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Beauty & Style

Beauty Treatments That Will Make You Feel Your Best
BeautyBeauty & StyleDIYLifestyle

Beauty Treatments That Will Make You Feel Your Best

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

We all have those bad days when we’re in desperate need for a bubble bath and some smooth jazz in the background, with scented candles infusing the air with pure serenity, right? Well, it’s on those particular days that we realize that beauty is so much more than skin-deep. It’s that feeling of comfort in your own skin, of no rush moments when you devote your full attention to your body and soul and choose only the finest ingredients to treat your body like the temple that it is.

As a mom, or a mom-to-be, these self-care moments are all the more vital. You tend to your inner caregiver, you become a role model to your little ones, and you pamper that bun in the oven when you’re expecting. Whichever stage of life you might be in, there are beauty-focused ways to feel gorgeous, relaxed, and grateful for the body that you have – so let’s go over a few that can help you even on your most hectic of days.

Sweat Out Your Troubles

Photo by The Creative Exchange on Unsplash

Most of us like that feeling when you enter a sauna – your muscles instinctively relax, your breathing changes, your pores open up, and all the pent-up negativity slowly vanishes. As you sit there, quietly pondering life, the steam helps you purify your pores, which is a vital step to help your skin make the most of all the beauty products you’re about to slather afterwards.

No time for a full-blown sauna escape? You can steam your face with herbal teas with the same glorious effect. It will tone, plump, boost circulation, help you get rid of those annoying blackheads, and prep your complexion for that sunscreen.

Vivify Your Skin Care

Photo by ika dam on Unsplash

This is a shout-out to all future moms who are struggling to find a comfortable position to sleep in, let alone a moment for pampering. In those beautiful months of bonding with the bun in your belly, you need to create a pregnancy skin care ritual based on natural ingredients such as clay for purification and inflammation-reducing antioxidant masks. It shouldn’t boil down to preventing stretch marks, as your skin truly deserves more, better-tailored care during your pregnancy.

Natural, toxin-free, organic goodies in your skin care items are your best choice for the long haul, not just while you’re expecting. However, start now, and you’ll likely help your skin through this somewhat challenging period to prevent and treat acne, signs of aging, dry patches, and the like.

Head for a Relaxing Massage

Photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash

Imagine finding that perfect solution to painful, swollen ankles, sore joints, and overburdened, painful lower back. That would be a professional massage helping your muscles and your joints cope with your growing baby, and giving you the much-needed time to relax.

Even if you’re not expecting, every gal should treat herself to an occasional relaxing hour under the hands of a skilled masseuse. It’s wonderful for your circulation, skin health, and it can become a truly calming ritual with the help of the right essential oils, candles, and music.

Treat Yourself to that Bath

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Sometimes, the simplest solutions that protect our beauty are the ones we need the most. And so we go back to the bubble bath, the iconic epitome of Zen you can do at home, and every week if you so please. Instead of relying on the bubbles, add a few bath essentials to make it worth your while. Think about herbal baths infused with plants that help you sleep better, sea minerals for radiant skin, and prime moisturizing baths with fair trade honey.

Just a few drops of lavender essential oil, or any other favorite of yours, and you’ll be floating away to an oasis of your own. Put on some tunes, slather a generous facial mask for rejuvenation, and enjoy your own fifteen minutes of glory.

Pamper Your Tired Locks

If your pores are tired, how can you assume that your lovely strands aren’t? Odds are, you need to give your hair back some of its plump fullness, and there’s no better ally in this endeavor than your kitchen. Although not every woman is too eager to get messy with her beauty products, some of these DIY hair masks are worth a few minutes of your time and handiwork – and they do mostly take a few minutes to prepare.

If you want to banish brittleness, mix in milk and honey and generously spread all over your locks. It revitalizes and it smells delicious, so you’ll feel invigorated all around, and you’ll renew your hair’s natural glow. Other combinations that work well include bananas with olive oil or eggs, while even one-ingredient masks such as putting on plenty of coconut oil can restore your perky mane.

When it comes to beauty, it’s a life-long pursuit much like any other worthy goal in life. Since your inner feelings, health, and mindset are indeed reflected all over your largest organ, devoting time to your health through self-care means you’ll naturally beautify your complexion and your life. Use these tips to stay beautiful and happy alike!

Author Bio

Sophia Smith is a beauty and style blogger, an eco-lifestyle lover, a graphic designer and DIY enthusiast. She is very passionate about natural skincare, yoga and mindful living. Sophia writes mostly about beauty-related topics in her articles. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Naughty Nutrition, Life Goals Mag, Sivana Spirit, Bonvita Style, Mom With Five, Cause Artist, and Carousel.

