Pumpkin Spice and Skin So Nice.

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

As the season changes from a hot, hectic Summer to cool, breezy Fall, most of us are ready to get back to the steady routine of school schedules and laid-back socializing. We have so many reasons to love Fall beyond hot cocoa and kick-off season. It’s not only the beginning of our much-anticipated football season, but it’s also the kickoff, in my opinion, of the most festive decorating seasons of all. We’ll move quickly from fall leaves and pumpkin spice to black cats and witches hats, followed by gourd arrangements and a yard full of mums.

At this point, we’re officially ready for cooler weather as we head into fall. Depending on where you live, the drop in temperature could be more significant. This means drier air from crackling fires, taking more hot showers, and switching on the indoor heat. Each of those changes contributes to dry and dehydrated skin. Unless you plan on getting into character for your Halloween mummy costume, I bet you’re not excited about the dry, aging skin look.

The Fall look we’re really going for involves cozy sweaters, cute boots, and a gorgeous autumn glow. As we hit the pumpkin patches and festive family get-togethers, we want selfie-ready glowing skin.

Here’s how we’re going to do it!

  • First, swap out your summer foam cleanser for a mild, hydrating face wash or a simple micellar water. This helps to prevent over-stripping your skin’s natural oils.
  • Next, if you haven’t already started using Hyaluronic Acid, this is the perfect time to start. To avoid the mummy look, add this skin-loving, fine line fading, Rockstar ingredient to your routine. Hyaluronic Acid is going to draw moisture to the skin surface for that soft, beautiful, plump texture you’re looking for.
  • Let’s keep it simple with one last skincare swap-out. Switch out your lightweight summer moisturizer for a heavier anti-aging cream. A rich creamy moisturizer will create a better skin barrier and penetrate deeper to lock in lasting hydration.

You’re officially pumpkin spice, skin so nice, ready!

I’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite Fall tradition with us in the comments below.

Dry Skin’s BFF. Do you know what it is?

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

Here’s a hint: It can hold more than 1,000 times its weight in water.

Did you guess what it is? It’s none other than Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic Acid is different than moisturizer. In fact, most moisturizers only temporarily improve the look and texture of your skin without actually adding moisture to your dry skin.

What is it, and Why do you need it?

Hyaluronic Acid is produced naturally in our body. As we age, our levels begin to deplete. This effect makes it difficult for our skin to retain moisture, which results in dehydrated skin, ultimately leading to fine lines and wrinkles. 

With a unique ability to retain more than 1,000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from the atmosphere and lower layers of the skin to bring moisture to the top, giving your skin that plump and supple look.

Serums rich in Hyaluronic Acid are a must, especially as we age! They nourish our skin cells to help them become more flexible and healthy looking.

How to use your hyaluronic serum?

  • You can use it twice a day, every day, for the most significant benefit.
  • It should be applied immediately after washing your face. Use a few supple droplets and smooth all over your face and neck.
  • Allow it to dry for one minute, then seal it in with an anti-aging moisturizer

Arm yourself with age-fighting tools, and you’ll never miss out on healthy, glowing skin.

Self-LOVE DIY Spa Day!

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

I know you’re in high demand; whether those demands come from work or the people you love, it all takes a toll on your mind and body. We give up so much of ourselves to others every single day. Leaving us drained and exhausted. Most people have a difficult time recognizing when they need to slow down. It’s important to understand that when we don’t let our bodies rest and recharge, we risk our health and sanity.

Some risks include physical symptoms like:

  • Head and body aches
  • Sleep issues, fatigue, drowsiness and insomnia
  • Weight gain or loss, and
  • Frequent colds and illnesses

Other symptoms include behavioral changes such as:

  • Lack of motivation and depression
  • Poor performance at work
  • Irritability and trouble paying attention, and
  • Substance abuse as a method to cope

If you recognize any of those symptoms, you are probably overdue for some self-love. Stop feeling guilty for needing a break. You owe it to yourself and the people you care about to put yourself first. Although we desperately need to take a break, finding time to get away and the extra money to do it isn’t always an option. If you’ve ever looked into spending a few hours at a day spa, they can cost hundreds of dollars.

