cf #crueltyfree #makeup

All products purchased by me. Some links are affiliate and used and trusted by this site. 

Sunday, May 16, 2021

VICHY LIFTACTIV COLLAGEN SPECIALIST PEPTIDE-C SPF 30 REVIEW


On March 24th Vichy launched their new Liftactiv Specialist Peptide-C SPF 30 moisturizer. - 50ML/ SRP $61.95CAD.

This powerful, multitasking product has broad spectrum UVA + UVB protection to prevent & counteract signs of premature aging, plus Biopeptides from pea extract, vitamin Cg, hyaluronic acid, and Glycolic acid which gives the skin a brighter and firmer appearance.

I always step up my skincare with a good SPF at this time of year. I'm loving this new one by Vichy because it's not greasy or sticky, it absorbs well and doesn't leave a white cast. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and layers well with my other skincare products. I also like to add a drop of my foundation to it some days for a DIY tinted sunscreen.


Love the air-tight pump!

SKIN TYPE: All Types

SKIN CONCERN: Aging Skin, Dark Spots, Dullness, Loss Of Firmness, Visible Dark Spots, Anti-Aging, Wrinkles



FROM VICHY:

Daily facial sunscreen & anti aging moisturizer for face with high UVA/UVB SPF 30 broad spectrum sun protection. 

Clinically proven efficacy in 8 weeks: -45% look of wrinkles & -30% look of dark spots. Smoothed wrinkles. Defined skin contours. Even skin tone.

Formula with Vitamin C and biopeptides from pea extract Hyaluronic Acid & Vichy Volcanic Water. It gives the skin a brighter & firmer appearance.

With age, collagen production naturally slows down. External factors such as sun exposure accelerate the appearance of aging signs: wrinkles, loss of skin contours’ definition and dark spots. Skin tone can appear dull and uneven, with light pigmentation marks.

CLINICALLY PROVEN EFFICACY:
After the 1st application, skin appears smoother.
After 4 weeks, facial skin looks more defined.

IN 8 WEEKS:
WRINKLES look reduced by 45%
DARK SPOTS look reduced by 30%

* Clinical scoring on 57 women during 8 weeks.



Active ingredients (w/w): Octocrylene 7%, Homosalate 5%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 3%. Inactive ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Silica, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Steareth-100, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Myristic Acid, Cyclodextrin, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Guanosine.

This product is Dermatologist tested. Allergy-tested and hypoallergenic with light floral fragrance. Paraben-Free. Tested on sensitive skin.

Overall:

I think this product is great for all skin types and ages (recommended for ages 18+). SPF is our best weapon against sun damage and premature aging of the skin. This product is soothing, moisturizing, and contains multiple anti aging ingredients to target and prevent multiple signs of aging. A lot of sunscreens make my reactive skin breakout, this one does not! This is a 5 star product in my books! 





#LiftactivSpecialist #gifted #bnation #pr #prsample

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Best (and Unexpected) Natural Foods for a Healthy Gut

Who doesn’t love eating a good meal? The best meals are ones that taste delicious and have a positive impact on your body and health. When we eat, our gastrointestinal system breaks down the food into simple forms that can enter the bloodstream and deliver nutrients throughout our body. This system—often referred to as the gastrointestinal tract, digestive system or gut—needs to be healthy to function as it should.

Signs of a healthy gut include regular bowel movements and stool appearance. Having excessive gas, bloating or stomach discomfort are common signs of abnormal digestion. A healthy gut functions most effectively when its microbiome (the bacteria and microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract) are balanced.

Good bacteria play a crucial role in digestion and keeping us healthy. And the best way to increase good bacteria in your gut is through our food choices.

Here are the best foods for a healthy gut:

  1. Legumes

Legumes are rich in fiber, helping create a diverse microbiota that protects your system from harmful bacteria. High-fiber legumes include chickpeas, pinto beans, black beans, navy beans, lentils and split peas. Some excellent ways to incorporate legumes into your diet include trying bean dips, hummus and bean salads.

  1. Fermented Foods

Historically, fermenting was used to preserve foods. Today we also know that fermentation transforms sugars and starches into good natural bacteria! We think this is amazing! Fermented foods are packed with probiotics, which are live bacteria or yeasts that increase gut microbiome health. Good sources of these beneficial bacteria and enzymes are foods like kimchi, yogurt and sauerkraut.

  1. Probiotic Drinks

Probiotic drinks are a convenient way to introduce good bacteria to your gut and help bring balance to the organisms in your intestinal tract. Probiotic yogurt drinks are most common in today’s supermarkets. Some probiotic-rich drinks to consider include kefir, a fermented milk beverage and kombucha, a fermented tea.

