Belli Birthday Bash- Hurry and Save 30% Storewide (Sept 8-23)

I have been using Belli Skincare products for over a month now and LOVE the results. I finally got the Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator to go along with my Anti-Blemish Facial Wash Value Duo. It is everything I would expect from the Belli brand. It gives me the perfect amount of moisture without being heavy or sticky. My skin feels baby soft! 

Starting today, September 8th until the 23rd, Belli Skincare is having a Belli Birthday Bash. 

It may be Belli’s birthday, but the gifts are for you! Belli Skincare is proud to partner with like-minded mom and baby brands to celebrate our birthday and the full pregnancy to motherhood experience with a sitewide sale and online giveaways at www.belliskincare.com  

Visit the Belli website to enjoy 30% savings sitewide on Belli Skincare products with promo code (BDAYBASH30). Enter daily to win exciting sponsored product giveaways from prestige mom and baby brands.  Participating brands include Healthy Mama, Pretty Pushers, Guava Family, Birds & Bees Teas, Angelcare, Swaddle Designs and Sticky Bellies.

Each day a different prize and/or gift certificate will be featured from a variety of brands.  On the final two days of the event (September 22nd and 23rd), there will be registration for a Grand Prize Package  which features prizes from all of the Belli Birthday Bash event sponsors.  One lucky winner will take home the Grand Prize package valued at over $1,200 in mom and baby products.

I received product samples in exchange for promoting the Belli Birthday Bash. All opinions are my own as always.

How a Simple Facial Benefits Your Skin

Keeping your skin healthy requires a bit of work. Of course, you should use a high-quality moisturizer each day and sunscreen of at least 15 SPF. You also need to cleanse your face daily. The things you do on a monthly basis matter, too. Once per month, you should visit a Spokane facial spa for a complete facial. This addition to your skincare routine provides deep cleaning and specialized skin treatments that improve the skin’s health. 

The term facial refers to a skin treatment comprised of multiple steps and multiple skin treatments. It usually includes:

• steam to open pores,
• face masks to treat special problems such as acne or wrinkles,
• exfoliation to remove dead skin,
• cleansing to deeply clean the skin,
• facial massage to stimulate proper blood flow,
• application of creams, lotions, or serums to treat the skin’s special problems.

You could go in for a general facial, but your skin will benefit the most by choosing a special treatment that hones in on the special skin problem and provides it with a focused treatment. Some options include moisturizing facials, firming and restoration facials, and extraction facials. If you are interested in exploring the benefits of getting a facial and finding out what treatments might work for you, you should start by searching online for a reputable aesthetician in your area. For example, if you are based in Pennsylvania, you can search "facial near me in Harrisburg, PA" to find the best facial offerings in and around Harrisburg. You should always book a consultation before getting any full facial treatments. 

A facial removes dirt, toxins, and oil buildup from your skin. It removes dead skin cells through deep exfoliation methods like microdermabrasion. By unclogging your skin’s pores, the facial products can better absorb into the skin to do their job. Undergoing an extraction facial removes blackheads and whiteheads plus treats pimples to quickly clean up breakout and prevent new ones. An anti-aging facial slows down the skin’s aging process and prevents wrinkles. This includes a facial massage that results in increased oxygen flow and blood circulation plus professional level anti-aging creams and serums to deeply penetrate the skin and result in a visible difference as well as enhancing elasticity and collagen production.

The best facials come from a trained aesthetician, a professional who undergoes training in how to apply facial products and treatments and how to best perform facial massage. An aesthetician can analyze your skin and recommend a daily skincare routine that also benefits your skin. During the process of these monthly treatments, the aesthetician examines your skin for suspicious spots and moles. They alert you to any problems found. 

Facials help with more than common problems like acne and wrinkles. You can also get a facial that helps treat problems like sun spots, sun damage, rosacea, and eczema.

While a facial might sound like something only for the wealthy, it remains an affordable service at most spas and helps improve your skin’s look and health. That makes it more than simply an occasional treat, but an imperative part of a healthy skincare routine. Every four to six weeks, you should undergo a facial. While you can do a mini-facial at home in between visits, your aesthetician provides important advice, tips, and services that go beyond what you can do yourself. Their special training makes them especially adept at noticing skin changes that could point to a more serious issue such as skin cancer.

