Vitamin C is garnering more and more attention as a powerful anti-aging tool. Though you may see Vitamin C listed as an ingredient in moisturizers, it’s most potent in serums. Here is everything you need to know about Vitamin C serums and how to choose the one that’s right for you:

Why Is Vitamin C Such a Boss?

It’s an antioxidant, so it offers protection against free radicals. When placed directly on the skin, it has a host of benefits:

• Reduces wrinkles
• Increases collagen production
• Reduces hyperpigmentation
• Evens skin tone and brightens the complexion
• Guards against pollution and sun damage

But I Eat Lots of Oranges! Isn’t That Enough?

Humans can’t create this powerful, naturally-occurring antioxidant within our own bodies, so we have to consume it via citrus fruits, broccoli, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables. Although healthy, normal skin is naturally high in Vitamin C, sun damage and aging can deplete that C supply. Unfortunately, very little of the edible Vitamin C finds its way to our skin. The topical application of Vitamin C offers a faster, more potent dose of this antioxidant directly to the skin. 

How to Choose a Vitamin C Serum

Be sure to look for L-ascorbic acid within the top five ingredients. This is the most powerful form of Vitamin C, available in a concentration of up to 20 percent. Anything more than that offers no additional benefit. Since Vitamin C can be a bit irritating to the skin at first, those with sensitive skin can choose a serum with a lower concentration to start (try 10 percent) and work their way up.

Another option is to mix a drop of serum in with your moisturizer. Complementary ingredients may include Vitamin E, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin B. Because L-ascorbic acid is unstable and will oxidize quickly with exposure to UV light, you should choose a serum that comes in a dark bottle. If the product has turned brown or orange, it has probably lost its effectiveness.

Finally, consider the price point. This is one product where more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. As long as you’ve got L-ascorbic acid listed as a primary ingredient in a dark or opaque bottle from a company you trust, you can give it a try and see how it works for you. 

How to Use Your Serum

Vitamin C is usually applied in the morning after your cleanser and toner but before your moisturizer and sunscreen. As long as it’s absorbed by the skin by the time you expose it to sunlight, you won’t decrease its effectiveness—and it doesn’t take long to absorb. You can maximize its protective abilities by applying it every eight hours, though you should keep in mind it is not a substitute for sunscreen. 

Vitamin C serums are generally considered safe for long-term use, though you should be careful not to get it in your eyes, and to watch for signs of skin irritation. It will take several weeks of consistent applications before you may start to see results. 

Take care when using Vitamin C with other skincare products, as certain ingredients can diminish the effectiveness of your C or cause more irritation. For example, benzoyl peroxide, an acne-fighting ingredient, will oxidize your Vitamin C and make it ineffective. You can still use it, but it’s best not to do so on the same day as you use Vitamin C. Retinol, which offers many of the same benefits of C, should also be used on alternate days. 

Given its safety and effectiveness, a good Vitamin C serum is a must for your skincare routine. 

The post The Benefits of Vitamin C Serum appeared first on Verblio.

Luckily, there are brands out there looking to change this by creating products that are just as effective, while cutting down on waste. We’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly beauty swaps for you that will keep Mother Earth looking gorgeous, too.

Reusable Makeup Removal Cloths

The first step in pursuing a sustainable lifestyle is to assess which items you throw away the most and find replacements for them. Many people throw away single-use makeup wipes every day, but this practice isn’t necessary. Using reusable makeup cloths is an easy way to show that you love the Earth without significantly changing your routine. Plus, cleansing your face with micellar water, coconut oil, or a makeup-removing facial cleanser can leave you with better skin, as many makeup wipes can actually irritate your face.

Shampoo Bars

Liquid shampoo has been the queen of the hair world for a long time. It’s become so normalized that we don’t usually think about how much plastic is involved in its production and packaging. And while your bottle of shampoo may only last a couple of months, its packaging can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Enter shampoo bars. They are just as pretty, effective, and long-lasting as your favorite shampoo brand, but their production and packaging are much more minimalistic. This makes them more sustainable without costing you any extra money.