You can find out more about her writing by following her on:  Facebook  Twitter 

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7 No-Nonsense Hairstyles Perfect for Working Out
Beauty & StyleFitnessLifestyle

7 No-Nonsense Hairstyles Perfect for Working Out

by Amber King
written by Amber King

Raise your hand if you’ve ever ended a workout with your head looking like a frizzy hot mess. Unless you’re one of those women whose hair can magically stay in place no matter how many burpees you do, your hand should probably be in the air. There’s no shame in accepting the facts—even those model-like exercise coaches you see on YouTube struggle with what to do with their hair during workouts. 

In my experience, there are several factors that are required for an exercise-worthy hairstyle. It needs to keep the hair out of your face and off your sweaty neck. It also needs to be quick and easy to accomplish. And if it can stop you from looking like a sweaty bridge troll after a very public gym session, all the better.

Check out these tried and true workout hairstyles to keep you moving.

1. The Classic High Pony

The pony tail has been a female athlete’s go-to hairstyle since the dawn of time—or at least since the invention of elastic hair ties. But if you want your high pony to stand up against wind sprints and weight lifting, you’ll need a couple tips.

Nothing is more annoying than having to blow itty bitty loose hairs out of your face. To fix the problem, grab a headband. Find one that’s made from non-slip material, but make sure it’s not too tight. I’ve suffered from too many post-workout headaches because my headband was actually squeezing my skull. For the short little hairs that fall out of the pony and get soaked in neck sweat, you’ll need a few bobby pins. Place them strategically though, otherwise you’ll stab your head with every sit up.

2. French Braided Ponytail

The biggest problem with the average ponytail is those little flyaway hairs that inevitably sneak out of place. If you don’t want to wear a headband, a well-secured braid is a good option. I typically stick to one French braid that starts at my forehead and uses my long bangs. Then I gather up the braid with the rest of my hair and secure it with a hair tie.

But if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can split all your hair into four sections and French braid each section until they meet at the crown of your head. This does a great job at keeping little hairs from escaping. Here’s a tutorial to show you how to do it. 

3. French Braid Pig Tails

Image by rottonara from Pixabay

Braids can work whether your hair falls down to your butt or stops at your shoulders in a bob. They’re even a good option for those of us with complicated layered hair. My hair falls just below my shoulders, and my go-to workout hairstyle is two French braids. My hair isn’t quite long enough to stay still in one braid, but the double braids keep everything in place—plus braids always look cute. Sometimes I add a headband for extra security, but the braids usually do all the work on their own. 

4. A Simple Braided Pony

If your hair is long enough, you don’t need to worry about French braiding. A simple plait will keep your hair in place and stop it from getting frizzy with sweat. To try it out, gather your long hair into a high pony. Secure it with a hair tie and then braid all your hair at once. Add another hair tie at the end to keep the braid in place. This workout hairstyle keeps the hair from sticking to your neck and takes only a few seconds to pull off. 

5. Twisty Braided Bun

I personally like having my pony tail swishing behind my back as I run, but if your hair is long enough, that swishing can be seriously annoying. It gets caught in your armpits, and you’re constantly having to throw it over your shoulder to get it out of your way. A braided bun can solve this problem. 

Start with the normal braided pony from above, but instead of letting it hang, twist it around your top ponytail. Wind the braid around itself, and when you run out of hair, use another hair tie (or two) to keep it still. If you have thick hair, you might want to add a few bobby pins for good measure.

6. Top-Knot Bun

Image by _Alicja_ from Pixabay

A close cousin to the workout pony tail, a top-knot bun is best reserved for women with long hair. Pony tails typically don’t cut it for you, because even when positioned near the top of your head, your long tail drapes down toward your neck and shoulders. Have you ever had the pleasure of peeling a section of hair off your sweaty neck? It’s uncomfortable, hot, and a little gross.

The solution is a top-knot bun. This isn’t your average messy bun, but a workout hairstyle that is secure enough to stay in place and not come loose. Use a no-damage hair tie and wrap your hair up as tight as it will go. Use a few bobby pins if you need them, and a headband never hurts (unless it’s too tight, that is).

7. Put a Hat on it

Last, but not least, you can always wear a hat. Honestly, this is my favorite workout hairstyle solution. Not only does it cover my hard-to-tame hair, it also helps keep sweat and sun out of my eyes. My favorite workout hat is a Nike dri-FIT hat that is designed to be breathable and comes with a built-in sweatband.

You have to remember to throw your hat in the wash or risk it getting gross and stinky, but hats really can’t be beat when it comes to keeping your hair out of your face. It’s the no-nonsense solution when you don’t feel like fighting with your hair before or during a workout. The hat hair you get afterward, however, is a problem for a different post.

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How to Have An Affordable Shopping Habit When You Have Kids
Beauty & StyleFinancesLifestyleMotherhood

How to Have An Affordable Shopping Habit When You Have Kids

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

When you have children, a lot changes. That includes your priorities and responsibilities. One of the biggest facets of your life that will change is the way you manage your money. The price of formula, diapers, and child care adds up, and in return, you may have to adjust your spending in several areas if you want to keep up.

