Aging Gracefully Archives | Page 4 of 7

Hair November 12, 2015

Madison Reed Root Touch Up Powder in Dark Brown

Have you ever had that moment when you look in the mirror and you are like “What has happened to all of my hair?” I used to have three times more hair than I do now. I think there are numerous things contributing to my loss of hair, the main reason being my overactive thyroid! Ugh. Another contributing factor is I’m under way too much stress these days and the third is probably just the natural aging process…sigh. Whatever the factor, I have been experiencing a double whammy with the new appearance of sporadic gray hairs!!! Ladies, when it rains it pours. I must admit I’m quite blessed when it comes to the gray department as I have not had to color my hair in over 15 years. I knew the day would come where I would HAVE to spend hundreds of dollars every six weeks and color my hair, but up until now, I literally would only occasionally get one or two gray hairs. Lately I’ve been getting 5 to 10. I’m not at the point where I need to color my hair but I also need to stop pulling out those random gray hairs!

On a recent trip to my beloved Sephora, I stumbled across a product at the checkout line. It was a product called Madison Reed Root Touch Up. I quickly snatched it up but decided to not purchase it at that time since it was $30 and virtually looked like eyeshadow (which has been my secret weapon for covering my thinning hair at the hairline for the past few months). So when I got home, I couldn’t stop thinking about this product. I started to do a bit of research and quickly realized I NEEDED this product in my life.

A few days later I returned to my local Sephora and snatched this little gem up. Since my hair is pretty dark, I bought the Dark Brown color which for reference is the second to the darkest color in the line of 7 shades. The packaging is quite impressive and the compact even comes with it’s own pouch, The application is a breeze as well. I apply mine at the hairline and along my part and on the scalp in the area where my hair is thinning. It covers the few grays I have beautifully and stays put. It doesn’t even transfer on my pillowcase at night. It makes my hair seem so much fuller too! It’s amazing what a little trickery can do. So in the meantime while I’m waiting for my supplements to kick back in and my thyroid to settle down, I’ve found the perfect quick fix for when my hair is looking less than stellar.

*The pic below of my hairline is before the application. The above pic is after-

Skincare August 3, 2015

Becca Coffee Scrubs & Youblue Grid Layered Bikini

Every once in a while I get to try a product that simply blows my mind! When I had the opportunity to try the Becca Coffee Body Scrubs I didn’t really know what to expect. I am a huge fan of scrubs in general and had been hearing a lot of buzz around coffee scrubs. Coffee scrubs claim to help combat cellulite and of course soften skin, treat eczema, target acne, stretch marks and other skin imperfections. I was given three different scents to try. Coconut, Peppermint and Strawberry. All three smell simply amazing. I quickly rinse off in the shower and then take two heaping handfuls and gently massage the scrub on my skin, targeting my problem areas. For me that would be my derriere! I leave it on my skin for at least five minutes before rinsing off. What your are left with is beautifully hydrated, glowing skin. It definitely helps combat those stubborn dimples and gets my blood circulating. Now the bikini I’m wearing has quickly become one of my favorite suits this summer. I have even worn the top alone under a revealing jumpsuit. The fit is sexy and comfortable. It is made by a UK company called Youblue and you can also get the scrubs from them as well. Beautiful skin is always the perfect compliment to a sexy swimsuit. The two just go hand in hand. For a limited time you can get 10% off your purchase at www.youblue.co by using the discount code JEN10 Trust me, you will fall in love with these scrubs just as quickly as I have. They are definitely a game changer for sexy summer skin. Hello Summer!

Anti Aging July 8, 2015

Sunblock: The Key To Aging Gracefully

You have all heard me time and time again about the importance of sunblock. People always ask me what the best thing they can do for their skin and my answer always remains the same. Protect your skin from the harmful rays year round and start at a young age. It’s amazing to me how many people still like to lay out and get a tan! I’m constantly preaching about sunblock and how great self tanners are these days.There is really no need to cause harm to your skin. As far as sunblocks go, I of course have my favorites that I have used through the years. The key is really just using any sunblock that will help shield you from the damage. Sun damage breaks down the collagen in our skin aging it at a faster rate and although it might not seem apparent now, it also causes sun spots and contributes to the progression of melasma and of course let’s not forget skin cancer. Not only does my daily moisturizer have an SPF in it, so does my foundation and my bronzer. I feel you can never have enough coverage! I also never leave the house without my sunglasses. Sunglasses are great at preventing those pesky crows feet and if I know I’m going to be outside for any length of time, I wear a wide brimmed hat. I’m sure you think I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but believe me, the advice I received from my grandmother in my teens has saved my skin and allows me to look years younger than I actually am! Amen-

Health & Fitness June 24, 2015

Dry Brushing: The Celebrity Secret to Beautiful Skin

Do you ever wonder how all of these celebrities always look like they have perfectly glowing skin? One of their secrets is dry brushing. Dry brushing promotes stimulation, exfoliates dead skin and since the brushing motion promotes stimulation it also helps combat cellulite! Amen. It has quickly become part of my morning routine. I start at my ankles and work my way up, concentrating on my derriere and finishing with my torso and arms. It is a great way to relax and cool down after my morning workouts and right before I jump in the shower. Dry brushing helps keep your skin glowing and firm. It also feels pretty darn amazing! I picked up a two pack on Amazon for $7.99. I had read tons of reviews before I decided on one because I didn’t want a brush that was too stiff. My skin is super sensitive and I didn’t want anything that would hurt! This one is just perfect. So if you are starting to think about perfecting your skin and body for the summer months, dry brushing is something you’ll want to incorporate into your daily routine. Now go brush away!

Aging Gracefully May 6, 2015

Super Collagen-C by Neocell: Beauty from the Inside Out

We have all heard the term “You are what you eat”. I truly believe this is 100% true. When I eat the proper diet of fresh leafy greens, fish rich in Omega 3 ( Salmon) and tomatoes that are packed full of lycopene and lots of water, my skin radiates. Of course you need to be taking care of your skin topically as well, but to support healthy skin and to avoid premature aging, your diet is key. Excess sugar causes skin to age at a higher rate of speed and causes whats called glycation. Avoiding foods that are high in sugar will definitely helps slow down this process which also helps combat inflammation of the skin. I have always been a fan of supplements, but depending on where I am in my life, I’m a little more dedicated at times. Eating a balanced diet is the best way to get all of your nutrients, but once in a while our bodies just need a little help. I had tried Neocell’s Super Collagen supplement years ago and absolutely loved the results. I have once again been on the hunt for something to help restore my disappearing hair. Thanks to a really tough break up, the past year and a half has been pretty hard emotionally for me and caused me a ton of stress. Ladies! Stress is the worst thing for our hair and skin (as well as our hearts). My hair was coming out by the handfuls. When I originally took this Super Collagen Supplement years ago it was more for my skin. Did I mention, these vitamins do wonders for your skin, hair, nails, joints and weight? It’s true. If you are like me and suffering from hair loss and stress, I think you will adore these vitamins. The key is taking them on an empty stomach and if you don’t like taking pills, there is a powder form you can add to orange juice and make into a morning smoothie. Both versions work wonders. As always, please discuss your supplement regimen with your doctor before starting a new routine. A happy life is a healthy life- Beautiful hair doesn’t hurt either!