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

If you’re behind on trying the latest trendy skincare tools, the upcoming weeks are your opportunity to change that. Amazon has discounted countless products for its Black Friday sale, such as the top-selling Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager. Considering this is the lowest price we’ve seen it at all year (including Prime Day), we recommend snatching this one up while it’s a on sale for just $11.

The skin-tightening tool is sure to put thoughts of botox on the back burner; the product is built to make your face look younger and fresher without chemicals or irritation. It helps boost elasticity across sagging skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles and relieve any strain or pressure across the face. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager

According to one user, you’ll witness “huge changes” fairly quickly. “I’m 45, fine lines around my jaw, neck and forehead. There’s a deeper crease between my eyes and I’ve had a really bad break out of hormonal acne along my jawline. Well the fine lines are less noticeable, the deep crease is less for sure and my acne is almost 100% gone. In just 4 days. The redness and uneven skin tone is gone. My skin is much tighter and the puffiness under my eyes is gone along with the dark circles. Seriously in 4 days!!”

Even more fans of the product have not held back their praise: “It’s like my facial skin shrunk and pulled back—nothing short of amazing. The new wave of skin care is taking things into your own hands at home and if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of girl, definitely get this one.” 

If you already have your skincare routine down, this tool is the perfect addition to use alongside your go-to serums, oils and lotions. As another reviewer noted, “I have been using this roller along with my usual face cream EVERY DAY twice a day for a month. I have seen a huge difference on my face. My skin is always glowy and my face looks even more slender now. I really have a more [youthful] look.”

Beyond providing anti-aging benefits, reviewers have also commented on its multifaceted functions, including migraine relief, dark circle reduction, sinus drainage and of course just the pure unadulterated pleasure of a de-stressing face massage. 

On top of all of that, its gold exterior and 24k face bar is a pretty cute addition to your makeup bag. The T-shape is designed for 6000 vib/min which users have noted is not too strong to make it uncomfortable for the face. 

Oh and in case you needed any more convincing, Tracee Ellis Ross also swears by massaging tools for tense muscles and early mornings. So the real question is, who wouldn’t want to look like Tracee Ellis Ross? 

Snatch up the Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager with over 2,000 five-star ratings while it’s 20 percent off following Prime Day. Just make sure you’re signed up for a Prime Membership to take advantage of all these limited-time offers.

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

If you’re behind on trying the latest trendy skincare tools, the upcoming weeks are your opportunity to change that. Amazon has discounted countless products for its Black Friday sale, such as the top-selling Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager. Considering this is the lowest price we’ve seen it at all year (including Prime Day), we recommend snatching this one up while it’s a on sale for just $11.

The skin-tightening tool is sure to put thoughts of botox on the back burner; the product is built to make your face look younger and fresher without chemicals or irritation. It helps boost elasticity across sagging skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles and relieve any strain or pressure across the face. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager

According to one user, you’ll witness “huge changes” fairly quickly. “I’m 45, fine lines around my jaw, neck and forehead. There’s a deeper crease between my eyes and I’ve had a really bad break out of hormonal acne along my jawline. Well the fine lines are less noticeable, the deep crease is less for sure and my acne is almost 100% gone. In just 4 days. The redness and uneven skin tone is gone. My skin is much tighter and the puffiness under my eyes is gone along with the dark circles. Seriously in 4 days!!”

Even more fans of the product have not held back their praise: “It’s like my facial skin shrunk and pulled back—nothing short of amazing. The new wave of skin care is taking things into your own hands at home and if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of girl, definitely get this one.” 

If you already have your skincare routine down, this tool is the perfect addition to use alongside your go-to serums, oils and lotions. As another reviewer noted, “I have been using this roller along with my usual face cream EVERY DAY twice a day for a month. I have seen a huge difference on my face. My skin is always glowy and my face looks even more slender now. I really have a more [youthful] look.”

Beyond providing anti-aging benefits, reviewers have also commented on its multifaceted functions, including migraine relief, dark circle reduction, sinus drainage and of course just the pure unadulterated pleasure of a de-stressing face massage. 

