Whether you’re trying to reach the very last drops of makeup and lotions to sauces and condiments, there’s nothing more irritating than getting the product you need out of a narrow bottle. Reaching and scraping where traditional spoons and rubber scrapers cannot, it’s The Spatty to the rescue!

Just as the kitchen rubber scraper is a game-changer cooking and baking, The Spatty works the same, but in narrow, hard-to-reach places. Designed with the right amount of flexibility, it easily moves around the curves and corners of containers but remains firm enough for mixing, spreading, and decorating.

Spatty specs:

– Available in sets of two it comes in 6-inch and 12-inch sizes;  Dishwasher safe, FDA approved, BPA free ;  Made in the USA

Whatever the need, there’s a Spatty for that! It’s the ultimate tool you’ll never be without for your craft, home, auto and culinary projects.

Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted looking flawless with the help of DOSE OF COLORS in Cannes today. The supermodel rocked a subtle smokey eye on the red carpet using DOSE of COLOR’s Friendcation Eyeshadow Palette($55; www.doseofcolors.com).

For years, the most popular exfoliating ingredients were plastic microbeads. Since they were affordable and effective, companies used them in a wide variety of cosmetic and skincare products. In recent years, it’s come to light that microbeads are bad for the environment.

Since they are made of plastic, microbeads are not biodegradable, and since they are often smaller than two millimetres, they aren’t filtered through water treatment systems. The negative impact towards the environment and public health encouraged countries across the world to start banning plastic microbeads from being manufactured and distributed.

But what can cosmetics companies do? There is still a demand for skincare products that exfoliate. Now that consumers are avoiding microbeads and more governments are legally punishing the use, the only thing that producers can do is find effective alternatives.

Pumice Powder

One of the best mechanical exfoliating alternatives to microbeads is pumice powder — these are abrasive crystals made from ground up igneous rock. It’s a time-tested, all-natural ingredient. It appeals to consumers who are searching for cosmetics that are wholesome and eco-friendly.  

The ingredient is excellent for tackling rougher skin. It’s buffing powers are perfect in foot scrubs, where the goal is to remove lots of build-up and create a softened surface. It can also be used in face scrubs and washes for people with normal to tougher skin.

You should click here to learn more about the ingredient and how you can acquire this resource for your company’s cosmetic products. An experienced supplier can give you all the information you need, along with exciting alternatives for other items in your formulations.

Jojoba Beads

The Jojoba plant can produce a liquid wax ester, which can be transformed into a microbead. Unlike its plastic counterparts, this wax microbead is biodegradable and environmentally-friendly.

Jojoba beads are not as abrasive as other exfoliating materials like walnut shells, pumice powder, ground seeds or sugars. They are well-suited for products dedicated to sensitive skin or dry skin.  

Glycolic Acid

An ingredient like glycolic acid is considered one of the best exfoliating ingredients because it is very effective at penetrating the skin and removing dead cells. It does more than a deep clean — it also promotes new cell generation, meaning faster healing and more collagen and elastin production.

Some consumers will be concerned about a chemical exfoliant over a manual one. However, the concern over it being “unnatural” can be easily dispelled. The ingredient is a derivative of sugarcane. It’s biodegradable, environmentally-friendly and frequently used by dermatologists.

Exfoliation is an important step in a skincare routine. It removes dead cells collecting on the top layer of your skin. By cleaning the dead cells away, users can brighten their complexion and make their skin feel silky smooth. The technique also improves the results of other skincare products, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the surface.

Losing microbeads doesn’t mean that consumers will lose out on exfoliation. With the help of exfoliating alternatives, users will feel happy about the look of their skin and about their conscious decision to buy products that are good for the environment.

Once again Mother’s Day is just around the corner. While this date tends to fly right up to us and can sometimes catch us off guard, there’s no reason that with a little planning and consideration can go a long way.

To help you plan for a good Mother’s Day this year, here are some gift ideas for the yarn-loving woman in your life. There are plenty of creative ways you can encourage the craft of someone who loves to knit and crochet. You’ll look like a star when you give your mom these gifts!

Yarn Bouquet

For the mother who loves to knit, swap out a traditional flower bouquet for a colorful yarn bouquet. You don’t have to look too hard to find the best and brightest springtime colors since a quick visit to your favourite online yarn store will show you everything you need.

You can even go for a cheeky and memorable presentation by creating a paper and cellophane cone just like you would get at a flower shop. Keep things seasonal by sticking to springtime colors like soft pastels and light neutrals. Ideally, the yarn colors you choose will coordinate, so browse online and stop by Yarnspirations to see more options of finished projects and their color schemes.

Lotions, Oils, and Scents for Knitters

Give an extra thoughtful gift this year and get your mom some items that will make her knitting and crocheting experience more enjoyable — and even luxurious! Hand balm makes it easier to knit and keeps hands from drying up and catching on the yarn.

Major knitting projects require plenty of yarn handling, so a soothing and gorgeous-smelling balm can keep her hands in the best condition. As a little something extra, why not tag on a lavender or cedar-filled pouch to better store mom’s yarn? The smell is lovely and tossed into a basket or drawer of yarn, it can help keep moths and mites away.

Crochet Your Own Gift Basket

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a truly lovely gift basket? Whether it was filled with fruits, cheese, soaps, chocolate, or anything else that can go into a gift basket, it’s always great to receive and open up a gift basket. There’s so many ways you can fill it and plenty of different themes and styles you can use.

If you’re planning on gifting a collection of small items to the mother figure in your life this year, why not personalize the gift by putting it all in a handmade crochet basket? You don’t have to be an advanced crocheter to make a basket yourself, and putting a little thought into the container for your gift means that your mother will also get a reusable basket.

Crochet baskets are super versatile and can fit into any room in the home. Once all the treats in the basket are used up, your crocheted piece can find its forever home next to mom’s favourite armchair, filled with yarn for her own crafty projects.

Hayley Orrantia was photographed wearing THREE FLOOR, Ruthie Davis, and UNOde50 while attending Sony Pictures Television’s Emmy FYC Event in Los Angeles recently. The Goldberg’s star looked summer ready in THREE FLOOR’s Pastel Plisse Dress,  Cassie Heels in White from Ruthie Davis ($595,www.ruthiedavis.com), and accessorized her look with UNOde50’s Accomplished Mission Earrings ($110) and the Yesyes Ring ($145 www.unode50.com ).

By now, most people know that sleep is essential for feeling and looking healthy. However, many people don’t realize that insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions.¹ A lack of sleep causes free radical production which wreaks havoc on the body.² Additionally, a lack of sleep can result in trouble concentrating, irritability and “beauty fatigue” – a tired appearance.

“My patients are always looking for tips on how to maintain radiant looking skin, and I tell them, when it comes to your skincare, lifestyle, and dietary choices – all of which impact your skin’s health through the gut-brain-skin axis – consistency is key. Consistently getting a good night’s sleep (‘beauty sleep’ is real), supplementing your healthy diet with antioxidants, and limiting exposure to free radical producers like blue light are all essential to healthy, vibrant looking skin,” advises NYC dermatologist, Whitney Bowe, MD.“When it comes to healing and nourishing your skin from the inside-out, I often recommend Heliocare Daily Antioxidant Formula to my patients because this supplement helps serve as a protector; it helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals from the inside out,* and it’s a simple, maintainable step to add to your daily routine.”

Heliocare Daily Antioxidant Formula contains an antioxidant called Polypodium leucotomos (PLE), which aids in eliminating free radicals and their harsh effects on your body.* Reducing free radicals can help with “beauty fatigue” as well, as it helps to maintain younger-looking, more resilient skin.* Only the PLE extract in Heliocare, which has been studied for over 25 years, has been extensively tested by leading American and international dermatologists.

Unfortunately, if you prioritize logging the recommended seven to nine hours of shuteye, you’re not necessarily in the clear because you may not be getting “quality sleep,” which has its own set of issues. ³ To set yourself up for quality, uninterrupted sleep, establish a nightly routine to help shift your mind into a relaxed state. Here are a few ideas:

• Try lighting a chamomile scented candle to help signal the transition from “high power, work mode” to “low power, relaxed mode.” Of course be sure to blow out the candle well in advance of falling asleep!
• Enjoy a cup of Chamomile or Lemon Balm tea, known for inducing calm.
• Spray your pillow with a lavender mist, credited with helping to support relaxation and improved sleep.
• And to help transform your bedroom into a sleep haven, try a sound machine, blackout shades and dropping the thermostat to 65 degrees.⁴

Sweet dreams!

Heliocare Products can be purchased at Walgreens

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/chronic_disease.html

² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4117056/

³ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html

⁴ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/touch/what-temperature-should-your-bedroom-be

About Ferndale Healthcare®, Inc.:

Ferndale Healthcare, Inc. is an affiliate of Ferndale Pharma Group Inc., a fully integrated holding company. Ferndale Healthcare targets several key specialty markets which encompass disease states that range from benign anorectal disorders to various skin conditions. The company’s mission is to provide high-quality, value-added products that help patients get back to what matters most in their lives—living well. Many of Ferndale Healthcare’s products are leaders in their respective categories.