Archives for 2019

January 8, 2019

5 Tech Essentials for Your Handbag

The contents of a woman’s handbag are a closely guarded secret, however, for the purpose of this article we’re about to uncover some of the essential tech items every woman should have. Women’s handbags come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big enough to fill with all the essentials and still have room for the kitchen sink. If you’d rather not carry around such a cumbersome fashion accessory, you might be interested to know how you can pare things down. The following five items are essential if you don’t want to get caught out and be able to pass any free time you have effectively. 

Vape

There are going to be moments during your day when life is going to get very stressful. It’s something we all have to deal with on a regular basis, so it pays to be prepared. Carrying a vape with you means you can sit back and relax for a few minutes. Choose one of the many flavorsome e-juices from www.ultimatejuice.co.uk and you’ll enjoy those precious minutes.

Portable Battery Charger

You’ll never have to worry about getting cut off in the middle of a conversation because your battery has died. With a portable battery charger you’ll always be connected. If you don’t want to carry a charger, then a portable battery is a must. Purchase one with a double-USB and your BFF can keep her phone fully charged as well. Look for one that includes a portable flashlight, so you’ll never need to struggle in the dark.  

Earbuds

You could be listening to music or watching a movie on your smartphone, but if you’ve got a great set of headphones, it’s going to be far more enjoyable. There are some very elegant earbuds available, and it’s much better to have them and not need them than to leave them at home and then wish you’d carried them with you.  

E-reader

It would be impossible to carry a library full of books around in your handbag, but there’s no need for such a thing if you carry an e-reader. If you enjoy reading but don’t have the room for even the smallest paperback, an e-reader is the obvious answer. Choose a paperwhite style e-reader, and you’ll be able to catch a few minutes of your favorite novel whatever the weather.

Smartphone

Does anyone actually leave home without their smartphone nowadays? Just in case you do on occasions, we thought it best to add this one in at the end. With your smartphone tucked in your handbag you’ll have no problems finding directions, catching up on emails, posting on your social media profile, ordering a takeout, and buying tickets for a movie. We use our smartphones in so many ways that we’d be lost without them.

This is a list of the tech essentials, but let’s not forget all those other important items you need in your handbag. Band-Aids, a packet of tissues, a hairbrush, sunscreen, notebook, a manicure set, pocket knife, and so much more.

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January 8, 2019

Golden Globe Beauty, Rowan Blanchard’s NEW Pixie Cut

Golden Globes Beauty –

NEW Cut by Celebrity Hairstylist Laurie Heaps

https://www.instagram.com/_hairbylaurie/

Rowan Blanchard’s Pixie Haircut

Cutting off almost 9 inches of hair, Rowan Blanchard debuted her new short cut at the InStyle and Warner Bros. 2019 Golden Globe Awards After Party. Cut and styled by celebrity hairstylist, Laurie Heaps, Rowan “left the bob in 2018”.

“We drew inspiration from iconic looks. Think Mia Farrow, Natalie Portman and Edie Sedgwick. But I did not want to re-create past pixies – the look needed to be bolder with more attitude, more edge. Rowan expresses her creativity with her own vision and meaning of what beauty is,” shares Laurie. “Hair is one of the ways you can do this.”

The end result? “We cut off almost 9 inches of hair! She is starting new in 2019 with a look that is really capturing who she is right now.”

To style:

1. I started with the OUAI Soft Mousse on wet hair. This gives volume but does not make the hair feel too sticky or stiff which is key. You need the end result to still look soft, yet with shape.

2. Next, I rough dried her hair with the Ghd Air Professional Performance Hairdryer. I used my fingers for added texture and movement. No brush is needed since this can flatten the look. Quickly moving your fingers back and forth through the cut while drying is important – it is what a short cut like this needs.

3. Once hair was dry, I used a combination of CHI’s Spray Wax with the OUAI’s Matte Pomade for texture. The wax gives a great hold that is still flexible while the pomade adds more to the piecey nature of the style.

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January 7, 2019

Jeannie Mai and Torey Devitto Sparkle in LIVEN CO and Gabriel NY!