Luxury Gift Ideas That’ll Impress Anyone

Have you been invited to a wedding, birthday bash, or any other occasion where it’s expected that you bring a gift? Are you concerned that any ordinary or generic gift won’t impress?

Finding a gift for anyone can be tricky, even more so if you feel pressured to impress the host with something meaningful, valuable, or well-thought-out. And while it’s pretty tough to find meaningful gifts, it’s a lot easier to pick a luxury gift from this list that will undoubtedly impress anyone. 

A Classic Timepiece

Wall clocks, desk clocks, and wristwatches are luxury gifts that absolutely anyone will love, even more so if the price tag attached is quite hefty. High-end timepieces are also practical gifts that symbolize the value of time spent together. So this gift is perfect for anyone in your life as well. 

Dyson Styling Tools

If you’re searching for a gift for anyone known for their stylish locks, Dyson styling tools are undoubtedly the Prada of hair gadgets. These pricey styling tools are well-known for intelligent heat control and effortless use. While Dyson styling tools are pretty costly, their value is immeasurable for anyone that adores their locks. 

High-End Skincare

La Prairie, Sisley Paris, Eadem, and Tata Harper are among the best, most luxurious skincare brands out there. While you’ll spend a pretty penny on a small jar from any of these brands, there’s absolutely no doubt your gift will impress. 

It’s best to opt for a set of skincare products to make a statement, so look for bundles or prepared gift bags from these brands. 

Engraved Jewelry

If you’re hoping to find a gift idea on this list that’s more thoughtful and a bit less pricey, custom-engraved jewelry is an excellent option. Instead of hunting for a timeless, valuable piece, you can find a jeweler to bring any idea to life. After that, you can choose the right metals, diamonds, or gems that suit your budget and engrave the piece with a short, meaningful message. 

An Overly Expensive Set Of Wine Glasses

While you can pick up a cheap wine glass at the dollar store, you could impress anyone with a Zwiesel wine glass that will set you back a little under a hundred dollars. There are quite a few other luxury wine glass sets worth considering, and you can pair your overly-priced set of glasses with a valuable bottle of vintage wine as well. 

Gucci Shoes

Gucci shoes are constantly topping gift list ideas because these shoes are not just expensive; they are also exceptionally comfortable and arguably stylish. While some Gucci shoe designs are a bit questionable, just about anyone would happily adorn their feet with a pair of Gucci kicks.

A Spa Day

It’s no secret that spa days are luxury getaways not everyone can afford. But when gifting a spa day with the intention of impressing, shop for spa gift cards at renowned facilities. Be sure to check the spa’s reviews, products used, medical information, practitioner experience, and location. 

Gadgets to Help Your Skin Care Regime

As the world of technology grows into ever more expansive worlds, there are numerous ways in which they can help your skin care regime. This will help you save money on expensive skin lotions and will ensure that you have plumper fresher skin for longer without the cost of going to spa treatments. As more technology becomes accessible, now is the time to invest without breaking the bank. 

Luminance RED

Luminance RED offers a range of different products that can make sure your face, mouth and even genitals stay clear and healthy. Their lip device delivers concentrated wavelengths of light that can combat sores around the lips. Equally, they offer a mouth device that does the same and can fight the pesky and painful ulcers that can form in the mouth. To make it more of an attractive prospect, they are offering a 6-month money back guarantee. 

Trinity Facial Toning Device

This is an award-winning skin care device that has multiple attachments to rejuvenate your appearance. It is essentially fitness for your face. It sculpts the face making it tighter and helps it to combat aging and sagging. Adding definition to the face can strip the years off of your face in the matter of days. 

Dermapore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor

This handy and cheaper tool can cleanse your face and keep your pores dirt free. Combatting oil and blackheads by utilising a rounded spatula shape to not only comfortably remove blackheads but also minimise pores. This also lets your serums and moisturizers penetrate the skin and activate the ingredients of your lotions. This is a simple to use tool that can easily brighten your look. 

