Archives for September 2016

Exercise: Cielo Yoga Block and Strap

September 25, 2016 · Leave a Comment

If you go to a Yoga studio, you may have seen or used Yoga Blocks and straps before. If you are trying Yoga or Pilates or some simple stretching exercises at home by yourself or with an instructional DVD for the first time, a block and a strap are a worthwhile investment for keeping proper form and reducing the risk of injury. Using at-home exercise tutorial videos at great but it is easy to unknowingly develop bad form. Recently I tried a Cielo Yoga Block and Strap that help me retain good posture.

Cielo Yoga Block and Strap

WHAT IT DOES
The Cielo Yoga Block and Strap is an excellent set to modify poses, provide support, stability or balance during yoga and pilates. If you can’t reach far enough or you have difficulty holding form or retaining balance, a block or strap can help. Cielo blocks and straps are made from waterproof and eco-friendly materials.

WHO IT IS FOR
They are ideal for:

Beginners
Those with weak posture or alignment, weak core strength
Those with an injury
Those with balancing problems
Those undertaking a challenging new pose and want to make sure to retain proper form and alignment
Women at all stages of a pregnancy and post pregnancy as the body needs more support, and the center of balance is constantly changing.
Those with hypermobility who have difficulty getting a good stretch

THE CIELO YOGA BLOCK

QUALITY
Two issues concern me when selecting a yoga block: sizing of the block and the whether the material is suitable for comfortable, yet grounded use.

SIZING: The block is 9x6x4 inches. By positioning the block, there are three height options for customized support. Laying flat on the thinner side I find useful for sitting on, placed upright lengthwise gives support to the hands when stretching from above, and I want to retain the ability to balance.

COMFORTABLE GROUNDING: My ideal yoga block is comfortable enough to use but not so soft that it has too much give to be stable. This Cielo Yoga block is durable non-slip, hard foam material that has some cushion without being too soft. Gentle on the hands, it is comfortable to use to bear weight upon with just the right amount of give to be comfortable for the wrist when grounding down yet hard enough to still maintaining proper positioning.

USE
The Cielo block is helpful to sit on during exercises that typically one sits on their feet. I find the block gives me a better alignment. I like to use the block between my knees or thighs to hold proper alignment of my legs for Wheel or Bridge pose. The Cielo block stayed steady and provided some lengthening balance for my lowered hand on the block during Revolved Triangle; it creates the longer line of the intended triangle shape and gives better opening when I can hold the pose longer.

Cielo Yoga Block and Strap

THE CIELO YOGA STRAP

QUALITY
It is well made and durable, no wear and tear from my pulling, tugging or bearing weight on it. It is comfortable and easy to grasp. It is long enough to use for arms or legs or to wrap around the core and shoulders to maintain posture, especially for beginners or after sustaining an injury.

USE
The 1.5” x 8-foot strap is a very useful tool for keeping the core in place or ensuring proper form for beginner poses or difficult poses. If you are working on improving posture, this strap is very helpful. For beginners or those with posture issues, the wrapping the strap around the waist and shoulders provides a reminder of keeping proper alignment.

I find the strap particularly helpful in my stretches when I am very tight as well as when attempting new poses and positions, or when I just can’t reach far enough for stretches like Cow Face Pose. The strap helps me keep even posture, form, and alignment. I get a deeper stretch in my hamstrings and back and keep better form when I use the strap during a forward bend. If you are unsure of your posture and alignment during a Downward Dog pose, a strap is very helpful. And a Hammock Pose can be enhanced with the use of a strap to keep the tension out of a stretch. My favorite stretch with a strap is the Legs Up in the Air Pose, after a long day this releases tension in the back after just a few minutes. I like to do that one before bed for better sleep at night.

I also find the strap useful to wear while sitting at the computer in my home office; I tend to slump and this helps me keep proper posture when sitting.

Cielo Yoga Block and Strap

CONCLUSION: Straps and blocks are not just for Yoga newbies, they can help make your body feel better and maintain form longer. Cielo Yoga straps and blocks are eco-friendly, waterproof material with comfortable give that is still firm enough to ground down and maintain stability, the block and strap provide stability and balance to aid my alignment for deeper poses and stretches.

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

September 23, 2016 · Leave a Comment

This is a hand blown artisan glass water decanter. It has a vibrant, opaque infusion of color. I chose the blue to match the decor of my office. My office is very arid to forced heat and air conditioning, as well as the environment of the computers and equipment. My eyes and skin feel dry quickly. I got this decanter to remind myself to drink enough water during the day and thought it would be nice to have something stylish on my desk for some artistic flare that coordinates with my office decor, which has accents of cobalt and lapis blue as well as other artisan glass pieces.

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

The decanter itself is heavy enough to not accidentally knock over (as I have accidentally done from time to time with Perrier bottles) yet not so heavy that it is hard to lift. The lip on the mouth makes for easy pouring, and it does not splash

It does not come with the drinking glass; those are sold separately. However, plain or coordinating artisan glassware (such as the one I have in the picture) is easy enough to obtain on websites such as Etsy. They are also easy to paint yourself with glass painting kits. There are some bubbles in the colored glass that show it is hand made; they are not imperfections or blemishes.

