September 7, 2018

Handmade Plus Size Lingerie and Swimwear Brand Viva Voluptuous

Handmade Plus Size Lingerie and Swimwear Brand Viva Voluptuous Launches in the USA After Runaway UK Success

Handmade Plus Size Lingerie Viva Voluptuous

Handmade Plus Size Lingerie Viva Voluptuous

 

UK swimwear and lingerie brand Viva Voluptuous will bring its groundbreaking collection of handmade and ethical plus size lingerie and swimwear designed specifically for the fuller figure to the US this month.

Featuring the latest designs in bra sizes up to 48K, all Viva Voluptuous swimwear and lingerie collections are comfortable, durable and fashionable, staying to the British brand’s mantra that size shouldn’t affect style.

From boudoir to poolside, the modern, stylish pieces are designed to flatter fuller figures, with high quality materials, on-trend prints and modern colors. The collection has a distinctive, quintessential British high fashion edge, made utterly wearable for every American woman.

Handmade in the EU using the finest fabrics and ethically sourced materials, Viva Voluptuous focuses on creating the perfect fit for the fuller figure so customers look and feel fabulous, regardless of their dress size.

Previous offerings in the UK market have been poorly sized and of questionable quality – a gripe which inspired Viva Voluptuous director and founder Liz Willis to create her own range and offer other plus size women a modern, fashionable alternative for seductive lingerie and eye-catching swimwear for beach and poolside confidence. “We think all women have a right to wear beautiful, bright colours and sheer laces,” Willis says. “Most companies change their designs once they get over 40 underband, to beige and granny prints. Furthermore, unlike a number of companies that make very big cups, but with a biggest underband of around 38/40, Viva Voluptuous specializes in bigger underbands, without compromising on prettiness.

“We are very impressed with how much more body confident American ladies are and are so excited to launch in the USA. Although we are definitely making progress in the UK, we still have some way to go. We sincerely hope American women love our mermaid bikinis, neon orange bra sets and sexy red suspenders as much as we do.”

To find out more, visit www.vivavoluptuous.com.

 

About

Viva Voluptuous is a British lingerie and swimwear designer for the fuller figure. Having gained success in the UK market, the brand has now launched its curvaceous collection in the USA.

 

All products from Viva Voluptuous are handmade in the EU, meaning a durable product with a perfect fit that boosts confidence and allows plus sized ladies to celebrate their passion for fashion.

 

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September 4, 2018

SATISFY PUMPKIN CRAVINGS WITH FALL INSPIRED SPA TREATMENT

The Spa at Coronado Island

The Spa at Coronado Island

 

The Power of Pumpkin: The Spa at Coronado Island Features New Spa Treatment That Harnesses The Anti-Aging Effects of Fall Fruits

This fall, ditch the Pumpkin Spice Latte and “fall” for a seasonal spa treatment.When fall hits in San Diego, so does pumpkin mania and in celebration the Spa at Coronado Island – located at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, introduces a power peel enzyme facial that harnesses the power of seasonal fruits.

From moisturizing and brightening the skin, to increasing cell renewal and collagen production, pumpkin is rich with healthy nutrients perfect for beauty treatments, including Vitamin A (skin healing), Vitamin C (antioxidant) and Zinc (skin glowing).

The seasonal Pumpkin and Yam Peel Facial featured this fall at the Spa at Coronado island uses the natural fruit enzymes found in pumpkin and yam to leave the skin looking and feeling pure and radiant. The purée of fall fruits removes dead skin cells, reduces the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and sun damage. The Pumpkin and Yam Peel Facial is available as a 50-minute treatment for $135 or as an $80-minute treatment at $189.

Seasonal fall spa treatments at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa are available now For more information or to book a treatment at the Spa at Coronado Island, call (619) 522-3043. View the entire Spa at Coronado Island menu  here.

