Month: September 2022

Miranda Kerr Just Launched Body Products & Now Her Skin ‘Has Never Felt So Soft’


If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Model-turned-businesswoman Miranda Kerr has great skin. Sure, she has access to the best of the best derms and beauty treatments, but it’s skincare, too. If you’ve tried her brand, Kora Organics, you know how well it works without irritating the skin. It would only make sense Kerr would want to expand the Kora Organics line to body products. Skin doesn’t just stop at your neck.

“I feel it is important to take care of our bodies like we do our face,” Kerr tells STYLECASTER. Previously, the brand had a body lotion and body wash, and there’s still the best-selling Noni Glow Body Oil ($54 at Amazon). But this new body collection is reformulated with “new-and-improved,” organic ingredients and more sustainable packaging.

“We are also now Climate Neutral Certified for 2021 and beyond!” she says. “Climate Neutral will measure all of Kora’s carbon emissions for each year beginning with 2021 and we will purchase verified carbon credits to offset our entire footprint. These carbon credits fund projects across the globe which help combat climate change and replenish the environment, such as tree planting, water filtration systems, renewable energy sources and more.”

kora lotion

Kora Organics.

“Last year we began launching all our products in more sustainable packaging,” she continues. “We will be using more glass, aluminum, post-consumer resin and recycled FSC/biodegradable paper for our packaging. Our ultimate goal is to continue finding new ways to lower our carbon footprint with more sustainable business and manufacturing processes.” The brand also partnered with the Organic Farming Research Foundation, which works to inspire, educate and inform the public about organic farming.

kora body wash

Kora Organics.

In addition to the reformulated body lotion and wash, Kerr added an entirely new product to the offerings, inspired by the best-selling Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening and Exfoliating Mask ($50 at Amazon). “I also received so much positive feedback from customers and dermatologists that were recommending this face scrub for Keratosis pilaris on the back of their arms, so I wanted to create a Body Scrub version that was just as powerful and uplifting but with a formula specifically designed for your whole body. I was inspired by our best-sellers in skincare in wanting to bring certified organic ingredients and powerful results to your full body.”

kora body scrub

Kora Organics.

I asked Kerr how she incorporates these new products into her routine so we can pretty much do the exact same thing. She starts by dry brushing with her Dry Body Brush ($32 at Kora Organics). Then, she cleanses her body with the Renewing Body Wash, which she says “is an incredible gentle cleanser that helps bind moisture to your skin even after rinsing.” Next comes Invigorating Body Scrub, which “scrubs away all my dead skin and leaves me feeling silky smooth, and glowing.”

When she gets out of the shower, she applies the Nourishing Body Lotion, “which leaves my skin feeling hydrated and strengthened,” with “a layer of the Noni Glow Body Oil” all over her body. “My skin has never felt so soft,” she says. Sign me up.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

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5 Bad First Date Questions… and 5 Good Ones!

bad first date questions

As I listen to my clients share weekly information about their dates, I’m often surprised at what they asked the person they met on a first date… or vice versa.

My take? Some of these questions reminded me of job interviews in my 20s. I thought, “Oh no, if you asked me this on a first date, I’d be out of there so fast!” How about this one: What are you looking for in the dating process? Great way to scare people. Too analytical. Too investigative. Too nosy. Too boring.

As a dating coach who communicates with many clients weekly, sometimes I nearly fall of my office ball when they tell me what they discussed. And then they wonder, “Hmmm, why no second date?”

In this article I will share the worst and best 5 questions for a first date that I’ve heard over the past few weeks from my clients.

5 Worst First Date Questions

What Was a Major Turning Point in Your Life That Got You Here?

Excuse me?! Aren’t first dates light, fun and casual? You’ve just basically asked: Tell me about your divorce, widowhood, bad breakups and everything in between. I believe you will agree this is intrusive and breaks every boundary of a first date.

What’s Your Relationship Like with Your Family?

You’re not addressing wedding invitations and trying to decide which weird sibling or uncle to exclude. Invasive? Yep! You’ll learn all this in time – be patient.

What’s the Best Date You Ever Had and Why?

Let’s leave this with a short: I have no comment on this one, except, perhaps, unbelievable?

What Have You Learned About Yourself from Past Relationships?

Yikes! This question will get you no second date.

When You’re Feeling Down, What Always Cheers You Up?

Well, you’re not his/her therapist. Do you really want to delve into something depressing on a first date?

5 Best Questions

If you’re really out of inspiration what to ask on a first date, here are 5 suggestions that always work to break the ice.

Are You a Movie Fan? Favorite Movie? Actor? Actress?

Always a fun topic as most people are back to the movies or at least streaming. One date asked my client “Top Gun or An Officer and a Gentleman?” Good question as Top Gun 2 had just come out, and she went with that.

