Month: December 2022

Heather Gay’s Pink Jumpsuit & Clutch

Heather Gay’s Pink Jumpsuit & Clutch

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 3 Episode 11

Going into this episode of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, I can barely remember who is fighting with who! And then, just when I thought it couldn’t get more confusing, all of the ladies put blonde wigs on for a super random Marilyn Monroe party! I could barely tell who was who, but you’d better believe I’d recognize Heather Gay’s pink terry clutch anywhere. And while you won’t be getting your hands on her jumpsuit, if you love the bag, you can get that shipped to you Express, just in time for Christmas.

 

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

 

Heather Gay's Pink Jumpsuit & Clutch

 

Click Here to Shop her Bottega Veneta Clutch in Pink or Purple

Click Here for a Fab Amazon Style Stealer

Click Here to See her Express Jumpsuit

Originally posted at: Heather Gay’s Pink Jumpsuit & Clutch

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Trust Me: These 5 Products Magically Heal Dry Skin During The Winter & I Can’t Stop Buying Them


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

As soon as the temperature dips below 50, my oily skin rebels. Dry patches and scaly texture are its go-to ways of showing its disagreement with the chilly weather. Both love to show up on my face, lips, hands and legs (a.k.a. everywhere), and for a while, I just ignored them. That is, up until I moved to Boston for college. That was like a skincare awakening for me because I started to do my research. With lots of trial and error, I have found five products that soothed my dry skin so well that I continue to repurchase them time and time again.

Keep reading for five tried-and-true dry skin saviors that you can shop at Amazon—and keep an eye out for the one that even Hailey Bieber swears by. Almost all of them are from drugstore brands, meaning they have drugstore price tags. You won’t be breaking the bank with any of these must-have formulas, so whip out your wallet for the sake of preventing and repairing dry winter skin.

RELATED: The 10 Best Face Moisturizers For Avoiding Dry, Cracked Skin This Winter—According To Dermatologists 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer Amazon

Photo: Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer 

If you’re wondering if the Hydro Boost moisturizer is worth the hype, it 100 percent is. Every time I try a new moisturizer, I can’t help but compare it to my little blue jar of Neutrogena heaven. 

Its gel-cream texture is absolutely divine, especially if you have oily skin like me. The moisturizer glides right on and immediately hydrates my skin. It’s like a tall glass of water for my complexion, which is exactly what my skin needs during the winter.

What makes its formula so universally loved? It quenches dry skin in a heartbeat thanks to the hero ingredient, hyaluronic acid. Glycerin also helps a ton with increasing hydration. The goop is super lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly. This face moisturizer never misses. 

“It is a reliable, cooling gel that delivers hydration and is great for everyday use, especially in warmer weather,” Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, previously told StyleCaster.

“It hydrates, is not oily, and is good for all skin types. It is also non-comedogenic,” Jeanine Downie, MD Director of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey and board-certified dermatologist, also previously told StyleCaster.

Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment Amazon

Photo: Aquaphor.

Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment

You might think I have a problem after hearing this, but I have gone through almost 15 tubes of this magical balm. Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment is a product I will never—I mean never—leave the house without. I’m sure this sounds dramatic, but I promise I’m not the only one who is a lifelong Aquaphor stan. None other than Hailey Bieber, who’s known for her plump pout, uses Aquaphor. She previously told Glamour, “It just does the job every time.” I couldn’t agree more.

The formula taps castor seed oil, glycerin, panthenol, shea butter and other nourishing ingredients. Aquaphor carries a chapstick version as well as one with SPF, but the O.G. balm is my ride-or-die.

My pro tip is to buy a few tubes and put them in places you go to often. That could be your everyday bag, bathroom and nightstand. Or maybe it’s your desk, gym tote and car. It’s whatever works for you and is most convenient so that you never have to find your lips chapped and without a quick solution.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 

After applying CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream for the first time, my legs never felt softer. Even if I accidentally skip days, my skin still feels silky smooth. That just goes to show how the body moisturizer really does provide long-term results. It strengthens the skin barrier with the help of three essential ceramides, while hyaluronic acid delivers deep hydration. 