Individual Eyeshadow Colors

Have you ever bought a stunning palette, only to realize that you exclusively use the same few colors over and over again? Not only is this a waste of your money, but it also undermines your low-waste goals. Chucking a plastic package full of unused product may be the norm, but it doesn’t have to be like this.

This problem is being easily solved by custom beauty brands. These companies let you buy eyeshadow and blush colors individually and create your own custom palettes. Not only do these palettes reduce waste by containing only your hand-picked items, but the packaging and ingredients are also generally more eco-friendly as well.

We know that being a low-waste consumer can sound really intimidating. Luckily, even simple swaps like these can help you save time, money, and storage space for your favorite products. We hope these tips help you create a more eco-friendly beauty routine.

The post 3 Eco-Friendly Beauty Swaps appeared first on Verblio.

It’s easy to think, “I have nowhere to go and I’m not wearing any makeup, so why bother?” As it turns out, there are several great reasons to bother with skincare.

Skin vs. the World: A Daily Battle

Just the simple act of engaging in a familiar routine can provide a number of health and wellness benefits, including soothing and reducing stress levels. And speaking of stress, skin, — the body’s largest organ — reacts directly to it.

When you’re stressed out, your body releases more cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” Elevated levels of cortisol wreak havoc on the entire body. In terms of what it does to the skin, more cortisol typically means more dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Cortisol-caused blood pressure increases and poor sleep quality can result in the skin’s protective barrier layer being broken down, causing you to look (and likely feel!) older. Spending the majority of our time indoors where heaters, air conditioners, and air purifiers are constantly running also zaps the skin of much of its moisture. 

Thankfully, a skincare routine is highly effective at combating and correcting these issues, rehydrating the skin, slowing the aging process, and improving its condition long-term. 

Developing an Ideal Skincare Routine

The best thing about a skincare routine is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or high-maintenance. On the contrary, a simple routine with few steps is the most likely to be consistently followed and therefore, the most effective. 

No matter what your skin type or condition is, and whether you’re a skincare newbie or veteran, there are a few products and steps that work well universally. Cleanser targeted to your skin type, toner, moisturizer, and high-quality sunscreen should be used every day. Even if you won’t step foot outside all day, don’t skip the SPF. You can get sun exposure just sitting near a window indoors. Yes, really. An anti-aging serum and a gentle exfoliator are also great products to have in your skincare arsenal, but they can be used every 2-3 days.

Finally, the importance of drinking plenty of water and consistently getting a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. Both of these actions increase blood flow to the skin, which in turn boosts hydration, elasticity, and overall complexion, so drink up and prioritize your shut-eye!

If you’re still not convinced that you should follow a skincare routine, consider this: A few extra minutes each day spent on skincare now is far easier, not to mention less costly, than trying to undo skin damage later on. 

The post Why a Skincare Routine is More Important Than Ever appeared first on Verblio.

The word yoga is Sanskrit for “to yoke,” or to create a union. It first appeared in the Rig Veda, the oldest of several known sacred Hindu texts. Physical postures are at the heart of modern yoga, but it originated as a practice that increased mental focus and spiritual energy. Today, there are many types of yoga, ranging from purely meditative forms to more intense physical practices.

While you have likely heard about yoga’s numerous physical benefits, there are many lesser-known whole-self benefits also.

Yoga makes you smarter

It turns out that the mind-body connection in yoga goes far beyond mindful thinking. Data from a Journal of Physical Activity and Health study shows that cognitive performance is markedly improved by practicing yoga. In the study, participants completed either yoga or an aerobic exercise session and were tested on cognitive function immediately afterward. Those who had done yoga performed tasks with substantially higher accuracy and quicker reaction times. 

Additionally, a Brain Plasticity review of several other studies indicates that practicing yoga increases the size of the hippocampus and the amygdala. These regions of the brain are responsible for memory processing and emotional regulation, respectively, and are known to shrink as a person ages. The prefrontal cortex, which is behind decision-making and multi-tasking, is also typically larger in people who practice yoga.