Jeannie Mai and Torey Devitto Sparkle in LIVEN CO and Gabriel NY!
Los Angeles, CA – January 7, 2019 – Jeannie Mai stepped out on the red carpet at the 2019 Golden Globes last night wearing LIVEN CO’s Small Diamond Huggie Earrings ($450; www.livenco.com).
 Chicago Med actress Torrey Devitto was photographed wearing Gabriel NY’s 14k White Gold Stud A Quality Sapphire Earrings ($1,760), a 14k White Gold Fashion Ladies Ring ($2,720) and a 14k White Gold Fashion Ladies Ring ($2,145, www.gabrielny.com) to Amazon Prime Video’s Golden Globe Awards After Party in Beverly Hills.
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January 7, 2019

Just Take it all off with Biore

There’s nothing more fun than a bold makeup look- que the glitter- but removing all those sparkles can really damper the mood. Let Bioré do the hard work with Charcoal and Baking Soda Cleansing Micellar Waters- no rubbing or rinsing necessary! Leveraging Japanese technology, these Micellar waters are uniquely designed with a higher concentration of cleansing agents, giving the formula maximum cleansing ability. The waters glide on smoothly, gently remove makeup, dirt, and oil, and leave the skin refreshed without the agitation of traditional makeup removers.
It’s time to #JustTakeItAllOff with Bioré Cleansing Micellar Waters! Your pores and pillowcase will thank you.
  • Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Micellar Water: in a refreshing blue shade formulated for combination skin, to condition, smooth, and balance the skin.
  • Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water: in a detoxifying black hue formulated for oily skin, it absorbs excess oil and leaves skin mattified.

Available for $6.99 each at mass retailers

 

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January 7, 2019

The Glamorous Smile: Dental Implants

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”

This quote from the movie Annie resounds to our very existence. Having a great smile will take you places. It can improve your self-esteem and your overall confidence. It will help you express yourself more clearly and more effectively.

As a matter of fact, research studies have concluded that having a bright white smile increases your chances of having a successful professional life. This is because of the halo effect that causes people to have good impressions about people who they perceive to be attractive.

On the other hand, having a not-so-attractive smile can make it hard for people to achieve maximum confidence. They tend to be very self-conscious about smiling so they sometimes come off as a snob.

People nowadays realize this importance. That is why it is not much of a surprise that more and more people are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures, and opting for dentures and implants to improve their smile.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, there are approximately 3 million people living in the United States who have gotten dental implants. Moreover, the organisation reports that this number is growing by 500,000 each year.

Now comes the big decision you need to make. Which is better, dental implants or traditional dentures? Continue reading to find out more about the pros and cons of having dental implants, and why they may be the right choice for you.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants can be roughly defined as a surgical and cosmetic procedure done to a patient that more or less permanently supports a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge and/or false teeth.

PRO #1: Last Longer Than Traditional Dentures

With good oral hygiene and a proper care regimen, dental implants have been found to be very durable. Some can last as long as 20 years! A high-quality dental implant can be a very good investment because it is more or less permanent if well taken care off.

PRO #2: Boasts A More Secure Bond That Prevents Slipping

Dental implants draw their bond strength directly from the bone to which they are attached. This is the main reason why they are the more secure option since they are embedded in the bone. Dental implants avoid the embarrassment of slipping incidents when compared to traditional dentures.

PRO #3: Prevents Bone and Gum Deterioration

Traditional dentures usually accelerate bone loss because of their tendency to wear away at the ridges of the bone to which they are attached. Dental implants actually stimulate the bone, preventing shrinkage or deterioration.

CON #1: More Costly Than The Average Traditional Dentures

To be upfront, dental implants can indeed be more costly, because the procedure and surgery is more complicated and the materials are more expensive. However, it is undeniable that dental implants are good investments in the long run.

CON #2: Some Dental Implants Require Bone Grafts Prior To The Surgery

Since not all patients are good candidates for dental implants due to severe bone loss, dental implants sometimes cannot be made without prior bone grafts.

