April Empties | Health, Beauty, Skincare, Makeup

Hey, Everyone!

Hope all is well with you.

I'm back to share my April Empties. As always, I'll share a brief review of each item and links to products in the headings whenever possible.

HEALTH

CocoaCeps Organic Dark Cocoa with Cordyceps + Reishi Mushrooms

I've been drinking this immune-boosting cocoa powder for years. Just add a scoop to your smoothie in the morning for a delicious and nutritious energy-boosting drink. It has so many health benefits and tastes great! 

Repurchase- Already have

Kirkland Q10 100mg

This is the first time that I tried the Kirkland brand Q10. I'm not sure about the quality. I prefer to purchase the Kaneka type of Q10 by Healthy Origins but the brand it was out of stock so I'm now trying out Country Life Q10 as it is also the Kaneka type of Q10, so far I like it much better than the Kirkland one.

Repurchase- Unlikely

FemMed Stress Anxiety Management

I really like this brand for many of their supplements. This was my first time trying this particular product that contains adaptogenic herbs along with B vitamins to help with stress. Unfortunately, I didn't notice a difference while taking them. I will go back to AdrenaSense for now or straight up Rhodiola as they work better for me.

Repurchase- No

Webber Naturals D3 Gummies

I've never been so consistent with taking my D3 every day until I got these gummies, because YUM! But do they work? Yes, I'd say that they do as I hadn't had any sun for months and my D levels in my blood work are in the normal range since taking these. I am trying out the Vitafusion ones' at the moment, they seem just as good.

Repurchase- Yes

BHI Calming Homeopathic Remedy

Another product I've been using for years. I take them at bedtime and throughout the night when I wake up. I don't feel any noticeable difference after taking them but they often help me fall back asleep, so they must be having some effect on my system.

Repurchase- Already have

Bach Rescue Remedy for Sleep

Another staple in my routine. It's an all-natural supplement made with Bach flowers. It seems to help take a bit of the edge off and helps me sleep in conjunction with my other sleep remedies. It's one I like to have on hand and I also take it when I wake up too early to help me fall back asleep. Doesn't always work, but I believe it does help so it's worth it to me.

Repurchase Already have

BEAUTY / SKINCARE

Nature's Way Liquid Coconut Oil

This is a liquid form a coconut oil that doesn't become solid when the temperature is cold- perfect for those of us with 4 seasons. I use it for baking, as a hair treatment, to remove makeup sometimes, and to massage on my cat's gums for oral health. 

Repurchase- Yes

AG Smooth Shampoo with Argan + Coconut Oil

I love this brand for my dry and frizzy hair. My favourite product by them is their leave-in conditioner called Fast Food, which was recommended by my hairstylist over 10 years ago and I keep going back to it! I found that this shampoo and conditioner did help with my dry and frizzy hair.

Repurchase- I would if I ever finish up what I have!

Live Clean Aromatherapy Foam Bath (Lavender Vanilla)

This is my go-to bubble bath product. I use it every time I have a bath and throw in some Epsom salts, too. I also use their other scents and rotate them depending on my mood. This is all-natural, smells fantastic, and so affordable. Can't be beat in my opinion. 

Repurchase- Yes

Mirenesse Sleeping Beauty Moisture Revival Sleep Mask

I love products like this but many of them clog my pores and make be breakout- luckily, this one does not. I like to use this as my last step at nighttime and feel like it locks in all of the moisture and ingredients from my serums and moisturizers. I use it several times a week or whenever I remember. lol

Repurchase- Possibly (currently testing out this one by Aveeno which is more affordable and seems to do the same thing) 

Indeed Mineral Booster

I really like the ingredients of this skincare booster. I wasn't consistent with it enough to notice if it really made a difference as I used it on and off. I do like this brand and the prices are good so I would try it again but make sure to use it consistently next time.

Repurchase- Yes

MAKEUP

Essence Brow Gel Mascara
This isn't completely empty yet but it's yucky enough that I've already replaced it. It's super affordable, cruelty-free and gets the job done. I see no reason to spend a lot of money on a clear brow gel.