Practicing yoga is heart smart

Yoga helps with balance in more ways than one. The slow, intentional breathing practiced in yoga can restore the body’s baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) index, regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Stress and anxiety are reduced in turn, therefore lowering the overall risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Because of its heart-healthy benefits, yoga is increasingly being included in diabetes management plans in people with Type 2 diabetes. Practicing yoga helps regulate blood sugar levels and can even reduce the need for insulin and other medications.

Yoga isn’t just for getting bendy. From your heart to your head, this ancient practice offers whole-body benefits for people of all ages.

The post Surprising Benefits of Practicing Yoga appeared first on Verblio.

Establish a morning routine

This year, replace the daily morning chaos with your own early morning routine. By starting the morning off with calm and serenity, you’ll use the time that belongs exclusively to you, allowing yourself to ease gently into the day. Your early morning time could involve reading a book, working on a hobby, practicing yoga, meditating, or simply doing nothing. The key is to reserve time for yourself with no external interruptions — perhaps as little as 20 minutes. For some examples, The Washington Post describes several professionals who get up early to perform their quiet, early-morning routines in its article, “The Power of a Slow Morning.” 

Connect with nature

According to an empirical study cited by Psychology Today, connecting with nature in some form elevates your mental health. It could be as simple as taking time to admire a tree or a flower on your way to work.

We would also add that connecting with nature includes taking your dog for a walk in the park, tending your garden, or watching the deer and birds in your backyard. And whether you realize it or not, you’re actually connecting with nature when you visit orchards and farms to pick produce for yourself and your family.

Establishing a connection with the natural world is a sign of good mental health, Psychology Today states because you’re able to move beyond yourself and develop an awareness for living things around you. This newly found awareness could then lend itself to paying close attention to the state of the environment, the welfare of your pets, or your relationship with the world in general. 

Protect your vision

It’s common knowledge that we can protect our eyes by wearing sunglasses when we go outside, but there are a lot of myths about protecting your vision as well. Harvard Health reviews a few of these myths about protecting your eyesight. For instance, eye exercises won’t correct your sight, as a strong sense of sight depends upon factors such as genetics and the shape of your eyeball.

In order to keep your eyes healthy, adults should get them checked at least every two years — in some cases even more frequently — allowing your doctor to detect early conditions that can lead to blindness such as diabetes and glaucoma. And as the above-linked Harvard Health article confirms, you can indeed eat certain foods that support eye health.

But while the vitamin A content in carrots is good for the eyes as is commonly believed, leafy greens and other vegetables that are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are even better choices. They won’t correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, but they may possibly protect our eyes against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. 

Be kind to your skin

Make 2020 your year for being mindful of your skin, the largest organ of the body. For starters, protect your skin by wearing at least PDF 30 whenever you’re out in the sun. The Mayo Clinic makes additional suggestions, such as limiting your bathing time so that your skin doesn’t lose its moisturizing oils, avoiding strong soaps, and patting your skin dry.

Unfortunately, here’s the bad news for all those smokers out there: As the Mayo Clinic’s article reveals, it’s no myth that smoking is bad for the health and vitality of your skin. And it doesn’t just contribute to wrinkle formation. Smoking causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin’s outermost layers to narrow, decreases blood flow, and makes your skin look paler. It also damages collagen and elastin, fibers within the skin’s structure which provide strength and elasticity, and which contribute to a vibrant and youthful appearance.

So if you’re concerned about what smoking can do to your skin, 2020 may be a good time to kick the habit. 

Take the biotin hype with a grain of salt

The water-soluble nutrient biotin (also known as vitamin H and B7) is an essential vitamin that is critical for breaking down glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. It has received a lot of attention in recent years for contributing to strong, healthy hair and nails, and there are numerous biotin-fortified products on the market.

If you’re a meat-eater, however, you can get find great sources of biotin in meat proteins such as ground beef, beef liver, and pork. Biotin is also abundant in cooked eggs, salmon, sweet potatoes, avocado, nuts, and seeds, and smaller amounts of biotin are found in other healthy foods. Despite all the hype, the Harvard School of Public Health tells us more research needs to be done on whether consuming higher biotin amounts can treat hair loss (alopecia), and the jury’s still out whether taking biotin supplements significantly improves your hair and nails. That being said, biotin is necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

It’s possible to get an adequate amount of biotin through your diet, though, and cases of biotin deficiencies in the US are rare. And recently, the US Food and Drug Administration warned that taking higher amounts of biotin in your system can interfere with some lab results, so before you start popping those biotin supplements, check with your doctor first.  