I rub this body cream all over my arms and legs and boy does the product deliver on its promises. Make sure you get the big tub. Trust me, it’ll last forever.

Neutrogena Unscented Norwegian Formula Hand Cream Amazon

Photo: Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

I just bought two more boxes of the Norwegian Formula Hand Cream because my other drugstore hand cream wasn’t cutting it. There’s a cool story about how this product came to be, but I’ll tell you the abridged version. Decades ago, Norwegian fishermen created a glycerin-powered hand cream to help their hands endure harsh winters. In 1969,  Lloyd Cotsen, the president of Neutrogena at the time, was tasked with advertising the fishermen’s O.G. recipe. He tried their concoction on his own hands and couldn’t believe how well it worked. That’s the birth story of the Norwegian Formula Hand Cream and why you’ll notice Norway’s flag on the product’s packaging.

With a 40 concentration of glycerin, all you need is a tiny dot of product to feel its moisturizing effects right away. Per the brand, each tube contains around 200 applications, so basically, you’re set for the entire year. 

I can attest to this hand cream’s superpowers and have liked it so much that I put my mom and sister onto it. I know buying a six-pack seems excessive, but I swear it’s worth it. They’ll get a lot of use, and just like my Aquaphor tip, you can put a tube in all of your most-frequented places for easy access.

BeautyStat Universal Moisture Essence Amazon

Photo: BeautyStat Cosmetics.

BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Moisture Essence

This last product is my most recent find, and it’s made by a brand that Hailey Bieber uses. BeautyStat Cosmetics’ Universal Moisture Essence smoothed this one extra stubborn dry area on my face when no other product could. I tried a shea butter product that has previously helped vanish dry patches for me; I tried a TikTok-viral balm; I tried even my beloved Neutrogena Hydro Boost. When one of my coworkers handed me this essence, I didn’t think much of it. 

Now that I’ve been using it for some time, I realize I should’ve never underestimated it. After the very first application, I noticed the dryness around my nose had disappeared. I was so shocked that that was all it took. Since then, I’ve been using it every day, twice a day on my face. Although the dryness pops up every now and then, this essence has it under control for the most part.

It’s made from 100 percent pure squalane that comes from sustainable plant sugars. Squalane is a skincare essential, since it’s known to provide lots of moisture, support the skin barrier, fade hyperpigmentation, minimize visible signs of aging and (somehow) more.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

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5 Tips to Stop Toxins from Screwing Up Your Immune System

stop toxins immune system

Did you know that toxin buildup in the body is a major contributor to auto-immune conditions, weight gain, metabolic syndrome, endocrine disruption, and a number of other chronic health issues?

There are over 85,000 chemicals listed on the EPA’s Chemical Substance Inventory, with several thousands more that are categorized elsewhere. It’s hard to believe, but very few of those chemicals have ever been tested for possible effects to human health.

Toxins are everywhere around us and can be absorbed through our skin, ingested in our food, and breathed in from the air. When the body has an onslaught of toxins to deal with, many of them end up getting “packaged up” and stored in fat cells as described in this article.

In the long term, the accumulation of toxins can cause the fat cells to swell and become inflamed. This results in weight gain and low-level chronic inflammation that can trigger the immune system and contribute to immune system dysfunction.

You simply cannot avoid all of the toxins in our modern environment, so don’t stress! Following these 5 tips will help to decrease your toxin exposure significantly:

Choose Organic Foods When Possible to Avoid Pesticides Like Glyphosate

Although organic produce is not completely free of pesticides, it is significantly better than conventionally grown produce. If you cannot afford to buy organic, then purchase a natural produce wash and soak your fruits and veggies for 15 minutes.

You can also follow the EWG’s yearly “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” lists. The produce classified in the “Dirty Dozen” should always be purchased organic due to the high use of pesticides on these products. The produce listed in the “Clean 15” is okay to be consumed if conventionally grown, because they are less likely to be laden with pesticides.

