Tub soaks for the WIN

Bath Bombs

Get yours here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0784FM8TC

I have posted several times about the amazingness of bath bombs because I am a big tub soaker, especially when I work out and am sore. This also counts for when I dance or when I am super stressed and I really need the down time of relaxing.

I have posted several different brands of bath bombs that I have used throughout the last 2 years. Honestly I have not been disappointed in any of the products so far! 

Just look at the pretty colors!

And this smells amazing too while it melts/fizzes down.

I like to end this post with some information I read on the healing Powers of a Warm Bath Article.

“Although very few of the claims for healing baths are backed by rigorous scientific studies, the anecdotal evidence for their efficacy is abundant,” says Minneapolis-based dermatologist Bailey Lee, MD. Perhaps the most well-known studies have focused on the therapeutic effects of the Dead Sea in Israel, where a combination of high water salinity and UVA radiation from the sun has proven effective in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo.

A trip to the Dead Sea might not be in your budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn your own bathtub into a mini-spa. According to Lee, the ideal temperature of a healing bath is warm, not overly hot. Soak up to the neck for 10 to 15 minutes max, and make sure you don't get any of the water in your eyes. After drying off, apply a moisturizer with minimal fragrance or additives.

Best: Improve Your Mood (And Sleep) With Lavender Oil

“Lavender oil is often used in a bath for post-episiotomy healing, anal fissures and hemorrhoids,” says Lee. Beyond its skin-healing powers, lavender also has also anti-anxiety effects and decreases premenstrual emotional symptoms. “There is much research now showing that essential oils can affect alertness, arousal and mood through stimulation of the olfactory nerve,” says Power. “Aromatherapists may recommend an essential-oil bath to aid sleep, promote relaxation, manage stress and lift the mood.” Mix the lavender oil with an emulsifier before adding it to the bathwater. Power recommends blending four to six drops of oil into a tablespoon of whole milk, cream or honey, then adding it to your bath.

Sheet Masks..of Course

Gold Collagen Sheet Masks: https://www.amazon.com/Collagen-Tightening-Face-Mask-iBeautyLabs/dp/B01A87R0C0/ref=sr_1_12_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1515799317&sr=8-12&keywords=gold+collagen+face+mask+skin+care

I’m going to admit something that may be a bit of shock to those that love Korean/Asian beauty.

I used to not be a fan of sheet masks. Like, I’d use them sometimes but never really got into them the way some people did. I just didn’t get it. I’d buy them, and then never really use them. When I left Korea, I gave most of my sheet masks away. I didn’t see the need to bring them to Vietnam because I really just never used them. I KNOW, I KNOW, I CAN HEAR YOUR GASPS FROM HERE. Don’t hate me, for now I am a new woman. A woman who is utterly obsessed with sheet masks.

The shift was caused last year when I did a  30 day sheet mask challenge on IG. Rules were simple: use a sheet mask for 7 consecutive days and see the results. Well, I only participated one day on Instagram (because I have yet to master the art of looking cute in a sheet mask), but I quietly kept up with the challenge. It was then that I realized I’d been wrong all this time about sheet masks. They aren’t just an effective way of scaring your loved ones and animals, they actually DO work. And they especially work well if you use them consistently. MAJOR KEY.

The key is consistency. That’s the major mistake I was making with sheet masks. I’d use one every so often, and not really see results, so I wouldn’t really put forth the effort in using them. I’ve noticed that since I’ve started incorporating sheet masks into my nightly routine, my skin is more hydrated, more dewy. It’s the real glow up! Plus I’ve realized that sheet masks are hella fun. I enjoy choosing which one I’m going to use for the night. I love experimenting with different types – coconut gel, regular hydrogel, cotton, silk, etc. Putting on my sheet mask has quickly become the thing I look forward to at night.