Devise an exercise plan

Whatever nutrition plan you follow, you need to integrate regular exercise into your daily routine. The Department of Health and Human Services tells us that in order to stay physically healthy, the average adult requires at least 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity. This doesn’t mean you have to be running to the gym every day. If you’re not a gym person, you can still get enough moderate exercise by devising a fitness plan and staying active during the week. Your exercise can include a daily walk, lifting weights at home, hiking with your kids, or starting an early morning yoga routine. Pick a routine that’s right for you, and as always, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor when starting a new exercise plan.

Do your research before adopting a drastic diet plan

The last two decades, in particular, witnessed a surge in the popularity of the ketogenic diet, the paleo diet, and its spin-off, the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). Although each of these plans has its own devout life-long followers, medical experts generally agree that more studies need to be done before recommending that people adopt them as long-term solutions. Here are just a few of the diets that have been making the headlines lately:

A brief overview

The keto diet: A ketogenic diet is high in proteins and fats, severely restricting your carbohydrate intake. After several days of cutting out the carbs, your body enters into a state of ketosis, burning fat instead of sugar and causing rapid weight loss. The medical community finds the ketogenic diet to be effective in fighting obesity when used as a short-term weight loss plan. However, some medical experts believe that following a keto diet, in the long run, can be harmful to one’s health. It was originally designed to be a medical or therapeutic diet, and members of the medical profession emphasize that keto is not for everyone. 

The paleo diet: Followers of the paleo diet limit themselves to eating only the food they believe were available to humans during the Paleolithic Era or Old Stone Age. Humans during this time were hunters and gatherers before farming was established, so the diet restricts all grains — and for the strictest paleo followers, this means no beer. While the proponents of paleo are many, so are its critics, who state that both the digestive system of humans and the foods they ate during Paleolithic times were different. For those reasons, they say, it’s not feasible to attempt to duplicate that diet today.   

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP): Stemming from the paleo diet, the AIP is even more restrictive, designed for those who suffer from autoimmune disorders. Like the other diets described above, the AIP has caught on, but there some medical professionals are wary of its proposed scientific basis and question its effectiveness in addressing autoimmune disorders.

In short, followers of each of these diets are passionate about the results, but their critics argue that there is still a need for ongoing research to verify that their benefits outweigh the risks.

Go for balance

Unless directed by your physician, many mainstream nutritionists simply recommend that you pick a healthy nutritious food plan that includes meals consisting of one-fourth proteins and one-fourth carbohydrates, while the other half of your plate should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Avoid eliminating entire food groups

In general, nutritionists are wary of diets that exclude an entire food group or that instruct you to limit your consumption to just a few “superfoods.” Consult your doctor before you start a new food plan that excludes any of the three macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, and proteins), especially if you have health or medical issues. Although more research needs to be done on the contributions and benefits of diets like keto, paleo, and the AIP, nutritionists believe that at best, they may not be right for everyone — and at worst, could deprive one’s body of necessary nutrients.

In conclusion, it’s time to make 2020 a year of balance where you nurture mind, body, and soul to customize your own health, beauty, and wellness routine.

Build harmony within your body

Despite the popularity of elimination diets, vitamin supplements, and an action-packed day, finding quiet time, using moderation, and creating balance are key to living a healthier lifestyle. Also, keeping things in perspective plays a part in building a harmonizing lifestyle that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.

Instead of viewing the different elements of your health and wellness plan for 2020 as routines that deprive of pleasure and that you must merely endure, adopt daily habits that make you feel nurtured, energized, and vibrant, enabling you to establish health, strength, and beauty from the inside out.

The post Health and Wellness Tips for Mind, Body, and Soul appeared first on Verblio.