Face Defuzzers

Instead of throwing money at the newest lotion or skincare cream, buy these fantastic tools that will unveil the secret to baby-smooth skin. This dermatological tool is a fine blade that can remove dead skins to reveal the softer and fresher skin underneath. Equally, these versatile tools can be used to shave off peach fuzz, brow shaping and any unwanted hair. Use it on clean dry skin and combine it with a decent moisturiser to have fresher, brighter skin. 

Facial Steamer

This facial steamer will detoxify and cleanse your skin no matter what your skin type is and will clear your pores. On top of this, it will stimulate circulation to the face and remove dead skin cells. It utilises nano-sized water molecules to penetrate the skin and stop acne and spots breaking out in clusters. This will also help your skin be more receptive to skincare creams and treatments. In no time at all you will have a clear and beautiful skin complexion that will be the talk of all your friends. 

Gadgets

There are so many handy tools out there. Whilst they may seem initially costly, they can save you money in the long run. No longer will you need an inordinate amount of skincare products. You can find the ones that work for you and combine it with a handy new gadget. 

Replenish Your Aging Skin With DerMend Mature Skin Solutions

Although I have been blessed with good genes, there are some things that are inevitable. You can have the best genes on the planet, but you will age along the way. Of course aging is an absolute blessing and I'm sure we all desire to live a long life. I have noticed so many changes in myself ever since I hit 40. One thing that is really starting to show is a difference in my skin. My face still maintains its firmness and shows little signs of wrinkles. I think that because I wear a daily sunscreen on my face year 'round, it has halted the normal aging process. The rest of my body is a different story.

My arms and legs seem to be less radiant like it was in my 20's or 30's. I feel like I have tried every product there is! I even did the whole coconut oil thing and feel like it made my skin more dry and scaly looking. I was recently introduced to the DerMend line of skincare products made specifically for aging skin for the over 40 crowd. I was low-key sad at first, but realized that having skincare products targeted to help specific issues is not a bad thing.

Here is a little info on each product:

DerMend Moisturizing Anti-Itch Lotion
If you suffer from frequent itchy, dry mature skin, use this gentle moisturizing lotion to relieve the itch effectively with its safe, steroid-free formula. The formula goes on easily and absorbs instantly. It is recommended to use up to 3 or 4 times a day. I guess if you suffer from very dry, itchy, sensitive skin this would make sense to have to use it more than once. I find that 1-2 times works for me. It really feels like smooth with no stickiness whatsoever. It is unscented which is good. Most scented products are very drying to skin. It retails for $19.99 for an 8-ounce bottle.

DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula Cream
If you experience chronic, frequent bruising, use this cream to help improve the appearance of bruises and replenish your skin’s protective barrier. This cream is super emollient, while keeping your skin feeling smooth and not sticky. It feels like you have a protective barrier on your skin in a good way. You have to be careful using this product if you are going to be exposed to the sun since it contains alpha hydroxy acid. It retails for $29.99 for a 4.5 ounce tube.

DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula Cream
If your skin is thin, crepey and damages easily, use this cream to help restore, rejuvenate and repair thin, fragile skin. As we mature, our skin loses elasticity. Many factors, including repeated sun damage, cause elastin and collagen under the skin’s surface to break down. The protective fatty layer of tissue also depletes, making skin much thinner and more fragile. This can cause skin to tear easily and also appear wrinkled or crepey, especially areas that have been exposed to the elements more frequently.

DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula Cream provides targeted care to help restore thin, fragile skin with rejuvenating ingredients and enriching moisturizers. It retails for $29.99 for a 4.5 ounce tube.

You can find these DerMend Mature Skin Solutions products at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Meijer locations nationwide. You can also grab a coupon here while supplies last. If you or a loved one have concerns about aging skin, be sure to check out these resources full of valuable information. Also, be sure to "like" DerMend on Facebook for the latest product offerings and skin care tips.

Many thanks for DerMend for providing these products for review. As always, all opinions are mine.

Minimize Skin Pores in Ways That Actually Work!