A game-changing alternative to an expensive getaway is creating an at-home spa day. The beauty of a home spa day is that they are more affordable and much easier to squeeze into your day. Creating the time can be as simple as moving one errand to another day or running the vacuum one less day a week. Ideally you’ll need 90 minutes, about 15 minutes prep time, an hour to spend on yourself and 15 minutes for clean up.

Decide whether you’re looking to carve out time to simply relax and enjoy peace and quiet or you need some long overdue body pampering. Then think about a list of things you’ll need to make this time the most meaningful.

I could go on and on with a long list of spa suggestions, but I want to give you a realistic example of how easy it is to create self-love time. Here are some helpful tips for a timesaving spa day that is the perfect blend of relaxation and pampering:

  • Set the mood with candles, relaxing music, and a comfy towel.
  • You’ll want your beverage of choice close at hand.
  • Keep it simple with a luxurious face mask and hair mask. All you’ll need to do is apply and close your eyes and rest while they work their magic.
  • Your final step will be to use a deeply hydrating body moisturizer and a silky face serum that hydrates and locks in moisture.

You’ll emerge from your experience more rested and relaxed than ever with glowing skin. Giving yourself the attention you deserve will leave you feeling beautiful from the inside out. The peace you feel will spill over onto the people you care about, creating a more positive environment for everyone.

Here’s to your health and well-being!

I’d love to hear other DIY Spa Day ideas. Feel free to share your favorites in the comments for our readers.

Sun-Kissed, Sun Goddess

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

We seem hypnotically drawn to the sun; people even worshiped it in ancient times. In the mid-1920s, French designer Coco Chanel started a tanning trend after accidentally tanning on the French Riviera. Since then, tanned skin has become associated with health, wealth, and beauty. That might be why we’re all trying to achieve Sun Goddess status.

The sun is our best source of Vitamin D; it’s essential for good health, but oddly enough, it’s also hazardous to our health. Our modern-day love of the sun is a paradox between the health benefits of vitamin D production and the harmful exposure to the sun’s UVB rays.

Today, science has helped us understand the sun’s power, which includes the negative effects such as sunburn, eye damage, aging skin, skin cancer, and heat stroke. Although we understand the negative effects of sun exposure, it doesn’t stop of from wanting to achieve beautiful golden, tan skin.

Understanding the sun’s power and how to avoid its harmful effects has led to safer, sunless alternatives to sun tanning. Now we’re embracing sunless tanners and sunscreen. Although we’ve embraced the idea of protecting our skin, our concerns have shifted to achieving a natural look. None of us want to look like an Oompa Loompa, unnaturally orange. We also don’t want to waste our money experimenting to find the right product.

Tanning lotions are normally more affordable, but a few downsides include a heavy, greasy feeling that can become thick with repeat uses. These products also tend to run a little more orange after multiple applications. I’d stay away from lotion-based tanners.

A better alternative to lotion based tanners are foaming tanners. They are generally lightweight and don’t build up with reapplication. They also dry more quickly and have a more natural look. Your best foam based tanners will also have important antioxidant vitamins A, C and E to defend your skin against free radical damage.

5 Pro Tips for using foaming sunless tanner include:

  1. Taking a shower and using a dermabrasion paste to exfoliate your skin everywhere you’ll apply the tanner. Shave your leg at least 12 hours before applying your tanning foam. To ensure the life of your glow you don’t want to shave your legs soon after application.
  2. Use a moisturizer on the rougher parts of your body such as your knees, elbows, toes, heels and ankles to prevent a concentration of product in those areas.
  3. Avoid discolored palms by using protective gloves. If you don’t have gloves, wash your hands immediately after applying. A little-known fact, with some foam products, you can use nail polish remover or acetone to fix tanning application mistakes.
  4. Make sure your application is completely dry before dressing and avoid wearing tight fitting clothes withing four hours. You want to give the foam time to develop evenly, you don’t’ want unnecessary rubbing.
  5. The best time to apply your tanner is at least an hour before bed in the evening. Wear loose-fitting PJs and wake up with a beautifully developed tan.

A sunless tanner will give you the golden glow you’re looking for, but it isn’t going to protect you from harmful UVB Rays. You still need sunscreen to protect your skin from more than just a nasty sunburn. Know the SPF differences; SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks 99% of UVB rays. Apply sunscreen generously and often. Choose a higher SPF to ensure healthier and younger-looking skin.

Taking charge like a Goddess will leave you glowing and protected!