However, there is a new trend making healthy-living even more accessible and, surprisingly, fun. Wellness festivals are popping up everywhere in 2020 and bringing amazing opportunities with them. Wellness festivals are a great tool for improving and reflecting while organically making lifelong memories. 

Wanderlust

Wanderlust is well-known for promoting a sense of community and empowerment. Practice, magic, community, awareness, and good are the foundation of Wanderlust’s mission. For a decade now this unique festival has been giving living a healthy style a whole new definition and avenue. The thoughtful planning and setup of the festivals are designed to help participants find their “true north.” Sometimes making all the right choices simply isn’t enough, and the Wanderlust team understands that. That is why finding inspiration and staying inspired is the key element of these wonderful experiences.

Follow Wanderlust’s official Instagram account to get a better idea of what the festivals are all about. Sean Hoess, Wanderlust’s CEO, shared his vision and timeline for the festivals in the new year and new decade. The Wanderlust festivals are set to make their 2020 debut appearance beginning this July. It’s never too early to start planning!

SAMSARAFEST

SAMSARAFEST is described as an “Immersive Yoga, Music, & Healing Arts festival”. From nature-based experiences to the creation of a yoga village, every detail of SAMSARAFEST is thoughtfully planned and implemented. This festival is a great place to start if grief may be playing a role in your life and decisions. However, it is an overall great environment that cultivates and promotes positivity and healing from the inside out. Listen to the story of SAMSARAFEST and it will be evident how wonderful and life-changing the event is.

The story behind how this festival began is one filled with heart, and the festival is a clear reflection of the love that is the driving force behind the vision and mission of this festival. This year SAMSARAFEST 2020 will be taking place from March 13th to March 22nd right outside of the Seattle area. Read over this information to learn more about the upcoming event.

Beloved

Beloved is a four-day festival grounded in creating opportunities for a healthy culture that embraces diversity. The annual festival takes place on the Oregon Coast. One of the main objectives of the festival is to create a community that instills a strong sense of belonging. Music, dancing, meditation, and intricate art displays are just some of the many elements incorporated into this amazing experience. The official date of the Beloved festival has yet to be released, but there is no need to worry. Interested individuals can join this waitlist today and will be notified when tickets become available. In the meantime, watch this video to see the magic of the festival in action.

Wellness festivals are becoming increasingly more popular in today’s day and age. There is an astronomical amount of festivals and opportunities available to the public when it comes to living a healthy and happy life. Use this platform to explore all of the wellness festivals taking place in the upcoming year. Whether participants want to stay local or use this as an opportunity to travel to a new destination, there are plenty of options for everyone.

The post Experience a Wellness Festival in 2020 appeared first on Verblio.

1. The No-Makeup Look

Nothing is so beautiful as a woman in full makeup that looks completely natural. Makeup artists are leaning more than ever on the less is more bandwagon. The focus is on the wearer’s features, the eyes, the lips, the eyebrows, and lashes. The complexion is enhanced as needed, and the products used are light, easily matched to skin tones, and create a fresh and flawless finish. Some of the most popular brands used to get this type of look include:

• Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Foundation
• Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder by Maybelline
• Radiant Creamy Concealer by Nars
• Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer (used by Meghan Markle’s makeup artist)

2. Sunscreen – A Necessity

Sun protection is not debatable. Sunscreen keeps your skin from absorbing UVA and UVB rays that can foster fine lines on the skin and cause skin cancer in the worst case scenario. The most effective sunscreens take care of these potential problems well.

According to Consumer Reports, you must choose your sunscreen based on their SPF levels, or sun protection factors. The report includes sunscreens that passed the SPF ratings and were affordable:

• Equate (Walmart) Ultra Lotion SPF 50
• No-Ad Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30
• Solimo (Amazon) General Protection Lotion SPF 50

3. Foundation with Sunscreen Protection Included

For those of us who get in a hurry and forget to apply our sunscreen occasionally, not to worry. There are foundations available that are SPF-infused. And, we’re not talking about those pancake formulas of the past. This class of lightweight foundation is lightweight and includes additional benefits for your skin.