On top of all of that, its gold exterior and 24k face bar is a pretty cute addition to your makeup bag. The T-shape is designed for 6000 vib/min which users have noted is not too strong to make it uncomfortable for the face. 

Oh and in case you needed any more convincing, Tracee Ellis Ross also swears by massaging tools for tense muscles and early mornings. So the real question is, who wouldn’t want to look like Tracee Ellis Ross? 

Snatch up the Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager with over 2,000 five-star ratings while it’s 20 percent off following Prime Day. Just make sure you’re signed up for a Prime Membership to take advantage of all these limited-time offers.

Two years ago, after my annual physical, I learned that my cholesterol was elevated. This came as a total surprise to me. I am nothing if not a healthy eater: My breakfast of choice alternates between a steaming bowl of slow-cooked Irish oatmeal and whole grain cereals, like Cheerios, which claims cholesterol-lowering properties.

Both breakfasts are served with a heaping mix of berries, walnuts, and almonds At lunch and dinner, vegetables, greens, and grains regularly fill my plate. I rarely eat red meat; in fact, I visit my favorite steakhouse only at three-month intervals.

And despite my fondness for french fries (Five Guys makes my favorite) that is maybe a twice-a-year indulgence. What’s more, I am slim, with a low BMI, and seldom miss a day racking up 10,000 steps on my Fitbit.

A Year’s Journey

Determined to get my score down naturally, for the next year I scrutinized nutrition labels for their cholesterol, saturated fat, and total fat content, eschewing products with even the slightest bit of each. I read up on natural ways to lower cholesterol and incorporated more beet juice, orange juice and seeds like chia, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower into my diet. I even considered going vegan.

So that’s why, when I got the results of my most recent checkup, I was surprised to learn that my cholesterol had crept up yet again. It was now borderline.

How could that be? Had all my dietary sacrifices been in vain, I wondered. For the past year, I had been extra vigilant about what I ate, even forgoing my most favorite treat: ice cream. There would be no rewarding my diligence with a celebratory surf and turf dinner, with an ice cream sundae for dessert.

Joan Kremen, a nurse practitioner in New Hyde Park, New York, advised a statin. But before prescribing medication, she suggested I take the Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CAC) test, a CT scan that measures the amount of calcified plaque in your arteries. The results may determine whether you need medication, or dietary and lifestyle changes, to lessen your risk for cardiac problems.

A week after I took the test, Kremen called to tell me my score was zero, the best possible outcome. So, for now, medication is not required.

If you’re a candidate for this test, be aware: the calcium score test is not covered by insurance. My own insurance company deemed it as “not medically necessary.”

It occurred to me: if I’m going to manage my cholesterol levels, I owe it to myself to learn more about it.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced in the liver that is necessary for the body to function properly. But an overabundance can cause dangerous plaque buildup on your blood vessel walls, raising your risk for heart disease and stroke.

The majority of cholesterol is produced by our body, with the rest coming from what we eat, primarily animal sources such as egg yolks, meat, and full-fat dairy products. Smoking, being overweight, and being inactive also play a part.

Bear in mind that heredity, too, impacts your cholesterol. Because of that, dietary changes may not be enough to get your numbers down to a healthy range. In that case, a statin may be necessary.

The Battle of the Cholesterols: Good vs Bad

Generally, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol. Rather, the condition is detected through a lipid panel, a blood test which measures your cholesterol levels.

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also labeled as “bad” cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as “good” cholesterol, which helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream.

According to the CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, optimal numbers to strive for are an LDL level of less than 100 mg/dl, and for HDL a 50 mg/dl or higher for women (40 mg/dl for men).

“You should also know your triglyceride levels. These numbers combined all compose your total cholesterol score,” said Dr. Elias Bonaros, a board-certified cardiologist, in Lake Success, New York.

High triglyceride levels also put you at risk for heart disease, as well as diabetes. Suggested levels should be less than 150 mg/dl, with a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dl.