  1.  Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a form of fiber that the body cannot digest; they serve as food for probiotics and fertilizer for good gut bacteria. Because prebiotics support healthy digestion, they may help lower the risk for digestive disorders and inflammation. The best sources of prebiotics include bananas, artichokes, asparagus, dark chocolate, berries and oats. Onions and garlic are rich in prebiotics too.

Green bananas anyone? The trick to getting the most prebiotics from bananas is to consume them when the peel is still green. While they aren’t the sweetest, unripe bananas are best at serving as prebiotics for intestinal flora. They also have less sugar and are higher in resistant starch, which can be classified as dietary fiber. 

  1. High-fiber Foods

Sweet potatoes, raspberries, whole grains, green peas and oatmeal are all examples of healthy high-fiber foods. Dietary fiber helps keep your bowel movements regular, clean your digestive system and improve your gut health. However, too much fiber can also disrupt the digestive system, causing loose stools and bloating. Therefore, finding a balance in your fiber consumption is also vital.

 

For more eating tips for a healthier gut, contact Gastro MD. We are a cutting-edge clinical gastroenterology practice and set the standard in digestive health care.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Beauty and the City Beauty Box Pre-Launch Waitlist Glow Up Contest




Beauty and the City is excited to announce the exclusive “Glow Up” contest!


Why Glow Up? It is scientifically proven that glowing skin is subconsciously considered more attractive. It makes one appear rested, alert, and cheerful. Glowing skin is associated with youthfulness, happiness, and wellness. When these unique vegan beauty formulas were created, the founder knew there was more to it than producing cosmetics to accentuate beauty. Caring for oneself is about achieving the healthy glow of radiance that comes naturally when using healthy, vegan beauty products. It’s about that beauty look you can only get from the featured “Glow Up” collection. Our special vegan formula is paraben-free, gluten-free, made without harsh chemicals, and cruelty-free. We know and understand women’s needs today. Women want to look and feel their best without looking fake. More than ever women want care and glamour all in one serving. Women appreciate the natural glow they can get only from Beauty and the City vegan beauty products. The Beauty and the City collection includes restorative serums, healing balms, and glow-ups for beauty enhancement of the face, lashes, brows, body, and lips. In addition to achieving a flawless glow, Beauty and the City women will spend less time putting on make-up.


This epic contest is happening only once. This exclusive offer is only allowed to be presented by Beauty Bloggers who have readers that look forward to their beauty tips and revelations. Beauty and the City solves the problems women have when they say make-up is time-consuming. Within 2 minutes (the time you have in the morning, or just before that online meeting), you can get the most out of having a polished, natural glow with Beauty and the City’s " Glow Up.” “It is the most fundamental part of your make-up routine. It gives you the most glamorous results in the least amount of time,” says Tanille, Beauty and the City Creative Director. She says women are raving about the Beauty and the City Face and Body Shimmer and the Beauty and the City Glitterstick that let you easily put on your glow up in 60 seconds or less. “To celebrate a women's unique beauty is to let her glow,” says Tanille.

 

Join the Beauty and the City Refer a Friend Contest and Instantly Win Beauty and the City “Glow Up” Products here: contest.beautynthecity.com/130622

 Open to North America! 🌎 


Visit Beauty and the City to see how women are glowing up: www.beautynthecity.com


Follow Beauty and the City on Instagram: @beautyncity2

Follow Beauty and the City on TikTok: @beautyandthecity

Follow Beauty and the City on Twitter:@beautynthecity8

 

About

Beauty and the City is a socially conscious beauty brand specializing in quick glow-up, inspired by the Beauty and the City story. At Beauty and the City, we focus on clean, vegan beauty formulas that achieve results. We are a cause-related beauty brand that is passionate about our causemetic’s mission to do good for our users and for the environment on purpose


 

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Do I have IBS?



Do I have IBS?

The exact cause of IBS remains unknown. However, we know that certain factors and triggers play a role in causing IBS symptoms. These triggers include abnormalities in the digestive system, stress, abnormal gut microbes, weak intestinal contractions and gastroenteritis after-effects. 

 

IBS affects the large intestine, and common symptoms include abdominal pain, stool appearance changes and inconsistent bowel movements. If you have bowel movement-related cramping or bloating, diarrhea or constipation, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have IBS. If you notice your symptoms have become chronic, it’s time to consult with your doctor to get some relief.

Can I manage my IBS symptoms?

Because IBS is a complex condition with various triggers and contributing factors, there is no one course of treatment or medication. Instead, our best advice is to manage your symptoms, understand and avoid your triggers and develop effective prevention strategies.

 

It’s best to follow a gut-healthy diet and eat on a regular schedule; skipping meals can disrupt digestive health and result in irregular bowel function. Avoiding or eliminating foods from your diet that have triggered your symptoms is another good way to manage your IBS. Patients commonly identify foods that cause IBS attacks as fried, fiber-filled and high-lactose foods as well as caffeine and carbonated drinks.