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

The decanter comes in a gift-worthy white box with company Bib&Sola logo; it is very suitable for gift giving, especially if you know someone’s colors for their kitchen, bar or dining area. At 1.2 liters it is suitable for use when serving dinner to guests as well. If giving as a gift, I might wash it first as it looked much nicer after rinsing it off. There seems to be some residual surface dust that washes off quickly, revealing more beautiful, quality piece.

It is nice to have a clear container on my desk that prompts me to drink the recommended 1.2 Liters a day, and generally, I prefer when my supervisor comes by, to have something more adult and professional on my desk such as this piece instead of plastic bottles that look sloppy.

Makes for a beautiful gift, I believe my photos are true to the color blue, a mid-blue that is not as dark as a lapis.

CONCLUSION: Nice artisan style piece that matches with several decors and is suitable for use in a kitchen, barware, dining room, or office setting.

Find the lovely Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter here.

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

I received this product at a discount for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to answer it!

Skincare: Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Professional Strength

September 23, 2016 · Leave a Comment

SUMMARY of Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum: It only takes a few drops to make my skin look like I have a secret Instagram filter for real life. It quickly plumps skin so that all the fine wrinkles and not-so-fine-lines fill in, as if you used a filler, but it looks natural. It deflects the appearance of imperfections so that your skin looks like you, but smoother, softer, dewy, and firm. Very little Aurora Cure serum does the entire face without being sticky.

Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Professional Strength

HYALURONIC ACID
If you are a regular reader here at StyleChicks, you have heard us tout the wonder of Hyaluronic Acid. It is hands-down my favorite supporting ingredient in many skincare products. So we were pretty excited when we found such a high quality, 100% professional grade Hyaluronic Acid from Aurora Cure. More about that in a bit, because if you are not familiar with Hyaluronic Acid, it is time to become acquainted with this beauty powerhouse and what it can do for your skin.

WHAT MAKE HYALURONIC ACID SO SPECIAL
First, Hyaluronic is a moisture magnet. It holds one-thousand times its’ weight in water, which is so much moisture that when applied to the skin, wrinkles and fine lines just plump up like a temporary filler and skin imperfections seem to disappear within minutes. Unlike a filler, skin retains its’ natural expression; it is just soft, supple, dewy and so plump with moisture that the face (or neck or decolletage) appears lifted. If you have chronically lined, wrinkled lips like me, a dab of Hyaluronic smooths them right out, plumping lips more naturally or evenly than a plumping lip gloss.

Second, this same moisture drawing capability helps other active ingredients get deeper into the skin than they could absorb on their own. Vitamin C for example, cannot reach too far beyond the surface skin layers alone. But Hyaluronic Acid is like having VIP access. It can get into deep crevices and layers of skin and takes treating ingredients such as Vitamin C, B, MSM, Horsetail, Gotu Kola, Stem Cells, and more to the layers that can affect real skin transformation: deep dermal layers where skin scaffolding structure exists, where deep wrinkles or scars are formed, and where much more collagen is needed to uphold skin and supporting tissue. Whatever skin treatment product you use, whether serums or Retinol, Hyaluronic can deliver those treating ingredients deeper into the skin.

Hyaluronic also has many skin benefits on its’ own. Our body makes less natural Hyaluronic Acid as we age, but the topical replacement of this acid is very effective. But there is some variety in cost and quality amongst Hyaluronic Acids, so finding the best cost-effective Hyaluronic Acid means you can afford to use it daily and derive the most benefit.

ABOUT AURORA CURE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH 100% PURE HYALURONIC ACID SERUM

As the title says, it is 100% Hyaluronic Acid, which is unusual for a Hyaluronic Acid serum. Many Hyaluronic Acid serums and creams are not pure Hyaluronic, rather, they contain some Hyaluronic Acid and are primarily various fillers ranging from helpful (Aloe Vera) to not so helpful (potentially irritating chemicals). Pure Hyaluronic Acid avoids unnecessary chemicals or fillers, meaning less irritation and more powerful product. A small amount goes a long way; this is a longer-term investment bottle.

Of note, the other two listed ingredients are a preservative (Phenoxyethanol) and Ethylhexylglycerin – a glycerin (preservative/skin conditioner) to give the serum base to the acid form.

Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Professional Strength

USE & APPLICATION

It just takes a few drops of Aurora Cure Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum to smooth the face and a few more drops for the neck. I apply a drop at a time, starting on my forehead, then my jaw line, then I pat it on my cheekbones, browbone, the nose, and all around the undereye area. I use a few more drops on my throat. I follow up with my moisturizer afterward. Most days, I put my Vitamin C Serum on before my Hyaluronic Acid in the morning.

Alternatively, a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid can be added directly into your moisturizer before application; this helps distribute it evenly. I like that this Hyaluronic is not sticky so that I can leave the house without looking greasy.