Here are a few tips on how to have an affordable shopping habit when you have kids.

Set a Budget

Budgeting allows you to create a spending plan for your money. It also ensures that you have enough money for the things you need and the things that are important to you. To start, many financial experts recommend the 50/30/20 method for managing your money wisely. How this works is 50% of your income goes towards necessities, 30% to your wants, and 20% to your savings. If you exceed your set budget in any of these categories, be sure to reduce your spending in high spending categories to stay within the formula.

TheBalance.com

To help stay on track, get a receipt for everything you purchase throughout the month. Organize your receipts into categories and at the end of the month, you’ll be able to not only see where your money is going, but which categories you’re spending the most in.

Shop at Thrift Stores

Most financial experts recommend spending no more than 5% of your monthly income on clothing each month. Shopping at thrift stores is a great way to fill your wardrobe with high-quality clothing from well-known brands while staying within your budget. Online thrift stores like thredUP make it easier to shop by offering their selection of clothing directly on their website. With affordable options from reliable brands like Madewell, you can shop your favorite styles without having to leave your home.

Image by Ann San from Pixabay

Look for Deals

If you shop at certain stores regularly, you most likely know when they offer their best deals, so wait to shop until then. Keep an eye on your favorite clothing stores and stock up on out-of-season jackets, shirts, and shorts when they go on clearance. You can also sign up for store email updates to find out when sales are happening. Consider signing up for reward memberships at stores you shop at frequently to get additional discounts, and check online for discounts or coupons before making a purchase. Another great way to save money is to shop at discount stores or factory outlet shops like Nordstrom Rack to score your favorite brands like Nike and Steve Madden for less.

Reward Yourself

Don’t look at spending money as a bad thing, it should be fun. It’s important to reward yourself for your hard work! Be intentional about setting aside a chunk of money, whether it’s a big or small amount, each month to spend on things that you want. That way you can browse your favorite store, enjoy a date night with your significant other, get a mani/pedi, or take advantage of a great deal on an item you’ve been eyeing without any guilt. Give yourself permission to spend a portion of your pay, and you won’t be as tempted to spend your entire paycheck.

 

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5 Pieces Every Woman Needs In Her Closet All Year Round
Beauty & StyleLifestyle

5 Pieces Every Woman Needs In Her Closet All Year Round

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

Each year brings along a number of fashion trends and decisions, for example, ‘what is trending these days?’, ‘what shall I buy for the season?’, ‘what staples do I need?’ and more. Every woman knows the struggle of putting together an outfit to wear every single day! But did you know that if you have a few key pieces in your closet, you can never have trouble finding a dress again?

Have a look at the following pieces that you need to have in your closet all year!

Little Black Dress

Whether it is an office party, a wedding, or a bridal shower, your little black dress will help you get through them all. A woman who does not have a little black dress will always have trouble dressing up for formal events.

The LBD is your date-night essential and the ultimate savior when you have nothing to wear. The best thing about LBD is that no matter what time of the day it is, you will always look elegant in black color! You can pair the dress with a short leather jacket, and you are good to go.

Basic Tees

You can never get tired of some basic t-shirts! You can wear them with a pair of basic jeans and look casual. If you are going to the beach, tuck in your t-shirt in your skirt or shorts and you will look absolutely chic. To add some oomph, you can get an embroidered t-shirt or the one with some funky print. You can easily get some of the best tees online, visit get bold t-shirt printing and embroidery.

A Trench Coat

As long as you have a trench coat, you don’t have to worry about anything during winters! You can wear anything from a casual dress to a formal dress, and a trench coat will complete your look.

If it is too cold, you can layer up underneath the coat, and it will give you the warmth you need. If it is not that cold inside, you can wear the coat and take it off when you reach the office/house. All in all, a trench coat is a must-have item in your closet. Get one in any basic color, for example, black, camel brown, charcoal grey and you can easily pair it up with any outfit, and any color.  

Black Heels

Your black heels will go with any dress and any color. It will look fantastic under an evening gown and a little black dress. If you choose to wear jeans or a skirt, you can still pull off your heels. I have black court shoes in my wardrobe, and I cannot tell you the times they have helped me. When no heel or shoe matches my outfit, my black heels save the day.

Leather Jacket

I always wanted to own a leather jacket, but I never knew how useful it would prove. Invest in a leather jacket, and it can last you for years if you take care of it.

I recommend buying a leather jacket in black or beige color because they will go with any outfit. However, the color beige will be harder to maintain as it can get dirty. If you want something that is easier to maintain, a black leather jacket will do the trick. You can wear it for a casual night out with your friends when it gets chilly.

A bonus tip: For everyone who doesn’t like a leather jacket, can go for a pair of leather pants instead. Leather pants look equally stylish, and they are comfortable as well. It is easy to put together an outfit with a pair of leather pants, from t-shirts to jumpers, they look amazing with everything.

Did you have these pieces in your closet? If not, then don’t waste another second, and buy them today!