He went with Officer as he thought the story about loyalty and growth was cool. She learned a little about him. As to favorite actress, they both chose Sandra Bullock and laughed. Definitely a 2nd date here!

So, What Do You Do for Fun?

Easy, engaging question. You’ll already know a bit about them from having read their profile – ski, SUP, tennis, opera, baseball games. So, it’s easy segue into a conversation. Note: You never have to have the exact same interests as you don’t want a mirror image of you, right?

What Do You Like to Read?

Almost everyone reads something – whether it’s the Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, Huff Post or National Geographic. One easy topic is books. Funny how quite often I hear fiction fans are attracted to non-fiction fans, and vice-versa.

Any Upcoming Vacations?

OK, who doesn’t like to talk about travel? This question generally spirals into favorite past vacations and bucket list thoughts. You learn much from a person who climbed Denali or a person who likes the Cayman beach – their idea of adventure and activity.

Where’d You Grow Up?

Many of us are not living where we grew up – this generally transitions into all the places a person has lived, their family and siblings, traditions, sports teams… just a fountain of information about your date!

Keep the tone light and fun! Enjoy the date and learn something new about the person you meet. One of my clients last week went on a date with a doctor who shared all his favorite supplements with her. While there was no chemistry, she learned quite a bit about vitamins!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What’s your experience with questions on first dates? Have you asked or been asked one of the worst questions? What questions have sparked really interesting conversations?

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Rogue Chin Hair? How Shaving Your Face Can Make a Big Difference

chin hair

About 14 years ago, I was looking forward to having lunch with my friend Norma as it had been quite a while since we’d had a chance to get together. As we sat down and started catching up, I just couldn’t help staring at her chin. Three chin hairs, which were over an inch long, were clearly visible.

To say I was a bit taken aback would definitely be an understatement! And I distinctly remember thinking to myself: “I will never let that happen.” Fast forward 10 years. I was surveying my face in my newly installed, wall-mounted, 10x makeup mirror – which can be a daunting experience to begin with – when I spied a quarter inch long black chin hair that I’d never before noticed.

This discovery propelled me on a quest to find not only the best way to deal with chin hairs, but also how to eliminate the peach fuzz on my face that seemed to be thicker and denser than ever before. So today I’ll share with you how shaving my face has made a big difference – and the quickest and safest way to do it!

Why We Start to See Changes

Not surprisingly, the increase in facial hair we see can primarily be attributed to two factors: genetics and hormones. During menopause, a woman’s body stops circulating estrogen but continues to circulate the same amounts of testosterone.

The imbalance of hormones causes the appearance of some male characteristics, like coarse facial hair. But if the changes are dramatic, it is best to check with your doctor.

Why Removing Facial Hair Can Make a Positive Difference

There are six reasons why getting rid of these rogue chin hairs and facial hair has made such a difference for me.

  1. I really prefer the feeling of being totally confident that stray dark hairs are not the reason that someone may be staring at my chin!
  2. Shaving my face makes my skin feel smoother, softer and brighter.
  3. Removing facial hair allows our serums and moisturizers to penetrate better and more deeply into our skin.
  4. Removing facial hair prevents our foundation from looking cakey.
  5. No facial hair means there’s nothing powder makeup can stick to.
  6. Our overall makeup will look better on our face because it will go on more smoothly and evenly.

Be sure to check out Elise’s YouTube channel which specifically focuses on makeup tips, techniques, and product reviews for those of us 50+. Don’t forget to subscribe!

Options for Removing Facial Hair

Let’s now talk about the options we have for removing facial hair.

Dermaplaning

The real difference between dermaplaning and shaving boils down to the types of tools that are used and who is using those tools. Dermaplaning is a procedure performed by a licensed esthetician. A surgical scalpel – which is a blade that cuts very close to the skin – is used to remove the top layer of dead skin and the peach fuzz.

It’s a process of actually scraping the skin rather than just sloughing off dead skin so it also exfoliates the skin and kickstarts the cell regeneration process. Dermaplaning procedures can run anywhere between 75 to 200 dollars depending on where you live and the company chosen and should be done twice a month at the most.

These procedures do require the expenditure of both time and money. And it probably goes without saying that if someone is using a surgical scalpel on our face, we definitely want to check out the references not only of the organization but also of the individual who will be doing the procedure.

And, as with any skincare procedure, there certainly can be unexpected and unwanted results. So if you have any type of skin condition such as very sensitive skin, rosacea, excema, severe acne or skin cancer, the benefits aren’t worth the risks of possible infections, scarring, or skin damage.

Dermaplaning should also be avoided if you’re prone to irritation bumps or in-gown hairs. And those who have taken Accutane or isotretinoin within the last six months should also avoid the procedure.