Since Hyaluronic Acid immediately starts attracting moisture to the skin upon application, it is important to add a moisturizer over the Hyaluronic Acid. This is especially important if you are in a very arid climate or a high-pollution area because Hyaluronic will draw moisture from the ambient air if needed. I don’t need as much moisturizer since my skin is already plump and smooth, but I do use enough to coat the face, and the Hyaluronic quickly absorbs it into the skin.

TIP: If you use Hyaluronic Acid and your skin seems dryer for it, you aren’t giving your skin enough moisturizer for the Hyaluronic to pull into the skin. If you over moisturize, which is hard to do, allow a few extra minutes and blot down the excess.

RESULTS

While I love Hyaluronic Acid, the additives in several brands leaves me either sticky, too greasy to wear makeup over it, or a bit irritated from the excess chemicals. The Aurora Cure Hyaluronic Acid did not cause an irritation when I pair it with Vitamin C or retinol. The Aurora Cure left no residue and was not irritating, even around the delicate eye area. Being able to use it around the eye would be reason enough for me to buy this brand in the future.

My horizontal forehead crinkles disappear and my eleven lines appear much softer, they are still there, but not noticeable. Pores fill in and appear non-existent, very similar to an airbrushed look without seeming fake like a filler or cakey like a thick foundation.

I love the Aurora Care Hyaluronic on the undereye bags and crows feet as it gives such as soft, dewy look to the skin without irritating the eyes. The eye area looks so much younger, and the top of the cheekbone gains a nice natural highlight and plumpness. There is a “lifting” around the eye area due to the plump result of the Hyaluronic in this area is very youthifying.

The overall surface of the skin on the neck, chest, lips has such a smooth surface. Aurora Cure Hyaluronic makes your skin look like it does after your done filtering it for Instagram.

As for the ability for Hyaluronic Acid to enhance other active ingredient products such as Vitamin C serum or Retinol, I use the Hyaluronic with my evening Retinol and my morning Vitamin C Serum. The ability to enhance the Vitamin C production at a deep layer makes the most of my skin care routine.

TIP: For a good Vitamin C Serum recommendation, read our review of Aurora Cure Professional Grade Vitamin C serum. It is a serum chock full of anti-aging ingredients that make the most of the collagen production. I like to use these two Aurora Cure products together since they work great in tandem, and neither of them are sticky or leave a residue, so I can apply my makeup over them without getting greasy or flaky.

Aurora Cure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Professional Strength

CONCLUSION: High-quality, concentrated, pure Hyaluronic Acid with no excess fillers or chemicals to irritate the skin, Aurora Pure Ultimate 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum provides a dewy, smooth alternative to naturally filling wrinkles and pores to provide an airbrush yet natural finish. It also enhances your existing skin care program to aid Vitamin C and Retinol to sink deep into the skin without dryness or redness. An excellent product!

Find this amazing serum at Aurora Cure.

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I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Why Use an Ice Roller to Depuff Undereye Bags

September 23, 2016 · 1 Comment

We’ve all heard that ice is good for your skin. Supermodels dunk their faces in ice cold water first thing in the morning to shrink pores. A standard pimple-reduction technique is to pop two ibuprofen and ice down a pimple, and it will disappear. Ice your eyes and undereye bags will vanish.

Yeah, none of those ever worked for me.

Nonetheless, I thought I would give an Ice Roller a try, and I’m thrilled that I did. The results are impressive.

ESARORA Ice Roller

First, prep is easy. Take the roller and put it in the freezer. That’s it. It will be ready in 15 minutes, but it doesn’t hurt to keep it in the freezer when not in use, so it is always ready.

Second, using it is easy. For beauty purposes, I like to run it over my face in the morning when I’m making my coffee. It takes less than a minute to slowly roll over my entire face, eye area, and throat, and it instantly depuffs my face and especially my undereye bags. It shrinks pores and gives skin a wide awake look.

The most impressive result is on acne. I woke up Tuesday to a profoundly painful pimple on my otherwise clear skin. I figured I would try the Ice Roller on it since it was so inflamed. Beyond the pimple itself, the inflammation was nearly the size of a dime. I knew that even if I put my go-to cream on the blemish that it would have a hard time penetrating the inflammation. I rolled the Ice Roller over it for about two minutes, and not only was the peripheral redness gone, but the pimple itself shrank and was far less red. I was able to apply medicine and then easily cover it with concealer when I did my makeup. That was a quick rescue and worth the very reasonable price just for that use!

I’m not quite sure what the difference is between this device and a standard ice cube or cold pack, but I have some theories. First, the pressure of the roller is very mild. I have tried many devices that attempt to take care of puffiness by micro-vibrations, but a few of those (including a high-end one) leaves my skin irritated due to the level of pressure. Conversely, the Ice Roller is the lightest of pressure, just enough to make sure the cold penetrates the skin. Second, the metal roller isn’t meant to stay in one spot too long, so the body doesn’t adversely react like if you put an ice cube on a spot and just held it there.

I’m thrilled to have a great item like this to quickly depuff in the morning!