About Coronado Island Resort & Spa Marriott:

There is a certain life altering energy at the Coronado Island Resort & Spa Marriott. Away from the crowds, on the quiet side of California’s famed Coronado Island, it is a seaside destination that possesses an air of seclusion. The resort features three floors with 273 rooms, 27 suites, 23 meeting rooms with 25,000 square feet of total event space, two restaurants, outdoor pool and whirlpool, the Spa at Coronado Island and state-of-the-art wellness center. Coronado Island Resort & Spa Marriott provides nearby access to popular San Diego attractions including, Balboa Park, PETCO Park and the San Diego Zoo, and is located at 2000 Second St. in Coronado. For information, visit www.marriott.com/SANCI or call 1-619-435-3000.

Join Marriott Rewards now and earn points that can be redeemed for free hotel stays and room upgrades at 3,800 hotels in over 70 countries. Learn more about Marriott International Inc.
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September 2, 2018

Why Roof Cleaning is an Important Part of Home Maintenance

 

As a homeowner, a house with a clean roof gives you confidence. While more focus is placed inside the home, you should also spend time and prioritize maintaining a clean roof as well. Algae, moss, and dirt build up can all reduce the rooflifespan – they trap moisture on tiles and the shingles.

Luckily, cleaning can help prevent and extend your roof lifespan. Plus a clean roof can also help increase the value of your home when selling. One of the best ways to ensure your home continues to a worthy investment is by cleaning and maintaining it as needed.

Why Roof Cleaning is Important

  • Clean Roof Extends its Lifespan and Saves You Money

The fact is that a clean roof lasts longer. A dirty roof is a breeding ground for some of the nastiest organisms, creatures, and microorganisms you can imagine. Fungus and bacterial does not only find dirty roof accommodating, but they are most likely to start eating it away.

The cost of roof repair is substantial and could drive you into a financial meltdown.  Depending on your house location, fungi are also capable of multiplying exponentially,and they will damage the roof in the long run. Keeping your roof clean can get rid of all these organisms and help you avoid the need to repair or replace it, thus saving you money.

  • Protect Your Investment

Your house is without a doubt one of your most significant investment, and the job of the roof is to protect it. Protecting your investment must be one of your main priorities and cleaning the roof is one of the significant ways of doing that. Whether you own a 3-bedroomed bungalow or skyscraper, roof cleaning is one of the smartest things to do – keeping it tide, clean and safe for all.

  • Provide Comfort

When your roof breedsalgae and debris, it makes it difficult for it to reflect sunlight into your house. And this makes it more challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home – this could sometimes make it less comfortable. Unfortunately, they do not just vanish, it takes you or hired roof cleaners for all the dirt and organism to disappear and ensure it is in a fresh smelling and superbly clean condition.

  • Increase the Home’s Resale Value

The roof of your house should not bring down its aesthetic appeal especially if you’re planning to put it on the market. It is difficult to sell with a dirty roof because the prospective buyers may not trust the other parts of a house with a deplorable roof.

After all, the first thing any prospective buyer will see is the roof of the building, and with that single reason, they may decide not to part ways with their cash. A house with a dirty roof will most likely not attract serious buyer thereby staying in the market for long. So the best option is to clean the roof and prepare the house ready for sale.

Things You Should Know About Roof Cleaning

  • You May Still Need to clean your roof even if Algae Isn’t Visible

You may look at the roof of your house and not see any sign of algae and conclude that your roof is clean enough and don’t need cleaning. It is a common mistake that could be costly because algae are usually invisible in their earliest stages. It is better for you to have a regular roof inspection to ensure it doesn’t have an issue.

  • Taking the DIY Route is not as simple as it seems

Many homeowners love the aspects of been the one to maintain their property. DIYers can enjoy painting the shutters and cutting the lawn in the right circumstances. However, some property maintenance jobs involve more work than you would expect. For instance, when it comes to replacing a roof, most homeowners would hire a roofing company because they feel that an expert will do a better job. The same can be said of roof cleaning.

Although some of the materials needed for cleaning may be available to the general public, buying these items and attempting to handle this task on your own can be challenging. There are many cases of homeowners unintentionally damaging their roof by scraping away at tiles and shinglesor making use of the wrong chemical. It is always more efficient and safer to hire professionals who will use the right products and techniques to put your roof into the best condition possible.

Types of Roof Cleaning Methods

There are two types of roof cleaning methods: the pressure and chemical washing. The pressure washing method uses highly pressurized water to eliminate dirt, algae, and mold from the roof surface. Most professional companies like MKL Pressure Cleaning Brisbane will use low-pressure methods to preserve the integrity of the tiles or asphalt shingles and higher pressure for a metal roof.

Chemical cleaning, on the other hand, is the process of using chemicals to clean the roof. However, some chemicals can damage your roof,and the runoff could potentially hurt your landscape or part of the house. So it is vital that a profession complete this task.

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September 1, 2018

Plastic Surgeon Gets Real on the Secrets Most Keep Under Wraps

chin implant

 

Plastic surgeons on TV Shows like”Botched” and the old favorite “NipTuck”, are seen as the perfect specimen of looks, wealth and a fabulously crafted and curated lifestyle. They’re impeccably dressed, have gregarious personalities and their significant others are the epitome of perfection. Is there more to the story? Are there practice secrets that are kept more confidential than the facelift of a 50-year-old socialite? Dr. Stanley Poulos, a San Francisco Bay area board certified plastic surgeon gets real on secrets many   plastic surgeons prefer to keep under wraps.

1)Sometimes you will have more than just “a little discomfort” managed with some light dosage of pain medication.

Everyone has a different pain threshold and post op bruising and swelling vary so certain procedures will take longer to recover from. Abdominoplasty, body lifts, and combination surgeries like “mommy makeover” are just a few examples of procedures where recovery may be extended.

Many people who have had procedures can think of a time a few days post op where they wanted to curse their surgeon or ask “why in the world did I do this?”

Just because it’s an elective aesthetic surgery doesn’t make it any less of an operation. Dr. Poulos explains that there are two very important things you want to get clear on, the actual level of pain and recovery time. Recovery time to return to ranching or running marathons may be a lot different than being able to drive or get out.  He advises speaking to a few friends or references who had the same procedure. Just remember that like childbirth as time goes by the experience may  seem easier than it was.

“You need to know so you can make necessary arrangements with work and childcare or elder care if need be. Some procedures can take at least a week or two before resuming normal activity so the more realistic the expectations the better,” adds Poulos.

2) There may be more than just “minimal scarring.”

 “Scarring has nothing to do with the surgeon’s skill and everything to do with the patient’s genetics,” clarifies Dr. Poulos. He goes on to explain that a highly skilled plastic surgeon can do the same exact procedure with closure on two different people. One will have minimal scarring while the other will not.” People with darker complexions should consider this before deciding to do a procedure and certainly consult with your doctor’s team who can recommend remedies that help with scarring.

3) Cellulite removal isn’t just easily “zapped away” with a laser.

Today there are many options available, each claiming to treat cellulite effectively. Some are a bit more invasive. Cellulaze for example is a highly promoted actual surgical procedure using an invasive laser that must be threaded under the skin. “Even though this is considered minimally invasive, it’s not an easy zap. Even with improvement the results often will not meet expectations so be realistic.

4) There’s an expiration date on results due to the aging process.

We see celebrities who desperately battle mother nature. Aging is inevitable. The average “shelf life” of a facelift is about 10 years. “A facelift is a large financial investment along with significant recovery time. The better the skin elasticity the closer to a decade you’ll get. Odds are even better you’ll have a more enduring result if you don’t smoke or sun-worship,” says Dr. Poulos. He goes on to say that he believes it’s really important to lay out the real expectations given skin texture and volume. Some people may notice the lower quadrant of their faces aging just a few years post facelift. While a person will still look youthful post facelift, it’s not going to prevent aging.”

About the Doctor:

Dr. Stanley Poulos is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Co-Founder with Yngvar Hvistendahl, M.D of Plastic Surgery Specialists recognized as one of the premier aesthetic surgery clinics in Northern California, with over 30-years’ experience in aesthetic procedures, and mastery of facial and body symmetry. Dr. Poulos offers weight loss procedures such as the gastric balloon that allow patients to achieve optimal health and, when combined with exercise and proper nutrition, and ongoing consultation with a specialist (an option few surgeons offer before considering surgery) the results have been exceptional.

A graduate of the University of Texas Medical School, Dr. Poulos completed his internship and residency at UC San Francisco. He completed surgery and plastic surgery training in San Francisco prior to entering private practice in Marin County where he co-founded PSS (www.psspecialists.com)

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August 29, 2018

SmartSeat Lifts & Tightens, Retrains Muscle Memory, Activates The Core Abdominals

SmartSeat, Posture Corrector Seat, retrains your muscle memory so you sit correctly improving posture and improving your core. SmartSeat even helps to prevent spider veins by improving circulation. The SmartSeat helps relieve lower back and sciatica pain.

 

Image from physicalmindinstitute.com

Image from physicalmindinstitute.com

 

OK, so this is too good to be true? No it isn’t. Really, it isn’t. It’s an amazing new innovative launch from Physical Mind™ Institute.

First, from the website, let me quote some info about PhysicalMind Institute. “PhysicalMind Institute was established in 1991 as pioneers of the Pilates Certification industry as The Method Pilates and have spent over 25 years dedicated to education and innovation in an always evolving industry.” Sounds quite credible to me! You can find out more HERE.

About SmartSeat: “This posture corrector will make sitting with legs un-crossed feel good.”

Learning about this was very timely, as my Dance Instructor, Fran Golombiewski, recently mentioned that leg crossing can cause bad posture and have bad effects on the back, hip and pelvis. A chiropractor once told me that  sitting for long periods of time with legs crossed can worsen varicose veins.

Here is what the team at PhysicalMind Institute has to say:

How we sit, with crossed legs and the pelvis tucked, is why 80% of us will experience back and hip pain. Sitting this way compresses the spine and lumbar discs, inhibits abdominal muscle support, and unbalances the pelvis and may restrict circulation causing spider veins.

“Sitting is the New Smoking,” the folks at the PhysicalMind Institute say. Dr. James Levine agrees.

The Los Angeles Times recently interviewed the doctor who is the Director of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative. Dr. Levine has been studying the adverse effects of our increasingly sedentary lifestyles for years and has summed up his findings in these sentences.

“Sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death.” This is why using SmartSeat is so important.

Just 30 minutes of daily SmartSeat use will retrain your body so that you can sit comfortably with legs uncrossed. SmartSeat weighs just three ounces but supports the weight of the torso, its design lifts only the SITTING bones, not the seat.

SmartSeat activates the Core Abdominals which are so important. Strong core abdominals make it easier to do many physical activities. It lifts & lightens the upper body, energizes breathing and more.

SmartSeat is made of a suede-like foam and comes in a protective bag with two portable wedges so that you can sit well anywhere. We love that!

Available now at www.physicalmindinstitute.com/smartseat .

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August 29, 2018

Celebrate National Literacy Day with Bioré Skincare

Celebrate National Literacy Day on September 8th with Bioré Skincare. This year to help celebrate the launch of their new Limited Edition Citrus Crush Pore Strips, Bioré partnered with Girl Up to help crush illiteracy.
Girl Up is a campaign of the United Nations Foundation that mobilizes girls and women across the globe to raise awareness and funds for United Nations programs that help adolescent girls in need. With actress and Brand Ambassador Shay Mitchell supporting the partnership, Bioré Skincare’s donation will go towards constructing classrooms in Uganda to increase refugee girls’ school enrollment and quality of learning by addressing overcrowded classes.
Bioré Limited Edition Citrus Crush Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are infused with a citrus scent. These strips turn lemons into lemonade, working like a magnet to lift out deep-down grime, oil and blackheads inside even your most clogged pores. The colorful, zesty pore strips will draw out an entire week’s worth of buildup in just 10 minutes.
These limited edition pore strips are available through November 2018 for $6.49 at select food, drug and mass merchant stores.
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August 29, 2018

Introducing…Sally Hansen MG Color Whirl

Sally Hansen says it’s time to liven up those manis with the latest installment to their Miracle Gel lineup featuring the NEW Miracle Gel Color Whirl! (And yes, it’s as cool as it sounds!) It’s an overcoat that creates a marble effect over any Miracle Gel polish, so you’ll still get the great chip resistant gel-like wear you expect, but now with a mesmerizing design!
This innovative formula works with all your favorite classic Miracle Gel shades, or any on-trend seasonal colors to give you a new eye-catching look every time! Miracle Gel Color Whirl is available in two color-transforming “overcoats”, Steam Punk and Marble-ous, that work with the Miracle Gel 2-step system giving you a new salon-inspired look in just one swipe, right in the comfort of your own home!
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August 29, 2018

6 Affordable Strategies You Can Use to Promote a Small Business


Promoting a small business is quite different compared to doing the same for a more well-known company. Due to having a smaller budget, small businesses often have limited options when it comes to advertising their brand. But this doesn’t mean that they have to shell out a larger sum in order to reach more people. With enough planning and proper execution, owners and managers of small businesses can properly promote their business and widen their customer base, even if they are on a shoestring budget. Here are some creative cost-friendly advertising strategies that they can use:

1. Give out freebies. Giving away freebies that bear the logo of your business accomplishes a few things. First, it makes your customers feel appreciated and valued. Second, by turning your customers into brand ambassadors, you are also making your business more visible. Giving away freebies like customized silicone wristbands and woven lanyards might sound like the opposite of saving money, but it’s actually cheaper than going through more traditional advertising routes like posting ads on your local TV stations. Aside from lanyards and wristbands, you can also order pens, keychains, or magnets in bulk and give them away to your regulars.

2. Invest in reusable packaging. Another great way of making your brand more visible is by using reusable packaging or bags that are emblazoned with your logo. Encourage your customers to use the bags in your shop by giving them incentives when they do so. Your customers can also choose to reuse the bag for other purposes and consequently display your company logo for everyone to see. In addition to making your logo more visible, this advertising strategy is also a telling sign that your business supports eco-friendly practices.

3. Put up printed posters. Good old printed posters haven’t lost their place in the modern times. Have someone design an attractive poster that includes information about your business, such as the services or products you provide, your base of operations, and how to get in touch with you. Then post these in highly visible and high-traffic areas around your neighborhood, like in parks and other shared spaces. You can also use the digital copy of the poster as an asset for your website and social media accounts.

4. Use social media platforms. Advertise your business for free online by maintaining active social media accounts. Set up official social media accounts for the company and use it to promote promos and events and to keep existing customers and followers engaged online. Post and share stuff, ideally a few times every week, and actively answer questions; consistency helps make your account feel more official and attracts more followers.

5. Partner with other local businesses. Partnering with another establishment can help you gain more leads and customers. Ideally, you should partner with a business that: doesn’t directly compete with yours, is in a related industry, and can recommend clients to you and vice versa. For example, if you’re in the business of selling flowers or running a photography business, then it’s a good idea to partner with an events management agency or catering services provider. Recommend your partners to customers who might need their services and your partners will do the same for your business.
Sponsor local events.

6. Sponsoring local events can go a long way in endearing your business to the neighborhood surrounding it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money for this, as you can always contribute in-kind through your products or services. Aside from promoting your business during the event, take time to also get to know your market and connect with your customers.

Advertising a small business takes a bit of effort, but this doesn’t mean that you always have to resort to using expensive strategies just to make your small business a household name within your area of operations. Keep these cost-friendly strategies in mind when planning your next promotional activity so you can reach out to more people without spending a lot of money.

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August 29, 2018

Ami Mallon, Global Corporate Educator for Osmosis Skincare Shares Her Predictions

Ami Mallon, Global Corporate Educator for Osmosis Skincare is sharing her predictions for the top makeup, skincare & wellness trends to try for Fall/Winter 2018.

Top Makeup & Skincare Trends for Fall/Winter 2018

Fall is an exciting time of change as the seasons evolve and the school year begins. This makes it the perfect opportunity to incorporate some of Fall and Winter’s hottest upcoming makeup, skincare & wellness trends into your beauty arsenal. Ami Mallon, Global Corporate Educator for Osmosis Skincare and Osmosis Colour Mineral Cosmetics shares her predictions for the top trends to try as pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters come back into style.

Makeup Trend: Brows with Texture

Brows with Texture

Brows with Texture

 

It’s no surprise that brows have been on trend for quite some time now, but the evolution they have made is extraordinary! Brows have moved from thin, to big and bold and overdrawn. “This Fall/Winter’s take on brows is all about the natural texture of the hair itself, explains Mallon. “Brows being shown brushed up, undone and even “boy” like. The key to this look? A good brow gel!” Osmosis Colour’s Brow Gels have just the right amount of pigment and wear ability for a more natural application that works to hold hairs in place but will also fill in blank areas as well.

Makeup Trend: Blue Toned Eyes

Blue Toned Eyes

Blue Toned Eyes

 

Although aqua blue on the eyes is normally more of a summer trend, we are seeing hints of various blue shades all over runways for Fall/Winter this year. Blue serves as a playful alternative to black or brown on the eyes and works with every eye color.

For a gorgeous blue liner that stays put throughout the day, try Osmosis Colour’s Navy Eye Pencil. “It can be used to either line the eyes or all over the lid as a daring shadow that mimics the depths of the ocean.” The smooth, water resistant formula features vitamin E and jojoba oil to nourish, hydrate and condition for a comfortable, eye-popping dimension.

Makeup Trend: Blush is Back

Blush is Back

Blush is Back

 

Good news, blush is back with a vengeance and it’s taking the place of that summertime bronzy tan. We are seeing bright pops of peachy pink, giving the skin that I’ve just been outside on the ski slopes, youthful and fresh look. Achieve this with Osmosis Colour Crushed Coral Blush. “This shade is the perfect combination of peach and pink shimmer to warm up the face and draw attention to the cheeks,” says Mallon. Plus, its mineral pigments reflect light to create a soft-focus effect, illuminating your features while minimizing the appearance of imperfections. Green tea extract neutralizes free radicals while moringa seed oil hydrates and nourishes. Vitamins A and C boost firmness and elasticity.

Skincare Trend: Inside Out Beauty

Inside Out Beauty

Inside Out Beauty

 

You are what you eat and your skin is what you eat too! Ingestibles are all the rage when it comes to skincare. Supplements have the ability to treat specific skin conditions when topical skincare products often falter. “I love Osmosis Skincare’s Complete Digestive Enzyme supplement which contains many different types of enzymes,” explains Mallon. “It is designed to mimic the natural functions of the pancreas, tackling digestion and allowing the body to better absorb and utilize nutrients, clearing skin and offering a natural radiance!”

Skincare Trend: Supercharged Skincare

Supercharged Skincare

Supercharged Skincare

 

Skincare that is catered specifically to you, your skin type and skin’s needs has been on the rise. However, skincare that offers (and is) more is what we are seeing! “I like to refer to this as “boosted skincare” – skincare that is super charged and filled to the brim with ingredients like peptides, vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, growth factors, and superfoods for your skin.” Osmosis Skincare features serums which are active concentrates, meaning they contain significantly less water than traditional skincare. Less water = more actives and more significant change to the skin upon use. A best seller, Osmosis Skincare’s Stemfactor Growth Factor Serum features advanced exosome technology to maximize the delivery of over 600 growth factors and skin proteins derived from adult stem cells to improve all aspects of skin damage and aging. This unique lightweight serum stimulates new cells and rebuilds collagen and elastin for a radiant, youthful complexion.

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August 27, 2018

Jergens Natural Glow 3Days to Glow Moisturizer

Jergens Natural Glow 3Days to Glow Moisturizer

Jergens Natural Glow 3Days to Glow Moisturizer

Speed up your glow, leave the odor behind with Jergens Natural Glow 3Days to Glow Moisturizer. Summer is unfortunately winding down and it’s time to secure the finishing touches on that sun-kissed shade you’ve been gunning for all season. Achieve a full shade of color in just three days, with noticeable change after just one use. Streak-free, hassle-free and now odor-free tanning for when you’re in a pinch.

Jergens Natural Glow 3Days to Glow Moisturizer is perfect for Fall and Winter too when outfits call for panty hose or tights and you prefer to go natural and still look fabulous.

Available at Mass Retails and Drugstores.

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