But not only have I seen a physical change, I feel like I’ve changed a bit mentally. Using a sheet mask allows me the time to sit still and focus on myself for 20 to 30 minutes. I normally use this time to catch up on a book, or to journal, or to reflect on my day. It’s my meditation period, if you will. After working all day, and battling HCMC traffic to get home, it’s the perfect time for me to center myself. So, I can now say with pride that I totally get the hype about sheet masks, and I’m a true sheet mask lover.

So let me tell you all about the masks that I’m in love with. Like with life, some sheets are shitty, and some are amazing. I usually gravitate towards hydrogels because I like the way they fit, but I use all types!

However this Gold Collagen Masks from IBeautyLabs rock my socks! I like them so much I got two boxes when I ordered them, and just finished my last one from my first box. meaning this box is next to be used it!

#iBeautyLabs #facemask #KoreanFaceMask #followforfollow #likeforlike #neutrogena

Why Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DBJ35T

#natrogixlavenderessentialoil

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a scent that’s a wonderful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. It’s this dynamic aroma that has made the flower a classic for perfumes, soaps, fresheners, and beauty products. As one of our most popular products, Lavender oil is a great beginner oil and a must for every home.

Lavender essential oil isn’t just a favorite because of its classic scent—it’s also highly versatile. From skin care products to relaxing routines, this oil can infuse many areas of your life

Lavender Essential Oil Uses:

• Treat yourself to this well-loved aroma by adding a few drops of oil to lotions, shampoos, and skin care products.
• Create a spa-like retreat by combining 1 cup Epsom salt and 4 drops oil and adding to a hot bath.
• Make a basic homemade body scrub with coconut oil, sugar, and Lavender essential oil.
• Unwind with a Lavender-infused neck or back massage.
• Use Lavender as part of your evening routine. Rub oil on the bottom of your feet before bed or spritz your pillow with distilled water and Lavender mixed in a spray bottle.
• Create a DIY room freshener with Lavender or diffuse it to banish stale odors.

• How to Use

  Topical: Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area. Dilution not required, except for the most sensitive skin. Use as needed.

  Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily

  Caution: Keep out of the reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.

  Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place.

A little Relaxation is always necessary

eye mask:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074X4KPHZ

THE BENEFITS OF A SLEEP MASK

The first, and probably most obvious, advantage of wearing a sleep mask is that it blocks light. While we are trying to sleep, the two biggest distractions from that rest can be noise and light. Light, even moonlight, can keep people from reaching a deep and restful sleep. A sleep mask can not only block out the obvious sources of light, like lamps and televisions, but also natural light like the sun and moon. If your alarm clock or other electronics have a small LED light on them, that can keep you awake at night. If your significant other likes to read at night or watch television, that will not be a problem with a comfortable sleep mask blocking the light.

Another benefit is that a sleep mask can actually help to protect the skin around your eyes from damage while you sleep. It may seem like a minor issue, but wearing a sleep mask could pay off in this tangible way in the long run. While sleeping, many people tend to push the side or front of their faces into their pillow or mattress. This may only be done for part of the night, but it can still leave an imprint on your skin from the wrinkles in your sheets or pillows. Those imprints, especially because they can stay on your face for hours, can eventually cause wrinkles and other damage to the skin on your face.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Now, it is important to make sure that you get the right mask for you. Some masks may fit too tightly, leaving marks and impressions on your face. If the mask is too loose, it may fall off while you sleep, in which case it is serving no purpose. If the mask presses against your eyes and nose and causes discomfort, you may want to consider getting a mask with a raised profile. Masks with raised profiles only touch your face in certain places, and will therefore cause less, if any, discomfort.

Why Retinol

https://www.amazon.com/Joyal-Beauty-Unique-Stabilized-Hyaluronic-blemishes/dp/B01F0SSQS4/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1479266201&sr=1-2&keywords=retinol+cream+joyal+beauty

What is it?

