Drugstore Staples

I tend to change my beauty care products and cosmetics fair consistently. I think that our bodies get used to certain products and then the products become less effective. But there are a few drugstore items that I always keep coming back to and have multiples of at home, so that I never run out.

Makeup:

• I love the Revlon ColorStay makeup. It works incredibly well for me and I never have to 'touch up' throughout the day. I also find they have a great range of tones that always match my skin whether it's summer or winter, I can find a match.

• I think I have tried every mascara out there. While I love Dior mascaras, I always have L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara on hand as well. I do not wear waterproof mascara. I find that it takes too much effort to wash it off, and it never comes off completely either way. The area around the eyes are much too sensitive to be scrubbing at.

• I have always been a huge fan of liquid eyeliner. My absolute favorite, hands down, is L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner . The tip practically guides on its own. The precision is incredible and allows you to draw a perfect line, whether straight, winged, thick or thin, etc.

• I use a new sponge wedge every time I apply liquid makeup. Target carries are great pack of 32 for less then $2.

Skin Care:

• One of my favorite skin care lines is Aveeno Positively Ageless. While, yes I am always hoping to age nicely and I am sure a part of the "ageless" tag enticed me at first to try it, I would still be using it now regardless of the ageless selling point. I wash my face {at night} with the the Warming Scrub and use the Rejuvenating Serum with Natural Shiitake Complex and the Moisturizer SPF-30, under my makeup, which it helps the makeup go on very smoothly.

• During that time of month, since my skin breaks out a bit {ugh! around my chin!} in the mornings I wash my face with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub.

Hair Care:

• I know I have yet to write a post on the haircare products I use {I will!}, two that I use fairly regularly are the Matrix Biolage Fortifying Heat Styler and the Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Conditioner .

Misc.

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment is one of those items that I borrow from my little ones and can double for almost anything!

What are some of your favorite drugstore beauty products?

My Current Obsession: Coconut Water

{Vita Coco}

I'm definitely someone who much prefers to eat her calories then drink them. I tend to lean more on the side of feeling that it's a waste of calories that could have gone towards a scrumptious dish. However, coconut water is not completely loaded with useless calories, but rather is very high in potassium and is even praised for its anti-aging properties.

Lately, I find myself making late night runs to Whole Foods to grab some coconut water. I'm not a fan of giving my little ones juices, rather we stick to milk and water {with an apple juice treat on certain occasions}. Yesterday, however, baby girl got a kick out of her first taste of coconut water and did a little dance while running to tell daddy she had "coooooocooonooot wahtar". My son, on he other hand, has yet to acquire a taste for it ;)

Is there anything you are currently 'obsessed' with? ;)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is a vegan and cruelty-free line that also is free of parabens and other harsh preservatives. They offer an amazing range of colors, with bold and rich pigments.

{Lip Tar 8ml $12.50}

{Loose Colour Concentrates 2.5g $11.50}

Stubborn Weight? Maybe It's Toxins.

Studies have shown that the increased use of synthetic chemicals in the U.S. between 1930 and 2000 directly correlates with the increase in obesity in adults. Probably not just a coincidence. A new term for chemicals that promote obesity is obesogens.

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Obesogen are endocrine disruptors . Chemicals that mimic hormones and disrupt the physiologic function of the hormones which reprogram your metabolism to build and store fat.

Some Obesogens:

• Pesticides
• Food and cosmetic preservatives
• Parabens
• Preservatives added to food to prevent spoilage such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
  
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Birth control pills
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Phthalates, a plastic softener found in conventional products like nail polish, shampoo, and soap

We are exposed to many of these toxins on a daily basis. We are up in the gym workin' on our fitness, watching what we eat, but some of our bodies are busy storing obesogens in our fatty tissues. These chemicals are released into the bloodstream, reducing the effect of the thyroid and resulting in a decreased metabolism. In addition to sitting in our fatty tissues, other side effects include fatigue, depression, insomnia, nervousness, damage to the reproductive system, and horrifically even cancer.

As much as you can, try and eat organic, buy toxic-free household cleaners and personal care products. Use glass instead of plastic, totally skip Styrofoam, avoid high fructose corn syrup and load up on fiber to reduce your toxic load!

Happy Friday my friends!

Hamadi Healing Serum

Hamadi’s Healing Serum is made to repair and replenish dry and damaged hair. The combination of sunflower, avocado and olive oil leaves your hair silky without weighing it down. All Hamadi products are completely biodegradable, made with 100% organic essential oils and plant extracts, and free of artificial ingredients, including perfumes and colors. The company’s slogan is “tested on actresses, never on animals."

Chinese Herbs for PMS Relief

Pac Herbs PMS Herb Relief Packets are fast-acting holistic supplements that help with cramps, back pain, bloating, irritability, aches and breast tenderness that comes around during that time of the month.


Chinese herbs work to help with your body’s fluctuating hormones and natural balance versus dulling the pain with a Midol . Using traditional Chinese medicine ingredients such as licorice, cyperus, dipsacus and peach kernel helps to move the blood that slows during your period causing painful aches and cramps.

The herbs are dried into a powder formula and packed in pre-measured doses, making it incredibly easy and convenient to use. Each pack lasts about three to four cycles, and is designed to normalize your periods so with time, you will not need to take them every month. Visit Pac Herbs for more information.

The Popshop Pops

Popshop pops are a Los Angeles based collection of 100% natural, guilt-free frozen pops made with organic sugar and seasonal farmer’s market produce. There are no preservatives or dyes, and each popsicle wrapper is compostable. Flavors vary by week including Amaretto white peach, halva, chili chocolate, lavender lemon, strawberry lemonade, Mexican chocolate, pumpkin pie, cucumber lime, lychee, pomegranate orange, watermelon lemon, and so many more!

The popsicles can be found throughout Los Angeles at local farmer’s markets, retailers and bistros, and even a special delivery can be arranged by email or phone.

Water...For A Healthier Body, Shinier Hair & Younger Skin

• A cold water rinse adds shine to your hair. The cool temperature constricts the cuticle layer of your hair so it lies flatter, which makes strands smoother and more reflective.

• Soft shower water leaves hair more manageable because there are few mineral salts {molecules that can make strands rough and prone to tangles}. If you have hard water, install a water softening filter, which can also help stop color from fading. To find out if you have hard water, click here.

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• Chlorinated and also salty water can turn healthy hair into frizzy, dry hair. An easy and effective fix is to first wet your hair in the shower or with a hose before swimming. The hair absorbs the clean water first, so it is less able to absorb the other.

• Splash on cold water to brighten eyes and temporarily reduce 'puff'.

• Wrinkles are less noticeable when skin cells are well hydrated and skin is more luminous. Cellulite is also less noticeable.
  

• Water is about 12 times more resistant than air, so it takes more effort to move while in water. Which means exercises done in a pool are super effective muscle sculptors.
  

• The sound of running water and waves can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  

Happy Friday Friends! Have a great weekend!