Beauty

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are my own. #RAWellnessBeauty #CollectiveBias

Exercise does wonders for your body, but skipping skin care before and after a workout can lead to breakouts, clogged pores, and irritation. The good news is there are easy steps you can take before, during, and after exercise to keep your skin looking as great as you feel. Spending just a few minutes to prep and care for your skin can make a big difference. Adding a few simple habits to your routine means you’ll always be ready to put your best face forward. Here are some no-fuss tips to add to your post-workout routine to keep your skin looking fabulous.

No-Sweat Guide to Flawless Post-Workout Skin

Remove Your Makeup
If you can, take off your makeup before you work out. Sweat plus makeup can create excess oil that leads to clogged pores and breakouts.

Hands Off
Try not to touch your face while exercising. Equipment, mats, and other surfaces can carry bacteria and dirt.

Pull Your Hair Back
Most people use styling products, and when you sweat those products can run down your face, neck, and back. Pulling your hair back and wearing a sweatband can help keep products and sweat off your skin.

Wash Your Face Right Away
Cleansing your face as soon as possible after a workout is key. It removes sweat, dirt, and oil that can clog pores and cause breakouts — and a cool splash of water feels amazing after a sweaty session. Use a gentle cleanser. I like Neutrogena Deep Clean Micellar Water because it removes grime and even stubborn waterproof mascara while gently purifying skin. I rinse my face with cool water to start, then use micellar water on cotton rounds to wipe away makeup, sweat, and dirt. My skin feels clean, soft, and healthier since I started using it.

Change Your Clothes
Showering right after a workout is ideal, but if that’s not possible, change out of sweaty clothes as soon as you can. Damp activewear can irritate sensitive skin and cause breakouts. If you can’t shower, wipe down with towelettes or a wet washcloth and put on breathable clothes.

Moisturize
Sweat doesn’t hydrate your skin. After cleansing, use a nourishing lotion to restore moisture. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is my go-to because it’s gentle, non-greasy, and leaves skin soft. It’s fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, so it helps replenish moisture without clogging pores or causing irritation. It’s been shown to improve dry skin in one day, with more noticeable results after two weeks.

Hydrate
You lose a lot of water during exercise, especially in hot yoga or outdoor runs. Drinking fluids after a workout helps your body and skin recover. Electrolyte tabs or drinks are a quick way to rehydrate and replace lost electrolytes. Hydralyte Orange Tabs are a great option — they treat dehydration with up to 75% less sugar and four times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks. Just drop two tabs into a glass of water. And remember to drink steadily before, during, and after exercise.

Find These Products at Rite Aid
You can find all the products mentioned above at Rite Aid. When it comes to wellness and beauty, Rite Aid helps you make smart choices and supports your wellness journey. From March 4 through March 31, 2018, Rite Aid featured in-store promotions during their Beauty Event: for every $30 you spend on participating Wellness + Beauty items, you get $10 Bonus Cash. Check out their beauty event and helpful wellness tips in store or online.

Also look into their Wellness+Beauty program — each month has a new theme with offers and solutions to help you reach your wellness and beauty goals while saving money.

What’s your favorite way to sweat and move?

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This DIY moisturizing honey face mask is simple to make and leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated, and more radiant. Made from natural pantry ingredients, it’s an easy, gentle way to pamper your skin.

After the cold months, my skin always needs extra care. Dry air, stress, and lack of sleep left my skin looking dull and dehydrated. I love creating homemade skincare in the kitchen to help boost hydration and glow.

For more tips on glowing skin, check out my post “How To Get Glowing Skin” on The Find by Zulily.

I try to keep my beauty routine natural. Many store-bought masks can be pricey and full of questionable ingredients. This DIY hydrating mask uses just a few natural items and delivers great results. Manuka honey, in particular, is praised for its health benefits and is fantastic in skincare as well as in the kitchen.

