What's on your Nightstand?

We all know I take my nighttime skincare routine very seriously. This holds true even after I get in bed. I keep the below four items on my nightstand and try not to fall asleep without using them..

1. Hand cream - I always apply hand creme before I go to bed. Your hands get dried out during the day from exposure to dry air and excessive washing. Applying a hand cream before bed helps repair some of the damage overnight. It also prevents your hands from aging. I use the Beautycounter Citrus Mimosa Hand Cream. It does carry a hefty price tag of $18, but I love this company and their products. The founder, Gregg Renfrew, was featured on the Today Show on Friday. 

2. Lip scrub or lip balm - always apply a lip balm or a lip scrub before bed. You need to moisturize your lips at night if you want to wake up with smooth, soft lips. We lose a lot of moisture from our skin at night, especially in our lips. If you have chapped lips, apply it at night and you will notice the difference when you wake up. Just be sure to use chemical free lip care, the chemical ones actually dry your lips out more, so you apply more, and buy more of the product. Genius right? I found a great lip scrub and lip balm in one, Pacifica Lips Like Sugar. It's a candied lemon and sugar lip scrub but it's more of a lip balm with some sugar in it. It's not your typical scrub that you apply, massage around and wash off. This one I apply and leave on all night. I wake up with soft lips every morning. It also smells amazing and has a price tag of $4.99. 

3. Water - A lot of people refrain from drinking water before bed to avoid getting up in the middle of the night night. I, on the other hand, drink water every night before bed. Your skin regenerates while you are sleeping so drinking water before bed helps restore the skins elasticity and eases wrinkles. It helps improve circulation during the hours you are not moving. It also balances vitamins and minerals in your body. I even read an article written by a cardiologist that said drinking water before bed reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke. I always bring my Swell bottle to bed with me. I never wake up in the night but if you are one of those people, try drinking water an hour before bed. 

4. Essential Oil Diffuser - I try to turn my diffuser on every night. Not only does it add moisture in the air, but different oils can aid in mood changing and air purifying. Lavender oil helps with sleep due to its calming properties. When my allergies are bad, I mix lemon, lavender and peppermint as this is known as the 'allergy bomb'. When I'm sick I diffuse Thieves. I diffuse eucalyptus all the time because it's one of my favorite oils. I could go on and on but you would be surprised by the benefits of essential oil if you don't already use them. You can also go on Pinterest and find lots of different diffuser blends. Just remember to use pure, therapeutic grade oils. I use Young Living (YL # 2962702) and I love them. 

What to do with roses from Valentines Day?

Rose water is exactly what it sounds like, the distilled water of roses. Dating back to early Egypt, rose water has ancient homeopathic roots. Cleopatra even used it! Rose water is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, contains antioxidants and hydrates. It helps sooth, balance, rejuvenate, soften, tone and revitalize the skin. 

So what do you do with all those roses you got on Valentine's Day? You make rose water. 

What you need:
Rose petals (fresh are the best, wilted are ok, dried will work but won't be as potent)
Distilled water

Directions: Remove petals from stems and run them under luke-warm water to remove any leftover residue.
Add petals to a large pot and top with enough distilled water to just cover (no more or you'll dilute your rosewater).
Over medium-low heat bring the water to a simmer and cover.
Let simmer for 20-30 minutes 
Strain the mixture to separate the petals from the water
Place water in a glass jar to store.

Rose water hydrates and moisturizers the skin, helps maintain the skins pH balance and controls excess oil. The best time to use rose water is at night. It helps clear all the impurities your face has collected throughout the day. It also helps you de-stress which can aid in better sleep. I spray rose water on my face at night after I cleanse and before I moisturize. I also keep a bottle in my desk drawer at the office. Whenever I need a little pick me up, I spritz some on my face. 

Don't be so quick to toss those roses...they are the gift that keeps on giving.

Happy Valentines Day ❤

What's in my makeup bag?

My friends are always asking me what makeup I use. Since I don't wear eye makeup at all anymore (revert to the 'What are Cosmetics' tab above) my bag is mostly full of lip products and some bronzer. I numbered everything in my bag below so you can see exactly what I use. 

1. Perfectly Posh Champagne Lip Oil - quench your lips with this amazing lip oil. A blend of naturally based oils with a champagne & ginger flavor. It's amazing, especially right now during this harsh winter we are having. Perfectly Posh ingredients are naturally based and full of things your skin craves. Most of their products are vegan, but some do contain safe animal bi-products like milk, honey, beeswax and yogurt. Their ingredients are loaded with essential oils. All of their products are free of petroleum, parabens/paraffins, tallow, lanolin, sulfates (SLES and SLS) and phthalates. 

2. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick - Bite's original lipstick. Natural ingredients provide creamy, long lasting hydration that nourish and revitalize lips. It comes in 34 shades and have at least 12 of them. It's a matte finish and it stays on for hours. Bite Beauty lip products are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMO, and triclosan. Because you eat what you put on your lips, Bite Beauty uses real ingredients.

3. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Liquified Lipstick - Bite's most nourishing lipstick in a liquid form. It's like a mix between lipstick and lipgloss. It applies creamy with a semi-glaze finish and has a lightweight feel. Bite Beauty lip products are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMO, and triclosan. Because you eat what you put on your lips, Bite Beauty uses real ingredients.

4. Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip Gloss - A highly pigmented, vibrant lip gloss with fruit oils. This lip gloss is on the thicker side but it has natural flavors and it's like instant nutrition for lips. Bite Beauty lip products are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMO, and triclosan. Because you eat what you put on your lips, Bite Beauty uses real ingredients.

5. Bite Beauty Line & Define Lip Primer - A 100% natural, moisturizing formula that nourishes lips. I use this before I apply lipstick. It's my lip liner and lip primer in one. It's has a fresh minty smell and protects my lips from drying out. Bite Beauty lip products are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMO, and triclosan. Because you eat what you put on your lips, Bite Beauty uses real ingredients.

6. Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation Powder - Talc free, oil absorbing powder foundation. Available in 40 shades. Kaolin Clay absorbs oil and ensures a long-wearing matte finish. Cover FX products are enriched with good for you ingredients without parabens, fragrance, gluten, mineral oil and talc. All products are vegan and cruelty free.

7. Cover FX Cover Click Concealer - A long-wearing, full coverage stick foundation and concealer in one. Available in 24 shades. It works wonders under my eyes. Cover FX products are enriched with good for you ingredients without parabens, fragrance, gluten, mineral oil and talc. All products are vegan and cruelty free.

8. Tarte Amazon Clay 12-Hour Highlighter - A 12-hour highlighter powered by Amazonian clay for a radiant glow. Tarte products are eco-chic, cruelty free, vegan, hypoallergenic, and free from parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfates, triclosan and gluten. 

9. Pur Mineral Glow Bronzing Powder - Mineral glow's micronized mineral powder has rich, golden undertones to add a sun-kissed glow. Pur cosmetics are 100% cruelty free, formulated in the USA, environmentally responsible, vegan, and free from parabens, gluten, alcohol and talc.

10. Perfectly Posh Give You a Tint - Add a creamy pop of color to cheeks and lips with this soft coral color stick that brightens and tints in an easy-to-use, glide-on formula you can take anywhere. Perfectly Posh ingredients are naturally based and full of things your skin craves. Most of their products are vegan, but some do contain safe animal bi-products like milk, honey, beeswax and yogurt. Their ingredients are loaded with essential oils. All of their products are free of petroleum, parabens/paraffins, tallow, lanolin, sulfates (SLES and SLS) and phthalates. 

EO Body Oil

Dry skin? Lotions not strong enough? Invest in a body oil. I know most people are afraid of oil. No one wants to feel oily or greasy. Oil can be the best thing for your skin during these dry winter months. Natural oils are easily absorbed, not greasy and non-comedogenic. They basically quench your parched skin. Oils are super-effective at keeping us hydrated without the added ingredients and toxins that most lotions have. I'm biased because I love oil, not just for my body but my face too. This body oil is very light and my skin soaks it up so quick, I never feel oily.

EO Botanical Body Oil blends vitamin E oil with jojoba, sunflower and sweet almond oils to deeply nourish skin and improve radiance where it's needed most. The timeless scent of lavender soothes the senses while this oil restores softness to the skin. Packaged in a 8oz recycled blue bottle.

I keep the bottle right in my shower. I pat dry then apply the oil. It's easier to rub in when the skin is still a little wet. I don't feel oily and my skin has never been so soft. You can buy the body oil on the EO Website on Amazon or I've seen them popping up at TJ Maxx and Marshall's.

Dr. Bronner's Magic Balm

Dr. Bronner's is known for their Castile soap. They also have another amazing product, Magic Balms. The balms are not petroleum based, but instead incorporates a base of organic beeswax and organic oils. They are USDA certified organic and contain certified fair trade oils. They come in two scents, arnica menthol and baby unscented. I own both. I use them for lots of things and they are extremely versatile. I bought mine on the Dr. Bronner's website but you can also buy them online at Target and LuckyVitamin. Below are some examples of how to use the balms. 