Have you been visiting beauty salons and dermatologists to figure out how to minimize pores? Open and big-sized pores can lead to several skin-related issues like acne and pimples. Apart from giving your skin an oily feel and appearance, open pores can look unsightly and prevent you from using the makeup of your choice. As per experts, the look and size of your pores are dependent on several factors such as skin type, genetics, exposure to the sun, age, and so forth. Read on to know more about the effective ways of minimizing pores and taking care of them.

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Why are Pores Necessary?

Much as you would like your pores to disappear, do know they have some important functions to fulfill. They allow your skin to inhale and exhale air. They serve as a channel for passing air between the outside and inside of your body. Dermatologists and skincare articles (https://siorai.com/how-to-improve-your-skin-and-minimize-pores/) have plenty of tips and tricks in store to shrink the pores and provide you with flawless skin. Though the pores on the skin cannot be done without, you can make them less noticeable by shrinking their visual appearance.

Tips to Reduce the Size of Pores

1. Keep the magnifying glass away and start cleaning 

At the very onset, do know that your pores do not appear as big to others as they do to you when you see them through the magnifying mirror. So, just loosen up and relax. Regular exfoliation and a daily cleaning regime can be effective ways of keeping your pores clean and clear. Open pores, especially those that are free from any type of dirt, can be difficult to spot. However, to open them you need to apply steam or heat, and then, a warm washcloth prior to starting the scrub off process.

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Cleaning your face once or twice a day is enough. In case you are cleaning your pores just once every day, then night time cleaning is preferable to remove the last traces of makeup or dirt. Anyway, it’s essential that you scrub your face clean before going to bed. This will take care of your open pores and make them appear smaller in size.

      2. Don’t Touch Your Pores

Remember to keep your hands away from your face unless you are doing so to clean it or are in the course of a skincare routine. This is because the bacteria and grime present on your hands can find their way into the pores and block them. Along with giving your face a dull and dirty look, the closed pores can lead to infections and other skin related problems. Therefore, minimize touching your skin, and do not pick at it under any circumstances as the act can result in blemish, blood clot, scabbing, scarring, or angrier pores.

Take Care of Your Pores

Last but certainly not least, try to wear a good sunscreen cream or gel at all times to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Retinoid creams are also useful in increasing the cell turnover of your skin. Good care and appropriate cleansing routine can help you get smaller and better-looking pores  - in just a matter of days.

Carmex Healing Cream & Lotion Review {Giveaway}

Although spring is just about here, winter is still hanging around in many parts of the country. I know that our skin will go through an adjustment phase as the seasons change. Carmex skincare products can help with that. Besides the usual Carmex lip care items, they also offer a Healing Cream and Healing Lotion.

I have used both of them in the past and love them! They lotion is light and great for everyday use while the cream is best to use for those extra dry areas. Both of them have that signature Carmex scent and it almost smells a bit like playdough. They are loaded with vitamin E and ultra-concentrated aloe vera to sooth and hydrate skin and never leaves a greasy or heavy feel. I like how thick they are and it works great on even the most sensitive skin. My oldest daughter has a hard time using a lot of lotions, but Carmex Healing Lotion works well for her.

Besides receiving the lotion and cream to test out, Carmex sent me a fun branded hoodie which is perfect for my morning drive to drop the girls off to school!

You can find Carmex lotion and cream at most Walgreens and Walmart stores, as well as many others. Stay connected to Carmex on the web, Facebook and Twitter.

My friends from Carmex are supplying a set of the Healing Lotion and Cream for one lucky Momfiles reader to win! Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end March 29, 2013. Three winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I am a member of the Carmex Blog Squad and received product samples for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Seasonal Skincare: Transitioning from Spring to Summer

As spring turns into summer, we all prepare for the warmer temperatures. Pants change to shorts and women often wear dresses to beat the heat. There are many ways in which the season changes affect our daily lives, including skin care. When the temperatures begin to get warmer, it is important to consider seasonal changes to your skin care. An example of this would be the hydration that Squalane oil can provide. As the temperatures may dry out your skin, you can benefit from additional skin care therapies. 

Photo by Vitória Santos from Pexels

Products To Try

Every individual is different, so while one person may have dry skin during the summer, another may have oily skin. It is important to take note as to how your skin reacts during each season and add products accordingly. During the summer, Matrixyl and hyaluronic acid work well on the skin. Finding the Best hyaluronic acid serum and matrixyl products can assist in your skin care regimen. 