Drink Only Filtered Water or Natural Spring Water

Unfiltered tap water can contain traceable levels of lead, aluminum, chlorine, PFAS, perchlorate, and many other compounds which can contribute to the body’s toxicity. There are many types of water filters that can fit any budget and will help to decrease the levels of potentially harmful compounds.

ZeroWater Filters are an affordable option for a countertop filter. Berkey water filters offer larger, higher quality stainless steel options in various sizes. The gold standard would be a reverse osmosis filter either for your main sink or for the entire home. (Bonus points for putting a water filter on your shower heads as well!).

Avoid BPA as Much as Possible

BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical used to make plastics. Sources report that “…in a recent unpublished study, vom Saal found that BPA affected rodent fat cells at very low doses, 1,000 times below the dose that regulatory agencies presume causes no effect in humans.”

A great way to avoid BPA is to discontinue use of any plastic water bottles and food storage containers. Opt for a stainless-steel water bottle instead, and replace your plastic containers with glass or stainless-steel options. Avoid using plastic wraps, and definitely do not heat your food in plastic wrap or plastic containers.

When plastic containers say, “microwave safe,” it means putting it in the microwave is safe for the container… not for YOU! Surprisingly, another common source of BPA is paper receipts. Decline paper receipts when you can, and opt for an emailed receipt if you need one (you’ll be helping the environment too!).

Purchase an Air Filter for Your Home

EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times – and occasionally more than 100 times – higher than outdoor levels.” Whether you live in a new or an old home, indoor air can contain VOCs, flame retardants, toxins from flooring and paint, mold, and many other contaminants.

If affordable, a whole home air purifying system is the gold standard to reduce the toxicity of the air in your home. If you cannot afford to purchase a whole home air purifier, opt for a smaller system that you can place in the room where you spend the most time. If an air purifier is not an option for you, at least be sure to open your windows on a daily basis to allow for fresh air circulation!

Complete a Functional Medicine Liver Detox 3-4 Times Per Year

No matter how hard we try, we will never be able to live a toxin free life in the 21st century! It is true that we have a built-in detoxification system in our bodies led by our liver and kidneys. However, our liver and kidneys do not have the natural capability to deal with the sheer magnitude of toxins that we all are faced with in modern times!

The best way to fight back against inevitable toxin exposure is to support the liver with all of the nutrients it needs to function optimally and perform all phases of detoxification. Completing a high-quality functional medicine liver detox 3-4 times per year can help to keep your total toxic burden low and offset the potential health effects of toxin buildup.

Let’s face it… toxins are everywhere! It can become overwhelming trying to avoid all of them. The truth is, it’s not possible to completely avoid exposure to toxins. The best thing you can do is control the controllable factors in your life by starting with the 5 tips above! Commit to the 5 steps in this article and you will be surprised at the health benefits that lowering your toxicity can provide!


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Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you suffer from an auto-immune condition or other chronic disease? Have you tried any of these tips, and did they make a difference for you? Have you ever completed a toxicity test or a functional medicine detox or would you consider doing so? Do you follow the Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen?

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3 Things I’m Grateful for and 3 Things I’m Grumbling About

gratitude after 60

It’s that time of the year when many of us are making lists. Sometimes, we’re enumerating things to do, while other lists may include loftier goals for the coming year or names of people or events we appreciate.

I’m big on writing lists of things to do, but I am not generally a fan of expressing explicit thanks for people in my life.

However, it has been a particularly stressful year – between natural disasters, wars around the world, post-pandemic crises and various other revelations that few people could have anticipated.

Given all these events, I thought it would be worthwhile to express gratitude for the small but important parts of life. And also, I wanted to grumble a bit about the trend toward rudeness that seems to be increasing.

On the Positive Side

I have come to know many people who value the important things in life. They aren’t afraid to ask for help and are grateful when they receive it. They aren’t too busy to listen to your problems – in fact, they ask about them! I am happy to say I appreciate those people, as they make life run smoother.

People Who Express Gratefulness

I often take my editorial skills for granted. However, when I help out new authors who are unfamiliar with the basics of writing a book proposal or creating a table of contents, I realize how valuable my experience can be.