Arnica Menthol Magic Balm

• Clear up congestion. Just massage the balm onto your chest. You can even dab a tiny bit underneath your nose, not inside of it, to help unblock sinuses. 
• Helps cool and smooth sore muscles and achy joints
• Relieve tired, sore feet. Coupled with a foot massage, this is a must-try. Slip on some thick, comfy socks to trap in your body heat and amplify the skin-softening power. 
• Soothe itchiness from insect bites. Simply apply a thin layer to the affected areas. It can even act as a repellent. 
• Ease lower back pain during menstruation. If your pain is severe, rub the balm on your lower back to help make daily tasks more tolerable. 
• Relieve headaches. Just massage a pea-sized amount on your temples, being careful to avoid getting too close to your eyes, as the vapors from the balm can cause you to tear up.
• Moisturize dry, cracked skin especially great in the winter. Elbows, knees, feet, hands. Wherever your skin needs a bit more love and attention.

Baby Unscented Magic Balm 

• Help prevent diaper rash in babies
• Help soothe irritated red crease lines under arms and behind knees in babies
• Moisturize dry or chafed skin, cuticles, chapped lips, heels, elbows 
• Heal recent tattoos and brighten up old ones: wash your tattoo with our Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap, pat the area dry, then apply a thin layer of Baby Unscented Organic Magic Balm over the tattoo
• Define or taper unruly eyebrows
• Style beard or mustache
• Use as a daily or nightly eye cream
• Apply a tiny amount to hair to help tame flyaways, a little goes a long way

Overnight Hair Repair Mask

This overnight hair mask is perfect for winter months, especially this frigid January we are having. Coconut and lavender mixed together, and left on overnight, can do wonders to your hair and scalp. Coconut oil consists mainly of fatty acids that moisturize and nourish the scalp. It's antibacterial and anti-fungal properties make it perfect for dry, itchy scalp or to treat dandruff. The lauric acid and vitamin E can help rejuvenate your locks. Lavender oil promotes hair growth, prevents hair loss and improves blood circulation. It moisturizes the scalp and balances sebum production (sebum is the oil your skin naturally produces). The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties in lavender also make it an excellent dandruff remedy.

1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
6 drops lavender essential oil

Mix the lavender oil in the coconut oil. Part hair in sections, dip fingers in to oil mixture and apply to scalp. I parted my hair in sections and massaged the oil in from front to back. Once I covered my whole scalp, I applied the remaining my oil to the ends of my hair. Give your hair a quick brush and put it in a bun. Sleep with a shower cap (or towel) on so it doesn't get all over your pillow. Wash it out in the morning. Shampoo your hair a few times to make sure it's all out. I shampoo twice and condition once.

Not only does your hair feel amazing after the mask, but this treatment promotes hair growth. You can do it weekly or monthly. Whatever you choose, you will be amazed at the results.

Carolina Castile Soap

I'm sure you've heard me talk a lot about Dr. Bronners Castile Soap. It's been a staple in my house for a few years. Let's recap what Castile soap is. The soap originates from the Castile Region of Spain. Castile Soap started off to mean strictly a soap made from olive oil. Castile Soap has evolved to refer to any soap made from the saponification of vegetable oils. Castile Soap is pure, all-natural and chemical free. 

I use Dr. Bronners for a lot of things, hand soap, body wash, laundry detergent and household cleaner. I have been extremely happy with it and promote it to everyone I know. One of my friends recently introduced me to Carolina Castile Soap. I didn't know anything about it so I started researching. All of their soaps are made in the U.S.A. and are Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. They do not use synthetic foaming agents, synthetic colors, dyes or fragrances. They do not use sodium laureth/lauyrl sulfates in any of their soaps. All soaps are biodegradable and don't contain any animal products. You will notice that although all of their Castile Soaps contain olive oil, they also all contain coconut and any combination of other vegetable oils. Carolina comes in the following scents, lemon, lavender, almond, orange, eucalyptus, peppermint, gentle unscented and tea tree. 

I liked everything about the company and the product. I decided to give it a try and bought a bottle of the lemon. I was blown away by the smell, which was better and stronger than Dr. Bronners. Also, Dr. Bronners doesn't come in lemon (they only have citrus) and we all know my obsession with lemon! I did one load of laundry with it and went back on Amazon and ordered the orange. My laundry smelled so fresh and clean that I had to buy more. I also made hand soap with the orange and it smells amazing. 

Overall, I think both companies, Dr. Bronners and Carolina, are very similar. They are also priced about the same. I think Carolina has better scents and the smell is a little stronger. As I said, I bought mine on Amazon but you can also buy them right on their website. You can also follow them on Instagram @Carolinacastile

Cheers to Your Skin

Who doesn't ring in the new year with some Champagne? If you are like me, prosecco is your drink of choice all year round. At around 80 calories a glass, it's significantly less than a glass of red wine which weighs in around 150 calories. Polyphenols, antioxidants found in champagne, reduce the damage free radicals can do to the body, possibly helping lower blood pressure and prevent heart problems. Not only is a glass of bubbly heart healthy and low calorie, it's also amazing for your skin.