With matrixyl, you have a product that helps to reduce the signs of aging. The product contains Matrikines which is an anti-wrinkle complex. The skin is taught to behave differently, with the restricting of the papillary dermis network taking place. 

With hyaluronic acid serum, you have a product that provides much-needed moisture and hydration. Apply the serum in the morning and at night to see the best results. 

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Creating Habits

Once new products have been purchased and a skin care regimen created, stick with it. Wash your face morning and night and take time to treat the skin. Over time, you will see quality results and want to continue to have glowing and beautiful skin. 

Set timers for yourself or try to clean your face at the same times each day. This will help you to create a habit that works so you can see long-lasting results! 

4 Beauty Tips to Try For Better Health

As the holidays approach us, life can feel a bit hectic. It’s hard to find time for self-care when you’re juggling family obligations, your work schedule, and coordinating holiday gifts. Beauty starts with a healthy body, and that means nourishing yourself inside and out.  

Here are four fabulous beauty tips to help you look and feel your best all season long!  

#1 Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

If you live in a cold climate, you know that winter means dry skin and hair. Give your skin some love, and make moisturizing part of your daily routine. 

For sensitive skin, use gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizers for hydration. If you’re extra dry and in need of deeper hydration, treat yourself to a revitalizing face mask.

Part of an effective skincare routine is exfoliation. Make homemade sugar scrubs or use a pumice stone to remove layers of dead skin. You only need to devote a few minutes a day for glowing, vibrant, skin. 

#2 Turn Down the Heat

Blow drying, straightening, and curling are all highly dehydrating for your hair. If you suffer from a dry scalp and brittle hair, it’s time to revamp your hair-care regimen. 

Here are a few tips for luscious locks all winter long: 

• Take Cooler Showers – Although hot showers are comforting, dousing your hair with hot water is extremely dehydrating. When you wash your hair, turn down the heat a little to nourish your scalp.
  
  

• Go Easy on the Products – Dry shampoos and hairsprays, although incredibly useful, may increase scalp irritation and dryness. Try to use these products in moderation and go au naturel for a change.
  
  

• Use Moisturizing Oils – It might feel counter-intuitive to put oil in your hair, but this is a great way to introduce some moisture into lackluster hair. Jojoba or almond oils are versatile and give hair a healthy shine when massaged into your ends. 

#3 Get Enough Sleep 

Sleep is the secret to radiant beauty and excellent health. When you’re well-rested, your skin will be fresh, your eyes bright, and your demeanor relaxed and focused. 

We know sleep can be hard to come by, especially when your schedule is overloaded. To relax, draw a bath before bed and add soothing lavender essential oil.

For extra comfort and relaxation, take a vegan CBD tincture before bed. CBD reduces anxiety and diminishes aches and pains. This will help you get the restful night’s sleep you need (and deserve) to feel your best. 

#4 Use Natural Makeup 

Instead of using chemical-heavy makeup, opt for natural alternatives. This will give your skin a much-needed break, and add glamour to your everyday style. 

• Mascara – Use natural, chemical-free mascara for striking lashes. 

• Lip Balm – A beeswax-tinted lip balm adds a subtle hint of color to your look.

• Blush – Add a rosy flush to your cheeks with mineral based blush.

• Highlighter – Vegan, cruelty-free highlighter gives you a glow inside and out.

Above all, embrace your natural beauty. Remember, makeup should enhance your natural elegance, and you don’t need to apply layers of makeup to look beautiful. 

Love Your Body

We can’t say it enough—wellness begins with self-love. Drink plenty of water. Meditate. Spend quality time with your family. Reflect on everything that makes you beautiful, as those are the same reasons why you’re unique. 

When you love your body, you love yourself. Incorporate these tips into your beauty routine and remember that it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. Wellness is a journey, and with a few simple lifestyle changes, you can make the world of difference. 