About the Author

Liam Bold is a fashion student based in France. He spends a significant amount of time working for trends on the internet and loves all the high street brands. He regularly shares his ideas about how to get better in style and to put together outfits. You can check out his ideas at https://www.getbold.com/.

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Hair Alternatives That Won’t Wreak Havoc On Your Hair
BeautyBeauty & StyleDIYLifestyle

Hair Alternatives That Won’t Wreak Havoc On Your Hair

by Guest Contributor
written by Guest Contributor

As busy mothers, we’re all likely to have a set hair routine that is efficient, does the job and leaves us feeling ready to take on the day. But what’s easiest may not always be the best for our hair in the long run. As hair health is just as important as skin health or physical health, all moms should know hair tricks that are easy to make and will show a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your hair!

Your Pillowcase

If you’re ever wondering why you wake up with frizzy hair, your pillowcase might be the culprit! Even though cotton is the most common kind of cloth for pillowcases, it’s not necessarily the best option to sleep on. While cotton is a breathable material, it’s not the best choice for your hair or skin health. As we sleep on cotton, it robs our hair of moisture leading to frizzy and possibly tangled hair in the morning.

Image by Claudio_Scott from Pixabay

Instead of cotton, use a silk pillowcase for your slumber. The smooth silk will help keep your hair from becoming frizzy and prevent you from waking up with facial creases, helping to reduce the appearance of future wrinkles.

Hair Dye

Every woman wants to change up her hair every now and then. Often, with the change of seasons comes a new hair color to go along with it. Even though a brand-new look can leave us feeling confident and ready to take on the world, not all hair dyes we apply to our hair are healthy. With many dyes containing sulfates, ammonia and parabens, all the chemicals can end up damaging your hair follicles.

Before you dye your hair the next time, look to products that will give you the hair color you desire but the healthiest version possible. Women-owned company, oVertone is a perfect example of this, as their main initiative is to create healthy color for your hair. Using only natural ingredients, their at-home hair color will give you the healthiest hair color possible!

Towels

As we all generally like to try and dry our hair as fast as possible, an easily accessible way to dry our tresses is through towel drying. But using a heavy, possibly damp towel to dry your hair is not the recommended route to take. Your hair is at its most vulnerable when wet, so rubbing it with a cotton or terry cloth towel can cause severe damage and worsen your split ends; leading to dry and frizzy hair as a result.

Image by Gentelle_Linen from Pixabay

Instead of using a typical towel, use a specialized microfiber hair towel instead. The microbers will help to reduce breakage as well as dry your hair in an effective amount of time! Another option is to take advantage of that old unused shirt you’ve been planning on donating and instead use it as a hair towel. Similar to a microfiber towel, the t-shirt will help to reduce frizz while also absorbing excess water.

Hair Ties

As moms we all know the easiest solution to solving a hair problem is by throwing it up in a bun. But what we use to put our hair up could be causing more damage to our hair than we know. If you pull your hair back too tight or put your hair up as soon as you get out of the shower, the hair ties can cause pressure to your hairline, leading to damaged hair follicles.

Photo by Edgar Martínez from Pexels

Instead of using typical elastic hair bands, use scrunchies or hair ties that have a soft and stretchy material. Not only will they spruce up your outfit, but it will also put less pressure on your hairline. Another alternative is to avoid hair ties altogether and stick to sporting other easy summer hairstyles or put your hair up using only bobby pins.

What are some of your hacks for healthy hair?

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Say Bye-Bye To Chloasma And Dark Spots With These Helpful Tips
BeautyBeauty & StyleHealthLifestyle

Say Bye-Bye To Chloasma And Dark Spots With These Helpful Tips

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

If there is anything that shows the signs of aging, it is most certainly our skin. It’s this covering we wear that shows the world who we are, and imperfections can seriously affect our self-esteem. Dealing with dark spots is not easy. Even for women who are not vain, it can take a toll on one’s self-esteem and directly affect a woman’s self-confidence.

There are a number of causes for dark spots, ranging from general hyperpigmentation, melasma, to the “mask of pregnancy” which often fades shortly after giving birth. For myself, I think the combination of sun spots and pregnancy hormones forged to create an unkind combo of dark spots on my skin. Dark spot correctors can be rather pricey, and sometimes they’re not even worth it. But there are, in fact, some products that have proven effective in diminishing the appearance of dark spots. 

What is Melasma?

Melasma (muh-LAZ-muh) is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches, usually on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.

Obviously a quality sunscreen is your #1 weapon of defense when it comes to preventative care, but there are methods you can try to help your dark spots without having to seek out expensive med spa treatments (i.e. IPL facials, etc).

What is The Mask of Pregnancy?

An example of hyperpigmentation is melasma (also known as chloasma). This condition is characterized by tan or brown patches, most commonly on the face. Melasma can occur in pregnant women and is often called the “mask of pregnancy,” however, men can also develop this condition. Melasma frequently goes away after pregnancy. It can also be treated with certain prescription creams (such as hydroquinone).