Champagne contains several ingredients that benefit the skin. Resveratrol is potent antioxidant that can act as a shield against skin damage and provides serious anti-aging benefits. Polyphenol helps reduce skin inflammation and skin redness. Tartaric acid helps balance out discoloration and can brighten your skin. 

So what can you do with this year's leftover bubbly? Some of you may be laughing and thinking "what leftover bubbly?" I can't say I disagree with you either. If you don't have any leftover, go buy a cheap bottle. Most liquor stores also sell the single splits.

Champagne Detox Face Mask
Ingredients
1/2 cup champagne
2 tbs. half and half (or plain yogurt if you don't have half and half)
4 tbs. powdered Bentonite clay (or any face clay)
Glass bowl
Non-metal mixing spoon (you shouldn't use metal with Bentonite clay)
Directions
Measure out 4 tbs of powdered clay into a glass bowl
Pour in 2 tbs of half and half (or yogurt)
Mix with clay until clay is moistened
Add ½ a cup of champagne or enough until the mixture is creamy and soft
Apply the mask immediately and allow mask to dry for 15 minutes
Rinse your face with warm water to remove
Discard any remains as this mask won't store well

Mimosa Body Scrub
Ingredients
1 tbs coconut oil
1 cup of sugar
1/4 cup champagne
6 drops orange essential oil
Directions
Pour 1 cup of sugar into a bowl
Add 1 tbs of coconut oil (right out of the jar, not melted) and mix in
Add about 1/4 cup of champagne or enough to give you the consistency you like
Store in an air tight container for up to one week

Drink up ladies and cheers to 2018!

Perfectly Posh

A few years ago I attended an event where they gave us goody bags filled with product samples. In the bag was a chunk of soap called Gender Bender. Intrigued, i went home and used it right away. I loved it! It made my skin feel so soft. It's made with charcoal which pulls the toxins out of your skin. I had to buy more. Gender Bender is made by a company called Perfectly Posh. I got out my iPad and googled it. Bam, I found it. I scrolled through the website and added the Gender Bender to my cart. I went to check out and it wouldn't let me proceed without entering a consultant number. Of course I didn't have one and didn't know anyone that sold Perfectly Posh. I was telling my friends all about it and how I couldn't order. My friend Jamie did a little research on the company and offered to sign up as a consultant. Two years ago this month, Jamie started her Perfectly Posh journey. What she thought would be a little side business, has grown significantly, and she just hit Silver Premier! All from all little sample of Gender Bender...

Ann Dalton started Perfectly Posh back in 2011. She brings a strong background in product development, design, promotion, events, and a passion for pampering with the best ingredients and USA-made products. Ann also brings almost two decades of entrepreneurship, and nearly a decade of working with other women who own businesses in the social selling model. Posh is raising the bar on skincare quality and fun standards in a real-world setting.

Perfectly Posh uses the best globally sourced skincare ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, palm oil, sea salt, charcoal, coconut oil, honey, sugar, and avocado...just to name a few. All ingredients are naturally based and full of things your skin craves. Most of their products are vegan, but some do contain safe animal bi-products like milk, honey, beeswax and yogurt. Their ingredients are loaded with essential oils. All of their products are free of petroleum, parabens/paraffins, tallow, lanolin, sulfates (SLES and SLS) and phthalates. 

Some of my favorite Posh products are Gender Bender, any of the Snarky Bars, As if I Hair Shampoo, Tressed to Impress Conditioner, and Bring on the Bubbly Lip Oil

Check out Perfectly Posh today. All products are under $25 and always $5.99 flat rate shipping. 

Pore Scrubbers

These little scrubbers are amazing. They are oval, palm-sized, silicone pads with bristles on one side and a suction handle on the other side. The idea is to slide the handle between your middle and first finger so you can massage the bristle side into the skin. You can use your normal face wash or even an exfoliant with the scrubber. It's very gentle on the skin and can be used daily. Because they are made of silicone, they won't grow bacteria. This is huge because most sponges or brushes we leave in the bathroom never fully dry, which is a breading ground for bacteria. Since the handle has a suction cup, you can stick it right to the tile in your shower. To clean them, wipe with alcohol or throw in a cup of boiling water. They are perfect for travel since you can fold them and they dry quickly. I have seen them everywhere. I got mine at TJ Maxx and paid $4.99 for the 2-pack. Sephora sells one for $6, Amazon has them and I heard Walmart sells them for $1 (although when I went to Walmart I couldn't find them). I highly recommend these. My face feels very soft after I use it. I definitely think these scrubbers provide a more thorough clean than simply using your hands.