• AmorePacific Cushion Compact – blurs wrinkles and lines
• Yves Saint Laurent’s All Hours Foundation – filled with pollution-fighting antioxidants
• Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar Foundation – SPF 20 – gives skin a refreshed, luminous look

4. Bright Eyes are In

You may have noticed that neon, sparkle, and cat-eye liners are on every catwalk this seasons. This summer, almost anything goes when it comes to eye makeup. Eyebrows, for example, are now more natural and untamed. Runways were overflowing with eyebrows that were brushed upward, lightly penciled with an application of brow gel. Eyebrows are now a focal point with which to be reckoned. Products to help achieve this look include:

• Maybelline’s Brow Precise
• Glossier’s Boy Brow
• Too Faced Brow Quickie

The fun begins when eye shadow, mascara, and liner comes into the picture. Makeup companies and artists decided to make a statement that was both fun-loving and, in some cases, shocking. Winged eyeliner was back from the 50s, along with glittery and metallic eyeshadow, and even jewels. Never before seen colors were used in eyeshadows, such as baby blue, pastel blue, and yellow. Sephora has come out with an eyeshadow palette of bold and unexpected colors.

• Anastasia Beverly Hill’s Riviera Palette
• Stila’s After Hours Eyeshadow Palette
• Too Faced Natural Lust Palette

5. The Lips Have It

Lip color trends for the summer are all over the place. There are lipsticks, gels, stains, and glosses of every color and shade. “The more daring, the better,” scream the new shades. There appears to be no end to the color choices available in the lip-covering arena:

• Bobbie Brown Crushed Liquid Lipstick in Big Apple (You have to see it to believe it.)
• Lancôme L’Absolu Mademoiselle Shine Lipstick in Shine Your Way
• NYX Cosmeticsxaquaria Color Palette

What better time than summer for sun, fun, and rocking your makeup choices. You don’t have to dive into the pool. Just take a short dip in the shallow end, and enjoy yourself.

The post Summer Makeup Trends to Try This Season appeared first on Verblio.

For those clients who are interested in the benefits of a facelift, but not quite ready for a procedure that involves some discomfort and significant recovery time, a microcurrent facelift is a great solution.

A microcurrent facelift tones and lifts your face and stimulates new collagen production, all of which help you look younger. Even celebrities like Jennifer Aniston have become fans of the treatment—Jen calls it “a little workout for your face.”

Best of all, a microcurrent facelift is non-invasive and painless. Here’s what you need to know about this innovative cosmetic procedure:

How does a microcurrent facelift work?

Are you considering a facelift but are afraid of the pain and recovery time of a traditional facelift? A microcurrent facelift might be the right choice for you. This advanced technology uses electric stimulation which is applied to the skin’s surface through the use of dual prongs. The electrical currents stimulate your facial muscles, helping them look more taut and youthful.

Although it may sound painful—it isn’t. Some people experience a slight sensation of tingling, but the majority of patients find it relaxing. There are even some patients who have actually fallen asleep during the procedure!

What are the benefits?

Studies have shown that 20 days after the procedure, the patient’s collagen production was increased by 14%, elastin was increased by 48%, and blood circulation improved by 38%. All of these changes help the skin retain its shape and and youthful appearance. It has also been discovered that the microcurrents help trigger a patient’s body to produce ATP and amino acids, both of which help to increase cell repair and to stimulate the production of healthier cells.

Many patients who receive microcurrent facelifts find that:

• Fine lines and wrinkles are much less noticeable
• Jowls and other problem areas are tightened and lifted
• They have a more youthful glow and look generally more refreshed

A Few Things To Keep In Mind

One thing that should be noted about the microcurrent facelift is that it usually takes around ten sessions to see the results that you want, although there are people who like the way that they look after the first session. The results vary from person to person.

Since a microcurrent facelift is non-invasive, you shouldn’t expect the dramatic results you would get from a traditional facelift, though many clients find the results are obvious enough to help them put off that facelift they’ve been thinking about for a few more years.