It’s important to note that pregnancy affects each woman differently. For instance, I didn’t have the mask of pregnancy with my first two pregnancies, but with my third pregnancy, my entire forehead was roughly 4 shades darker than the rest of my skin. I’m naturally blonde with fair skin, so hiding this tan forehead was no easy feat; I opted for bangs as a temporary fix. And several months after pregnancy, my “mask” was still there.

Here Are 3 Natural Dark Spot Remover Methods To Try:

Lemon Juice Spot Treatment for Dark Spots

Lemons have been used for years as an ingredient in facial products because of its high levels of vitamin C, which can help lighten dark spots on your skin. A lemon scrub can also be used to help lessen the appearance of dark spots on your face.

For the lemon juice spot treatment, start by purchasing fresh lemons from the store. Skip on the little lemon juice concentrate bottle, even though it might seem like an easier solution–fresh is key here. Once you’re ready to apply, roll the lemon on the counter for a few minutes to stimulate the juices inside the fruit. Then slice your lemon crosswise and take a Q-tip to apply fresh juice directly to the darkened area. Allow the juice to dry, then rinse with cool water.

Repeat this treatment each morning and evening until the spots fade. Beware that the lemon juice makes your skin sensitive to sunlight, so you need to use sunscreen or reduce your exposure to sunlight while using this treatment.

Vitamin E Oil

This wonder oil has long since been used by aestheticians and dermatologists alike for treating the skin. Since Vitamin E is considered an antioxidant, the oil helps target free radicals that can cause damage to your skin. You can purchase Vitamin E oil from your dermatologist or skin/med spa, or you can find a quality product to purchase off of Amazon, like the one featured below:

100% All Natural & Organic Vitamin E Oil For Your Face & Skin

For the liquid, apply a tiny dab before bed, massaging gently in a circular motion to treat the dark spot area. If you have the capsules, then pierce through the encasing and do the same method listed for the liquid form. In just a few weeks time, you should start to see a noticeable difference in the appearance of your dark spots on your face.

Aloe Vera Gel

When you were a kid, and you got a sunburn or a nasty scrape, did your mother ever reach for that bright green gel to doctor you up? The aloe vera plant is known by many for having medicinal properties, and it reportedly is great for helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots on your skin. If you happen to have an aloe vera plant at home, try using the fresh juice straight from the plant, massaging your dark spot area for two minutes at a time. If not, this product off Amazon has great reviews, and it’s both natural and safe:

Feel like you need a little more intervention to kiss those dark spots or chloasma bye-bye for good?

We’ve got the solution for you, need not worry! It’s proven to reduce and diminish the appearance of dark spots, especially on the face. It contains natural ingredients, and it won’t cause your skin to turn red or react. 

This wonderful, highly-rated product available on Amazon from the good folks at Admire My Skin will help you diminish those dark spots once and for all!

Admire My Skin’s Ultra-Potent Brightening Serum, $21.85

There are several user submitted images showing how terrific this product is, just like the one below…

More about the product for your below:

  • ✅ 2% HYDROQUINONE – Helps brighten and fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation & melasma: The acids gently peel dark spots to reveal brighter skin: This product can be used either once OR twice per day
  • ✅ OUR PROMISE TO YOU – We promise this OTC product will provide effective results within 4 weeks when used as directed: The directions on the product label says “use once or twice daily”
  • ✅ CONSIDERED TO BE MORE effective than other hydroquinone products and melasma treatment creams: the directions on the outer box says “use twice daily or as directed by doctor”

No one wants to see dark spots or the signs of chloasma when they look in the mirror. But by following our expert tips or purchasing this inexpensive yet highly effective product shown above, you can say bye-bye to your dark spots for good.

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7 Budget Beauty Finds For Under $7
BeautyBeauty & StyleLifestyle

7 Budget Beauty Finds For Under $7

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

Whether you’re a mom or not, there’s something exciting about getting a good bargain when it comes to beauty products. I know for myself, I can be a bit of a beauty snob at times–I’ll admit it! I am not one of those people who wakes up with flawless skin and pretty tresses. No sirree! (In fact, I typically wake up a hot mess!)

I have three kids, well, four if you include my husband, and a full-time career. Needless to say, I’m typically sleep-deprived, fueled by coffee, and there are days when I wonder if I remembered to shower. Can you relate, busy lady?

If you’re a lady on a beauty budget like me, then you love a good find. I may not be an expert, but I can tell you from personal experience that these products rock, and I have a feeling they’ll work their oh-la-la magic on you, too! 

Actual photo of me:

 

Take a look at our list of 7 budget beauty finds under $7!

1. Maybelline Baby Lips

I LOVE this stuff. Seriously, it’s the best! I discovered it immediately after I finally caved into the lip filler temptations that I had, and my lips were stretched and sore. The thought of rubbing lipstick on them didn’t sound fun, and since I’d already shelled out a pretty penny on the injections, I was like, “what is a girl to do now?”