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January 7, 2019

Itchy Skin Ranks Among Americans’ Top Winter Troubles

Survey Reveals Itchy Skin Ranks Among Americans’ Top Winter Troubles

CeraVe® Helps Consumers Find the Winter Itch Fix Their Skin Craves this Season

itchy skin

From ski trips and snowball fights to sweater weather and curling up by the fireplace, the winter season can bring many cherished experiences; but one not-so-pleasant shared winter experience is uncomfortable skin. According to recently released results from a CeraVe® survey conducted online by Harris Poll among 2,000 U.S. adults, 83 percent of Americans say their skin feels different in winter than it does during the rest of the year, with six in 10 going as far as calling it “unhealthy” during the season. With dryness (77 percent) and itchiness (41 percent) ranking among the top skin descriptors during winter, it’s no wonder that Americans are left searching for relief, which is why CeraVe® is helping Americans find their winter itch fix this Winter Skin Relief Day, January 8th.

 

According to the survey, dryness (69 percent), itchiness (51 percent) and redness (24 percent) are the most bothersome skin discomforts during the colder months. While 79 percent of Americans say their skin feels better after completing their skincare routine, more than one-quarter (26 percent) don’t adapt their routine for the winter months, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein considers essential for anyone looking to relieve dry, itchy skin.

CeraV Healing Ointment

“One of the most common concerns I hear from patients during the winter months is itchiness, which is often the result of severely dry skin,” said Dr. Marchbein. “To help combat itchy skin, I always recommend adjusting a regular skincare regimen with richer products, like CeraVe® Healing Ointment and Moisturizing Cream, which offer more intense moisturizing benefits that the skin needs during the colder months.”

CeraV Moisturizing Cream

Although 64 percent of Americans say they are likely to see a dermatologist during the winter, 25 percent don’t use a moisturizer, proving that while Americans want healthier skin, many are not taking the steps needed to achieve it. Still, skipping out on a proper skincare routine isn’t the only winter mishap. The below survey findings reveal people are not mindful of other factors that are troubling their skin, including:

  • Half of Americans (50 percent) admit to taking more hot showers during the winter months, but only one-quarter (25 percent) realize that the hot showers they are taking can contribute to itchy skin.
  • While nearly one-third of Americans (31 percent) acknowledge that clothing material can contribute to itchiness, 19 percent won’t avoid specific clothing materials during the winter, despite the risk of itch.
  • Moreover, 57 percent admit to wearing wool, a material commonly described as itchy, during the winter.

Since dry skin may not be completely avoidable, CeraVe® is here this winter with products that will help fix the itch by rehydrating and protecting the skin’s barrier, while relieving skin from the drying effects of winter.

“The skin is at the forefront of a lot of harsh elements during the winter months and we know people are concerned with the condition of their skin and the discomforts dry skin can ignite,” said Derrick Booker, Vice President of Marketing. “Whether it is a moisturizer for daily use, an ointment or an itch-relief product to intensify a skincare routine, CeraVe® offers a wide range of products that contain three essential ceramides to help seal in moisture and seal out impurities, protecting skin even during the harsh winter conditions.”

CeraVe® offers a wide variety of therapeutic skincare products that are developed with dermatologists and contain an exclusive combination of ceramides 1, 3 and 6-11, which are essential to restoring and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. CeraVe® products utilize patented Multi Vesicular Emulsion (MVE) Technology, which releases key ingredients into the skin slowly over 24 hours, allowing them to absorb into the skin to repair, restore and retain the skin’s natural barrier.

For more information on Winter Skin Relief Day and CeraVe®, visit on Facebook and Instagram.

About CeraVe
Founded in 2005 and developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the first and only brand to offer a complete line of products containing essential ceramides and patented MVE technology to help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. CeraVe has a full line of skincare products to follow the dermatologist-recommended steps of: cleanse, treat and moisturize. The brand’s mission is to provide therapeutic skincare for all. For more information, visit the brand on Facebook, Twitter or at www.cerave.com.

About L’Oréal
L’Oréal has devoted itself to beauty for over 100 years. With its unique international portfolio of 34 diverse and complementary brands, the Group generated sales amounting to 25.8 billion euros in 2016 and employs 89,300 people worldwide. As the world’s leading beauty company, L’Oréal is present across all distribution networks: mass market, department stores, pharmacies and drugstores, hair salons, travel retail, branded retail and e-commerce. Research and innovation, and a dedicated research team of 3,870 people, are at the core of L’Oréal’s strategy, working to meet beauty aspirations all over the world. L’Oréal’s sustainability commitment for 2020 “Sharing Beauty With All” sets out ambitious sustainable development objectives across the Group’s value chain. For more information visit www.loreal.com.