What is Manuka honey?
Manuka honey comes from bees that collect nectar from the Manuka plant (Leptospermum scoparium) native to New Zealand. It contains a compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it strong antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits make manuka honey especially useful for soothing and caring for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.

Why use Manuka honey for skin?
– Reduces breakouts: Its antibacterial properties help reduce the bacteria that cause acne.
– Calms redness: Anti-inflammatory and healing effects can soothe irritated or sensitive skin and support healthier cell turnover.
– Hydrates: Honey attracts and retains moisture, helping skin feel softer.
– Brightens: Natural enzymes provide gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin.

DIY Moisturizing Honey Face Mask
This hydrating mask is great for dry, acne-prone, or aging skin. Manuka honey soothes and hydrates, while oat flour gently exfoliates away dry, dull skin. If you have vitamin C powder, it’s a nice boost for brightening. Lavender adds a light scent and anti-inflammatory benefits, and rosehip seed oil supports skin renewal and antioxidant protection.

Use once or twice a week for a little extra skincare TLC.

Ingredients:
– 1 Tbsp oat flour (or grind oats in a blender)
– 1 Tbsp manuka honey
– 1/2 tsp vitamin C crystals (optional)
– 2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
– 1 drop rosehip seed oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients until well combined.

To use:
– Clean your face before applying.
– Massage onto damp skin in gentle, circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
– Leave on for 5–10 minutes.
– Rinse with warm water and a clean washcloth.
– Follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

Note: Vitamin C can increase sun sensitivity, so be sure to use sunscreen.

Have you tried this yet? Let me know if you have!

You can find all ingredients at nowfoods.com. Use code AMBER for 20% off.

This post is sponsored by Milan Laser Hair Removal. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I hate shaving. Like, I’ll choose pants over shorts just to skip the razor (sorry, not sorry!). Beyond the time it takes, my skin is super sensitive and shaving always leads to razor burn, ingrown hairs, and smoothness that only lasts a day or two before I’m stubbly again. It’s a huge hassle.

When Milan Laser Hair Removal invited me to try their laser treatments, I was excited to learn more. Laser hair removal is their only service, and they offer an unlimited package for long-lasting results. With summer coming, I wanted to start right away so I could enjoy a no-shave, hair-free season. I booked a consultation and couldn’t wait to ditch worries about prickly legs or bikini-line irritation.

Below I’m sharing my experience and the key FAQs about Milan Laser’s laser hair removal.

How does laser hair removal work (and does it hurt)?
You begin with a free consultation. At mine, the Milan team walked me through how the treatment works, showed an informative video, and answered all my questions. They made me feel comfortable and addressed everything I was worried about—pain, prep, side effects, and downtime.

Milan’s treatments are safe and performed by trained medical staff. They use FDA-cleared lasers that are adjusted for different skin tones (including darker skin) and hair colors. The laser targets the hair follicle to prevent future growth. A pulse is delivered to the skin, damaging the hair root so it can’t grow back. Most people see smooth, stubble-free results after 7 to 10 treatments, usually spaced about five weeks apart.

For my first session I followed the provider’s advice: I shaved beforehand and avoided lotion in the treatment area. I slipped into a robe and put on protective glasses. I had my bikini area treated—shaving there always gave me the worst bumps and irritation. The laser pulses felt like a light snap from a rubber band, but the machine’s cooling spray made it much more comfortable. It was far less painful than waxing.

The whole treatment took about 10 minutes, and I walked out with just mild redness that faded within an hour—no downtime and no lasting pain. Within a week I started seeing hair fall out naturally (gentle exfoliation helped). After my first session, I noticed about 50% less regrowth.

Where can you have hair removed?
Laser hair removal can be used on many body areas, including:
– Legs
– Underarms
– Bikini or Brazilian
– Lip and chin
– Back and shoulders
– Abdomen
– Feet
– Neck
And more—set up a consult to talk about your specific areas.