I am very appreciative when authors mention me in their book acknowledgements or in emails, thanking me for helping them reach their goal of completing a book.

Friends Who Listen Without Judgement

Most of us have that special ‘person’ in our lives to whom we can talk about anything, even if we haven’t been in touch regularly.

I am grateful for my early morning gym pals who will listen endlessly to my complaints about work, family, health or just about anything on my mind. I am also grateful for my out-of-town close pals who will always respond to a call or text when I’m in need of advice or just a little cheering up.

Professional Contacts Who Treat Me Like a Friend

You hope that you will become friends with colleagues or clients, but that doesn’t always happen. I am grateful for the people who will ask how I am or what’s happening with my family before we start discussing work.

I will always remember people who sent me notes or cards after my parents’ passing. In many cases, the nicest gestures were made by people I didn’t know that well. It was these acquaintances who often shined when others did not.

On the Negative Side

As a freelancer, I recognize that I’m the one who usually has to go the extra mile. I have to pitch myself and my work, and sometimes that means editing sample pages or doing a half-hour consult without getting paid.

In spite of many years of experience, I accept that this effort is sometimes required for the opportunity to get a new client. Job-seekers find themselves in similar positions; regardless of your background, you may have to provide samples or complete assignments as part of your application.

Lately, though, I’ve seen a pattern of what I’ll refer to as ‘professional rudeness’ that seems to be on the rise. Are these scenarios familiar to you?

Not Responding to Requested Material or Information That Has Been Provided in a Timely Fashion

I can get busy, and occasionally, emails will disappear into my crowded inbox. However, I usually advise people that I will acknowledge receipt of an email and say when I will be reviewing the material. In fact, when starting a new project, I tell people to follow up if I don’t respond to an email within 48 hours.

That’s pretty clear, I think. But after I have had one or more phone calls, several emails and then send a proposed agreement, why is there radio silence? I would like the person to whom I wrote say, “I have your agreement and will be reviewing it over the next week (or some other timeframe).”

We’re all busy and I have to schedule multiple projects. When someone asks for an agreement, I assume we’ll have a spoken or written conversation regarding any questions about the agreement, but that ultimately, we’ll be working together.

Confusing Communication

Recently, one author sent me a text with a screenshot of a graph that needed to be re-drawn for his book. I had to forward that text to myself to review in larger type and then send onto the publisher. But I couldn’t recall what chapter it was in; after all, I’m working on several books.

I texted back and asked the author what chapter or page number the graph was on. I’m still waiting for an answer!

Whether it’s a friend finalizing plans, a family member asking for a favor or a client with a work question, let’s keep communication clear. Provide enough details so the person getting the email or text isn’t left wondering or having to do additional research.

More, More And More

You know how kids will keep asking for something they want. You would give an explanation or answer a question, but the kids have seemingly endless responses.

As an editor, I send back material with tracked changes showing my edits along with any comments or questions. The authors will review my edits and then send back a revision or we’ll have a conversation.

However, there are those authors who will send multiple emails asking question after question about why I deleted a particular word or why I made a particular change.

There’s no reason to send multiple texts or emails with question after question. We’re all professionals, and we’re all busy. If you’re responding more than three times, then it’s time for a phone call. This principle doesn’t just apply to work but also when you’re trying to make plans with friends or family.

For the coming year, let’s all try to think about how we behave at work and at home. I believe that how you act in a professional setting is an extension of your personal behavior.


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Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are some things you are grateful for and what are you grumbling about? Please share your most recent experiences below.

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Heather Gay’s Blue Printed Robe

Heather Gay’s Blue Printed Robe in San Diego

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 3 Episode 11 Fashion

While Heather Gay may not exactly be selling us on that Marilyn Monroe wig (omg lol) from last night’s episode of RHOSLC, she’s definitely selling us on her blue printed robe. Which we’ve linked to shop down below because as we all know diamonds cute robes are a girl’s best friend. 

 

Fashionably,

Faryn

 

Heather Gay’s Blue Printed Robe 1

Click Here to Shop Her One Hundred Stars Robe

Originally posted at: Heather Gay’s Blue Printed Robe

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