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After making one too many sizing mistakes when online shopping for clothes, I never buy ANYTHING without carefully reading all of the reviews. And this comes in so much handy when shopping for skincare. I mean think about it, if a customer is truly obsessed with a product, they get excited about it, and there’s no better place to sing the praises of something you love than in the review/comment section.

And let me tell you, the comments section for Hungarian skincare brand Omorovicza really sing the praises of the facial polish exfoliator. Nearly 400 customers shared their love after trying it, and one even said, “This is the very best product of its kind that I have ever used on my 74 year old skin!  It not only is a polisher but a peeler as well.  It is far better than any facial peeler I have ever used.  My skin returns to baby soft each time I use it!”

With reviews like those, who needs to shop blindly ever again?

Courtesy of Omorovicza.

Refining Facial Polisher

The exfoliator we’re talking about is the Refining Facial Polisher on sale for $99. But until March 31, you can take advantage of a savings deal that lets you get $25 off of every $150 spent. The discount automatically applies at checkout, so you don’t have to do anything else to secure the deal. Make sure to check out what else is up for grabs at discount.

This exfoliator is made from Hungarian moor mud that is packed with calcium and magnesium to help cleanse and clarify the skin without stripping it of the necessary moisture to keep it healthy.

RELATED: The $12 TikTok-Viral Mascara That Has Shoppers Canceling Lash Appointments Sold Out on Amazon—Here’s Where It’s Still In Stock

The addition of lava stone helps slough off dead skin cells to promote cell turnover. Since the formula also includes Lactobionic acid (a PHA), this polisher will gently exfoliate skin to reveal a brighter complexion without stressing out skin further or causing any sensitive skin reactions.

Don’t let the lava stone intimidate you. One shopper wrote, “This cleanser contains granules that are rounded and do not scratch the skin,” adding that “it is gentle enough to use on a daily basis.” Another shopper loved how the product “doesn’t leave a sticky feeling.”

If you’re looking to add an exfoliator to your skincare routine, this is a great one to try that’s suitable for all skin types.

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

One of the most vital parts of any beauty routine is a consistent skincare regimen. While that may involve an exfoliating cleansing balm or glowy moisturizer, there’s another element you’re probably missing: a targeted face and neck serum that halts fine lines in their tracks.

The No7 Beauty Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Serum is designed to tighten and firm the skin in just a couple of weeks. Its collagen-peptide complex (Matrixyl 3000 Plus), alongside a blend of hibiscus peptides and hyaluronic acid, instantly smooth the skin, bringing results that you can both see and feel rather quickly. Users may notice a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, crows feet and wrinkles, plus your face might even look lifted—a face lift at a fraction of the cost, who doesn’t want that? 

In fact, its clinically proven to make a difference on aging skin. Per a consumer study conducted in the UK, 85 percent of subjects 85% “saw better age-defying results when adding No7 Restore & Renew serum to their skincare routine” compared to those that didn’t.

Amazon

No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum

Even those with sensitive skin will be able to reap the serum’s benefits without unwanted irritation. To make the most out of this dermatologist-approved serum, the brand recommends using the serum in the morning and at night before bed. Shoppers also say this face and neck serum leaves their skin feeling “dewy and fresh” and “not greasy,” so it’s perfectly fine to apply ahead of makeup. 

RELATED: Shoppers Are Seeing New Growth on Bald Spots With This $19 Spray—& Even Their Stylists Are Intrigued

One reviewer called it the “best serum ever,” writing “I’ve been using this serum for a few years now and I absolutely love it. I have extremely sensitive skin and I’ve never had a problem using this. I also feel like it’s helping me ‘age backwards’ as it keeps my skin soft and supple and is perfect under my day or night cream, as well as my illuminator makeup I use on top of it. It’s a fabulous product.” 

Another five-star shopper shared how she was more than pleased with the results. “Since using this serum, I notice the skin on my neck and chest looks tighter and younger. Lines seem less visible. Skin looks more supple and hydrated. Absolutely love it.” 

Want to try it for yourself? The No7 Beauty Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Serum is available at Amazon right now for 17 percent off. 

I recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, where music pours from every bar, restaurant and hotel, in a raucous and often heartfelt tribute to life, love and the human condition.

After listening to no fewer than 18 singer-songwriters over four days, I came away with an understanding of one of the things that motivates all that beautiful noise – leaving a legacy of one’s life for the world to see (in this case, hear).

In these later years of life, you may feel a pull to honor your or your loved one’s lives, especially if you’ve lost someone. I recently discovered that taking the time to do that – really think about ways to carry it through – creates a lot of meaning in the here and now, makes me feel good about the past and may even heal a few of those emotional wounds so often mined in honky-tonks and symphony halls alike.

No Grand Gestures Needed

For me, it’s the creative intention and the follow through – not the grandness of the gesture – that counts. If you’ve seen those little “in memoriam” name markers near trees at your local park, you understand what I mean. Someone took the time to make that happen for a fellow human he or she thought of and cared about.

After my children moved from our town, for example, instead of throwing away a funding offer in the mail, I bought a brick that is part of a walkway around a new fountain at a park in town. It says, “Kensington, Our Home” with all of our names, and it’s a site we seek out each time we’re all home together. We each have a metallic photo of the brick in our respective homes, reminding us of our geographical bond.

When thinking about my late father one day, I felt regret that he had no physical resting place since he requested cremation and no burial. I had scattered his ashes at a family plot in his mother’s hometown, but I had no headstone to visit and there was no physical presence to serve as a touchstone or tribute to his life.

I thought about how much he loved being present in one particular place in his hometown – the Elks Lodge pool in summer. For $70, I had a local trophy shop make a brass plaque to hang near the pool bar, a dad favorite. After a day of searching, I found what I thought was just the right quote to put on the plaque: “Drink to life and the passing show,” a bit of advice I could imagine my father giving as a toast to his friends. Now, I visit the plaque each time I travel home.

Return to Unfinished Business

After retirement, I missed some of my academic pursuits and wished I could continue to contribute. My research days were over, but I noticed in a newsletter from an academic interest group that plans were in the works for creating an award in feminist media studies, my area of research. I wanted to make sure the award was as well-funded as the others in the field.

I contacted the award committee and offered a donation – one that got me invited to help shape and present the award and perhaps help build legacy in that part of my life. More importantly, it will help future generations of scholars.

Ceremonial ways of dealing with the deaths of family members often are related to honoring a legacy.

My husband and I recently carried out his parents’ wishes to have their ashes buried in remote West Texas where both their families started out. At a small family gathering on a plain dotted only with scrub brush and tumble weed we found tranquility in a place no one would think to find it. It was an example of self-determination and love I know my kids won’t forget.

Legacy in its simplest terms means something handed down. That could be the antique mirror my grandmother talked a repo man out of taking during hard times in the Depression (which is going to my sister) or the authentic 1970s rock band t-shirts I hope my grandkids will wear dozens of decades after I and their mother did (thank you, TikTok).

Small, but Creative Steps

Some people leave buildings with their names on them to commemorate their lives, but most of us must find smaller tokens of remembrance. There are so many ways to further the spirit of those who have meant a lot to us, and like that music in Nashville, it just takes some intention and an ability to tap into our feelings amid the chaos of our days.

No matter how small the gesture – planting a tree, putting together a book of photos or placing a special keepsake out on a shelf, for example – putting an emotional connection out into the world honors those we love and ourselves. It lets our families, friends and communities know what they meant to us and what we want to leave behind.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Can you think of a way to honor your or your family’s legacy in some small way? How do you think you would feel about taking that step? Why is legacy important?

We all know how to flirt at least a little bit because some flirting happens subconsciously. This means it happens without our conscious awareness, so it’s very natural and automatic. Super sexual flirting isn’t done naturally, and that’s not something I recommend for women who are shy or new to dating.

Feeling awkward is my least favorite feeling. That’s why I suggest subtle flirting and developed two phrases as my secret weapon I can use any time I’m feeling at a loss for words. They are simple to say and just off-beat enough that they usually get at least a grin from my date.

When you’re new to dating or on a first date, it’s natural to feel nervous. You may like your date but feel a bit too vulnerable to let him know it. However, women control the pace of the relationship. So, if you hold back, your evening could fall flat due to lack of chemistry. Your date may be waiting for a cue from you before he steps up his game and reciprocates.

Flirting Is All About Being Fun, Light, and Playful

The easiest way to start flirting is to take a breath and make a point to be yourself. This means, be the person your family and friends know, not a stiff, formal woman on a date. Dating is all about deciding if you like the person before you – and vice versa. So, if your date doesn’t end up attracted to the real you, he’s simply not a good fit – move on.

It’s fun to flirt with a man. It helps him feel confident and it gives you confidence. It’s a win-win all around.

Instead of teaching some hard-core seductive flirting tips, I’m including concepts that even a shy woman can do to liven up a date. As your confidence grows you may decide to be more seductive, but these concepts can help you get started.

Flirting 101

• Make real eye contact, without staring. This tells the man you’re interested.
• Touch his hand or forearm briefly for emphasis when you’re talking.
• Include his name in your conversation.
• Casually compliment him. A simple, “Nice shirt” will do.
• Go ahead and be your fun, quirky self. Laughing together builds attraction.
• Try to sit next to him rather than across the table. You’ll want to lean in to talk.
• Repeat back what he says to you in a light, airy tone of voice, so he knows you’re teasing.

For example:

Him: “I went to the gym earlier today.”

You: “You went to the gym, do tell!”

Doing simple things like these gives him permission to reciprocate which can shift the entire atmosphere of the date. And most importantly, if he doesn’t respond, you’ll still feel okay because you’re not doing anything that is so obvious that you’ll feel awkward if the flirting is one-sided.

And Now, My Secret Weapons

I created these two phrases to help me start some light, easy banter when dating was hard for me. And with a little tweaking you can use these phrases in almost any situation. Remember to use a light tone of voice and always be positive to make sure whatever you say is received as teasing.

Him: “I went to the gym today.”

You option 1: “Hmmmmmm, I’m not really sure what to say to that.”

You option 2: “OOH LA LA, I’m having coffee with the next Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

If you smiled when you read these, you’ll understand the response you’ll get in person. Try them for yourself and see how they feel. After a little practice, you’ll see how you can use them almost any time. They can be a great lifesaver.

Even if you’re not wildly attracted to your date, flirt a little bit as practice to help you develop your own unique style. Women are just as responsible for creating chemistry in a relationship as men are and you may be surprised at what happens when you start flirting. It may just change things up enough during your date to create those butterflies you’ve been hoping for.

Be brave enough to be yourself and flirt a little more each time. As you become comfortable feeling uncomfortable, you’ll expand your comfort zone and be your authentic self. And isn’t that the person you want your date to know and love?

You can’t really do it wrong, so just go for it and have fun! I’m rooting for you!

Until next time, keep your heart open and ready for love. You never know where it will find you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is your best flirting weapon? How does it work on dates? Do you think light flirting is the key to getting to know someone?

When I was a young chick (admittedly a long, long time ago), I used to love listening The Who singing “Hope I die before I get old” and used to be in complete agreement with that sentiment.

Well, the passing of time changes everything and now Roger Daltry is 74, living in London, going to the gym and still playing in the band – and I am 71, living in South Africa and busy running a social network for people who want to moderate or quit drinking alcohol!

The “Work Hard, Play Hard” Days

While I was climbing the greasy pole of corporate life, my mantra was “work hard, play hard,” and I certainly did. I would occasionally indulge in a little daydream about retirement. I had a very clear picture in my head which involved sitting in a sun-drenched garden with a large glass of wine in my hand.

So, fast forward to my early 50s, and there I was, living in Cape Town – so that took care of the sun-drenched garden. Trouble was I got rather bored doing nothing and even I couldn’t drink wine and read books 24/7. So, I started up an HR consultancy which I ran for 10 years – reverting to my default position of “work hard, play hard.”

Disaster Strikes!

The “play hard” of course involved a lot of drinking, but, in 2006, the fun came to an abrupt halt. I got breast cancer. Mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed. That should have been a wake-up call to cut back on my wine habit – but no, I felt like I needed the alcohol to dull my fears of dying.

