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

A little while back, I got an eyelash comb in a goody bag from a makeup event. I remember being scared of it because it honestly looked like it could poke my eyeballs out in an instant. But eventually, I got around to using it and my opinions completely changed. I’ve officially been converted into a lash comb stan and now, I see them in my TikTok feed. Needless to say, eyelash combs are here to stay and about to become one of your most prized possessions in your makeup bag.

Just as how combs for your hair help separate and detangle your strands, eyelash combs part your lashes after you’ve applied mascara. