Archives for February 2022

February 2, 2022

Microneedling: All You Need To Know About This Skincare Craze

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No doubt you’ve seen many Instagram influencers talking about microneedling over the last year or so. You may have even seen them brandishing their own at-home devices, talking about how it’s changed their skincare routine forever. But, what exactly is this new skincare trend? Is it safe, does it work, and should you consider it?

You can find the answers to all of those questions in today’s post!

What is microneedling?

Essentially, microneedling is a form of collagen induction therapy. This is a fancy way of saying that it encourages your body to produce more collagen and elastin, both of which help your skin heal and provide many cosmetic benefits. Skin that’s high in collagen and elastin will be more taught, meaning you have fewer wrinkles. It can also be a lot clearer and in a much healthier state.

How does microneedling work?

This is where things get pretty interesting. You see, microneedling induces collagen production by making tiny pricks in your skin with lots of little needles. These puncture wounds trigger the body’s natural defense system, sending collagen and elastin to the sites to repair the skin. Usually, a device is used with lots of needles in, and it’s slowly moved around your face, making little punctures as it goes.

Why do people get microneedling treatments?

As mentioned before, it can help your skin look younger and healthier. Also, regular treatments have been shown to help with skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. This is because collagen production helps to heal the skin from blemishes like these.

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Is microneedling safe?

Yes, it is considered a safe cosmetic procedure. You will experience some slight discomfort during your first time doing this, purely because you’ve never experienced the sensation of lots of tiny needles pricking your skin before. However, you get used to it after multiple treatments, and there are minimal risks involved. Most of the safety risks revolve around allergic reactions to the creams that are applied after microneedling to soothe your skin.

Also, there are risks involved if you are doing the procedure yourself. Microneedling devices are available for home use, but it’s not a good idea to use them. They might technically be safe, but it’s better to get the treatment from a licensed and experienced dermatologist, so you know that they have experience doing it. This lowers the risk, and there’s also more chance of the needles being contaminated if you use a device at home.

So, should you jump on this trend and get microneedling? Well, it depends on you and your skin. If you want to look younger and enjoy a natural approach to anti-aging, this can be a good option for you. Similarly, if your body has a bad reaction to all the common skincare creams and ointments out there, this might be a better choice as no chemicals are used at all. Be warned that it can take time to see results – after all, you have to wait for your body to produce more collagen, which isn’t an instant process. You’re also likely to have red skin after the treatment, so be patient as you wait for your skin to heal.

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(Image Credit (CC0 License)

 

 

 

 

 

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February 2, 2022

How To Make Your New Business A Beautiful Prospect For Onlookers

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Businesses are all about attracting people, serving their needs, and bringing in money in return. If you can’t make the money while satisfying the people, then you’re not going to be in this game for long. Whether you have a business in a skyscraper or you have a home-run business, you need to make sure it’s attractive to those who are looking on. They need to know that they’ll benefit and that they’ll want to keep coming back.

How can you do that? Well, there is an eclectic mix of methods, but fundamentally, all businesses should follow similar patterns. If you get into the right habits and do the right things, then you’ll likely make your business something that people care a lot about. Here are a few ideas for you right now:

Possess A Lovely Online Presence 

 The majority of people in this day and age will be online. They’ll be looking to learn more about your business by heading to your website or to your social channels. You’ll have to ensure that you have a solid online presence so that they can be more than impressed with you. If it means you need to work with a web designer and a digital marketing group, then so be it. It’s a really important facet these days.

Get A Virtual Address

 If you’re working out of an area that you don’t exactly deem too glamorous, then this is a great idea. This would work if you’re working from home, too. Using places like physicaladdress would help so much as you’d have a professional address while getting staff members to do a lot of admin work for you. It’s convenient and it adds to your business.

Always Get Back To Questions And Queries 

If you can’t satisfy the customers, then you’re not going to be doing your job anywhere near properly. Don’t leave things until the very last minute because that’s not going to help out anyone involved. If you gather a reputation for being good with your customers and with anyone who gets in touch, then people are going to be impressed before they’ve ever dealt with you.

Shoot For The Best At All Times

If you continually look to make your business better, then it’s going to show on the outside, too. Sticking with the same stuff for years might make you comfortable, but the majority of people won’t really care. If you expect the best, then that sets the right tone. People will follow along and want to be a part of the journey. Work hard on what you have because they won’t put the effort in for you.

Work Together And Network With People That Will Elevate Your Business

 The more work you do with others, the more experiences you gain in business. You’ll become a lot more accomplished and you’ll know what makes a business look sexy. Right now, there may be a few flaws and a few chinks in your armor. If you work together with people who have been there and done it, then it can make such a world of difference.