4 Ways Your Cellphone Might Be Making You Ugly

Our cellphones have become so vital to our daily lives. Research has shown that the average person checks their phone 85 times a day and that we spend a total of five hours using our cellphones to browse the web or use apps. For many, our smartphone is the first thing we look at in the morning and the last thing we check at bedtime. Although quick glances at our phone may seem harmless, it can in fact be affecting us physically, mentally and emotionally. We caught up with some experts who help explain the ugly side of excessive cellphones use.

1. Ugly posture
When we look down at our cellphones we are straining our necks and slouching our shoulders. Doing this can cause some serious damage to our overall posture even leading us to lose up to an inch to an inch and a half of height. “I see up to 10 patients a week complaining of severe neck and shoulder pain. When asked how often they use their phones the typical response is all the time. When pain becomes chronic and severe, surgery has to be considered,” explains Dr. Richard Samperisi, CoFounder of Campus Chiropractic Center at Florida International University & Functional Medicine Practitioner.

2. Ugly eye strain, bags and wrinkles
Not only can staring at your phone all day cause serious neck and shoulder pain, the extreme use of our phones is leading to various eye conditions such as blurred vision, eye strain, headaches and dry eyes as well as to a condition they like to call “tech neck.” For those concerned with cosmetics and eye appearance constant squinting leads to wrinkles and under eye bags. New Bern, North Carolina plastic surgeon Dr. John Zannis explains that a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures that address under eye bags, drooping and sagging usually range from 5 - $10,000 with a recovery time of up to 2 weeks. He’s also seen a rise in complaints about neck lines and wrinkling skin attributed to excessive cell phone use.

3. Ugly skin
Are you constantly struggling with breakouts around your cheeks or chin? Instead of blaming hormones, junk food or a bad skincare routine consider looking at the device in your hand. “Our cellphones are filled with bacteria. We are continuously touching them with dirty hands, throwing them in our bags, stuffing them in our pockets or putting them on counter tops. Then without even thinking twice we put our phones right up to our ears where all of that bacterium from those dirty areas wreak havoc on our face,” offers Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Kaly Papantoniou.  She suggests frequently wiping the phone screen and using a face wash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to rid bacteria from building up.

4. Ugly Manners
We see people at restaurants who are more focused on snapping a pic of their meal than enjoying each other’s company. Our persistent use of our cellphones can be affecting our relationships with the people and world around us. “When we focus more on our digital lives rather than the individuals we are with; we are not only giving off the impression that we do not care about what they have to say, we are also letting valuable and meaningful moments pass us by,” explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez a New York City based neuropsychologist and teaching faculty at Columbia University. She suggests putting the phone down and even going cell free twice a week.

Give it a try and see how cutting down on your phone use can also cut down on the ugly.

This article is courtesy of Dr. John Zannis. Follow him on Twitter and check out his website at http://www.zannisplasticsurgery.com/

Pamper Yourself With Cleanlogic Bath & Beauty Products (Giveaway)

This year has been quite a challenge for so many of us, and it's important to not forget about taking care of yourself inside and out. Some people are still a bit nervous about getting beauty or skincare treatments done away from their house, with good reason. The great thing is you can still take great care of your skin without stepping foot outside of your home! 

Cleanlogic offers a variety of antimicrobial bath and beauty products that will get you set up with your very own at-home pampering kit. Cleanlogic’s products have antimicrobial protection to slow or prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, are animal-test free, Control Union Certified, and made with clean ingredients and recyclable packaging. Cleanlogic is also dedicated to supporting the over 25 million people in the United States who are blind or visually impaired with packaging that includes functional braille, and a portion of all sales that are donated to blind and visually impaired charities.

We received a few Cleanlogic bath items to try out for ourselves including: Dual Texture Exfoliating Facial Pads ($5), Detox Purifying Charcoal Body Scrubber ($5), and the Dual Texture Exfoliating Body Scrubber ($5). 

The facial pads came in a pack of 3, so I gave one to my daughters, and kept the other one for myself. Both of my girls work out and do yoga, so they were excited to try these out on their faces. As for myself, I have patchy skin. I tried this facial pad out for a few days to see how it would work on the dry spots, and to my surprise, it helped tremendously. I was able to gently yet effectively exfoliate my face and neck, revealing glowing and smooth skin. I love feel of the smooth side. It practically glides across your skin!