How long does laser hair removal take?
Sessions can be as quick as 10 minutes depending on the area. Most patients see about 95% of unwanted hair gone after 7 to 10 treatments. I’ve had only two treatments and already feel like over half my unwanted hair is gone. It worked faster than I expected!

What really sold me on Milan is that their hair removal packages are unlimited. That means you can get as many treatments as needed to remove unwanted hair—for life. No extra fees for future touch-ups, even if things like hormonal changes cause new growth. Once you pay the initial cost, you’re covered for maintenance and touch-ups—no surprises.

How much does laser hair removal cost?
Price varies by treatment area. Milan’s prices are competitive and reasonable, and the lifetime guarantee makes it a great value. Their website has full pricing and process details to help you get started.

Why choose Milan Laser Hair Removal?
I chose Milan because they’re specialists—laser hair removal is all they do. They’ve honed the process for great results, a smooth experience, and lasting outcomes. I’m thrilled with my progress so far and look forward to even better results as I finish my treatments. Swimsuit season will be stress-free when it comes to prickly hair. I’ll share more updates as I go!

To learn more, schedule a consultation with Milan and use the map on their site to find one of their 70+ clinics near you.

Have you ever thought about laser hair removal?

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As a mom, you often put yourself last. Between the kids, being a wife, and everything else, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but every now and then I love to slow down and treat myself to something just for me. That’s why I’m a fan of FabFitFun.

It’s a seasonal subscription box sent four times a year, packed with the latest beauty, skincare, fashion, and wellness finds. FabFitFun does the searching for the next great product so you don’t have to. It’s an easy way to spoil yourself without any effort. Since most of my time is spent thinking about others, I love that a little box of treats shows up on my doorstep four times a year when I least expect it. Seriously, it always seems to arrive on a particularly stressful day—just seeing the pretty box calms me down.

The boxes include well-known brands and new beauty or skincare items that often become favorites. Each box has staple items, and you can also customize some picks. For $49.99 you get over $200 worth of full-size products. I can’t stand tiny sample sizes from stores—there’s rarely enough to really test something. Full-size items let you try a lot without paying full price.

My Summer 2019 box arrived on a long, rainy day and it made the day better. It was full of products I couldn’t wait to try. I’d been wanting a facial, so I was thrilled to find the Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask and the Grace & Stella Rose Facial Spray. After I put the kids to bed, I gave myself a mini at-home facial. The clay mask gently exfoliated my skin and left it soft and refreshed, and the rose spray was the perfect follow-up. That spray smells amazing and does a little bit of everything—tones, primes, moisturizes, and hydrates. It even works as a makeup setting spray, which is perfect for hot summer days. A one-stop solution for summer skin!

Even though the box is for me, my kids loved playing with the Yay It’s Summer Letter Board—we keep it in the kitchen. I also adore the Vix Paula Hermany Lotus Towel; its shape is so cute and perfect for the beach.

FabFitFun is a fun, easy way to put yourself first sometimes. Each season brings new products to discover. It’s introduced me to brands I now reach for regularly, and I’m excited to see what comes in the next box.

Our friends at FabFitFun are offering an exclusive deal to our readers! Follow this link to reveal your offer!

Disclosure: I received a FabFitFun box in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Baseball hats are a go-to accessory that add a sporty, casual touch to any outfit. Whether you’re heading to a game, running errands, or just want to level up your look, a baseball hat can be both practical and stylish. If you’re wondering which hairstyles work best with a hat, here are several easy, versatile options to help you create a cute, effortless look.

This post includes affiliate links.

Cute & Easy Hat Hairstyles:
1. Bubble Braids:
Skip a plain ponytail and try bubble braids for a cute, low-effort hat hairstyle. They keep hair off your face and neck—perfect for busy or hot days.
How to:
– Part your hair evenly from front to back.
– Make bubble braids on each side: take a top section, secure with an elastic, then take the next section below and tie it to the first. Continue down the length.
– Fluff each “bubble” for more volume.
– Put on your hat and pull a few loose strands at the front to soften the look.