Back in 2006, there was very little information in the public domain about the link between alcohol and breast cancer. It was easy to remain in denial about my drinking.

Retirement 2.0

In my early 60s I tried again to retire. I sat in that sun-drenched garden with glass(es) of icy white wine – and everything was perfect – or was it?

Well, it would have been if it wasn’t for that nagging voice in my head – the one that kept saying, “you’re drinking too much; I think we might have a problem here.”

I had managed to integrate Sauvignon Blanc into my life to such an extent that the first drink would often be just before midday and would morph seamlessly into a couple more large glasses with lunch. By the time 5pm came around, another cork would pop to see me through the (early) evening.

Just another quiet day at home.

If I successfully engineered an evening out, the drinking would step up a notch. Anyone unable to keep up with my enthusiastic pace would be left behind.

Living the Life?

Always the last one to leave any social event, I felt like I was “living the life.” I had, of course, completely lost the plot – but back then it didn’t feel like it.

It felt pretty damn good, actually.

Of course, there were the hangovers, the tiredness, the weight gain and the ever-present anxiety. Surely that was just part of getting older?

The Final Wake-Up Call

It was a serious blackout that finally convinced me to stop. Of course I’d had many evenings that had got a little blurry towards the end but this one was different. This time I had absolutely no recall of several hours of the previous day. That meant my brain had been so soaked in alcohol that memories could not be made.

That was it, I was done.

How I Quit Drinking

I finally had to decide whether I was going to drink myself to death – or choose a different path. I tried AA but that didn’t work. People there seemed much further down the line with their drinking than me, so I ended up thinking maybe I was “OK” after all.

Then I tried a one-day workshop in London which amazingly did the trick.

Just connecting with other people who had good jobs, nice families and a bottle of wine a night habit enabled me to finally change (and probably save) my life. We were all (just about) holding it together but knew we were on a “slippery slope.” We opened our hearts to each other about just how unhappy alcohol was making us.

We realised we couldn’t do this alone, so we supported each other and connected on a deep level. For the first time I experienced the “power of vulnerability.”

Of course, I now understand that “connection is the opposite of addiction.”

Finding My Passion

I stopped drinking on May 23^rd, 2015, and in November of that year I founded Tribe Sober. This has enabled me to make use of my training and development background to help hundreds of people to change their relationship with alcohol.

Like many functioning alcoholics, I had been using a lot of energy holding it all together. Maintaining the façade that everything was “fine” and keeping the show on the road. One of the (many) joys of being alcohol free is that I can now redirect that energy into something more positive. For the first time ever, I have meaning and purpose in my life.

Want to Quit Drinking? My 5 Top Tips!

Find a Sobriety Partner/Community

Find a sobriety community or at least a Sober Buddy. Connection is the opposite of addiction, and it’s extremely hard to change your drinking habits alone. Starting the journey is easy, but to sustain your sobriety, you need other people to encourage you and hold you accountable.

Play the Movie Forward

If you are craving a glass of wine, then play the movie to the end. After the first glass you will probably want more. Then you will sleep badly and wake up feeling anxious and disappointed with yourself. Have an alcohol-free drink or a cup of tea instead!

Keep a Journal

If you’ve been numbing your feelings with alcohol for years then you’ll feel very emotional in early sobriety. Journaling is a wonderful way to process those emotions and to track the sobriety journey. Track your sober days and your wins!

Create Your “Why” List

Why do you want to quit drinking? To improve your health, to be a better parent, to save your marriage, to lose weight or for some other reason – what is your why? The initial motivation and excitement will fade so the “why list” is an essential tool keep you motivated and on track.

Finally, Get in the Right Mindset

Don’t feel miserable at the thought of giving up alcohol. Be excited! Although the first few months may be tough, you’ll soon regain your energy, improve your health and begin to sleep like a baby! It’s one of the best things we can do for ourselves as we get older.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you tried to quit drinking? Did you succeed? What helped you to quit? Did you fail? Will you try again? Why did you/do you want to quit drinking?