Repurchase- Already have

Tarte Tartiest Glossy Lip Paint (Free Sephora Birthday Sample)
This was a decent gloss, it felt great on my lips as it was very hydrating. It's definitely a pretty, everyday colour. I just don't see a reason to spend a lot of money most lipglosses. I believe the shade is Rosy Nude.

Repurchase- No

LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Natural GC972
This is my favourite concealer! It is great on blemishes and redness as well as for under the eyes as it is not drying and doesn't get cakey- perfect for aging skin like mine! This tube lasted forever too! There is a little bit left but it's VERY old and expired and I have many others to use up before I repurchase this. Oh, it's cruelty-free too.

Repurchase- Absolutely!

Hope you enjoyed seeing what I finished up and found my mini-reviews helpful!

See you next week and stay safe, everyone! 💗

Some links are referral, thank you for the support if you choose to use them. xo

iHerb Health Haul | Anti-Aging, Sleep, Stress, Pet Health

It's been a while since I shared what I've hauled from iHerb. I thought I'd share this one as it contains current essential supplements for me and my pet, and I figured that some of you might be interested in some of these products.

I will share links to products in the product heading. I leave the prices out because they are forever changing.

General Health, Stress & Sleep

Now Foods Glycine (Free Form) Pure Powder- 1lb

From iHerb:
Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, making it versatile for use in a wide range of functions. Glycine is necessary for the production of glutathione, DNA, creatine, bile, hemoglobin, and most proteins. It also helps to promote glycogen storage, thereby making glucose readily available for energy production. Glycine also functions as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, where it facilitates nerve impulses and is important for the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns.

This product is Vegan/ Vegetarian and Non-GMO.

I don't know a whole lot about amino acids but I picked this up before as it's supposed to help with sleep. I found the action very subtle but what I noticed over time, with daily use, was reduced stress and anxiety. I believe that it's helping with my sleep as well, but I have to stop taking melatonin to truly be able to tell, as melatonin helps me fall asleep but has started to cause me to wake up prematurely. I take 1 tsp of the Glycine powder in my water bottle and sip it throughout the day. It has a slightly sweet taste to it. It's recommended that you take it on an empty stomach, like other amino acids. I find this powder form much more affordable than taking capsules and it's also easier to take.

Nature's Answer Rhodiola Rosea (Standardized)- 100mg / 60 caps

I've been taking this Rhodiola for years! I've taken the occasional break (which I recommend with most herbs), but I really don't like to be without it. Rhodiola is a herb and an adaptogen. Adaptogens help our bodies deal with (adapt) to stressors. I've tried other brands and doses but I find that this one works best for me. I only take one capsule daily.

Dr. Axe on Rhodiola:
"Rhodiola rosea contains a phytochemical known as salisdroside. This component helps relieve anxiety and combat aging. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of stress-resistant proteins."

This product is Vegan/ Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.

Reported Benefits:

• Energy
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Prevents fatigue
• Increases stamina
• Boosts physical energy
• Improves mood and well-being
• Increases memory and focus
• Improves athletic performance
• Promotes physical recovery
• Cortisol reduction
• Normalizes stress hormones

BHI Calming Homoeopathic Complex- 100 Tablets

Homeopathics can do wonders for many ailments. Many believe in only single remedies but I have found benefits from many composition formulas like this one.

These calming tablets state they relieve nervous tension, irritability, and sleeplessness. I take these for sleep and they are often the ticket to send me over the edge into sleep or to put me back to sleep if I wake prematurely. I have tried many other formulas with some success but I've had the most success with this one. I keep going back to it and luckily, it continues to work for me.

Active Ingredients: Each tablet contains: *Chamomilla 2X, *coffea cruda 10X, *humulus lupulus 2X, *ignatia amara 8X, moschus 10X, *nux vomica 30X, *passiflora incarnata 2X, *sulphur 12X, valeriana officinalis 2X, *veratrum album 4X 30 mg each.

