Archives for February 2018

Sponsored Post: Beauty Wellness with the Eucerin “Prepare to Repair” Video Series

February 22, 2018 · 34 Comments

Here at Style Chicks, we love the concept of Beauty Wellness: the things you do for your wellbeing that have an added beauty benefit, whether it is better posture, better sleep, or simply doing something that puts a glowing smile on your face. There is also no denying that we are huge skincare enthusiasts here, and we know you are too. The folks at Eucerin have combined Skincare and Beauty Wellness into a fantastic video series called “Prepare to Repair!

The Eucerin “Prepare to Repair” video series has simple, effective tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman to help repair skin’s moisture and from Fitness Instructor Kirsten Trued to help repair muscles. These tips will help optimize your total wellness efforts! In this series, Kirsten teaches a series of exercises that use a small ball for gentle firm pressure, emulating a known therapeutic sports massage technique.

HANDS AND FOREARMS

Our hands endure plenty of wear and tear during the day, ranging from using computer technology gear to washing dishes. The repetitive motion can be grueling to the tendons and muscles of the hand, which makes regular, gentle stretches so beneficial.

Fitness Instructor Kirsten Trued recommends two effective stretches to ease achiness and repair both hands and forearms, while moisturizing skin.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OHcprlx_hw[/embedyt]

ECZEMA CAUSES

Winter wreaks skin havoc, causing dryness and redness, including Eczema flare-ups. To help pre-empt a flare-up, Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Creme contains colloidal oatmeal that soothes while Ceramide-3 acts a barrier to lock in moisture. I especially like to use this in dry environments such as those with indoor forced air heat, like my office building.

POST WORKOUT ECZEMA RELIEF

Sweating during a workout can provoke eczema breakouts, which means regular workouts can begin a vicious cycle. Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-Up Treatment Creme is intended for use during an active flare-up. It contains Licochalcone A, a licorice extract which is clinically proven to significantly improve the skin’s appearance during flare-up phases.

The rich-feeling creme is fragrance-, steroid- and dye-free.

BACK AND CHEST

Keeping the muscles in your back, chest, and neck strong and toned is vital for proper posture. Good posture makes you look slimmer and taller, and feel younger and healthier. Have you noticed how people round their shoulders and extendedly bend their necks forward while using their phone, tablets, and laptops? These simple exercises not only will help undo some of the stress we put our neck each day but impart a smoother, more elegant neckline and collarbone.

I’ve been remiss over the years about upper body skin care. While I carefully slather my face and throat with skincare topicals and sunscreen, I’ve been haphazard with my shoulders, decolletage, and upper arms. But these areas all belie age with sun damage, dryness, lack of firmness and wrinkles.

What can be done to compensate for upper body skin neglect? Two Eucerin products that help reverse time are Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion and Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion.

AHA TO PROMOTE FIRMNESS, COLLAGEN, AND SMOOTHER SKIN

Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion contains one of my go-to favorite ingredients: Alpha Hydroxy Acid, also known as AHA. AHA, a natural acid found in foods, is a superstar of the skincare realm. AHA’s are often used in anti-aging products and treatments due to their ability to gently but effectively remove dead skin layers without the unsightly peeling or redness that manual exfoliation can cause.

For those with sensitive skin, AHAs can be drying, but Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion and Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion contain several buffering ingredients that keep skin hydrated enough to stay soft and supple while benefiting from AHA. What a great duo these two make to treat, protect and hydrate!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVSIAFq7c_8[/embedyt]

As a side note, I find the AHA in Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion quite helpful with Keratosis Pilaris (KP), better known as those “chicken bumps” that appear on upper arms. For optimal skin health, KP treatment requires both exfoliation and hydration which makes Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion and Eucerin Advanced Repair perfect for the job. And I like that they are fragrance-free and absorb quickly without leaving residue on skin or clothes, which is highly preferable to any medicated KP treatment. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion keeps you hydrated for 48 hours.

QUADS AND HAMSTRINGS

Are your legs sore at the end of the day? Whether from wearing high heels or chasing toddlers the leg muscles often need attention. These exercises work the entire quad and hamstring inch by inch and add in a stretching component for a deep muscle massage. Doing these exercises daily makes legs far more comfortable, even after a busy day on your feet.

And because even skin that is not exposed to the elements can still become very dry, this Eucerin series pairs Eucerin Original Healing Lotion uses simple, safe ingredients to help repair skin. It is paired with the Eucerin Skin Calming Creme for a total beauty wellness leg care plan. The Eucerin Skin Calming Creme is formulated with natural oatmeal to calm skin and keep it moisturized.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC_Q1cYTUM8[/embedyt]

CONCLUSION

The Eucerin “Prepare to Repair” video series makes the most of easy to implement, reparative stretching exercise techniques paired with effective skin products targeted to specific skincare needs. The Eucerin Repair line provides dry, itchy, rough skin with long-lasting hydration, using safe, effective ingredients that are non-irritating. Skin instantly looks and feels so much better. Eucerin replaces the dull, dry look of winter skin with a hydrated and smooth glow that quickly dries down to a non-greasy finish. Warmer weather is just around the corner, and it’s time to get skin ready to be seen. You put time and effort into your beach body workouts, don’t forget your skin!