Retinol is simply another name for vitamin A. It’s a type of retinoid, the family of chemical compounds related to vitamin A. Other retinoids include: retinoic acid (also known as tretinoin), retinyl palmitate, and retinaldehyde, all of which can be found in skincare products. Tretinoin is the active ingredient in Retin-A, the prescription acne cream, while adapalene—another retinoid—is the active ingredient in Differin Gel. In addition to being a trusted treatment for acne, retinol is famous for its antiaging properties, cropping up in a range of antiwrinkle and skin-brightening products of every stripe.

What does it do?

 Namely, retinoic acid works to increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen and elastin production, fade hyperpigmentation, and help skin stay hydrated and glowing without irritation. Thanks to all this healthy turnover, retinol can treat and prevent everything from stubborn cystic acne and eczema to sun-induced wrinkles and dark spots.

Introducing Joyal Beauty Retinol Cream into my skincare routine!!!

This Retinol Cream by Joyal Beauty contains just the right amount of Retinol so that it can be used everyday without irritating your skin.  Plus, it also contains skin healing ingredients like Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Argan Oil and Organic Herbs to help soothe and soften skin.  It's basically the perfect Retinol Night Cream!

As a general rule Retinol products should only be used in the evening since it can make skin ultra sensitive to sunlight.

I have been using this for about 2 weeks now, every other night and I am loving how my skin is looking. I due use a foundation when I wear make up that has spf 30 in it, on the days after I apply this in the evening. Gotta keep the skin safe, as retinol can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

I would highly recommend this product for anyone who is looking to add a little extra love to their skin care routine. 

#Retinol

Laila London has me again

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0108FYEJO

The second product from Laila London I tested is the nourishing day facial oil. 

This oil is 100% natural and organic and it is suitable for all skin types. I need to mention that my skin has been going crazy due to the change in my horomones. I recently have been off birth control, so my body is going back to it's own levels and my skin is kinda suffering from it. 

Prior to this I had combo skin that was normal to more dry. Recently my skin has been more combo to oily which is always interesting when trying new products, because you never know how the skin is going to react to it.

 Usually I am pretty sceptical to use a day oil on my skin before I apply my make up. Simply because I think I will end up looking greasy. However this facial oil proved me wrong, if you watched recently I did an Get Undready with me due to a fail of a Get Ready with me and I used this before going to bed. Well I did use it that day as well before I put on my make up. I have been using it since then and been happy.

I will say applying makeup after I let it sink into the skin, ended up with really flawless results. My skin was looking so glowy and healthy. Also I have to say my makeup was easier to apply onto my skin. Right now, I am using it very day, that is how much I felt in love with this day facial oil. All and all, if you want to spoil yourself and your skin, it is worth it to invest into Laila´s London awesome organic products.

Decorating outdoors cause its fun!

We have an amazing view from our back deck of the area that we live in. I am pretty sure that is what convinced the man to actually purchase the house. Mind you, I love the view and with the recent rain I did miss sitting outside and having my AM coffee out there.

But the rain cleared up for now, which means its time to clean up and decorate ever so slightly.

I have a thing with lights and candles. There is pretty much a candle in almost every single room here in the house and I have some form of string lights in every room (minus the den..which is the man cave...but I assume one day I will find the perfect something for it and it too will be apart of the club).

So since I got the inside all set, I have been slowing working on the outside. Adding Solar lights single stakes here and there in the driveway to make it easier to see going up or down at night.

I figured it was time to work on the deck, since we have only a flood light and two tiki torches

Day View

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073GL5Q9T

If you look close in the picture you can see a string of lights wrapped around the deck. I did only get one set of them, as I first wanted to see if they would go well with our view.

Night View

As you can see, both the lights of my city as well as the lights now string along the deck perfectly. They add just enough little bit of light to make it feel homey and just enough light to see my pet Teddy, hanging out by my chair.

What is even better about these lights, just like my Solar Stakes..these are Solar powered which means I wont have to worry about finding or replacing batteries to keep them going. THANK GOODNESS.

Now if we could just get Solar on our house...we would be set!