Speaking of dry skin, I have noticed for months now that my body overall has been a bit drier than usual. I gave the detox purifying charcoal body scrubber a try to see how it would work for me. I like the handy strap that is on the scrubber, which makes holding it without dropping it a lot easier. I have used it with either body wash or soap, and I like how well it lathers. This scrubber offers a gently scrub that you can feel, yet it's not harsh at all. I had no idea how bad my skin was until I got out of the shower and towel-dried myself off. My skin had that peachy-blush hue to it because that super dry layer had been exfoliated away. Even my moisturizer went in easier and seemed to really absorb better. 

We definitely recommend these fabulous products for anyone who wants to improve their skin texture. Self care is essential, even more so during the pandemic. Cleanlogic has so many great skin care items, and even a line for men. They offer FREE shipping on $20+ orders, and are even including a free holiday gift bag with purchase of select items. This definitely makes gift-giving a whole lot easier. Cleanlogic products make great holiday gifts or stocking stuffers. 

GIVEAWAY!!!

Our friends from Cleanlogic have offered a gift set for one lucky reader to win. Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway  

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and ends on November 1, 2020. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Collection For Kings & Queens

Can you believe that the summer is almost over? Although the school has started in many cities, the summer heat will still be around for a couple more months. Our weather in South Carolina has been unusually dry which means it has been rough on our skin. We make it a point to wear sunscreen when we are going to spend extended time outdoors, as well as keeping hydrated by drinking a lot of water.  

One thing that my family has been exploring more of is natural products when it comes down to skincare. My husband specifically has been using organic black seed oil for a couple years now. Black seed oil dates back over 3,000 in Egypt. It was believed that Queen Nefertiti used it to maintain her exquisite complexion. Black seed earned the Arabic approbation "habbatual barakah", the seed of blessing, for its powerful properties. I was really thrilled to find out about the Honey & Black Seed collection from Nubian Heritage. 

The Honey & Black Seed collection is enriched with antioxidant-rich Black Seed Oil blended with Arabian Honey and Apricot Oil. These ingredients blended with natural enzymes, amino acids, and proteins, boosts the skin’s natural appearance and, with daily use, leaves the skin soft, smooth and hydrated.

The Honey & Black Seed lotion is the most luxurious and moisturizing lotion I have ever used. It's super thick, yet not over-the-top heavy. I like feeling the moisture from lotion long after it was applied, and this one does just that. You can feel the softness all day long. This is one lotion that I do not have to reapply. It has a great neutral scent, so my husband uses it as well.

This soap is so moisturizing and nourishing with little scrubbing bits in it. It lathers a lot better than many other brand soaps I have used. It leaves no residue behind and is good for the most sensitive skin, and has a nice fragrance, too.

The collection includes:

• Bar Soap (SRP: $4.99) 
• Body Lotion (SRP: $10.99) 
• Body Wash (SRP: $10.99) 
• Hand Cream (SRP: $9.99) 
• 24-Hour Deodorant (SRP: $8.99) 
• Infused Shea Butter (SRP: $12.99)

As with all Nubian Heritage products, the Honey & Black Seed collection is cruelty-free, and does not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, paraffin, mineral oil, petroleum, DEA, synthetic fragrance or artificial coloring.

Treat Your Beauty Inside and Out with Clean Cosmetics

Let’s be honest, we all want to age like a fine wine – even those of us who aren’t exactly the narcissistic type of people. The good news is it’s possible even for individuals who haven’t been blessed with the perfect genes; the bad news is it takes some effort as well as knowledge when choosing the ideal bits and pieces of skincare.

My advice is to keep your radiant and healthy skin in mind as you’re on the quest for youthful and wrinkle-free results. And, of course, it’s recommended you take a good look at your current collection of beauty products and sweep it clean, replacing all the toxin-packed items with clean cosmetics free from all the nasties.

Clean beauty has turned into quite the buzzword recently, though there’s still some cloud of confusion as to what it truly refers to and encompasses. Lucky for you, this is exactly what this blog post is about – throwing light on clean beauty.

What Is the Definition of Clean Beauty?