2. Braid with a Hair-Scarf Scrunchie:
A hair-scarf scrunchie adds color and personality to a simple style. Use the scarf as a tie or weave it into a braid for extra flair.

3. Ponytail:
A classic, practical choice—great for hot or active days. Place your ponytail high, mid, or low depending on the hat and your preference. Works well with straight or wavy hair. For a neater finish, wrap a small section of hair around the base and secure with bobby pins.

4. Messy Bun:
For a relaxed, trendy vibe, go with a messy bun. It’s perfect with a baseball hat and works best on medium to long hair. Tuck or loosen it slightly to fit comfortably under the hat.

5. Claw Clip Bun:
Brush your hair back and, if your hat has an opening, pull a small section through so the clip has something to hold. Gather the rest into a ponytail, twist it upward, secure with a claw clip, and you’re done.

6. Side Braid:
Brush your hair to one side and braid loosely. Pull a few face-framing pieces loose to soften the look.

Tip: Adjust your hat to fit your chosen hairstyle—loosen the strap or wear it slightly back to make room and stay comfortable. The key is to try different styles and pick the one that fits your vibe and the hat.

If you’re shopping for new hats and want to support a good cause, check out Love Your Melon. They donate 50% of net profits to families and organizations fighting pediatric cancer. They offer beanies, baseball hats, bucket hats, headbands, and more. Use code AMBER15 to save 15%.

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This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

Can you believe fall is almost here? It feels like summer just began, and now we’re already pulling out cozy sweaters and baking pumpkin treats. With more time spent at home, I’m using this season to focus on self-care. The last few months weren’t great for taking care of myself, so I’m making it a priority now. As a parent, finding time for self-care can be tough, so I appreciate products that are quick, simple, and easy to use.

Here are a few recent favorites that are perfect for a quick fall reset.

Custom Hair Color from eSalon
I’d been thinking about returning to my natural hair color for months and finally decided to go for it. After lightening my hair before, my roots were a mess—plus a lot of gray. I’m not quite ready to go into a salon, so eSalon was a great at-home option. They create custom, made-to-order color formulas based on your hair, history, and goals. You can even send selfies so a colorist can tailor the shade for you. Since I was moving from blonde and gray back to brunette, talking to a colorist removed a lot of guesswork. My kit arrived quickly with my custom color, personalized instructions, and everything I needed to color at home.

The kit was simple to use and included a filler for my lightened hair plus the custom brunette shade. I chose a demi-permanent to ease into the change; if you have a lot of gray, a permanent option might be better (it covered some grays for me, leaving them looking like highlights). The whole process was straightforward, and I liked how easy it was to communicate with my colorist.

A Fool’s Paradise by Robyn Williams
One of my favorite ways to unwind is a book I can really get lost in. A Fool’s Paradise is next on my list—I can’t wait to start this much-talked-about page-turner. It mixes suspense, romance, tragedy, humor, and a bit of the supernatural—some of my favorite elements in fiction. The main character is smart, strong, and independent, which makes me even more excited. It sounds like the perfect book to read on the couch with a mug of tea on a crisp fall day.

Buy the ebook A Fool’s Paradise for $4.49.

GrandeLIP Hydrating Lip Plumper from Grande Cosmetics
I’ve tried lots of lip plumpers, and GrandeLIP is my favorite. It’s a high-gloss, volumizing plumper with hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration. You’ll see fuller-looking lips in 3 to 5 minutes, and with twice-daily use for 30 days, you can notice a real increase in lip volume. It doesn’t sting—just a light tingle—and it’s cruelty-free. The applicator is easy to clean, so it works well over other lip products like lipstick.

Use code SELFCARE10 for 10% off your entire purchase at grandecosmetics.com (one-time use per customer; cannot be combined with other offers). Valid through 9/30/2020.

