Archives for October 2020

October 20, 2020

What Should You Do with Old Clothes?

Is your closet full of items you haven’t worn in years? Do forgotten t-shirts sit at the bottom of drawers or in a never-ending laundry pile? Everyone has those items of clothing that they hold on to, vowing that one day they will fit into them again, but even though you might be determined to do so, sometimes you just have to accept that you need to make more room in your closet for things you can and do wear instead. 

If you’re looking to clear out your closet, here are a few things you can do with your old clothes.

Donate Them

The first thing that should come to mind is giving your old clothes to Goodwill or another local charity organization. Only offer clothes that are in good condition and clean them before you donate out of courtesy. This is a great way to offload your stuff, but you’re also giving back and making sure others can get some good use out of the things you no longer want. 

Sell Them

If you could do with making extra money, selling some of your old clothes online is another way to get rid of them. There are plenty of ways to do this, even if you don’t have a seller’s account registered anywhere. You can even sell your stuff on Facebook for easy money. This is worth doing if you have expensive clothing that you have only worn a handful of times, especially if they’re by well-known designers.

Make a Blanket

If some of your old clothes are too sentimental to donate or sell, making memory blankets out of them is a great idea. Although you might not be able to wear those clothes anymore, you can still keep them at home but they will just serve a new purpose. T-shirts are usually the best kind of clothing to do this with, and you can cozy down under your new blanket as you watch your favorite movie or TV show on the couch.

Use as Rags

For old clothes that you don’t hold any attachment to, are already tattered or you no longer like the look of, use them as rags for your household cleaning tasks. It’ll save you money on buying clothes at the store, and they can be used for dusting, polishing silver and furniture, cleaning your car, and other mechanical jobs. Just cut them up into strips or squares and store them neatly with the rest of your cleaning products.

Make Pennant Banners

Another wonderfully creative way to recycle your old clothes is by using them to create these fun and festive decorations. You can hang the pennant banners up in your home as a full-time décor feature, or save it for birthdays or festive seasons. This project will also help you save money on decorations in the future, and can offer a personal touch that store-bought items can’t. 

The next time you’re clearing out your closet, think about these different ways you can get rid of or use old clothes.

 

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October 19, 2020

Ceramiracle True Bright Advanced Brightening Complex Serum

A recent VEGAN Beauty product launch that we wanted to share…

Ceramiracle

Late this past summer, after 4 years in the making Ceramiracle launched their True Bright Advanced Brightening Complex Serum. (We love it!) The multi-tasking product works for all skin types.
INGREDIENTS & BENEFITS:
  • AminoBright Complex – A proprietary blend of Ferulic Acid, Amino Acids, Resveratrol and Olive Extract that accelerates skin brightening and improves luminosity, reduce pigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide – Boosts collagen production and repairs sun damage on the skin
  • Clean Label Formulation and Vegan – Does not contain color, added fragrance, harsh acids, bleaching agents and toxic synthetic chemicals
  • True Bright Serum can be paired with Ceramiracle’s True Bright Skin Brightening Supplement for an in-and-out solution to effortless, brighter skin.
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October 19, 2020

Kelly Ripa spreads the message to vote with Vistaprint!

 

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 19, 2020 – Kelly Ripa posted a photo on her Instagram story using  Vistaprint. The Live with Kelly and Ryan host encouraged her followers to vote over a morning cup of coffee with husband, Mark Consuelos, while sipping from a custom Vistaprint x I am a voter. mug. Personalized mugs from Vistaprint start at $10.99 and are available on www.vistaprint.com.

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October 19, 2020

Two high school students launched equality brand “Loonar”

Two high school students launched equality brand “Loonar” in quarantine and have received support from the biggest influencers like Charli D’Amelio, Emma Chamberlain, Addison Rae, Sommer Ray, Lil Huddy,  Avani, and even singer Post Malone!

Loonar Clothing Founderss

Loonar Founders

Fifteen year old Jack Schwartz and fourteen year old Mateo Santamaria, two high school students, recently launched a knitwear brand called Loonar during quarantine. The brand represents equality for all and features fabrics made from recycled water bottles and post industrial cotton. The Los Angeles made collection launched in July and was developed over Zoom while each founder was being home schooled during quarantine from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, Jack Schwartz Co-Founder of Loonar, is networking (mask on!) and receiving support from some of the biggest influencers in the world that are wearing his masks, taking photos, and posting on their social channels reaching millions of people.

Influencers include Grammy winner Post Malone (22 million in Instagram), Tik Tok star Charli D’Amelio (29 million on Instagram, 80 million on Tik Tok), Addison Rae (28 million on Instagram 56 million on TikTok), Sommer Ray (25 million on Instagram ), Nessa Barrett (3.6 million on Instagram and 11.2 million on Tik Tok), Emma Chamberlain (10,5 million on Instagram), Bryce Hall (6.4 million on Instagram and 13.8 million on Tik Tok), Josh Richards (7.1 million on Instagram and 21.8 million on Tik Tok), Griffin Johnson (3.6 million on Instagram), Tessa Brooks ( 9.2 million on Instagram), Lil Huddy aka Chase Hudson from Hype House (9.3 million on Instagram 24.8 million on Tik Tok), Avani (12 million on Instagram 26.6 million on Tik Tok), Faze Banks (2.8 million on Instagram and 5 million on YouTube), Faze Adapt (2.4 million on Instagram), Kyle from the Nelk Boys (1.7 million on Instagram and 5 million on YouTube) and many others!

Avani

Avani

Loonar represents “equality for all” from the light side to the dark side of the moon. They debuted with shirts, hoodies, and masks and have already sold out of most styles. The collection launched online at  www.loonarclothing.com, and already has a strong media footprint with over 38k followers on Instagram and over 3 million likes on TikTok and over 16.4 million views!

“It was important to us to create a brand that represents equality, has dope styles, and also is socially conscious. By using recycled components verses new fibers, we hope to minimize our ecological footprint. We had to turn being quarantined at home into something positive.” Says Co-founder Jack Schwartz

Loonar Instagram www.instagram.com/loonarclothing/  www.loonarlcothing.com

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October 19, 2020

Black Owned Accessory Brands to Support for Global Diversity Month and Every Month

October 15, 2020 – October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a month to celebrate and increase awareness about the diversity of cultures with ethnicities. According to forbes.com, Although over 50% of women-owned businesses are women of color, they only brought in 422 billion dollars in revenue vs white women-owned businesses who brought in 1.4 trillion dollars in revenue.

Brysie Lane, the black owned interchangeable handbag brand, is designed to eliminate the dreaded purse swap. Brysie Lane was founded by former Microsoft Program Manager, Seina Wedlick, to provide women with an everyday bag that can evolve with every outfit change. With the mantra “One Bag, Many Looks” the brand allows women to express their personal style through genuine leather bags and interchangeable accessories, for under $300. Brysie Lane is a reflection of Seina’s personal and professional journey. Named after her children, Bryce and Sierra, Brysie Lane was created with the desire to streamline processes and make an everyday item practical for all occasions.  Brysie L
Salone Monet emphasizes the fact that “nude is not a color” – the brand makes six “nude” shades that fit a wide range of skin tones. In addition to the stunning color options, each pair of shoes is made from high-quality materials, including leather and satin, by expert cobblers in Italy. Styles come in 6 shades of different nudes and price ranges from $200 – $250. New silhouettes like the Anita, a sleek pump and Jojo, a basic flat, are now available on the website for pre-order. Salone Monet, Founder/Creative Salone Monet is the founder and creative behind the color inclusive nude shoe brand Salone Monet. Her color inclusive line has adorned the feet of Beyoncé Knowles, Gabrielle Union, and Keke Palmer. Each style can be saved as a hi-res image directly from the website.
Ten Wilde is an all gold jewelry line designed in Los Angeles. Always aiming for versatility through trendy yet timeless pieces, every jewel is created with the multi-faceted gem in mind. Meaning the ever-evolving, infinite, multi-faceted woman. Established in 2016 by Tenisha Wilde, Ten Wilde is a direct reflection of her personal style, which embodies her love for many styles found across the world.  With a range of gold plated, gold filled, and solid gold, each Ten Wilde jewel is offered at an affordable price ranging, under $100, in the form of versatile hoops, layering chains, pendant necklaces, signature waist chains and more. A gem for every gem.
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October 19, 2020

3 Tips for Dark Spots this Fall

Anyone who suffers from dark spots, extra pigment or melasma knows that summer is a scary time for the skin. Skin is constantly facing more sun exposure as we go out to enjoy the warmth. As the seasons change and we go into autumn, there is a natural tendency for many people to get more relaxed about their skincare.

As the days become shorter and the temperature begins to drop, clients often let their skin care guard down during the fall.

Anyone who suffers from dark spots, extra pigment or melasma knows that summer is a scary time for the skin. Skin is constantly facing more sun exposure as we go out to enjoy the warmth. As the seasons change and we go into autumn, there is a natural tendency for many people to get more relaxed about their skincare.

There’s a lot going on during the fall. From back-to-school to pre-holiday planning, it’s easy to skip steps in your skincare routine. Unfortunately, pigment never takes a break. While there are more pigment triggers around during the summer, the cells that make pigment, melanocytes, continue to make extra pigment no matter what the season.

Here are a few tips for anyone with dark spots, hyperpigmentation and an uneven complexion during the autumn.

Step up your routine

Welcome to dermatology’s favorite season!!

This is the time when our skin tends to be more calm and have less inflammation compared to the summer heat. This means our skin can handle more aggressive skincare routines.

This is the perfect time to start a stronger beauty routine or start ingredients you’ve been waiting to use, like retinol, bakuchiol, fruit acids or glycolic acid.

In my practice, we often map out a lighter skincare plan for my patients during the summer. We may only recommend Bodhi Brightening Cleanser (light lemon, vitamin C, glycolic acid cleanser), Rapid Brightening Serum (vitamin C, rose water, hyaluronic acid and arbutin hydrating serum) and Dark Spot Eraser Brightening Mask (made of fruit acids and natural extracts) during the summer. This way my patient’s skin gets 3 powerhouse products to reduce spots, in formulas that feel lighter during the summer.

Then we may step up to the entire Dark Spot Treatment System during the fall. This way we can incorporate a moisturizing face serum (Age Rewind Face Serum) and hydrating night retinol cream (Brightening Retinol Night Cream) during the colder months. It’s also a great time to add ingredients glycolic acid, gotu kola and other heavier botanicals like lily, cipadessa and vetiver.

 

Maintain a schedule

It’s easy to skip steps of your skincare during this time. The fall can be very hectic with back-to-school and holiday planning. It also can be a slower season of rest after the summer heat and travel.

There can definitely be a tendency to skip a step of your skincare here and there. I tell my patients a few “skips” may be okay in the long run, but these small “skips” can easily get more frequent.

Be disciplined and continue your skincare routine. The melanocyte cells in our skin are constantly making pigment. They don’t take a break. So it’s important to use your products consistently every day. Taking days off from your skincare can easily reverse the progress your skin is making.

It’s also important to remember pigment production is a very complex process. In each product line, the products are generally designed to target pigment in a different way. For example, the steps our Dark Spot Treatment System each work in a unique way to reduce hyperpigmentation. If you start skipping on a product, you’re missing out on a key piece of your treatment.

Keep up your sunscreen

You’ve heard this time and time again. Wear your sunscreen!

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are around us year-round. While the UV rays are stronger during the summer and spring, our skin is still exposed to UV radiation during the fall and winter. That’s why it’s important to continue constant sunscreen use.

UV rays can also penetrate window glass. So even if you’re spending more time indoors during the cold weather, UVA rays, which cause aging and skin cancer, come through the glass in your home, office and car.

That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, with frequent re-application. I personally find wearing sunscreen easier in the fall and winter because most sunscreen formulas continue to be thick. This heavier feel isn’t as annoying during the colder months and can even add a good layer of moisture.

Dr. Anjali Butani

I’m a Dermatologist, Scientist and the founder of ANJALI MD Skincare. I want to brighten your skin with our skincare – and brighten your day with this blog. Tips, tricks and news on dermatology, skincare, the beauty industry and the fun parts of life.

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October 19, 2020

Fantastic diet secrets for younger-looking skin

 

If there’s one thing we all want, it’s younger-looking skin. There is a wealth of products out there to help us achieve this, but one area that often gets neglected is our diet. While we can’t expect to find a magic food that instantly transforms our appearance, the choices we make about what we put into our body can definitely make a difference. A diet full of foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals goes a long way towards having healthy, youthful skin. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best anti-aging foods out there.

Top foods to combat aging

Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of the best foods for keeping your skin young and healthy are fruits and vegetables. For example, avocados are high in vitamin E and lutein, which help to make your skin more resilient and reduce damage from UV rays. Oranges meanwhile are packed with vitamin C, which helps to produce collagen. This protein is essential for supple skin. 

Another great boost for collagen production is pomegranate seeds, thanks to their high levels of antioxidants and ellagic acid. Berries are also extremely powerful superfoods, and you should be aiming to include plenty of them in your diet for younger-looking skin. For instance, blueberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins A and C, reducing the body’s inflammatory response and helping to preserve collagen.

Other foods to add to your diet include salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help prevent dry skin. Complex carbohydrates are also good because they don’t spike your blood sugar, which can aggravate acne. Oats in particular are a good choice because they contain a natural chemical that can soothe irritated skin and prevent damage to skin cells.

The best news? Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants called flavanols, which help to protect the skin from sun damage. So you can get your cocoa hit guilt-free!

What to avoid

There are a few lifestyle habits and food choices you’re going to want to avoid in order to keep your skin looking its best. One of the most obvious of these is smoking, and another is excessive exposure to damaging UV rays from the sun. In terms of foods, the main culprits are fried and salty foods like fries, those with a high glycemic index such as white bread, dairy, white sugar, soda and alcohol, and processed meats.

Products for younger-looking skin

In addition to diet, anti-aging skincare and technology like microcurrent devices can be a real help when it comes to keeping your skin youthful and healthy. The earlier you start using it, the better! One of the most important products you should be using is actually sunscreen. Not only does it help prevent aging, it also decreases your risk of skin cancer. 

Other than that, there are plenty of moisturizers, eye creams, serums and treatments to choose from. Key ingredients to look out for in these are hyaluronic acid for hydrating the skin, retinol for clearing your pores, and vitamin C for collagen. Finally, make sure to exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep!

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October 15, 2020

Smell Good & Do Good for Breast Cancer Awareness Month from Starling

Smell good & do good this month by shopping for the cause! Starling Skincare is proud to partner with the Breast Cancer Alliance during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
During the month of October, Starling will donate 50% of the proceeds from each sale of its new all-natural, aluminum-free Pink Rose Deodorant (Signature and Sensitive formulas) to the Breast Cancer Alliance.
Pink Rose smells vibrant and lively with notes of rose and bergamot essential oils, a scent that reflects the Starling team’s love of summertime rose gardens. The super-gentle Pink Rose Sensitive formula contains no baking soda. It’s powered by all-natural magnesium and is highly effective at stopping odors. The Pink Rose Signature formula uses baking soda and magnesium to create one of the best odor-fighting combinations available.
Created for those with allergies and sensitivities in mind, Starling Skincare has eliminated all common allergens, including nuts, gluten, soy, synthetic fragrance, and preservatives. The solution-focused formulations from Starling Skincare help to eliminate sensitivity and redness, bringing skin back to optimal health. The line offers an incredible array of balms, serums, cleansers, hand sanitizers and deodorants for everyone.
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October 15, 2020

Eco Lips Enters CBD Industry with New CBD ME™ Balms

Eco-Conscious Personal Care Brand Debuts New CBD-based Product Line Made in USA

Marion, Iowa  – Known as the original organic lip balm brand, Eco Lips (www.ecolips.com), has just announced the launch of their latest line, CBD ME by Eco Lips (https://getcbdme.com/). CBD ME will officially launch on October 19th and is available for purchase at https://getcbdme.com/). The new line is debuting with three lip balms with 30mg CBD. Lip balm flavors include Lavender Mint, Lavender Orange, and Natural which contains no essential oils or organic flavors. The usage of CBD-based beauty products has nearly doubled since January 2019, proving the normalization of CBD beauty products. The cannabidiol skincare market is projected to surge $959M by 2024, representing 10% of the global skincare market.