The concise answer would be the kind of cosmetics that are great for people as much as the environment. In a broader sense, it’s an umbrella term encompassing ethical, sustainable, organic, vegan and cruelty-free products. Respective of this, you might also hear it associated with conscious beauty.

This stems from the fact such products are created with natural plant-based ingredients at the basis, carefully sourced from renewable sustainable sources, and not tested on animals. As such, they don’t cause skin irritation, redness, sensitivities, serious health and well-being issues, and they don’t lead to environmental pollution as the traditional cosmetic industry with its serious toxic waste.

What Are the Benefits of Clean Beauty?

If you care about your beauty inside and out, in addition to making ground-breaking changes with your nutrition by getting rid of processed foods and substituting them with all-things organic, you ought to invest in clean beauty that’s nurturing your skin. As soon as you implement them in your day to day pampering, you’d get to benefit the following:

• Come across optimal ingredients that nature offers.

• Get a healthy complexion and plump skin worthy of envy.

• Cut down the risk of toxicity.

• Cut down the risk of irritation, redness, sensitivity, and issues like rosacea, and dermatitis.

• Cut down the risk of cancer.

• Cut down the risk of hormonal imbalances and endocrine issues.

• Boost your immunity – healthy skin equals a healthy body.

• Ensure overall health and well-being.

• Protect animals and help cut down the cosmetic industry’s environmental impact.

• In other words, acquiring clean cosmetics from trusted retailers and their carefully curated selections means opening up the path to a clean lifestyle and an even cleaner environment. What you invest in such products pays off in your life in more ways than one.

How Do I Start a Clean Beauty Routine?

The typical woman enamoured with cosmetics has a wide assortment of beauty essentials that she uses on a daily basis. What this means is every day she scrubs and rubs various types of chemicals on the skin, oblivious they’re harmful for her health. If this sounds like you, and you’re afraid of some side-effects along the way, it’s high time you did some beauty routine changes with the following steps.

1. Know Your Foes 

Not knowing where to begin when embarking on the green beauty regimen, it’s advisable to first familiarize yourself with the nasty ingredients present in most traditional cosmetics that most people sadly have in their homes. The dirty thirty would give you a clear idea of what you should avoid, and why that is.

2. Read the Label

The next step would be to do your homework on brands and their products, and if something catches your eye, be sure to look into the ingredients before purchasing. The important thing here is to get in the habit of reading labels. There are sites, like the non-governmental EWG (Environmental Working Group) with its skin deep database, where you could also check the products you’re interested in to see if they’re safe.

3. Take It Slow 

Once you find brands and items of clean cosmetics you want to try out, are sure they’re safe, and don’t contain any of the dirty thirty nasties, it’s advisable to use a slow pace. If you’ve been using beauty care items for long, your skin has become accustomed to the chemicals, so it might take time to adjust to the organic alternatives.

This is why it’s essential to gradually declutter and implement the new products, starting from the items you use to cover most of your skin’s areas, in the likes of body lotions and body washes. You can later move on to moisturisers, toners, serums, eye creams, sunscreens, masks, soaps, makeup, nail polish, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, fragrances, as well as toothpaste. By doing so, you wouldn’t only be doing your skin and beauty a favor, but also your wallet. The future truly looks bright with these products!

4. Make Sure It's Good for You 

Just because something’s clean, organic, green, vegan, or whatever you might call it, doesn’t mean it won’t bring about any side-effects either. Sometimes, a person may not even be aware he or she is allergic to a certain natural ingredient until they start using certain products. With this thought in mind, it’s necessary to always do a patch test first when you decide to introduce a new item of clean cosmetics to your collection.

5. Mind Your Skin Type 

And, of course, the most important step, always buy clean skincare and body care products that are suitable for your skin type. Once you’ve compiled your collection of all-things clean, you ought to build a solid routine and practice it religiously every morning and every night. This would guarantee you’d get the results you’re after and make a change in your life and the planet’s.

6. Stick to the Basics 

To follow through with it, even when you barely have the time, it’s advisable to make it as simple as you can with the most crucial products. Cleanse, nurture with vitamin C serum and protect with an SPF moisturizer in the morning, and cleanse again, treat with special products (e.g. acne or age related), and round it up by moisturizing again before beauty sleep.