Pet Health

Hyalogic HyaFlex Hyaluronic Acid for Joints Feline Hip & Joint Formula- 1oz (Dog formula linked below)

Info from iHerb:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is revolutionizing the joint health management for humans, horses, and now your pets. Found naturally in all living organisms, it provides the elastic shock absorbing properties to support healthy joints for your pet.

HyaFlex is patented for joint health and helps to compensate for your pet's depleted ability to produce Hyaluronic Acid with age by maintaining and supporting healthy movement and lubrication.

I gave this to my cat as prevention as he ages. I saw him benefit the same day, as hours after I gave it to him, he suddenly began charging around the house. His hips seem less sensitive to the touch as well. I said I was going to switch to another herbal formula for joint health but it's very difficult to administer that one. This one is so easy as it's tasteless and he laps it up when I put it in his wet food. To make it more affordable, I give him 1/2 the recommended dose and he still benefits. I will bump up the dose if I have to but for now 1/2 the dose is working.

This product is Vegan and Gluten-Free.


Dr Mercola Ubiquinol For Cats & Dogs- 58ml

Info from iHerb:

• Helps To Support Normal Cardiovascular Function and Reduces Oxidative Stress
• For Cats & Dogs
• Made with Quality Ubiquinol
• Recommended to Support Normal Cardiovascular Function and Reduces Oxidative Stress.

I'm a huge fan of CoQ10 and I've personally been taking it daily for over 16 years! My heart actually repaired itself from a condition called Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and I attribute that to the Q10 I've been taking (linked here). 

My cat has been taking this Q10 for quite some time. I noticed that he was benefiting right away so I continued to give it to him. The dose is based on your pets weight and my cat only needs 1 drop per day, so it's quite affordable for us. Doses start at 1 drop per day to 8 drops per day for the largest size pet. There is a dosing chart on the product page, linked here.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my most recent iHerb haul and what some of my current essential supplements are for me and my pet. Hopefully, you found some of the info helpful!

As always, check with your Doctor or health care provider before beginning any new supplements. Health and Beauty Girl is not a health professional. I am sharing what helps me and my loved ones in hopes of helping others.

If you plan on shopping with iHerb, you can save 5% OFF your entire order with discount code AGU725 or just use this link. This code can be used by anyone, unlimited times and it doesn't expire so you can share it with your friends and family as well. The discount code is good for new and existing customers. (This is a referral link).

iHerb's shipping is super cheap and super fast!

Not sponsored. Some links are referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them and support this site.

Grounding Techniques For Anxiety and Panic Attacks

I hear so many people talking about anxiety issues these days. It's no wonder with all the craziness going on in this world right now.

According to WebMD it is fairly common and affects about 6 million adults in the U.S.A., alone.

Click HERE to learn more on WebMD.

I came across the post below by Mood Disorders Canada on Twitter, and as soon as I saw that it said to "reblog" the post to possibly help someone, I knew I had to share it.

I can see how these grounding techniques could work for some people. The techniques seem like a great way to distract yourself and get your mind focused on something else besides the anxiety that you're feeling.

I hope this helps someone!

Take a screenshot of the tips below and keep it handy on your phone if you want to try these techniques.

There are all kinds of resources online. Here is a link to the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. If you are outside of Canada here is a link to a list of numbers for crisis assistance.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help call 911. 

Please reblog this if you wish to. It may help someone!

xo

Flora 4-Stress Herbal Supplement Review | #trynatural

Flora 4-Stress 60 Capsules

I was thrilled when I received Flora's 4-Stress herbal supplement from Social Nature! Who couldn't use a little stress support these days!?

This is a really effective composition for stress relief. I am big on supplements and I have been taking Rhodiola, one of the main ingredients in this supplement for years. I can be reactive and sensitive to many herbs and supplements so I pay close attention when I try something new.

I have tried many different compositions for stress and sleep and many didn't work or caused adverse effects. It's a matter of finding the right mix of herbs that works for you. I feel lucky as this mix of herbs agrees with me completely. I noticed a difference in the way I felt after the first dose. I didn't feel sleepy or groggy, I just felt more relaxed overall, and I didn't have any adverse effects at all.