The Relationship Between Vitamin C and IBS

Improving gut health is vital in controlling common IBS symptoms. Leading experts have explored the relationship between IBS and Vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiencies are linked to poor immunity, fatigue, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. However, high doses of Vitamin C can also negatively impact the body and cause gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach aches and diarrhea. So Vitamin C balance is crucial as both insufficiency and over-consumption can exacerbate IBS symptoms.

 

The key to consuming an adequate amount lies in eating foods that naturally contain Vitamin C and minimizing your intake of ascorbic acid in processed foods. Many people confuse ascorbic acid and Vitamin C because they are represented the same in supplement form. However, they are not synonymous. The problem with taking synthetic ascorbic acid is that it may ultimately lead to malabsorption of Vitamin C, causing the vitamin to remain in the intestines, rather than being absorbed and used by the body, which can cause symptoms like IBS.

 

To meet your daily Vitamin C requirement, eat Vitamin C-rich foods like guava, broccoli, red pepper, spinach, grapefruit and strawberries. If you have a chronic disease like IBS, a natural gut-healing diet may also help control your IBS symptoms. Pay attention to IBS symptoms beyond abnormal bowel movements and abdominal pain/bloating. It’s time to consult with a gastroenterologist if you’re experiencing these symptoms and they’re affecting your life.

 

For more eating tips for a healthier gut, contact Gastro MD. We are a cutting-edge clinical gastroenterology practice and set the standard in digestive health care.




Friday, May 7, 2021

Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies + Discount Code


#Fridayfavorites goes to Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Gummies πŸ˜‹ What a delicious way to get my daily dose of Apple Cider Vinegar (with "The Mother") 🍎

Goli Nutrition has made it so delicious and easy with their #glutenfree #vegan apple Cider Gummy supplements. Tastes like a sweet candy 🍬 without the yuck factor! I have a bottle of apple Cider Vinegar that's been in my cupboard for years because I can't bring myself to drink it! Thankfully, Goli put all the same benefits into a yummy gummy vitamin! 😍

2 Gummies = 1 shot ACV

60 gummies per bottle 

Directions: Take 2-4 Gummies daily for your daily dose of ACV and essential vitamins.

With only 12g of sugar for 10 gummies, the sugar content is minimal for a few per day.


Here are some of the benefits:

• Source of antioxidant
• Has Vitamins B9 & B12
• Promotes general good health
• Help improve your daily health
• Contains pectin, a source of dietary fiber
• Uses pectin as a natural prebiotic to support a healthy gut and immune system
• Includes the Mother: a healthy strain of bacteria, antioxidants, and enzymes
• Mask the unpleasant taste of apple cider vinegar
• It’s simple – it’s delicious – it’s Goli
• Perfect addition to your balanced diet and exercise wellness program
• Vegan, Gluten-Free, Gelatin-Free, #Kosher, Non-GMO



They are Also:

• Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth
• Certified Vegan by Vegan.org as well as #PETA
• Certified Kosher + Gelatin Free

Goli Nutrion works with Vitamin Angels to provide vitamins to children in need. With each purchase, you provide a child in need with a 6 month dose of vitamins! 

Goli offers 100% money back guarantee!

Use code healthandbeautygirl for 10% or more off your order! 🍎 

Discount will automatically be applied with this trusted link:  https://go.goli.com/healthandbeautygirl 


Happy Friday!! πŸ’ƒ 🍷 πŸ₯‚




#golipartner #pr #prsample #GoliGummy #ACVGummy #ad 

Product provided by Goli Nutrition. Trusted affiliate links are used in this post.

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Hacks to Unblock Clogged Ear Wax at Home | Dr Recommended




*Disclaimer: Content on this site is provided for informational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before attempting any treatments.


If you've had a blocked ear, you know how annoying it can be. It can vary from a slight annoyance to downright debilitating!

After I had a visit with an Ear Doctor some time ago for an issue unrelated to ear wax, I was advised to stop using ear swabs like Q tips because I had wax build up in my ear. Ever since then, I have had several incidents of my ears getting blocked with wax. I think another part of the problem is because I wash my hair less than I used to, so my ears don't get flushed out as often in the shower. 

Despite having these incidents, I still haven't returned to using ear swabs since that Doctors visit, so I have had to find other ways to get the wax out of my ears. In this post, I'll share what has worked for me and what has not, plus some other tips that you may find helpful if you or a loved one experience an ear blocked from wax. 

Note: What works for me, may not work for you. And, some things that do not work for me, may work for you. 



Murine Ear Drops:

I could feel my ear was getting some wax buildup, so I purchased these Murine Ear Drops as a wax removal system with the ear washer included, thinking this would be a great and easy way to get the wax out. After all, I read some great reviews on it. After just one use, the drops seemed to soften the wax in my ear so much that it felt like it melted further into my ear canal and completely blocked my ear and caused pain in my ear, which I had never had before. It felt like my ear was crazy glued shut and it stayed that way for days, until I tried the next product which is what unblocked my ear.  