Born Basic Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer has become essential, and I’ve been impressed with Born Basic. First, their prices are incredibly fair—no gouging. The 33-ounce container is just $5.99 (16.9 oz = $3.99, 3 oz = $1.99), so there’s a size for every need: the 33-oz for donations, the 16.9-oz for the car, and the 3-oz for your purse or coat pocket.

Born Basic uses 62% alcohol, which meets FDA guidelines for effectiveness while being a bit gentler and less drying than higher-alcohol formulas. It goes on smoothly, doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and helps keep hands germ-free. You can find Born Basic exclusively at Target. Learn more at www.bornbasicproducts.com.

Kerasal Foot and Nail Care
Between yoga, going barefoot, and being on my feet all day, my feet were looking rough—dry skin and cracked heels. Kerasal has great foot-care products that let you do an effective at-home pedicure. Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair gave me visible results after just one day, hydrating, moisturizing, and exfoliating dry, cracked skin. I like to apply it at night and wear cotton socks for deep moisturization; in the morning my feet feel softer and cracks start to heal. They also offer a Multi-Purpose Nail Repair for damaged fingernails or toenails from things like psoriasis, gel manicures, aging, or fungus.

You can find Kerasal products at Amazon or Target.

How are you showing yourself some self-love lately? Spread the love.

This post is sponsored by NOW®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Has all the hand-washing left your hands, nails, and cuticles dry or cracked? Here are some of my favorite creams and lotions, plus a simple DIY cuticle oil to nourish, moisturize, and protect. This nail and cuticle oil blends several beneficial oils and extracts for a deep, hydrating treatment.

Can we all take a collective deep breath? Phew.

The last few weeks have been overwhelming for many of us. During this pandemic, routines have been upended. In our house we’re focusing on staying healthy through social distancing, eating well, supporting our immune systems (here are 6 Natural Ways to Optimize Your Immune System), staying active, getting fresh air—and most of all: washing our hands constantly.

All that hand-washing (and singing the ABCs to get to 20 seconds) can leave skin feeling dry or even cracked. Frequent washing strips natural oils from the skin, causing dryness, itching, and irritated cuticles and nails. Beyond being uncomfortable, hangnails and cracked skin can become openings for bacteria and infection—something we all want to avoid.

Because hand-washing removes natural oils, it’s important to moisturize often. The best time is right after washing—keep a rich, oil-based cream or lotion by the sink so you can apply immediately (apply while hands are slightly damp). I like NOW® Solutions Shea Butter Lotion for deep hydration or NOW® Solutions Vitamin E Cream to help restore moisture. The shea butter lotion contains 10% shea butter for a nourishing layer of moisture, and soy lecithin’s phospholipids help reduce moisture loss and boost shea butter’s effects.

I’ve always had splitting nails and ragged cuticles. Add stress and a bad hangnail-picking habit and my nails were a mess. Adding a moisturizing cuticle and nail oil to my routine helped a lot—my hands felt soothed and much more hydrated. Here’s one of my favorite DIY cuticle oil blends that’s great for dry, cracked cuticles and nails. It’s packed with oils that help keep skin and nails soft, smooth, and healthy.

This nail and cuticle oil uses several nourishing oils for healthy, hydrated hands. You could use any one of them, but I like combining them for the best results.

– Argan Oil: High in vitamin E and fatty acids for better moisturization. It absorbs quickly, isn’t greasy, and helps protect skin. Bonus: rub a few drops into your palms and smooth through hair for shine and to tame flyaways.
– Vitamin E: Has moisturizing and healing properties—add a few drops to skin-care products to help skin look healthy.
– Rose Hip Seed Oil: Rich in omega-6 fatty acids to nourish and renew skin; a few drops on cuticles helps revive the nail bed.
– Carrier oil options: Jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, or avocado oils are all great choices—deeply restorative for dry skin and brittle nails.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil for added benefits and a pleasant scent. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, grapeseed, olive, avocado, or almond oil before applying. My favorite essential oils for nails and cuticles include:
– Frankincense
– Lavender
– Lemon
– Eucalyptus
– Tea Tree

NOW® essential oils are the only brand I use—high quality, rigorously tested, and affordable. You can find them at nowfoods.com, on Amazon, and at some local stores like Meijer.