I only take one capsule a day as I already know that 100 mg of Rhodiola a day is the right dose for me, and that is the dose in just one of these capsules. I found that I slept better overall and felt more relaxed during the day. This turned out to be the right mix of herbs for me.

Highlights

• Helps to temporarily relieve the symptoms of stress
• Supports cognitive health, mental focus and working memory
• Helps relieve mental fatigue and the sensation of weakness
• Assists in maintaining a healthy immune system
• Aids digestion in cases of stress
• Recyclable amber glass bottle

Description: 

We’ve all experienced stressful days, so it’s good to know there’s some help in the form of Stress Supplements from Flora! Flora’s 4-Stress helps to temporarily relieve associated symptoms including indigestion. It also supports cognitive health, mental focus and working memory.

4-Stress contains a calming blend of four adaptogenic herbs that help you manage stress in a healthy way. Adaptogenic herbs help your body 'adapt' and reduce both mental and physical stress. These four herbs that support your body’s ability to manage stress are: American Ginseng, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and Schisandra Berry Extract.

Directions: Take 1 capsule 3 times daily.

Ingredients: 
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) root extract (4:1) 100 mg, Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) root extract (17.5:1) 100 mg, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (7.5:1) 100 mg, Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) berry extract (4:1) 50 mg.

This product is gluten-free, Dairy-free, BPA-free, Vegan, no artificial colours, and made in Canada.

I recommend that you try this if you need stress or sleep support. Just read the precautions before trying them as they may not be suitable for certain individuals or people taking certain medications. I would definitely purchase this product.

You can get 20% off this product by visiting Social Nature (linked here). Offer valid until Sept 30, 2016

 I received this product free for trial purposes. All opinions are honest and my own. #trynatural

*This post is #notsponsored , Links are not affiliate.

Orange Naturals MagPop Magnesium Glycinate Supplement Review #TryNatural

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to try out a magnesium supplement by Orange Naturals called MagPop. This opportunity came through a website called Social Nature. 

From Social Nature's website:

• Magnesium supplement - MagPop!
• Treats the following symptoms: fatigue, low energy, agitation, anxiety, restless legs, headaches, irritability, cramping and high blood pressure
• Helps to regulate mood and sleep patterns
• Vegan
• Promotes regular bowel health
• Great for children ages 4+ 
  • Magnesium maintains bone health, muscle, and nerve function (important for growing bodies)

My Experience:

I truly believe that most of us are deficient in magnesium. I have pretty much all of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency so I know that I can benefit from taking it but I always forget to.

 I received 3 sample packs from Social Nature to trial the product. When I tried my first packet I didn't notice anything. The next time I tried this product I had just gotten my monthly migraine. So, I took two packs at once to see if it would help. The taste was much better with two packs mixed in water vs. one pack. It dissolved nicely and had a slightly sweet orange flavour. 

Now onto the good stuff! Was I ever pleasantly surprised when my migraine (which usually lasts 1.5 days and is usually very intense) was reduced by about 80-90% by taking the two packets of this magnesium supplement. I still had a migraine but it was very subtle and I was able to function normally. 

I try to avoid over the counter painkillers whenever possible and stick to natural remedies. There are often costs associated with taking medications from reactions to taking a toll on our organs, liver etc.

I know that I could probably reap many more benefits by taking this product on the regular. I am going to make a conscious effort to take magnesium more often. I began taking magnesium oil recently (which is a topical magnesium),  but I wouldn't trade one off for the other, the two forms do different things. I really need to continue with the magnesium oil and add the magnesium powder to my regimen. I do wish I had received a larger sample so I could report on the cumulative effects. But, based on how it helped my migraine, I rate this product highly effective. I would recommend this supplement to everyone! 

I am grateful to Orange Naturals & Social Nature for the opportunity to sample this product. 

*I received this product free for trial purposes and all opinions are my own and 100% honest. 

#trynatural #ONatural