My Sunday Skin-Ovations!

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

My personal sunscreen of choice from Rodan+Fields.

ESSENTIALS Face + Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

Full-body protection. Non-sticky formula provides 80 minutes of water and sweat-resistant broad spectrum SPF 50 protection to help defend against skin-aging UV rays.

What it is: Our lightweight sunscreen for face + body gives sheer defense against harmful UVA + UVB rays. Created for active lifestyles with water + sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes. Our formula works to moisturize skin without being greasy or sticky. Non-comedogenic + non-acnegenic.

Why you need it: Get long-wearing protection for your active life. Our formula features up to 80 minutes of water + sweat resistance for sports, outdoor recreation + keeping up with the kids. Our lightweight, non-sticky formula is great for the whole family + won’t cause breakouts.

Awards: Good Housekeeping 2023 Best Beauty Award. Click Here the for Article.

Get Ready for 4th of July Fun and Avoid the Burn with Hot Summer Essential Skincare Tips!

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

If you’re like me, you probably have a 4th of July family cookout planned for this weekend. I bet you’re spending a fair amount of time organizing the menu and assigning favorite dishes to eager family members. The guys will be busy inspecting the grills and snapping their tongs with a cold one in hand while they await their orders.  

Besides the food and good company, summertime get-togethers are filled with exciting memory-building outdoor activities like; swimming, cornhole, water balloon fights, and other fun games that keep the kids busy, most of which involve lots of running around.

With summer activities comes the beautiful sunshine and sizzling heat, neither of which are great for your skin and can wreak havoc on your complexion. This time of year, you’ll want to consider giving your skin some extra love and attention with a skincare routine essential for summer.

I bet sunscreen is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the hot summer sun and outdoor activities. You’re not wrong, it’s a critical step you don’t want to skip, but I’m going to start with simply washing your face.

  • Wash your face. The fact is it’s hot, and you’re going to sweat more during the summer months. You’ll want to thoroughly wash your face, and don’t forget to scrub around your hairline to avoid oily build-up that can cause acne breakouts. My favorite product has a blend of alpha-hydroxy acid and natural amino acid that gently exfoliates to remove dirt, dead skin, and oil. Use a salicylic acid face wash if you’re prone to acne. Which ever product you choose, make it works to keep your pores clear.
  • Choose a lightweight moisturizer. The heavy moisturizing creams used over the dry winter months will be too heavy for warmer temperatures. I love hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers. They’re silky without creating an oily base and won’t clog pores.
  • Reduce Retinol. Your skin is more sensitive to the effect of the sun when you use retinol products. You don’t want to eliminate it entirely because you need it for healthy cell turnover, which helps clear your pores. You could consider using it every other day or only as part of your nightly skincare routine. 
  • Up your sunscreen game! See, I saved the best for last. You’ll want to increase the amount and frequency to ensure the protection you need. Don’t skimp; apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin. It’s generally recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Reapply sooner if you’ve been swimming or sweating because you’ve probably used a towel at some point and rubbed away your protection.

Keep in mind, the suns UV rays are most extreme between 10 am and 4 pm. If possible wear a sunhat, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and seek a shady spot to relax between the fun. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to hydrated from the inside out. 

Following these tips will help you avoid the burn this holiday weekend and throughout the summer!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Aging Like a Rockstar!

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

Aging gracefully means different things to different people. It’s also a common euphemism for “looking old, but still holding on.” Science has given our generation many more options to choose how we age than our mothers and grandmothers had. Not only do we want to look good, but we care about staying healthy and active long into our golden year.

Have you heard the saying, “A body in motion says in motion?” Living a healthy lifestyle and staying active can dramatically affect how we age. Studies have shown that physical activity not only helps reduce chronic illness, but we benefit from amazing anti-aging effects. Beneficial anti-aging effects of exercise on our bodies include:

  • Brain function, from the increased formation of neurons and noticeable reduction of cognitive changes.
  • Cardiovascular system, improved heart function leading to lower blood pressure.
  • Metabolism, helping our bodies convert food to energy needed for cellular processes.
  • Muscle-building, for better mobility, strength and balance.
  • Respiratory system to improve lung function and regulate breathing.

Staying physically active to reduce the effects of aging is just as important as choosing the right skincare products to maintain a youthful appearance.