Style Chicks wrote this article and received compensation for our time and effort. However, the opinions expressed are 100% ours.

WEARING TIMELESS MODERN CLASSICS: Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant

February 12, 2018 · 16 Comments

Need a timeless gift? This gift-boxed Gem Stone King has a focal piece of a 1/2 inch Bermuda Blue Swarovski crystal on an 18-inch chain. The look is modern but it has decidedly classic overtones, channeling your inner Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn while still being versatile enough a piece to suit an “Au Courant” wardrobe ranging from casual to formal outfits.

Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant has a beautiful sparkle due to the precision cut

WHY CHOOSE THIS GEM STONE KING PENDANT

If you’re looking for a signature necklace for yourself or a tasteful gift, this piece is an excellent choice because it made of quality materials and superior construction. As a New York City-based diamond wholesaler, Gem Stone King oversees local production to keep costs low while employing old world methods with modern technology. They sell jewelry online directly to consumers. Because of this, they offer a much higher quality item that is typically seen for the price point.

The 18-inch chain looks lovely on an open neckline

This particular piece uses a Swarovski Crystal Gemstone with a precision-cut as often seen on diamonds to enhances the sparkle and clarity. It is classic and elegant, yet sleek enough to feel modern.

Gem Stone King Pendant with Swarvoski crystal has brilliant sparkle

The Gem Stone King Pendant Swarovski crystal focal stone and surrounding white stones have brilliant sparkle

THE FOCAL STONE

The gem stone is a rounded square with a cut to maximize the sparkle in the light. The stone itself is transparent without blemishes. The Bermuda Blue color is very versatile, vibrant and even.

Close up view of the focal piece

The center stone is surrounded by a double row of small white crystals that have a great deal of sparkle.

It works with icy pastels, white, deep vibrant blues such as royal and cobalt, as well as neutrals, creams, and linens and even contrasting brights like orange. The clean lines of the necklace look particularly nice with an open neckline.

As seen on an ice blue silk taffeta formal dress

Looks pretty on bright, cheery colors ranging from aqua blues, browns, greens and reds

ABOUT SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL GEMSTONES

The Swarovski brand is renowned for creating crystals that have astounding light and sparkle due to their precise cutting methods. Swarovski uses a patented machine to perfect the look of a hand-cut to make crystals of high brilliance like a diamond available for the price of a crystal. Because Swarovski crystals have such a glamorous sparkle, they are frequently used in costumes, bridal wear, and designer gowns.

18″ inch chain is Rhodium plated for high-shine and durability

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

The spring-ring clasp is sturdy and the stone setting is secure. The cable necklace chain does not catch on delicate fabrics such as silk or satin.

The clasp is marked and the chain is of particular high-brilliance. The focal piece, clasp, and chain are Rhodium plated for high luster and durability.

Marked clasp is sturdy and easy to use

MAKES AN IDEAL GIFT

The pendant comes gift boxed. It makes an ideal gift item for a milestone event or just because for someone special, such as for a bridesmaid gift, a girlfriend, mother or a friend who has a sleek yet elegant style.

Gift box

FEATURES

Gift Box
No questions asked money back guarantee
Free Return and Refund and Lifetime Warranty

ABOUT GEM STONE KING

Gem Stone King is a leading online jewelry company with over 5 million internet sales. The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for over 100 years. The president is a fourth generation diamond merchant. Based in New York, New York, their jewelry is mainly manufactured in the United States. All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

An elegant piece for a modern Grace Kelly vibe

CONCLUSION

A high-end look at an affordable price point, this Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant has quality workmanship paired with the brilliance of a classic yet modern focal piece which is cut in the Swarovski tradition for maximum sparkle. In its’ own gift box, it makes an ideal gift for someone who loves elegant, sleek jewelry.

A tasteful gift

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find this gift-boxed Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant with Rhodium plated chain at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KL1MH1?th=1

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Senior skincare: Retinol and Vitamin C Results For The Over 65 Crowd

February 12, 2018 · 21 Comments

Age Spots.

Have you ever actually thought about how offensive that phrase is? As if I forget my AARP status, and need to be reminded by hyperpigmentation.

And let’s not even get into the patronizing terms like “laugh lines”. I’m not trying to deny my age, but there is nothing wrong with wanting to look good for your age. That’s why I love Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer for signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.

There are special considerations when it comes to skincare for mature skin. The younger women here at Style Chicks use Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer as a preventative measure, or to nip a problem in the bud. For me, I’m trying to not only prevent further aging, but to reverse the damage that has been done over time by both intrinsic and extrinsic dermal aging. In other words, we’re not just fighting what time has done to us, we’re fighting what UV exposure, pollution, and a host of other factors have done to our skin over the years.