Saturated Fat and Trans Fat

Both saturated fat and trans-fat are unhealthy fats that can raise the levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol in your blood.

Whenever possible, limit your intake of saturated fat. Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and full-fat dairy products including butter, cheese and heavy cream and whole milk. And while your body needs some saturated fat for overall health, it is easy to overdo it. Try to limit your intake.

On the other hand, trans fats offer no health benefits, so it’s best to avoid them altogether if you can. Fried, processed, and fast foods are the biggest offenders. Commercially baked goods like cakes, cookies, doughnuts, and pastries, are also significant sources.

Certain ingredients may help lower your LDL cholesterol. Soluble fiber, a form of fiber that is water-soluble, is one of them. Foods which contain soluble fiber include dried beans, lentils, oats, oat bran and brown rice.

Eat Like You’re in the Mediterranean

“We’re in a society of high fat consumption,” notes Kremen. For heart health,she says, “it’s best to do the Mediterranean diet.” Bonaros concurs, explaining that the first step in getting your cholesterol down is to change your diet. “I believe in a balanced diet. The American Heart Association and Mediterranean diet are two I recommend.”

Interest in the Mediterranean diet began in the 1950s when it was observed that heart disease was less common in Mediterranean countries, like Greece and Italy, than it was in the United States. Plant-based foods – which include vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains – are the diet’s foundation.

Moderate servings of lean poultry, seafood, and fish – especially “fatty” fish such as salmon, sardines, and albacore tuna – are included in moderation.

Essentially, the Mediterranean diet replaces saturated and trans fats with healthy monosaturated fats, like olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Whatever diet you choose, make sure it’s a diet that can be maintained, and that you can sustain for life,” said Bonaros.

When was the last time you checked your cholesterol? Was it high or low? What are you doing to maintain your cholesterol at a good number? What is your cholesterol story?

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

As we approach the year end, it is a good time to examine, redefine, or re-set your personal vision of success. Or as my teenage grandson says to me, “How’s it going, Gran?”

December brings a myriad of deep, personal emotions that resonate far beyond the holiday season. Some of these feelings are related to holiday preparations, buying gifts for loved ones and friends, and feeling the excitement of parties and gatherings.

Even the decorations are conveying an aura of congeniality and hope.

It seems paradoxical that under the physical beauty of the holiday season and its collective unconscious feelings of joy, there reside deeper, more profound personal emotions that are itching to be examined.

Success Moving Forward

Going forward into the new year, resolutions are routinely made, and most are set aside as the going gets tough or the tough get going.

As the early months of new year pass by quickly, it’s easy to forget or set aside the practice of self-reflection, which helps define a consistent personal philosophy, including your values and beliefs – the basis for defining success.

In order to become more conscious about what constitutes personal success, the following are eight tips to consider after the holiday season.

Be Excellent with Consciousness

No matter how you define excellence, it is important to be mindful – to be present – in thought, word, and deed. This is the simplest definition of excellence. Your behavior, conversations, and interactions with others can be defined as excellent when you engage with consciousness.

Say “Yes”

One of the signs of aging is a proclivity toward negativity or an urge to isolate. Changing mental habits isn’t always easy, but it is certainly necessary to create a successful vision of how to live your life.

When asked to go to dinner, to dance, to hike, to stuff envelopes for a political candidate, or to simply walk with friends, do it. The noes are passé. It’s the yeses you want to get to in life. You not only learn to be curious, you also learn to socially engage with clear thought.

Be Honest and Know Yourself

When you fail to be honest or to acknowledge a flaw, it presupposes a lack of character. The more successful personal response is to quickly rectify the negativity and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Lead with a higher purpose and define core values to achieve success.

Don’t Internalize

You often hear the caution, “Don’t take it personally.” Easier said than done. Everyone internalizes negative emotions, and what is most particularly difficult is to sustain the anger or discomfort over a long period of time.

Besides, it’s an unhealthy emotional condition. Put the issues on the table and come to a resolution.

Take Risks and Get Out of the Quicksand

Here’s a mantra for you: “Don’t be afraid to take risks.” Take chances – of course, within reason. Be careful not to be paralyzed by fear or perfection. Be willing to make glorious mistakes because there is no such thing as failure.