Another major perk of the microcurrent facelift is that it’s much less expensive than a traditional facelift, with most med spas and plastic surgery clinics charging anywhere from $50-300 for each session, vs the several thousand you can expect to pay for a conventional facelift.

Microcurrent facials are also quick. You can even go back to work after having a lunchtime procedure if you’d like, though your skin may be flushed the first few days afterward. Microcurrent facelifts are a more comfortable and a less expensive alternative.

The post Microcurrent Facelifts: A Comfortable Alternative To Traditional Facelifts appeared first on Verblio.

More anecdotally, children seem to really thrive when their moms are happy, healthy, and not super stressed out. It makes sense: If a mom is exhausted, has no energy, and is stressed out, chances are the overall vibe at home isn’t going to be as happy or fun as it could be.

What does this mean for you? It’s proof that women’s lifestyle changes that bolster health and an overall sense of well-being are important to everyone in the family! As a wife and mom, spending time attending to your own self-care each day will not only make you feel great, but will contribute to your family’s overall happiness as well.

Here are the top four areas that deserve special attention:

1. Diet

This doesn’t have to be difficult. Granted, there are hundreds of experts touting dozens of super complicated diets, eating plans, and dietary recommendations, but the important thing to remember is this: Simply add healthy, nutrient-packed food choices to what you’re already eating.

Start your day with a tasty green smoothie packed with baby kale, carrots, and frozen organic berries. Add superfoods like acai or pomegranate to your salad for extra color, flavor, and vitamins. Try a baked sweet potato as a filling and satisfying afternoon snack instead of heading to the drive-thru. Just this move alone will give you more energy and help balance your mood.

You don’t have to change anything else or go on a restrictive diet. As your body adjusts, gradually add more healthy foods to your day. Keep this up, and before long, your body will begin to crave more nutritious food, and junk food filled with sugar and empty calories will no longer seem as appealing.

2. Exercise

The recommendations come fast and furious here, too. But this can also be very simple: Just aim to move more and reap the benefits, like a calmer mood and more toned body. Moms are already at an advantage, since chasing toddlers and young kids around the playground or carrying your baby everywhere in your Baby Bjorn is already a great workout. Challenge yourself to find even more ways to move your body and get your heart pumping each day.

This might mean parking a block away or on a higher level of the parking ramp. Maybe it means getting off the elevator a floor early and taking the stairs. Maybe it means shutting off the electronics and doing something with your kids for a few minutes. They’ll undoubtedly love it, you’ll get the bonding time with them, and you’ll get a bit more movement in your day.

Joining a stroller fitness class, or working out at the rec center while dad watches the kids are other good ideas. If working out sounds like, well, work, just focus on how great you will feel when all those endorphins are flowing through your body, and remember that you deserve to do things each day that make you feel amazing.

3. Sleep

Sleep is often a rare commodity in women’s lives today. But it is perhaps even more important to your health, mood, and stress levels than anything else. Skimping on sleep actually disrupts the brain’s ability to learn and to cope with stress. While it may sometimes seem impossible to get enough sleep as a mom, it’s crucial to prioritize a good night’s sleep as much as possible.

Stage your bedroom to ensure more restful sleep, including adding a comfy memory foam topper if your mattress isn’t particularly sleep-inducing, and perhaps a white noise machine. If you have been up each night with your baby, consider asking your partner to take more turns, enlist the help of your own mom or other family members, or even consider an infant sleep expert to help your baby begin sleeping for longer stretches, which will be good for both of you.

4. Emotional Health

Finally, don’t overlook the importance of your emotional health. Being a wife and mom can be complicated and stressful, even while these experiences are also joyful and meaningful. Don’t martyr yourself to motherhood—if you need a break from the kids to enjoy brunch with your girlfriends once a week or even just go for a drive by yourself, speak up to your partner and consider hiring an occasional babysitter.

Create a daily or nightly calming ritual, including candles, meditation, stretching, or whatever makes you feel centered and at peace. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, get to a therapist or doctor right away. Remember, a happy and calm mom is the center of a happy and calm family.

A healthy diet, plenty of exercise, a sense of inner peace, and restful sleep make the core of a stress-free lifestyle and a happy household for your entire family.