Caution: NOW® Essential Oils are highly concentrated and can irritate skin. Do not apply undiluted to the skin. Always dilute before topical use and stop use if a rash appears. Not for internal use. Avoid contact with eyes.

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This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.

Can you believe fall is almost here? It feels like summer just began, and now we’re already pulling out cozy sweaters and baking pumpkin treats. With more time spent at home, I’m focusing on self-care this season. The last few months weren’t great for me in that department, so I’m making it a priority now. As a parent, finding time for self-care can be tough, so I appreciate products that are quick, simple, and easy to use.

Here are a few recent self-care picks that are perfect for a quick fall refresh.

Custom Hair Dye from e-Salon
I decided to go back to my natural hair color after months of thinking about it. Because I’d previously lightened my hair, my roots were pretty bad—and I had a lot of gray showing, too. I’m not quite ready to go back to a salon, so e-Salon was a great at-home option to gradually return to brunette.

e-Salon makes custom, made-to-order color tailored by a colorist. They consider your current hair, past treatments, and you can even send selfies so they can match your goals. Since I was transitioning from blonde and gray to brunette, talking with a colorist removed a lot of guesswork. My kit arrived quickly with my custom color, clear instructions, and everything I needed to do it at home.

The kit was easy to use and included a filler for my lightened hair plus the custom brunette shade. I chose a demi-permanent so the change would be gentler. It covered some of my grays (they look like highlighted pieces now), though if you have a lot of gray, a permanent option might work better. I liked how simple the whole process was and that the communication with my colorist was easy.

A Fool’s Paradise by Robyn Williams
One of my favorite ways to unwind is getting lost in a good book. A Fool’s Paradise is next on my list, and I’m excited to dive in. It mixes suspense, romance, tragedy, humor, and a touch of the supernatural—everything I love in fiction. The main character is a strong, smart, independent woman, which makes the book even more appealing. It sounds like the perfect read for a cool fall day with a mug of tea.

Purchase the ebook, A Fool’s Paradise, here for only $4.49!

Lip Plumping Gloss from Grande Cosmetics
I’ve tried a lot of lip plumpers, and GrandeLIP Hydrating Lip Plumper from Grande Cosmetics is my favorite. It’s a shiny, volumizing gloss packed with hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. Within 3 to 5 minutes you’ll notice fuller-looking lips, and with twice-daily use for 30 days you can see an increase in overall volume. Unlike others, it doesn’t sting—just a light tingle—and it’s cruelty-free. The applicator is easy to clean, so it works well over other lip products like lipstick.

Use code: SELFCARE10 for 10% off your entire purchase at grandecosmetics.com (one time use per customer; cannot be combined with other offers). Valid through 9/30/2020.

Hand Sanitizer from Born Basic
Let’s be honest: hand sanitizer has been a must this year. I’ve been using the hand sanitizer from Born Basic and really like it. First off, I appreciate that they’re not charging an arm and a leg for a necessity. Their prices are great—33 ounces for $5.99, 16.9 ounces for $3.99, and 3 ounces for $1.99—so there’s a size for every need. The large bottle is great for donations or home use, the 16.9-ounce fits well in the car, and the 3-ounce is perfect for a purse or coat pocket.

Born Basic sanitizer is 62% alcohol rather than 70% or 65%. That means it still meets FDA guidelines for killing germs but is a bit less drying and more moisturizing. The formula goes on smoothly without feeling sticky and helps keep hands germ-free this fall.