I think I’ll pass on aging gracefully. I want to age with energy, a youthful spirit, style, and confidence. I’m choosing to age like a rockstar rather than a raisin!

Create Healthy Skincare Habits. Don’t Wait!

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

When I was young, the only time I ever thought about skincare was when I spent the night with my grandma and watched her rubbing white goop all over her face; she’d rub it in until her face was all shiny. I’m pretty sure that’s where I first formed my opinion that skincare was for old ladies with wrinkles.

In my late teens, I developed cystic acne. I didn’t think of acne as a skincare issue; I thought it was a serious problem that needed medical attention. I saw a dermatologist and was prescribed a medicated facewash and topical ointment. If you’ve ever suffered from acne, you know it can be challenging to manage on your own. I never did have much success. Although the doctor prescribed me medication, she never explained healthy skin habits beyond washing your face and applying the ointment.

Fast forward several years to my early forties; I noticed lots of changes happening around my eyes. You know what I’m talking about, lines at the corners and crinkles underneath the eyes. I thought I might need some eye cream, but I didn’t know where to start. One of my friends told me she had used eye cream for years. Her grandma had warned her to start early or end up with wrinkly eyes. This was when I realized skincare and eye cream weren’t just for old ladies. I should have been creating healthy skincare habits from an early age.

Around this same time, my cousin introduced me to the products she had been using. She was a few years younger and had fantastic skin. I felt like she must be on the right track. I decided to check out the company and read up on what other people were saying. The products were highly rated, and there were tons of raving reviews. At this point, I was looking for a miracle and was all in. She helped me figure out where to start, and I bought several items. It was a great experience; there was so much information to help me understand how to use the products and develop a simple daily routine. Do I wish I had known more about healthy skincare habits at a younger age? Absolutely! Fortunately, you’re never too old to start.

I’ve learned two crucial things along the journey to better skin. First, I’m worth the investment. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on expensive bags and shoes, so why wouldn’t I be willing to buy premium skincare products? After all, my face is what people remember, not my shoes. Secondly, a bottle of moisturizer isn’t a miracle, but using the right products with the right ingredients is very close. The magic happens with consistency; you need to find a simple routine and stick to it. Little by little, you’ll see the results you were hoping for, and you’ll thank yourself for deciding to invest in your number one asset, you!

Collagen for Youthful Skin

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

Are we looking for the fountain of youth or simply ways to age gracefully? For me, I want to feel and look great for my age. I’m 50 and happy. I’m seriously grateful for the journey, but the facts are the journey gets a little bumpy as we age.

There’s some serious science behind aging and the skincare industry. Skincare supplements have become huge sellers. The question is, what’s the truth behind collagen as a supplement for healthy skin. An article found in the National Institutes of Health suggests that collagen does wonders for the skin, improving skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration. The paper further states, collagen reduces the wrinkling and roughness of the skin without side effects. Like many supplements, collagen takes time to get into your system. You’ll start noticing improvements in about 8 weeks.

As I can personally attest, the aging process doesn’t just affect our appearance; it also takes a toll on our bodies. I’d like to keep moving to enjoy the things I love, like hiking and kayaking. Luckily, collagen’s also a great supplement for your muscles, bones, and joints.

Collagen isn’t the fountain of youth, but it’s another way to promote healthy, youthful-looking skin at any age.

Let’s Do This!

/ Mood-Envy / Leave a comment

It’s been a while. I’m ready. Let’s do this blog!

Sometimes life slows you down just enough to help you realize that you’re probably ready for the next step. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see the opportunity. If you see it, run with it because great things are ahead.

For me, it was a divorce in 2020. I was fortunate enough that the split happened weeks before the lockdown. Being single led to a series of learning and growing opportunities. Knowing who I was and growing into a better version of myself wasn’t easy; some of it was a bit of a dumpster fire. I knew I could do better and was determined to read all the self-help books I could. Following the advice took daily commitment.

I’ve since found happiness within myself, leading to a healthy, loving, and supportive relationship. I moved to a new town and upgraded my professional life. As I’ve settled into my new life, I’ve become more confident and excited for the future.

Part of that future is updating and reestablishing my blog. I’ve spent the past couple of days editing past posts and updating the overall look but I’m far from done. I’m looking forward to sharing more content, learning new editing skills and improving my writing.

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou.