Do you Reuse, Recycle or Reduce?  Are you a fan of composting. If you do all of those things like we do at our house,  allow me to introduce you to bottle none.  Just the fact that the entire packaging of this shampoo and conditioner bar is compostable was enough for me to try it out.

“Bottle None is a growing sustainable beauty brand created by two sisters whose nourishing and easy-to-use natural bar shampoos and conditioners are plastic packaging free.” “Traditional shampoos and conditioners are 80+% water, which requires a bottle and all sorts of added thickeners and preservatives,” said Bottle None co-founder Jaye Siegmueller. “When you nix the water you get more for your money, fewer chemicals, and less packaging guilt.””

Simply lather the shampoo bar in your hand and rub directly on your hair and wash and rinse.  The same goes for the conditioning bar. I rub the bar in my hands and apply to the roots of my hair. I get the same results as if I used my regular shampoo and conditioner.

1. Tame that hair with Rock the Locks, a fun hair care line with bold packaging that kids love, and safe, clean ingredients that Moms trust. No harsh chemicals, no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, dyes or petrolatum!! This line includes 7 fun products including NOT SO KNOTTY Conditioning Detangler, DON’T MESS WITH ME Texture Paste, CURLS WANNA HAVE FUN Curl Boost, SHAKE & SHIMMER Glitter Hairspray and TOTAL SOFTIE Leave-in Conditioner!

2. Put a rainbow of colors at kids’ fingertips while giving parents a peace-of-mind with Piggy Paint – a safe, non-toxic nail polish that is non-flammable, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, vegan, and proudly made in the U.S.A. This advanced water-based formula delivers all the thrills of a “big girl” mani-pedi without the harsh solvents and their dizzying fumes.

3. Ensure the kids catch some ‘zzzzzzz’s’ with Popmask! Popband, founder of the “World’s Kindest Hair Tie,” has just launched this amazing self-heating line of eye masks that are hitting the U.S. by storm. These eye masks allows you to close your eyes and drift into a beautiful la la land for a delicious 20 minutes. In that time, our mask will reduce eye puffiness, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed. It starts warming within 30 seconds and the heat lasts 20 minutes!

4. Blitz’s away dirt and grime to reveal a radiant, fresh complexion with 7th Heaven’s Glitter Peel-Off Mask! This cruelty-free, vegan and EASY single-serve peel-off masks are the ideal detox for skin after a long day to cleanse impurities that can lead to breakouts. Featuring pomegranate, cranberry and biodegradable glitter, the fresh fruity scent and fun glitter also helps uplift your mood!

5. Freshen up those back-to-school clothes with Indigo Wild’s Zum Clean Laundry Soap – This is not detergent, but it’s just as effective and lots gentler. Highly concentrated, it works perfectly in standard and HE washing machines. Coconut oil soap lifts stains, baking soda removes odors and essential oils add a fresh finish. The formula, which comes in several scents like sweet orange, lavender cedar and sea salt has zero parabens, phosphates, petrochemicals, cocomidopropyl betaine, or sulfates. AND, IT’S SAFE FOR LITTLE ONES!

6. And, while we’re talking about freshening up, be sure to throw some Zum Mist into your purse, backpack, gym bag and/or car! This aromatherapy spray is so versatile that it can be used in shoes, as a hair refresher, a linen spray, air and room freshener and more. Zum Mist contains only purified water, essential oils, and vegetable glycerin – no chemical emulsifiers. Cruelty-free and vegan.

7. Finally, to prepare for the crazy season ahead, check out TruMed Infrared Thermometer — a touchless digital forehead thermometer perfect for home, office or hospital use. TruMed uses infrared laser sensor technology and detects elevated temperatures without physical contact in seconds in a hygienic and convenient way. Temperature can be read at a 5 cm distance for forehead. Let me know if you want to try this new thermometer for coverage — it’s available at Target.com!

PureWine

A must for any wine lover! PureWine is the brand known for The WandTM, the unique filtration system that eliminates histamines and sulfites, the culprits causing headaches and other wine sensitivities, without altering the flavor of your delicious reds and whites. The ever-popular individual filter recently introduced four different Charm Wands. The end handle designs twist off and attach to any wine glass. wist-off charms include hearts, lucky clovers, wine drops and diamonds. For more practical wine accessories, PureWine also offers a filter/aerator system, The WaveTM, for entire wine bottles.

Price: $9.99+

The Spatty

Indulge in every last drop of your fave beauty product or most delicious bbq sauce in the fridge. There’s nothing more irritating than not being able to empty out those jars and bottles. Think of the money and product wasted! The Spatty is here to make sure you get every last ounce. Think of a kitchen rubber scraper, but with a smaller, more contoured design to get into those hard to reach areas of an almost-empty container. The Spatty comes in 6-inch and 12-inch sizes and in four different collections: Beauty and Bath, Kitchen, Crafting and Home and Auto.

 Price: $6.49 – $9.99

The Dearest Grey

The oh-so-chic brand offers modern baby products designed by a Mama herself! Catch bibs, pacifiers and assorted dinnerware are just a few of the brand’s most snag-worthy essentials every Mom in the know is stocking in her diaper bag.

Price: Varies

Pure Inventions

Fabric Face Masks from SwaddleDesigns

SwaddleDesigns converted their Seattle-area baby blanket production facility to manufacture cloth masks. SwaddleDesigns offers two different cotton face masks, designed by Lynette Damir, RN. SwaddleDesigns is using cotton fabrics consistent with published studies and CDC recommendations. Their 2-layer 100% Cotton Flannel Masks are designed to filter airborne particles. The

flannel is baby soft, lightweight and breathable. Features ear elastic and headband elastic for secure fit. Available in Adult Large, Medium size and Child size. Made in Washington.

Price: $9.99

Kidskin

Everyone knows it’s important to use sunscreen while playing outside! Kidskin, an affordable skincare line for preteens and teens, makes all their formulas in the USA including their popular SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen. Made with zinc oxide, red algae extract (a naturally powerful UV-absorbing substance), and other natural ingredients. UVA and UVB protection plus hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. Kidskin daily sunscreen will take the guesswork out of finding a safe sunblock for the entire family! Check out their safe and effective acne and sensitive skincare products for all ages too.

Price: $19.99

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I love all of my Spongelle products. Spongelle are sponges infused with the most amazing soap. I have  Spongelle buffers, shower sponges and body lotions.  All are available in the most delicate assorted fragrances. My latest addiction are the Spongelle Hand Defense sponges. I have one by three  of my sinks. at home.  Hand washing is a priority and Spongelle’s Hand Defense sponges are a great alternative to hand sanitizers which can dry out your hands.

These soap sponges aren’t messy, and smell fabulous. Spongelle Hand Defense sponges are designed for frequent hand washing. Spongelle’s Hand Defense sponges are enriched with Glycerin to moisturize and hydrate, Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter to smooth and soften and Panthenol and Oatmeal to soothe and protect.  What I love most about Spongelle Hand Defense is that the sponges clean cuticles, nail edges, and fine lines in your hands which helps when you are an avid gardener like myself. The Sponge acts as a gentle scrubbing agent so there is no need for a hand brush to scrub out the dirt. They are also very gentle on your skin.       

Each unique Spongelle  is formulated with Thyme and tea tree oils . The thyme has properties that soothe the skin and is a natural alternative to chemical-based sanitizers. Tea Tree Essential Oil is a highly effective anti-oxidant with strong aromatherapy and skin soothing properties. Together, these ingredients make an irresistible soap.

****Each Spongelle Hand Defense Soap has its own delightful fragrance.

****Spongelle Hand Defense has 40+ uses and replaces everyday hand soap.

It’s Patented Technology, Proprietary Infusion Technology, Time-Released Lather soap sponge is Dermatologist Tested, Vegan Friendly, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free and made in the USA

You can find the entire line of Spongelle Products and their fragrances at spongelle.com

Do you want your skin to look fresh and glow? Are you sad because the constant redness on your skin takes the beauty way? The positive side of the picture is that now there is a solution to everything. Simple tips and good skincare regime can help you get rid of your atopic skin for all times to come.

Shower with warm water

 When you have atopic skin, then it tends to dry out fast. When the skin becomes dry, then the irritation is bound to increase. When you bathe, make sure that you use warm water. The warm water will keep the moisture levels intact.

Avoid the use of scrubbers

You should not make use of scrubbers because they will irritate your skin further.

Making use of the best homemade remedies

Using coconut oil as a cleanser

Using the right homemade cleansers is significant when you have atopic skin. Ideally, you should use Coconut oil to clean your face. The best thing about Coconut oil is that it acts as a perfect makeup remover also.

Coconut oil also helps to soften your skin. When you have atopic skin, then make sure that you do not aggressively massage your face. Take a small amount of coconut oil in your hands. Massage your face with the coconut oil for about 30 seconds.

Next, apply a warm towel on your face. The best thing about a warm towel is that it tends to open up the pores present on your skin. Now, after 15 to 30 seconds, pat your face with a washcloth.

Utilizing Aloe Vera Gel

When you are looking for a natural solution for your atopic skin, then Aloe Vera gel is the best refuge. The best thing about Aloe Vera gel is that it has anti-bacterial properties. The gel tends to hydrate your skin. Plus, you will not have to worry about the fact that your atopic skin will become infected.

Apply honey on face

When you want your atopic skin to heal fast, then you can apply pure honey on your face. You can apply honey on the affected areas. 

Even when you use home remedies, there are some precautions you must follow by all means. Always do a patch test. Apply coconut oil, aloe vera gel or honey on the back of your hand first before application. 

Secondly, you should never sit near the fireplace. The hot air from the fireplace can make your skin worse. The reason is that hot air tends to dehydrate the skin. 

If you want to go for good quality skin products, then you can also consider exploring Bioderma Atopic Skin products. When you follow these guidelines, then your atopic skin will improve with the passage of time.

However, you need to be consistent in your efforts. At the same time, focus on your diet too. Keep yourself hydrated. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables to speed up the healing process. You will be happy with the results at the end of the day.

Balayage is extremely popular now because everyone wants low maintenance lived-in color that delivers a sun-kissed look without having to visit the salon too often.  Jessica Scott Santo, owner of Jessica Scott Hair and social media influencer, specializes in natural-looking Balayage, and she has 10 tips for perfecting it.

“Hair painting is becoming one of the most highly requested services in the salon, I teach classes on everything from basic to advanced Balayage, and these are the 10 things I teach colorists that are crucial for pulling off a seamless service and avoiding spotty results,” explains Santo.

10 Ways to Perfect a Balayage

1. Avoid making lightener too runny – Go for the consistency of cream cheese.
2. Clean sectioning – “If you paint a knot, you’re gonna get a SPOT!”
3. Keep a light hand – Don’t push product into the hair shaft. In French, Balayage means “to sweep,” not “to push.”
4. Blend well – If coating the back side of a section, make sure it’s well blended!
5. Even consistency from TOP to BOTTOM – If not, the hair will lift unevenly, and if hair is peaking out of the lightener, it won’t lift well.
6. Use a hard brush – Avoid the top of it, just use the body or flat side to prevent pushing the product down into the hair shaft, keep the brush parallel to the hair.   And, never touch the bristles to the hair unless skimming the hair, once bristles are felt, it starts to wipe product off of the hair.
7. Keep brush clean – Never let a Balayage brush live in a bowl.
8. TENSION, TENSION, TENSION – If that section doesn’t have good tension, the lightener will drive into the hair shaft, or be pushed there, instead of laying on top of the hair.
9. Position – Never paint in “toward” the body, especially with a very thick lightener, it’s easier to have a heavy hand, versus standing parallel to the hair (elbow and pinky out) and letting the product do the work!
10. Use insulation – It helps incubate, but also keeps sectioning clean

Jessica Scott Santo is an influencer and owner of Jessica Scott Hair (PA).  With over a decade of experience, she is known for her natural-looking Balayage on beautiful long hair.  She is a Balayage and Foil Design Specialist serving as a Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador and Sunlights Balayage Educator.  She is also a DesignMe.Artist and certified in Hair Talk and Great Lengths Extensions, as well as Brazilian Blowout. She was named “Best Hairstylist in the Lehigh Valley” (2018) for Style Magazine, and recognized as a Modern Salon’s Top 100, and BTCTeam 3X Finalist.  Scott believes that encouraging and celebrating the accomplishments of others on social media leads to personal growth and success.  Website: www.jessicascotthair.com; Instagram: @jessicascotthair.