Stop Resisting

Resistance is a psychological defensive mechanism that causes you to reject, deny, or otherwise oppose action. Whether it’s the life we live on the outside or the unlived life inside of us – our passions and dreams – it’s human nature to resist.

Resistance allows us to make endless excuses not to do what we really want to do: “I’m too busy today,” “I’m too old,” “I’m too young,” “I’m too fat,” “I need a nap,” “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Sound familiar?

Learn to Adapt

Your work and life are all about change – and change can be intimidating. So, look for the positive or the good in the change. Consider what you can learn. Don’t judge or label the change – simply observe it from a distance. Remember that fear will stop us from action, but fascination won’t let us walk away.

Find Your Passion

What makes you come alive? What is your passion? Passion can be defined as an outpouring of positive energy for the interests and idea that make a difference in your life.

If you can’t get something out of your mind, if you feel blissful about a person, place, or thing that won’t go away, you have passion. It is then that a simple interest is elevated into a rarefied passion. It is then you know what your destiny is going to look like.

What Does Success Look Like to You?

As you move through the joys of the holidays, make time for self-reflection and unleash the intellectual and emotional power of self-knowledge. Make an intention to continually define success for your life.

Be sure to take some risks, some leaps of faith, and be willing to make glorious mistakes. Keep the focus for success on personal truth and professional integrity and success will be knocking at your door.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What things did you learn about yourself in the next year? Have you reflected on them? Would you like to explore them more in the new year? How would you go about that? Please share in the comments below.

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

If you’re behind on trying the latest trendy skincare tools, the upcoming weeks are your opportunity to change that. Amazon has discounted countless products for its Black Friday sale, such as the top-selling Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager. Considering this is the lowest price we’ve seen it at all year (including Prime Day), we recommend snatching this one up while it’s a on sale for just $11.

The skin-tightening tool is sure to put thoughts of botox on the back burner; the product is built to make your face look younger and fresher without chemicals or irritation. It helps boost elasticity across sagging skin, soften fine lines and wrinkles and relieve any strain or pressure across the face. 

Courtesy of Amazon

Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager

According to one user, you’ll witness “huge changes” fairly quickly. “I’m 45, fine lines around my jaw, neck and forehead. There’s a deeper crease between my eyes and I’ve had a really bad break out of hormonal acne along my jawline. Well the fine lines are less noticeable, the deep crease is less for sure and my acne is almost 100% gone. In just 4 days. The redness and uneven skin tone is gone. My skin is much tighter and the puffiness under my eyes is gone along with the dark circles. Seriously in 4 days!!”

Even more fans of the product have not held back their praise: “It’s like my facial skin shrunk and pulled back—nothing short of amazing. The new wave of skin care is taking things into your own hands at home and if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of girl, definitely get this one.” 

If you already have your skincare routine down, this tool is the perfect addition to use alongside your go-to serums, oils and lotions. As another reviewer noted, “I have been using this roller along with my usual face cream EVERY DAY twice a day for a month. I have seen a huge difference on my face. My skin is always glowy and my face looks even more slender now. I really have a more [youthful] look.”

Beyond providing anti-aging benefits, reviewers have also commented on its multifaceted functions, including migraine relief, dark circle reduction, sinus drainage and of course just the pure unadulterated pleasure of a de-stressing face massage. 

On top of all of that, its gold exterior and 24k face bar is a pretty cute addition to your makeup bag. The T-shape is designed for 6000 vib/min which users have noted is not too strong to make it uncomfortable for the face. 

Oh and in case you needed any more convincing, Tracee Ellis Ross also swears by massaging tools for tense muscles and early mornings. So the real question is, who wouldn’t want to look like Tracee Ellis Ross? 

Snatch up the Beauty Bar 24k Golden Facial Massager with over 2,000 five-star ratings while it’s 20 percent off following Prime Day. Just make sure you’re signed up for a Prime Membership to take advantage of all these limited-time offers.