Home Dermaplaning

A second option is to purchase a dermaplaning type tool that can be used at home. Before using a tool like this it’s very important to thoroughly wash our face and hands, sanitize the tool and just use each blade once. And it’s also important that this tool be used just on our face and not other areas of our body since there are different types of bacteria on different areas of our skin.

When using this tool, the skin should be held taut, and the blade needs to be manipulated in a certain way to avoid nicks. So it’s extremely important to pay close attention to the directions when using this type of tool.

Also, for anyone who happens to be on blood thinners, it’s advised to avoid dermaplaning or using an at-home tool like this that can possibly cause nicks.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are noninvasive medical procedures that use a beam of light (a laser) to remove unwanted hair on the face or any other areas of the body such as armpits, legs or bikini area. One session of laser hair removal will typically take two hours and cost anywhere between $200 and $400.

Usually 4 to 6 sessions (spaced about a month apart) are needed. It’s safe and effective but there is an investment of both time and dollars. There are also home-use laser devices with the best ones ranging in price from $179 to over $400.

The Easiest, Safest and Most Cost Effective Option

But now let’s talk about the easiest, very safe and cost-effective way to remove rogue chin hairs and facial hair: an electric razor. But not just any electric razor. My razor of choice is a small, compact, portable easy-to-use razor called Flawless Finish by Finishing Touch. This is a product I’ve owned and loved for several years and use regularly.

With this razor there are no nicks, burns or irritations, and it’s gentle on all skin types, but it should not be used on irritated skin. It’s also cordless, battery operated, has a built in light, comes with one double A battery, a cleaning brush and a quick start guide as well as full directions.

The oscillating microblades are designed to eliminate the finest hair but durable enough to tackle coarser hair. And by the way, contrary to popular belief, your hair doesn’t actually grow in thicker – it just appears that way because the tips of the hairs are blunt rather than tapered after shaving.

This beauty tool should always be used on a thoroughly cleansed face and for best results it should be used on hair that is one quarter inch or less in length. The head of the unit needs to be flat against the skin and not at an angle, and it works best to use small circular motions.

In the accompanying video I’ll demonstrate how to use this razor and show the difference between the shaved and unshaved sides of my face. And by the way, it is normal for the razor head to become slightly warm as you use it. It’s important to clean the unit after each use which is very easy.

After turning it off, simply clean the head with the brush by wiping away any hair residue. Then empty any hair that’s been removed from the body of the razor by removing the head of the razor by gently twisting it counterclockwise and then gently tapping the sides.

To put the head back on the unit, simply line up the groove indicators on the cap with those on the unit and twist clockwise. It is extremely easy to use and does an excellent job.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you shave your face? If so, what made you decide to do it? What tool do you use to shave your face? What do you feel are the greatest benefits of shaving your face?

Read More

Miranda Kerr Just Launched Body Products & Now Her Skin ‘Has Never Felt So Soft’


If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Model-turned-businesswoman Miranda Kerr has great skin. Sure, she has access to the best of the best derms and beauty treatments, but it’s skincare, too. If you’ve tried her brand, Kora Organics, you know how well it works without irritating the skin. It would only make sense Kerr would want to expand the Kora Organics line to body products. Skin doesn’t just stop at your neck.

“I feel it is important to take care of our bodies like we do our face,” Kerr tells STYLECASTER. Previously, the brand had a body lotion and body wash, and there’s still the best-selling Noni Glow Body Oil ($54 at Amazon). But this new body collection is reformulated with “new-and-improved,” organic ingredients and more sustainable packaging.

“We are also now Climate Neutral Certified for 2021 and beyond!” she says. “Climate Neutral will measure all of Kora’s carbon emissions for each year beginning with 2021 and we will purchase verified carbon credits to offset our entire footprint. These carbon credits fund projects across the globe which help combat climate change and replenish the environment, such as tree planting, water filtration systems, renewable energy sources and more.”

kora lotion

Kora Organics.

“Last year we began launching all our products in more sustainable packaging,” she continues. “We will be using more glass, aluminum, post-consumer resin and recycled FSC/biodegradable paper for our packaging. Our ultimate goal is to continue finding new ways to lower our carbon footprint with more sustainable business and manufacturing processes.” The brand also partnered with the Organic Farming Research Foundation, which works to inspire, educate and inform the public about organic farming.

kora body wash

Kora Organics.

In addition to the reformulated body lotion and wash, Kerr added an entirely new product to the offerings, inspired by the best-selling Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening and Exfoliating Mask ($50 at Amazon). “I also received so much positive feedback from customers and dermatologists that were recommending this face scrub for Keratosis pilaris on the back of their arms, so I wanted to create a Body Scrub version that was just as powerful and uplifting but with a formula specifically designed for your whole body. I was inspired by our best-sellers in skincare in wanting to bring certified organic ingredients and powerful results to your full body.”

kora body scrub

Kora Organics.