Survey Methodology:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by OnePoll on behalf of CeraVe® from November 30, 2018 – December 7, 2018. among 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

SOURCE CeraVe

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January 6, 2019

Swoon-Worthy Swimwear for Your Winter Getaway!

Swoon-Worthy Swimwear for Your Winter Getaway! Go ahead and escape the snow!

 

Maya Cover Up White

 

Picture this. You’re on a tropical island enjoying the blue water, the warm breeze, the super soft sand touching your toes. It’s a magical feeling that you never want to part with, right? Now, experience that any time you get dressed when you wear the Ochie brand! Inspired by exotic locations and white sand beaches, travel is rooted in the brand’s DNA.

In it’s highly anticipated second season, this feminine, Caribbean-inspired line got its initial start with swimwear. It’s quickly grown to include eye catching dresses, cover ups, tops, pants and more — with (swoon!) accessories debuting soon.

Ochie owes its Caribbean influence and wanderlust vibe to founder Hana Lloyd who was born in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and traveled the globe as an airline captain. Her focus on fit, design, fine fabrics and unique custom prints make these resort style pieces something you’ll want in your closet whether you’re vacationing on a tropical island or planning a weekend getaway with the girls.

Top Picks from Ochie:

 

Olivia one piece

 

Olivia One Piece – Ladylike and sexy, this bandeau style one-piece features open sleeves with a string tie. Cheeky bottoms and a lace up back opening make this as gorgeous going as it is coming.

Maya Cover Up – Ruffle sleeve cover up with a front tie. This comes in white, sunset or sky.

Blanchi Dress – A unique update to the classic wrapped dress with its tied back detail available in striking prints and beautiful solids.

Grace Bikini – Tiny triangle top and bottom features ruching. Comes in solids or a fun animal print.

Jerry One Piece – V neck front with a rounded back in both solids and animal print.

For more information visit https://ochieswim.com

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January 5, 2019

5 Heart Healthy Foods You Need to Include in Your Diet

When it comes to keeping your heart healthy, there’s no better place to start than your diet. We are what we eat, after all, and consuming too much of the tasty and convenient stuff—such as fast food, salty snacks, and sugary drinks—have been proven to cause no end of health problems. Some of these problems are so serious that they can affect your heart directly, which could send you to the hospital, or worse, the morgue.

So with preventing that morbid fate in mind, here are some heart-healthy foods you should definitely look into including into your diet.

Walnut milk. If you want to look after your heart while still indulging in some creamy and delicious milky goodness, then there’s no better way to do that than to add unsweetened milked nuts to your diet. Specifically, unsweetened walnut milk. Walnuts are known to have a generous amount of plant-derived omega-3 fats, which have been proven to be beneficial in keeping heart disease at bay and improve overall heart health. What’s more, the nutrients in walnuts such as magnesium, calcium, and iron also help give you more energy while improving your bodily functions. So get into the heart-healthy kick in a creamy and tasty way by adding nut-based milks to your daily food intake.

Green leafy vegetables. Ever since we went to school, we’ve always been told that a healthy diet includes vegetables, mainly the green and leafy kind. It won’t surprise you to know that our teachers have always been right to do so. Not only do green leafy vegetables give us a lot of vitamins and minerals to help us grow healthy and strong, but they also help keep major health issues like heart disease at bay. The vitamin K in greens, for example, protects your arteries and helps promote good blood clotting. Meanwhile, the dietary nitrates in vegetables also help reduce blood pressure and keep arteries flexible, preventing strokes, heart attacks and arterial ruptures.

Whole grains. Whole grains are grain products that have gone through very little refinement or processing as possible—i.e. they contain all three parts of the grain, namely the germ, endosperm, and bran. Unless the grain product you’re buying contains the words “whole grain”, or “whole” when it comes to wheat, then it can’t be considered as whole.