You can find Born Basic exclusively at Target. Learn more at www.bornbasicproducts.com.

Nail & Foot Repair from Kerasal
Between yoga, going barefoot, and being on my feet all day, my feet were looking rough—dry skin and cracked heels galore. Kerasal’s footcare line let me give myself an at-home pedicure with real results.

Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair is one I’ll keep using. I saw visible improvement after just one night: softer skin and less cracking. I like to rub it on at night and wear cotton socks so it can soak in. They also have a Multi-Purpose Nail Repair for damaged fingernails or toenails from things like gel manicures, aging, psoriasis, or fungus.

Find Kerasal products on Amazon or at Target.

How are you showing yourself some self-love lately? Spread the love.

Did you know Botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States? I’m excited to share my Botox experience and answer common questions about what it is, how it works, and why you might consider it. I’m also sharing lots of before-and-after photos of my results. Every time I post about Botox on Instagram I get tons of questions, so here are all the details!

First things first: where you go and who does your injections matters. Do your research and pick a facility with well-trained staff and nurse practitioners administering the injections. I’ve had Botox several times at REJUV AVE. in Fenton, Michigan. The space is beautiful, the staff train regularly, it’s spotless, and the customer service is excellent. If you’re in Michigan, I highly recommend them.

At REJUV AVE. Skincare Med Spa they take time to assess your skin and goals. They use VISIA Skin Analysis, which looks about 3 mm below the surface to reveal pigmentation issues, pore size, bacteria, sun damage, texture, and wrinkles. VISIA also estimates your “TruSkin” age. From those results, their estheticians create a personalized plan and you can track improvements over time.

Botox basics
What to expect at your appointment
During the consultation you’ll talk about your concerns and where you might want Botox. I was asked to make several expressions (smile, surprise, scowl) so they could see my lines. They marked injection spots and then started. The whole visit was quick — under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Note: my skin looks red in some photos because I had an IPL treatment before my Botox.

How Botox works
Botox uses a neurotoxin (onabotulinumtoxinA) to relax the small facial muscles that cause lines. By reducing muscle activity, Botox prevents lines from forming or getting worse, so it’s often used as a preventative treatment too.

When will I see results?
Full results can take up to two weeks. Some people notice changes in a few days, others need the full 10–14 days. I filmed a two-week progression video showing my results.

How long does Botox last?
Results usually last about three to four months.

How much does Botox cost?
At REJUV AVE. Botox is $13 per unit. The total number of units depends on the areas treated.

I’m scared of needles — what are the risks and side effects?
Botox has been used for more than 30 years and millions of treatments are done every year. It’s generally safe and has few side effects. Choosing a trained injector greatly reduces the chance of problems like an overly “frozen” look.

Do you have before-and-after photos?
Yes — check out the images. My crow’s feet are much less noticeable, and my forehead lines have faded. I had about 35 units to treat my forehead, crow’s feet, and the lines between my brows (glabellar lines). The result looks natural but noticeably fresher.

Where can Botox be used?
Botox can be used on many areas of the face, neck, or even body where lines form from facial movement. It relaxes the muscles that cause expressions like frowning, squinting, or raising your brows.

Common areas for Botox:
– Forehead lines
– Drooping brows
– Glabellar (“frown”) lines
– Crow’s feet
– Nasalis (“bunny”) lines
– Upper lip flip
– Gummy smile
– Dimpled chin
– Overdeveloped masseter (jaw) muscle
– Platysmal neck bands

Does Botox hurt?
Injections are pretty painless. You might feel a little pressure or a quick pinch, but it’s usually not too uncomfortable — and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t love needles.

Will I bruise?
You might bruise. I take arnica for a few days before and after treatments, and it helps reduce bruising. When I use arnica the bruising is milder and easier to cover with makeup. I recommend getting Botox a few weeks before any big event so it has time to work and any bruising can fade.