I took to Google to find a quick–and inexpensive solution–for my cracked and dry lips when I landed on this awesome budget beauty find. It comes in a variety of shades (I prefer the red and pink) and you can pick it up at any grocery store or drugstore that sells Maybelline products. (And word to the wise, skip the lip injections. Because for me, they didn’t last anywhere near as long as they said they should have–and they certainly aren’t cheap!)

2. Alba Botanica Anti-Pollution Volcanic Clay Hawaiian Detox Towelettes

This budget beauty find I actually picked up on a whim because they were on sale at my local grocery store. I usually despise cleansing wipes like these because I have super sensitive–not to mention, extremely pale and easily reddened–skin that doesn’t like gimmicky wipes that promise to refresh your skin or remove makeup.

Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer to wash my face in the sink. It’s not like I’m in a Neutrogena commercial splashing water all over my bathroom, but I prefer to use an exfoliating washcloth to clean my skin (that’s actually great if you like to exfoliate your skin, and you really want to get that makeup and dirt off your face and clean those pores nice and good!)

So, hesitantly, I picked these up and hoped for the worst–only to be pleasantly surprised! Not only do they smell great and feel great, but they leave your skin soft, clean and refreshed. Although their Alba moisturizer runs closer to $10, I’ve tried that too and also loved it.

3. Neutrogena Clear Pore Facial Cleanser / Face Mask

I love that this beauty find has options! You can either use this as a simple cleanser, or if you want to kick things up a notch, then you can use it as an oil-absorbing mask as well. If you’re prone to breakouts like I am, then you’ll really like this budget beauty find. I do both with it, and combine it with St. Ives Apricot Scrub that my mother swore by, and so do I!

4. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

I learned my lesson after the whole “BB Cream” phase to stay the heck away from anything even remotely trendy in grocery store beauty budget aisles. A friend once told me she swore by this “magic water,” and I figured, “okay, what could it hurt?” And I’m glad I trusted her! Ever since I started using this product, I’ve noticed that my skin looks fresher, clearer and my skin tone is much more even (I deal with rosacea-like redness often). And if you need to remove eye makeup and don’t want to deal with the stinging irritation of traditional eye makeup remover pads, you can simply apply some of this “magic water” to a cotton pad and gently wipe clean.

5. Bee & Flower Soap

If you are strolling the aisles of your local supermarket and happen to find yourself in the speciality or natural foods/goods section, you can find these little smell-good gems for about two bucks! Each of the scents above smell amazing, and they leave your skin feeling soft and smooth should you use them for handwashing at the sink, or if you lather up in the shower.

6. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation Makeup

I recently splurged and spent $40 for the new Tarte Face Tape Foundation, but this cheap beauty find works great and doesn’t make my skin freak out–double win! It comes in over 40 shades, so you really can find your perfect “Fit Me” shade with ease.

7. Garnier Whole Blends Repairing Mask Honey Treasures

Being blonde, my hair is naturally on the drier side–especially when I damage or overprocess it with harsh chemicals and heat styling. This nourishing honey hair mask will leave your hair feeling silky smooth, and it smells wonderful, too!

The items listed above are all great if you’re on a tight budget, but I wanted to share with you my favorite beauty product from the past few years. Want a splurge that will give you a solid bang for your buck and have your skin looking fab? Try this BAE Body moisturizer with Retinol cream. It will leave your skin with a healthy glow and for just under $20, a little REALLY goes a long way!

Got any more cool beauty budget finds to share with us? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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vsnap clip
Beauty & StyleLifestyle

Our Favorite Snap Clip Shops on Etsy

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

There are many things to love about having a daughter, but one of our faves is being able to re-live our hair accessory glory days! Headbands, snap clips and huge bows, oh my! If you’re in the market for some fresh and fancy hair accessories, then you need to check out the blinged-out snap clips made from leather and glitter that are super popular right now. We’ve rounded up our fave shops on Etsy so you can shop small and find adorable clips at the same time.

snap clip

Source: Etsy

1. Ryan and Wren

If you’re looking for stylish and classy clips, then Ryan and Wren is your shop. The creators specialize in leather and glitter snap clips, and if you’re lucky, some seasonal velvet options! The narrow focus allows them to make super high-quality clips in gorgeous matte and metallic leathers, in addition to super sparkly glitter. You can choose from regular and extra long sizes (ahem, would totally work for mom hair) and they have a great bundle where you can pick 5 clips for $20. Normally, they run $5 a piece ($5.50 for extra long sizes) so it’s buy 4 get one free!

snap clip

Source: Etsy

2. Alice and Josie

Alice and Josie is a full service hair accessory shop, where their snap clips are just one of tons of options. They craft headbands, lace, suede and seasonal bows and our fave––snap clips! The options at Alice and Josie come in at just $3 a clip, which is big savings when you add them up. We also love that they offer more than just solid leather choices, like gold cork, stripes and basket weaved colors. Even better? The shop curates their own holiday collections where you can snag 5 for $12.50 and excuse us while we add tons of clips to our shopping cart.