It wasn't until after my experience with this products that I looked at the product's 1 star reviews and saw that this happened to a lot of other people. Even if I saw those reviews, I would have probably thought that it wouldn't happen to me as there were a lot more positive reviews on it.

⚠ Although, this one says that it's Doctor recommended, I say use with caution.


Cerumol Ear Drops:

I called the Doctor's office because my ear was now completely blocked after using the previous drops. They wouldn't see me for an ear flush because they were not seeing patients due to covid-19, so they recommended Cerumol Ear Drops to clear my ear. 

I used the Cerumol ear drops as recommended for 4 days in a row. I used them before bed so they would stay in longer for maximum efficacy. I could tell right away that these drops worked differently from the first ones that I used, they didn't fizz in my ear and the scent was very medicinal. My ear pain started to diminish after using the Cerumol drops. Although my ear didn't feel like it was unblocked, I was followed the Doctor's advice to discontinue use after 4 days and my ear did indeed get cleared of the wax.

✅ Dr. Recommended and worked for me.

From Step 3 listed below: 
Area to massage/ press gently to get wax out

Here are the steps that worked for me to get the wax out (Note: all of the information in this post is regarding a blocked ear due to wax build up. Do not attempt if the blockage is from something other than wax).

Steps to Remove Ear Wax:
  1. Use drops of choice in ear. Doctor recommended to me- Olive Oil or Cerumol drops above
  2. After leaving the drops in for minimum 1 hour to overnight, have a warm shower and let the water flow in and around the ear. Do not aim the water directly into the ear canal, just let the water flow around the ear area to clear out any loosened wax
  3. This step is crucial to getting the wax out. I learned this step after a lot of trial and error. After the warm shower, gently press/ massage the area in front of the ear as shown in the photo above. This will gently push the wax out of the ear. Be gentle, if no wax comes out, it is not ready and try again the next day.
  4. Use a tissue and gently wipe the inside of your ear. Do not push or stick your fingers or any other utensils or objects into the ear opening, you risk pushing the wax further into the ear or damaging the ear
  5. Repeat these steps until the ear becomes clear of wax
Note: If you experience any pain or ear remains blocked, consult with your Doctor.


Home Remedies:

Olive Oil is another method that both the Ear Doctor and Family Doctor recommended that I use to loosen ear wax. This is a great thing to do for maintenance to keep your ears from getting blocked, and can be used in place of the Ear Drops if you prefer or can't get the drops. Most people have some olive oil at home, so it's a good DIY.  Just place a few drops of olive oil in each ear and wipe away the excess. The olive oil will soften the wax for easy removal. 

For ear wax blockage, use olive oil following the same steps as outlined above. Any good brand of Extra Virgin Olive Oil should do.



Hydrogen Peroxide is what I've used for most of my life to clear the wax when I feel a build up. It seems to dissolve the wax and you can hear it fizzing away, similar to how the Murine Ear Drops seem to work. Some people swear by this method and I used to as well, however....

⚠ ...Doctors DO NOT recommend this method, so I have switched to both the olive oil and Cerumol Ear Drops for at home use. Olive oil for maintenance and Cerumol Drops for larger build ups of wax.

Here are a few other tips to try and clear the wax:
  • Wash ears thoroughly and regularly in the shower, letting the water flush the ear (just don't aim the water directly into the ear canal)
  • Pinch your nose while keeping your mouth shut and blow out gently. If you hear both ear pop, that's a good thing
  • Try pinching your nose while under water. I always find that a ton of wax comes out of my ears when I do this, whether in the ocean or the bathtub. This is better for maintenance and I would avoid if your ear is blocked.
  • Chewing gum or moving your jaw around can help open the ear canal and loosen wax
  • I've heard that some people use baby oil and/ or baking soda. I have not tried either and they were not recommended to me by any Doctors

In Summary, the Olive Oil and Cerumol drops were both recommended to me by Doctors. I find olive oil is good for regular maintenance and the Cerumol Drops are good when I have a build up of wax. Rinsing the ears with warm water in the shower and the massage/ press method as described in the "Steps to Remove Ear Wax" in this post have helped me the most when I have a blockage from ear wax.


Information in this post is based on having an excess of ear wax. If your ear is blocked for any other reason, do not attempt these hacks and contact your Doctor. If you have pain or loss of hearing, see your Doctor right away. Again, do not stick anything into your ear canal and see your Doctor for advice. These tips are provided for informational purposes only. 

*See Disclaimer at the top of this page.

I hope these hacks help. I know how frustrating it can be. 

Let me know what worked for you. If you have any othet tips to share, please leave them in the comments.








End of code