I asked Kerr how she incorporates these new products into her routine so we can pretty much do the exact same thing. She starts by dry brushing with her Dry Body Brush ($32 at Kora Organics). Then, she cleanses her body with the Renewing Body Wash, which she says “is an incredible gentle cleanser that helps bind moisture to your skin even after rinsing.” Next comes Invigorating Body Scrub, which “scrubs away all my dead skin and leaves me feeling silky smooth, and glowing.”

When she gets out of the shower, she applies the Nourishing Body Lotion, “which leaves my skin feeling hydrated and strengthened,” with “a layer of the Noni Glow Body Oil” all over her body. “My skin has never felt so soft,” she says. Sign me up.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

Read More

How to Really Take Care of Your Eyes Over 50

Take-Care-of-Your-Eyes-Over-50

At some point in their lives, almost everyone will need glasses.

Later in life, your eyes weaken and focusing becomes difficult. The focal point drifts farther and farther away, and reading small print up close might as well be like trying to decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. At least you can blame all sorts of things on your bad vision once it goes!

If your job requires reading, you’re in a bind and may need glasses sooner. Once eyesight begins diminishing, you can’t reverse the process, but it may be slowed down with good eye care:

Eat Eye-Healthy Foods

Many kids grew up hearing their parents telling them to eat their carrots for good eyesight, and the adage has truth to it – carrots have a substantial amount of vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes healthy.

Other foods that are good for your eyes include those rich in copper, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E. Antioxidants prevent macular degeneration and can be found in egg yolks, dark leafy greens, yellow peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and carrots.

Do Eye Sets

You read that right. If you do eye exercises, you should start to see improvements in a month. They’re perfect to do when your eyes feel tired or when you wake up or go to sleep.

Before you do the exercises, you’ll need to warm up. Rub your palms together to create friction and hold them over your eyes for five seconds. Repeat this three times. Roll your eyes like you’re annoyed at your coworker for jamming up the copier again. Look up and look down. Circle your eyes around clockwise for a count of ten and reverse counter clockwise.

Hold a small object, such as a pen, at arm’s length and focus on it, slowly moving it closer until it’s a few inches from your nose. Bring it outward and inward for a count of ten, letting your focus follow it.

Exercise Everything Else

Don’t let the rest of your body feel left out! Exercise is good for your whole body, and it will improve blood circulation. Those tiny vessels in your eyes will reap the benefit and clean out harmful substances. People who exercise three times a week are less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration.

You don’t have drink protein shakes and lift hundreds of pounds like a body builder to work out. A walk, swim or round of chores with lots of lifting will get the job done.

Take Eye Breaks

You need to take eye breaks to let your mind and ability to focus visually refresh. The increasing reliance on technology places a heavy burden on eyes with bright screens at all hours of the day and night, even affecting your circadian rhythm.

Take five or ten minutes to shut your eyes now and then to prevent eye strain and keep your internal clock running on schedule.

Sleep Soundly and Consistently

Sleep is the time where your body heals and replenishes, including your eyes. Keep a consistent sleep schedule by waking up and going to bed at the same time daily. Taking short naps as needed will help you look at the world with fresh eyes instead of enduring eye strain and the damage that is likely causing. Get your eight hours in!

Use Ambient Lighting

Technology makes life easier, but it can also cause eyestrain and deterioration when used too long or incorrectly and can lead to computer vision syndrome or something even worse. Staring at a bright computer screen isn’t good for your eyes, especially in a dark room. Bright fluorescent lights and too-dim lights affect your ability to focus as well.

Turn down the brightness on your computer, tablet and smartphone screens. Use ambient lighting to adjust interior light according to how the day is flowing. In the evening, keep the lights less bright, so you’ll be able to fall asleep at bedtime. Standing lamps and tabletop lamps provide adjustable ambient lighting.

Stop Smoking

You know smoking is bad for you, but you may not know that it contributes to blindness. In cigarette smokers, macular degeneration related to age is more likely.

Cigarette smoke can cause cataracts and decrease antioxidant levels that help with eye health. Eye irritation due to smoke can lead to dry eyes and affect your sensitivity to light, reducing your ability to focus. Over-the-counter drops may help this problem but will not eliminate it if you are a smoker.

There are many things you can do to take care of your eyes over 50. Eat eye-beneficial foods such as carrots and fish. Exercise your body and your eyes. Take breaks and nap when you need to rest your eyes. Use ambient lighting to relieve eye strain and stick to your internal clock’s schedule. Quit smoking to keep your eyesight working better for longer and reduce other health risks.

Even though everyone will be surprised with your Superman vision, don’t forget you can still occasionally say “no” when someone asks “Did you see that?” Just plead the fifth while munching on tasty carrot sticks and ranch dip.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you take care of your eyes? What is your eyesight like in your 60s? Have you found that your eyesight has improved or gotten worse as you have aged? Please share your thoughts below.

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