snap clip

Source: Etsy

3. Kaylee Bands

Looking for snap clips that are fun and only $1––then shop Kaylee Bands’ Etsy shop! While snap clips aren’t the main focus of this account, the creator offers tons of unique patterns you can’t find anywhere else (oh, hello there coffee-themed clips!). Many of her clips are marked down to just $.50 each and with kids who tend to lose hair accessories fast, this deal can’t be beat.

snap clip

Source: Etsy

4. Bugga Bee Bows

When you shop the choice from Bugga Bee Bows, you’re getting vegan leather clips! Coming in tons of beautiful colors, with glitter options as well, the clips from this shop measure 1.5″x2″ which means a chunkier clip then the ones we’ve featured so far. A 3-pack of these curated sets is only $10!

snap clip

Source: Etsy

5. The Floral Pumpkin

It’s actually pretty difficult to find velvet snap clips on Etsy, but we love the options at The Floral Pumpkin. Since velvet tends to be a warm fabric, most of the clips seem to be made for fall and winter months, with coordinating color palettes. Expect to find lots of earth tones and pretty burgundies when shopping for your velvet clips!

vsnap clip

Source: Etsy

6. A Little Delight

One word: Disney. A Little Delight is one of the only shops on Etsy that has quality snap clips with adorable Mickey and Minnie prints in glitter! The duos only run $6 for a set of 2––and you can’t go to Disneyland without them!

 

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Maternity Style: Trends, Tips & Money-Saving Tricks For Every Trimester
Beauty & StylePregnancy

Maternity Style: Trends, Tips & Money-Saving Tricks For Every Trimester

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

From the moment you see that pink plus sign, you become obsessed with your belly and examine it carefully in the mirror each morning… don’t worry, we all do it! But as the days pass, your excitement is tinged with anxiety and you worry that you will start showing too early or that you will look fat or clumsy, you’re not alone in this either. You’re a gorgeous pregnant woman; it’s time to own it!

What To Wear And When To Wear It

You’re pregnant––not camping outdoors, so lose that tent! Modern maternity wear is as chic as it is comfortable and moms to be are now spoilt for choice. Of course this can make maternity shopping quite confusing so here are some ideas to help you get started.

Source: Pink Blush Maternity

First Trimester

The first trimester is generally the “secret” phase of pregnancy where you’re not yet ready to share the news with the world at large. Some women develop that unmistakable bump early on, which makes it a lot tougher to keep the secret under wraps. Speaking of wraps, wraparounds work wonders to hide an itty bitty baby bump!

When shopping for maternity clothes to hide your bump, look for outfits that have ruching, as this creates an illusion of a smaller waist. When it comes to jeans, you want to go with mid waist ones because high waist jeans accentuate your belly, while low rise jeans will make your tummy pooch out. For an evening out, pair a floral print blouse with a draped cardigan, as the print distracts from your baby bump while the cardigan provides a little extra mid-section camouflage.

Source: A Pea in the Pod

Second Trimester

The second trimester is the sweet spot where your nausea has disappeared and all that extra estrogen gives you an honest-to-goodness natural glow. Your motto should be, “if you’ve got it, flaunt it!”

High waist pencil skirts are a comfortable yet elegant choice for work but switch to a frame sweater with party pants or a Caftan for your evening out with friends. Swap your first trimester jeans for maternity denims that you can continue to use even in your third trimester. Another must-have in any preggers wardrobe is an empire waist dress, which is super flattering during pregnancy (think Queen Beyonce’s earthy goddess dress last year). You probably won’t want to go shopping in your third trimester, so invest in extra-long tanks and tees to stay comfortable during the final lap of your journey.

maternity style

Source: Motherhood

Third Trimester

The third trimester is when belts and sashes come into their own. You can glam up your old belts with chiffon flowers and satin rosettes or use ribbon and lace to make your own sashes. Wear a thin belt on dresses to accentuate your curves, but wear it beneath your hips if you’re wearing a long top – this will prevent that dreaded ‘parachute’ look. Maxi dresses and roomy tunics are adorable and can be paired with maternity jeans or leggings in the winter or a pair of chic shorts during the summer.

By this point in your pregnancy, just getting out of bed is exhausting, so date nights are ancient history, but it’s important to make the most of the time you have with DH – just the two of you. Take a page from Miranda Kerr’s book, and flaunt your baby bump in a figure-hugging tank dress – the perfect attire for a romantic night out.

maternity style

Maternity Shopping: How to Nail it on the First Try

1. Raid your wardrobe before you start shopping

You probably think that you need a whole new wardrobe but that’s far from true. Your blousy shirts, wrap-style tops, tunics, and fold-down waistbands are sufficient for your first trimester and maybe even part of your second. Before you start your shopping spree, go through your existing wardrobe and pack up all the clothes that you will not be able to use in the coming months. It’s always better to get these clothes out of sight so that you don’t get frustrated later on when you’re digging through your wardrobe for stuff that fits.