Let’s consider some of the signs of aging that Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer works for:

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer: the all-in-one anti-aging weapon

WRINKLES

Wrinkles occur due to thinning of the skin, loss of facial muscle mass, damage to collagen and the reduction of collagen production after age 30, and dehydration of the outer layer of the skin. While the loss of facial muscle mass is best left to the facial exercises that suddenly seem to be popular (and a good diet), Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer is highly effective for the rest of the causes of wrinkles.

Thinning of skin can be caused by a number of factors and leads to the dreaded “crepey skin” appearance. If the skin is thinner and the skin is dryer on the outer layers, then you have a perfect environment for wrinkles and lines to form. Add to that the intrinsic rapid loss of collagen starting at age 30 and rapidly decreasing in production each year, and wrinkles form.

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer treats the causes of wrinkles by using a high-grade Retinol to increase cell turnover and increase collagen production. This softens wrinkles and effectively treats fine lines. This increased cell turnover and increased collagen production lead to thicker, smoother skin that acts younger than your true “skin age”. Which means it looks better. Vitamin C protects your “new skin” from pollution, free radicals, and other extrinsic aging factors.

Lordsbury contains pure Retinol, Vitamin C Serum, Hyaluronic and a host of natural moisturizers all in one cream

Lordsbury’s formula also contains Hyaluronic Acid, which helps with the appearance of crepey skin by boosting moisture content in the outer layers of skin, so skin looks plump and glowy. In addition to everyone’s favorite ingredient Hyaluronic Acid, the moisturizer also contains natural and organic Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, and Vitamins B5 and E. That is quite the humectant combo to keep your skin in top hydrated form! These ingredients also buffer the Retinol so you won’t experience the usual side effects of Retinol products: redness, flaking, and dry skin.

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Maybe you tanned in your 20s. Maybe you weren’t diligent with sunscreen. Maybe you have dark spots due to acne scars. Or you just have bad genetics. Years of any of these factors can lead to hyperpigmentation. Anytime you pick up a beauty magazine, you read about the latest K-Beauty trend – Glass Skin, Cloudless Skin, etc. What is the goal of any of these trends? To get skin that is free of hyperpigmentation, which is a hallmark of young skin.

Both Retinol and Vitamin C work to decrease hyperpigmentation and improve the clarity of skin. When you start a Retinol program, you might notice a slight darkening and tightening of spots on your face. Don’t give up! That means that the deeper levels of hyperpigmentation are rising to the surface and will soon exfoliate off. In fact, seeing that initial but brief darkening if how I know that any Retinol product is working!

Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer is gentle enough to use around the eyes, so you don’t need a separate eye cream. It is amazing for getting rid of fine lines and smoothing the delicate orbital skin.

Don’t forget about the other “tell-tale” areas of skin that show aging, as well. Use Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer on your throat and dÃ©colletage. At a generous 2.8 oz, Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer can treat all these areas gently and effectively.

Lordbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer comes in a generous 2.8 ounce size pump bottle, and only one pump is needed for face and throat

Of course, just because we’re old enough to have seen two serial versions of Poldark AND two versions of Dynasty doesn’t mean that we can slack off on the basics: SPF is a daily prerequisite for everyone regardless of age or skincare routine. However, using it on mature skin is especially needed to prevent further extrinsic aging and protect the skin on the whole. SPF is also necessary for anyone on a Retinol program.

Aging isn’t a bad thing. Aging gracefully is a worthy goal. But that doesn’t negate taking care of your skin and looking like the best version of yourself. Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer is a great way to make your mature skin look optimal!

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3PSEQX/

Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer contains both 2.5% pure Retinol and 20% Vitamin C Serum

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Style Chicks received Lordsbury Retinol+C Cream Moisturizer in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

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(Editor’s Note: We haven’t seen the reboot of Dynasty. Everyone at Style Chicks does, however, obsess during every episode of Poldark over how perfect Demelza’s and Caroline’s skin is, even without the benefit of Lordsbury Retinol+C Moisturizer. Even Aunt Agatha has fantastic skin considering her age. That pop-culture disclosure isn’t required by the FCC, but we still think you should know.)

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Spray Mousse: How to Tips

February 3, 2018 · 7 Comments

Mousse is the go-to product for hair volume, but it is a thin line between full, lush, voluminous hair and big, stiff hair that resembles helmet head. We recently tried Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Spray Mousse, which can be used wet or dry for adding volume directly to the roots.

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Spray Mousse can be used wet or dry for root volume

OUR Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Spray Mousse EXPERIENCE

Dry use peaked my interest, especially to refresh a hair that has gone flat during the day. Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Spray Mousse, when sprayed at the root of dry hair gives day-time conservative “office” hairstyles a quick upgrade with some textural volume at the roots. It looks and feels soft and touchable with and unlike several dry use products, hair doesn’t look crunchy, dirty or stiff.

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Spray Mousse gives the volume of a mousse with the precision of a spray, plus it comes in this purse-size mini for quick makeovers.

It dispenses as a spray that turns into a mousse for targeted root volume

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Spray Mousse at Ulta as a purse size and full ten ounce size