If you’re in Southeast Michigan and looking for a med spa, I highly recommend REJUV AVE. I’ve gone there for years for lasers, Botox, and hydrafacials and always have great experiences. Follow their social media for giveaways and promotions.

Disclosure: I received complimentary services at REJUV AVE.

This post was sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are my own. #TryNatureBoxBeauty #NatureBoxBeauty #CollectiveBias

One of the biggest skin struggles I face in winter is dryness. When temperatures drop, humidity does too, so the air holds less moisture. Add furnace heat and cold winds, and your skin can become flaky, itchy, cracked, and red. The good news: you don’t have to live with dull, dry skin all winter. Try these easy tips to keep your skin soft and smooth through the cold months.

Simple ways to fight and revive dry winter skin:

Shorter, cooler showers
Hot, long showers and baths feel great in winter, but they strip the natural oils that keep skin hydrated. Stick to shorter, lukewarm showers instead.

Avoid harsh ingredients
Be careful with products that contain lots of salicylic acid or retinol—these can dry skin out. Parabens and petroleum-based ingredients can also be drying. I prefer natural and vegan products when possible, and I love cold-pressed oils for their hydrating benefits.

Why I like Nature Box™
One brand I’ve been enjoying is Nature Box™. Their skin and beauty line uses 100% cold-pressed oils and sustainable ingredients. Cold pressing extracts oils without heat or harsh chemicals, keeping them more natural and pure. Nature Box™ offers five lines, each built around a single cold-pressed oil:
– Avocado: replenishes skin
– Apricot: gives a healthy glow
– Macadamia: nourishes skin
– Almond: gentle for sensitive skin
– Coconut: deeply hydrates

All Nature Box™ products are vegan, and many are free of sulfates, silicones, parabens, and artificial colors. The cold-pressed oils make these products especially helpful for keeping skin hydrated and healed in winter. You can buy them on Amazon with free 2-day shipping through Prime.

Use gentle cleansers
A gentle cleanser is essential in winter. Look for something that cleans without stripping moisture. I use Nature Box™ 100% Cold Pressed Avocado Oil Body Wash. It’s paraben-free and the avocado oil plus vitamin E help replenish dry skin.

Moisturize right away
Apply a quality lotion or body butter within minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in moisture. After patting dry, I put on Nature Box™ Body Lotion with cold-pressed avocado oil within five minutes. It keeps my skin soft all day and smells great—plus it’s petroleum-free.

Give extra care to dry spots
Elbows, knees, hands, and feet tend to get driest. Use a heavier moisturizer like a body butter or oil on those areas. I spray a little Nature Box™ Apricot Body Oil on my driest spots and rub it in—my skin softens without feeling greasy.

For hands, Nature Box™ Macadamia Oil Hand Cream is excellent. Macadamia oil helps soothe and nourish irritated, dry skin. I keep it by my bed and massage it into my hands and cuticles each night. For extra foot care, slather on body butter before bed and wear cotton socks to lock in moisture.

Use a humidifier
Heaters dry the air inside your home, so running a humidifier adds back moisture and helps your skin.

Hydrate from the inside
In cold weather it’s easy to skip water and reach for coffee or tea. These drinks can make you urinate more and lose water. Aim for eight or more cups of water a day—hot water with lemon and honey is a nice alternative. Eat more hydrating foods like broth-based soups, cucumbers, oranges, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Exfoliate when needed
Don’t overdo exfoliation in winter, but occasional exfoliating helps remove dry, dull skin so moisturizers absorb better and your skin looks brighter.

Cover up
When you go outside, protect your skin from cold winds and snow with hats, gloves, and scarves. And don’t forget sunscreen—UV rays can still damage skin even when it’s cool.

For winter skincare, check out Nature Box™ products. They’re affordable, use cold-pressed oils for extra hydration, and the brand works on sourcing ingredients sustainably. I ordered mine on Amazon with free 2-day shipping.

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