The post Women’s Lifestyle Changes Boost Happiness For The Entire Family appeared first on Verblio.

We’ve studied the opinions of a few cosmetology professionals and have summed it up here to prep you for 2017’s beauty trends.

Hair

Braids and side parts are all the rage, according to Allure and Vogue. Keep those braids tight and those parts as deep as you can handle. To keep them looking clean and in-place, rely on quality styling creams or gels.

If you’re not into selling your image by styling your hair, you can rely on your trusty salon to provide you with a cut that says it all. We’re not used to thinking of hack jobs as a good thing, but Allure takes that to a whole new level. They feature cuts that lose the layers and go for a blunt look created by literally “hacking the models’ ends.”

Eyebrows count as hair, right? Nothing quite makes a statement like colored eyebrows, as seen on Vogue. Turn those perfectly plucked beauties yellow, lavender, or whatever shade strikes your fancy.

Makeup

Anything goes here. Seriously. Elle showcases a gallery of makeup fashion that covers it all. Smoky, smudgy eyes and pastel lips are front and center, but that’s only the beginning. The 80’s are back, with bold eyes and showy blushes. Make your lipstick work twice as hard and use it to rub color into those cheekbones. In 2017, no facial feature will be safe from shocks of color and glitter.

But then, absolutely nothing is also in. A clean-face look shows up on all of your favorite fashion sites, so take this chance and flaunt your natural beauty.

If you want to land somewhere in the middle, you can try out a feature on Allure they call “color shock.” This lets one feature do all the work, such as a vibrant yellow eyeshadowon an otherwise clean face.

Ears

Yeah, that’s right. Ears. They’re featured across the board this season. So tuck those locks behinds your lobes, using your best hair accessories to draw attention where it counts. And don’t forget some sparkly dangles, hoops, or studs.

As you can see, the spring 2017 beauty trends are sure to inspire some fascinating looks. Stock up on those electric lipsticks and glittery eyeshadows/liners. Or keep it simple with just a few of your favorite products. Luckily, the wide variety of trends this spring means you can find a fashionable look that uniquely suits you.

8 Spring 2017 Beauty Trends: Bolder is Better

By Janelle L.

2016 is quickly coming to a close, and savvy fashionistas are already in the know about the hottest beauty trends of 2017. Let’s take a walk down the runway and see what stylists and makeup artists predict for 2017’s spring season.

1. Blunt Locks

Gone are the nostalgic days of the “Rachel”. 2017 trades in layered cuts for a more straight-edge look—literally. Tops and bottoms, bangs and sides: all have gone the way of the razor’s edge.

2. Deep Parts

Keeping in line with shocking blunt cuts, deep parts absolutely command attention. Pair that side part with lopped-off ends and just try to keep all eyes off of you.

3. Shine On

Matte is out, shine is in. Everywhere. Skin and hair are positively illuminating this season, with stylists trading soft creams for high-shine gels and makeup artists skipping the shimmer and going straight for the gloss.

4. Color Pop

For minimalists who still love to be trendy, this spring brings with it a fresh, clean makeup look with one bold color choice. Eyes, lips, and even ears can be the main focal point of an otherwise naked face.

5. Party Hard

Glitter, fake lashes, glitter, fun hair accessories, and tons of glitter are all the rage on the runway for the spring season. Channel your inner party animal and let your imagination run wild.

6. Tight Braids

Tight, clean braids are a major runway staple this season. Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to keep locks in place.

7. Ladies (and Gentlemen) of the ’80s

The ’80s are back in a big way. Models are rocking the runway with side ponytails and bright blushes, so dig out your Caboodle cosmetic bag and let your teenage self create a makeup look that’s sure to stun.

8. Victorian Romance

In contrast to the bold looks on the runway, 2017 does have a softer side. What does that look like, exactly? Think wispy locks, chiffon accents, and muted makeup.

With the multitude of options trending this spring, 2017 promises to provide a variety of beauty trends to keep even the most trend-setting individuals on their toes.

The post Spring 2017 Beauty Trends: Anything Goes appeared first on Verblio.