 “We’re excited to finally be able to provide effective CBD products for those seeking affordable solutions for their daily wellness routines. We are rolling out new lip balms to debut the line as that is our core business and are excited for more products in the near future” explains Vice President of Marketing for Eco Lips, Jane Merten.

The new CBD ME line uses hemp-derived, broad-spectrum CBD extract that is sustainably grown through regenerative agriculture practices and CO2 extracted in Oregon. It is thoroughly tested by 3rd party labs to qualify concentration levels and contains 0.0% THC. They also boast the finest, cold-pressed Cannabis Sativa seed oil delivers a natural balance of essential fatty acids and amino acids which are wonderful for skin care applications promoting a soothing formula that locks in moisture and is also nutrient rich.

On a mission to make organic personal care products accessible, Eco Lips manufactures the highest quality certified organic, fair trade, and non-GMO products on the planet. The newly launched CBD Me by Eco Lips brand is available for purchase at https://getcbdme.com/           To learn more about Eco Lips or CBD ME visit ecolips.comgetcbdme.com

About Eco Lips 

Founded in 2003, Eco Lips is the original organic lip balm. They manufacture the best USDA organic and Fair Trade Certified™ lip care products FOR the world using 100% renewable energy. Eco Lips products are Non-GMO Project Verified, Leaping Bunny Certified, and gluten-free. Eco Lips is a certified B Corporation focused on the triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit

Products are currently priced at $7.99

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October 14, 2020

Soap Creek’s Artisan Soaps not only look fabulous but feel fabulous

Living life during a pandemic isn’t fun but Soap Creek Company has made it much more bearable. I love my baths  so I broke out my stash of aromatic Artisan Soaps and butter bombs from Soapcreek Co.  These exquisite Artisan-crafted soaps look too beautiful to use but trust me, it’s worth it.  Soap Creek’s  Artisan Soaps are available in more that 20 amazing fragrances, Lavender being one of my favorites.  Each soap is beautifully crafted and infused with essential oils for a spa like experience.

Soap Creek bath and body products are formulated without synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harsh chemicals and replacing them with sustainably-sourced essential oils, natural clays, minerals, butters, and herbs.and body butter cream

Soap Creek Company not only offers an array of  pretty soaps, their butter bombs are amazing. If you enjoy bath bombs in your bath, you will love the 5 assorted  scented butter bombs. They are very therapeutic and relaxing. Just knowing that I am soaking in an all natural product is comforting to me.

I strongly recommend the Lavender Eucalyptus Heel Butter. This  ultra rich creamy balm works wonders on dry rough dry feet.  Even if your feet aren’t rough and dry, this heel butter will make your feel feel soft and renewed. Try an at home pedicure and top it off with one of the beautifully scented Heel Butters.

At SoapCreek.com, you will find a treasure trove of intensely aromatic Artisan Soaps, Butter bombs, Body Butter Cremes, Spa Minerals, Lip Mends, Heel Butters, and much more. I’ve already started my holiday shopping with a few of Soap Creek Collecions.

Old-fashioned Quality and Craftsmanship 

Not only are these products made in the USA, but they’re also crafted the labor-intensive way hand-poured and hand-mixed. There’s an actual person overseeing every step of the soap-making process from making sure the right ingredients get added at the proper time and in the proper amounts, to verifying that the mixing is thorough and complete. The end result is an original, artistic product. 

About: Founded by Roxanne and Fred Johnson, Soapcreek Company is the Utah-based maker of organic certified artisan soaps and skincare essentials. The brand name comes from Fred’s favorite destination to visit within the Grand Canyon in Arizona. While Roxanne experimented with homemade soap-making as a kid, she became an expert as a wife and mom to provide natural body care for her son’s health. Diagnosed with thyroid problems, the family needed to make an entire lifestyle change from their diet to abandoning synthetic fragrance, dyes and chemicals frequently found in body care items. Sharing her homemade soap with friends and neighbors, she saw the holistic benefits it had for others. What started out as a small basement start-up has become a large-scale facility devoted to making body care products. Using minimal, recyclable packaging, the SoapCreek Company encourages people to conserve, re-use, recycle, and make the world a better place for all.

For more information, visit https://www.soapcreek.com

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