Why is this distinction important? It’s important because whole grain is much healthier than refined grains, especially for the heart. For one, whole grains have a higher amount of fiber, which has been proven to help lower LDL cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, is linked to many heart diseases and circulatory conditions.

Studies have also shown that eating three servings or more of whole grains every day can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure by as much as 6 mmHg. This is enough to reduce the risk of stroke by about 25%, as well as significantly decrease the incidence of heart attacks.

Fatty fish. If you’re a seafood fan and love fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna, then you’re in luck, as consuming these tasty fish regularly can definitely protect your heart from all sorts of diseases and conditions. This is because fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has been linked not only to reduce blood pressure but also decrease heart disease markers such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. So have these fish as often as you like—just remember to prepare them in a healthy way, like roasting, streaming, or stir-frying. No deep-frying allowed!

Beans. Besides having a reputation as “the musical fruit”, beans are as healthy as they are tasty. A healthy serving contains quite a bit of what’s known as “resistant starch”, which is known to resist being digested. It instead gets fermented by the beneficial bacteria in your intestines. This allows the resistant starch to work its magic in your body by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood, both of which are known to affect heart health in high levels. Resistant starch has also been discovered to stabilize blood sugar, yet another marker for heart and circulatory disease.

Conclusion

Don’t take your heart for granted. Include these heart-healthy foods in your diet right away to protect the most vital organ in your body from all manner of health conditions and diseases. Doing so will help you live a full and happy life.

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January 5, 2019

The Perfect Mix in Harmony with Your Tastebuds

by Lisa Gal

Bartender turned inventor, Erika Jackson is on a mission. Her invention? A cocktail she has named Pink Erika. Jackson is in the process of bottling her amazing concoction, but it can currently be found at her pop up shops across the country. Serve Pink Erika on ice at your next event by contacting her on Facebook by clicking this link. We are thrilled to include her brand in our Hollywood Swag Bags being gifted to the nominees, talent and guests staying at the Four Seasons Hotel this weekend honoring Golden Globe weekend.

 

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January 3, 2019

3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Salon Visits This Winter

3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Salon Visit This Winter

If a salon and stylist are busy, chances are they do an excellent job and have a long list of frequent clients. When you get an appointment, you want to make the most of it!

 

Kozma & Kozma Hair Salon

 

Here are three ways to make the most of your salon visit this winter.

  1. Know how to communicate what you want.

One of the biggest challenges as a salon-goer is knowing how to communicate what you want to your stylist. It can be difficult to tell a professional what you want, or what you are envisioning, particularly if you don’t have the appropriate buzzwords or facts.

Therefore, before you go to your appointment, it is crucial that you do a little research so that you feel prepared. This may include searching for inspiration online and then bringing those photos in; it may mean asking close friends and family what they think of your ideas, or it may just require you to familiarize yourself with a few new terms or facts (like the benefits of Brazilian blowout).

  1. Be particular about your stylist.

In addition to doing some research into the changes you want done, it is also essential to investigate who is going to be doing the service on you. Prior to making an appointment, read up on the potential stylist and salon to ensure that they have positive reviews from many previous clients.

One of the things to look for is a salon or a stylist that specializes in the style or treatment that you want. For example, you may require a hair hydration treatment expert or someone whose career has been dedicated to the art of the blowout. Whatever it is, there is no point making an appointment with someone who isn’t the best at what you want.

  1. Trust the stylist to do their job.

Once you have chosen the salon and the stylist, and have communicated what you have in mind, just sit back and trust that the professional knows what to do. Don’t see your time in the salon as an errand, but instead, think of it as a self-care luxury that you should enjoy!

What are your tips and tricks for having the perfect salon visit? Let us know in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO
Hillary Kozma is the Owner/Managing Director/Creative Director of Kozma & Kozma Salon. Having built the foundation of her skills with an apprenticeship under a direct protege of Vidal Sassoon, Hillary and her husband opened Glow American Salon in Qatar in 2007 before expanding to Dubai as Kozma & Kozma in 2016. Hillary is hailed by the media as a “pioneer in her field” for introducing new talents, concepts, philosophies, and techniques to the Middle East.

 

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