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February 1, 2022

Treat Yourself this Galentine’s Day: GRAMMY-nominated artist Iggy Azalea’s First Fragrance External Inbox

Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating female friendships… and what better way to celebrate than by treating yourself and your girlfriends to a self-care gift created for women, by women? GRAMMY-nominated artist Iggy Azalea and Wendy Starland, the president of Merveilleux Beauty who is credited with discovering LADY GAGA, partnered to develop Devil’s Advocate, the first scent in Azalea’s fragrance line, Parfum de Azalea. The female led business is offering a 10% discount in honor of Galentine’s Day.

Starland, an award-winning singer/songwriter, record producer and fashion model, is credited with discovering and developing the career of Lady Gaga. Because of their mutual background in the music industry, Azalea knew Starland was the perfect partner to help launch her new venture. Inspired by Azalea’s home country, Devil’s Advocate incorporates ethical and sustainable Australian sandalwood with citrus and amber scents to create an irresistible aroma. According to Starland, the fragrance is “a new classic.”  

This Galentine’s Day, support a female-led business and give yourself and friends the gift of a new signature scent. Devil’s Advocate is available to purchase exclusively online at www.parfumdeazalea.comUse code GALENTINES10 for 10% off your purchase.

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February 1, 2022

A Valentine’s Day gift for her from Eco Lips

Made from organic Fair Trade Certified cocoa butter, organic Mongongo Oil, and rich in vitamin E, Mongo Kiss is an ultra hydrating lip balm that provides key nutrients for nourishing your lips in one quick swipe. With flavors like Black Cherry, Blood Orange, Strawberry Lavender, and Yumberry, Mongo Kiss is blissfully sweet and comforting, perfect for hydrating and moisturizing your lips all day long and makes the perfect gift!

Check them out here: https://ecolips.com/

Key Points of Innovation:

  • High in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids and other nutrients
  • Nourishing, hydrating and moisturizing lip balm
  • Produced in a facility with 100% renewable energy
  • Eco Lips is a B corporation

Editorial Connections:

  • Valentine’s Day gifts for her
  • What to gift the cosmetics lover
  • Galentine’s Day gifts for friends
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February 1, 2022

5 Ways To Surprise Your Girl On Her Birthday

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Birthdays are always special, especially when someone else is excited about them. It won’t be exaggerating to say that men may not be excited for their own birthday, but when it comes to their loved one’s birthday, they can do anything in their capacity. Though true love isn’t about price tags, it may not hurt to give her something luxurious once in a while. Whether you take her on a romantic date in a posh restaurant or buy luxury gift hampers for her, she would be happier if you add your lots of love to it. If you want to make her birthday worth remembering, you are in for a treat. Here are five ways to surprise your girl on her birthday. Take a look.

Do you know what the staple apparel of modern wardrobes is? It is undoubtedly the t-shirt. No matter who you are or what you do, everyone has a bunch of t-shirts stashed away in their dresser and closet — be it concert shirts, shirts with witty quotes, or “I heart NY” tees. They’re the perfect blend of casual and comfortable.

But tees have also become more than just your everyday shirt. They’ve become a form of self-expression. And it’s not just any old self-expression. It’s quirky, offbeat self-expression that can take the form of a funny slogan or graphics. Funny tops have become so popular in recent years that they’ve practically become their own genre.

So, what makes funny shirts so popular? There are a few reasons. Here, they are:

Fashion-Forward Statement

For many people, wearing a funny t-shirt is a way to make a fashion-forward statement. They’re not just sporting a generic shirt with a logo on it. They’re expressing their style and sense of humor.

It’s also a way to show off your personality. People who are confident in their personality and don’t care what others think can wear a funny top without fear of being mocked. It can say that you’re edgy. It can show that you don’t take yourself too seriously and embrace your quirky side. Plus, who doesn’t want to be seen as someone with a good sense of humor?

Non-Binding

In an interview with Entrepreneur, Peter McGraw, director of the Humor Research Lab at the University of Colorado, explains that t-shirts are popular because they’re non-binding. “You don’t have to go through the trouble of putting together an outfit,” McGraw says. “You just put on a t-shirt.”

It is true. You don’t have to worry about whether or not the shirt will match your pants or shoes. In fact, part of the appeal of funny t-shirts is that they often clash with the rest of your outfit. It’s a way to be rebellious without actually breaking any rules.

And, let’s face it, who doesn’t love to have a little bit of fun with fashion?

Embody a Group or Cause

The custom t-shirt printing market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7 percent from 2021 to 2028

Another reason why funny t-shirts are popular is that they can help people feel like they belong to a group or cause. For example, if you wear a top that promotes a particular brand, it shows that you’re a fan of that band.

If you wear a top that supports a particular political candidate, it shows that you’re politically engaged. The same goes for funny t-shirts. If you wear a funny t-shirt that promotes a particular TV show, it shows that you’re a fan of that show. If you wear a funny top that mocks a particular political figure, it shows that you don’t support that figure.

In a way, wearing funny apparel is a neat and effective way to express your opinions without having to open your mouth. It proves that you are part of a specific group and have similar interests.

Self-Expression

Funny shirts allow you to express yourself. The good ones are just as clever as, say, a viral Tweet or Facebook status update.

Some t-shirt slogans can become so popular that they’d make great hashtags — take #WhatsInMyTSABin, for example. But be careful: the effectiveness of a funny slogan as self-expression can depend on how well it’s executed. If it’s not funny, you might just come across as crass or juvenile.

Comfort

Everyone knows that t-shirts are comfortable. But when they’re funny t-shirts, they can also be fun and a little bit rebellious. After all, who says that you can’t wear your t-shirt backward or inside out? That’s the beauty of comfort clothes!

They’re meant to be playful and poke fun at authority (or, even at yourself sometimes). And, who doesn’t want to feel like they can express themselves in their own way?

Fun and Easy to Access

Funny t-shirts are popular because they’re fun and readily available. You can find them at most major retailers, and they’re often quite affordable. T-shirts come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s sure to be one that fits you perfectly.

Unlike some other pieces of clothing, like designer jeans or a wool coat, funny t-shirts are easy to find. You can go to your favorite online store or even pop into your local mall and pick up a few funny t-shirts.

They’re also not as expensive as other high-end items of clothing, so they’re a good deal, and you’ll be able to pick up several different humorous t-shirts without breaking the bank.

So, if you’re looking for a way to express yourself, why not try a funny t-shirt? You can find them just about anywhere, from online retailers to your favorite clothing store.

 

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February 1, 2022

Why Make the Switch to Natural Bath Bombs?

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Shopping for bath bombs is trending amongst people of all ages. It is tempting to buy
bath bombs in stores because they are readily available and much more affordable
than making one from scratch.

However, when you look at what goes into these products, you may want to think
twice before making that purchase.

Bath bombs natural ingredients can be complex to understand. Besides containing
oils derived from natural elements like seeds and nuts, scented oils are also added
to get the aroma desired for each bath bomb.

If you want to know more, here are the eight benefits of using organic and natural
bath bombs.

1. They Are Safe

Among all regions, Europe holds a dominant market share in the bath bombs sector,
owing to the detoxification and relaxation benefits offered by the products. Bath
bombs in the market today can contain dangerous toxins. Any product applied to the
skin must undergo rigorous testing before hitting shelves.

There are different ingredients on the market today that are known carcinogens
(substances that cause cancer) and hormone disruptors (a substance that interferes
with an enzyme needed for normal functioning).

2. They Are Non-Toxic

Many ingredients found in bath bombs are a severe health risk if misused or
misused. These ingredients can include fragrances, color additives, preservatives,
and essential oils. You can ensure that they will not have these harmful components
by purchasing organic products.

3. They Contain No Phthalates

Phthalate is a chemical used to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and adhesives.
They can also be found in some bath bombs as plasticizes or substances added to
make the product more flexible.

These days, people are aware of the potential health concerns related to exposure to
phthalates. When choosing bath bombs' natural ingredients, you can ensure that
your products are low in or free of these chemicals.

4. They Are Not Tested On Animals

Many bath bombs on the market today are tested on animals, whether they come
from a large company or a small company. Customers will often say it's an "animal-
friendly" product even though it is not vegan. Some bath bombs can also be tested
on humans to get accurate results, but that is not always the case.

It would be best to buy natural bath bombs that are vegan or organic to ensure that
no animals are hurt during the manufacturing process.

5. They Contain Fewer Chemicals

Many bath bombs contain chemicals like DEA, TEA, and FD&C colors, often
carcinogenic. These chemicals are used for fragrance purposes after all other
ingredients have been infused together in a bath bomb recipe.

It is best for people with sensitive skin to choose a product that does not contain
these chemicals.

6. They Are Less Expensive In The Long Run

Many people do not realize how expensive bath bombs can be until they switch to
organic products. Since many of them use essential oils in their recipes, they are
more costly than essential soaps and detergents.

7. They Contain More Essential Oils

Many bath bombs on the market today use mainly synthetic fragrances to achieve
their desired aromas. By choosing organic and natural alternatives, you can be sure
that you are using all-natural products with many oils for a pleasant aroma.

8. They Are Better For The Environment

Bath bomb ingredients can be harmful to the environment if left in water sources or
landfills. They can contaminate the soil and aquatic habitats, so they should be
appropriately recycled after use. Hence, you must buy bath bombs with natural and sustainable ingredients.

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February 1, 2022

DARK & LOVELY BRINGS BRIGHT, BOLD & BLONDE HOME WITH NEW UPLIFT BLEACH KIT

Dark & Lovely, the number one hair coloring brand for women of color, is excited to launch its latest innovation – the Uplift Bleach KitCreated for those looking to achieve the brightest and boldest shades of blonde, the new bleach kit dares beauty lovers to turn up the volume with a next generation formula that brings all the drama, without the damage.

Now entering its 50th year, Dark & Lovely has been the go-to brand for Black women looking to achieve head-turning styles, while protecting the integrity of their hair. The brand continues to stay relevant with new innovations like the Uplift Bleach Kit, which appeals to consumers of all agers, including Gen Z and Millennials who are looking to express themselves through their style. Keeping in step with this, the new Uplift Bleach Kit features a patented, two-part system that is not only easy to use, but delivers up to 8 levels of dramatic lift – from Black to honey blonde to platinum. The new haircare solution also includes curl safe technology with encapsulated oils that provide 4x more hydration, while maintaining hair texture.

“As a newly converted blonde, I am thrilled for the launch of Dark & Lovely’s new Bleach Kit,” said actress, producer and Dark & Lovely Brand Ambassador, Storm Reid. “This has already become an absolute must-have in my beauty arsenal. What I really love is that I can actually use it to keep my hair looking amazing from home.”

“When opting to go blonde, it’s important to use products that not only help you to achieve your desired hue, but nourish the hair while respecting its natural curl pattern,” said celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey, who styles Kelly Rowland, Saweetie and Alicia Keys.  “The Dark & Lovely Uplift Bleach Kit does just that, making it the perfect at-home staple for blonde bombshells.”

The Dark & Lovely Uplift Bleach Kit is available for $8.49 at Walmart stores nationwide and Walmart.com. For more information about Dark & Lovely and the Uplift Bleach Kit, please visit DarkAndLovely.com or follow us on InstagramFacebookTwitter and YouTube.

ABOUT DARK & LOVELY
Dark & Lovely, founded in 1972, was created to help Black women express and embrace their individual styles. As one of the first brands to celebrate the Black consumer, for 50 years Dark & Lovely has been known for offering innovative products and technology made exclusively for Black Women to address their specific beauty needs.  As a subsidiary of L’Oréal USA, Dark & Lovely continues to unveil breakthrough hair innovations for women of color. For more information, visit www.darkandlovely.com

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February 1, 2022

How to Ensure You Start Drinking More 

We all know how much drinking water is important to our bodies, but even knowing that fact does not always make it easier to put into practice. It can be difficult to get the daily amount of water you need to stay hydrated, especially if you are not naturally inclined to keep sipping.

This piece is going to discuss a few ways in which you can ensure that you start drinking more. So, if this is something you are interested in, then read on to find out more!

Make It Fun

If you are struggling to do anything, the first thing you could try is making it fun. Most people can get through something if there is an element of play to it, so think of ways that you can make drinking more water appeal to you. One of the most common tips for making water more appealing is to add a flavoring you like. This could be anything from a favorite juice, adding something like Kool-Aid, or even getting experimental and adding your own separate flavorings, such as lemon slices and sprigs of rosemary. There are so many combinations that you are bound to find something you love and cannot stop drinking! 

Make It a Challenge 

For those who like more of a challenge on their hands and are driven by winning, turning hydration into a competition against yourself or others might be the best way to get you to drink more! If you are not sure what kind of challenge you want to start up with yourself or a friend, there are plenty to choose from online that will suit what you are looking for, or you can adapt accordingly. You could even make it more interesting and have a prize for those who have drunk the most water! That being said, it is important to understand the risks of drinking too much water so do not go overboard. If you have a swallowing condition, you might have to take things much more slowly. However, there are aids to help you drink more water, such as a SimplyThick food thickener packet, which you can take with you anywhere on the go and can be used in beverages.

Get Tracking

You can get a smart gadget for everything now, and your water bottle is no exception. If you are into gadgets and smart tech and you also like to see results as data, then this could be an excellent motivator for you. 

You can set up your own text alerts to encourage you to drink more, it can let you know the temperature of your drink inside the bottle, and it can track your intake of water so you know exactly how much you have drunk in a day out of the bottle. It can even come with additional useful features such as an inbuilt charging port! If this sounds like something you want to get your hands on, be sure to get one that has been recommended by experts to avoid disappointment.

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