2. Borrow or Rent

Sisters and friends can be a goldmine for maternity outfits. Most women buy plenty of maternity clothes, which they pack away after their delivery. So, if you are offered maternity wear, don’t think twice before you take them up on their offer. If you’re a fashion forward mama and don’t want to spend money on clothes you may only wear a few times, you may want to consider renting. Companies like Le Tote, La Belle Bump, and Rent The Runway offer great monthly or one time deals for special events that keep you stylish but also prevent your closet from being bogged down with maternity clothes.

3. Don’t Fall for Sales Gimmicks

Many maternity stores have “buy two get one free” offers and similar deals to induce people to buy more than they actually require. Before you make these purchases, ask yourself if you really need three or if you can make do with one. Basics like undershirts and T-shirts are usually a good buy, especially if you can get some nursing or post-pregnancy use out of them––just shop wisely!

4. Get Crafty

Instead of shelling out big bucks for maternity clothes, you can also make your own. There are plenty of videos and instructables that can help you turn your regular clothes into maternity outfits. For instance, you can simply cut out the zipper area of a comfortable pair of jeans and replace it with a large piece of stretchy fabric. You will have a pair of jeans that are identical to the ones sold in stores for a fraction of the cost. Of course, this option isn’t for everyone, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to convert some super comfy regular clothes into the perfect maternity pieces. Check out Pinterest for some awesome ideas!

5. Shop Smart

When you’re out maternity shopping, don’t forget to pick up comfortable kicks. Your feet have to bear the brunt of the additional weight, so don’t wait until your third trimester to go shoe shopping. Swap out your pumps and wedges for ballet flats and sketchers right away, your feet will thank you. The most important thing to keep in mind while shopping for maternity stuff is that comfort is a priority but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. Shopping smart means keeping your own preferences in mind, and buying higher quality pieces that will last for future pregnancies if this is your first baby.

There are always ways to cut costs and stay on budget when it comes to maternity shopping. If you’re stuck on where to get started, check out What to Expect where you’ll find plenty of articles that address shopping for maternity clothes, along with links to some great deals!

 

 

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2018 fall styles
Beauty & StyleLifestyle

All the 2018 Fall Styles You Need This Season

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

While most moms don’t have the time or luxury to overhaul their wardrobe with the change of the seasons, it’s completely possible to incorporate the latest fall fashions with just a few pieces. This year, the 2018 fall styles are super mom-friendly, with bright colors, comfy fabrics and looser fitting garments. Get ready to embrace the fall with this trends!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmgrRC6H2GC/

1. Paper Bag Pants

Paper bag pants sound a lot worse than they really are. When you pick up a pair, you’re actually snagging an elegant take on trousers. This style has a gathered or “scrunchy” waist that is reminiscent of a paper bag, but is paired with a bow or ribbon that ties. They are great for a night out, and come in tons of materials. Did we mention they look SO comfortable?

 

2. Belt Bags

A belt bag is pretty much what is sounds like: a bag worn like a belt. And no, it’s not the same as a fanny pack! Belt bags can actually be worn over the shoulder or a variety of ways that don’t involve your waist, but it’s a super stylish purse that surpasses its fanny pack predecessor. Choose from leather, velvet or more luxurious options––there’s no wrong way to own a belt bag. And for moms who never have enough hands, this is a go-to accessory this year!

 

3. Sock Boots

The sock boot is the perfect combo of a bootie and mid-calf boot! It has a higher shaft that’s usually made with softer material, hence the name “sock boot” that is uber comfortable and perfect for busy moms. There is no limit to the color and styles, with some manufactured to actually look like an athletic sock.

 

4. Teddy Bear Jackets

Finally, a jacket that is just like wearing your fave blanket! The teddy bear jacket gets its name because it basically reminds of us our fave bear friend––warm, cozy and a neutral brown color that pretty much goes with everything.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqFPt95FcUF/

5. Plaid

Plaid is perfectly fit for fall. Whether you’re rocking a flannel or dressing up an outfit with a gorgeous coat, this pattern gives all the fall feels. With endless colors and plaid patterns, there’s something out there for everyone.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp9xx5TAlSc/

6. Colorful Tights

Here’s your chance to whip out those marigold tights! Fall is the perfect time to dress up your outfit with fun, colorful tights that add a pop of color to an otherwise earth-toned outfit, and to keep warm, too!

 

7. Ankle Grazing Skirts

You don’t need to pick between braving the weather and fashion when it comes to wearing a skirt this fall. Ankle grazing skirts are very on trend, offering a nice break from wearing pants, but also providing some weather protection. Because they’re ankle length, they also pair great with flats or booties. Win win!

 

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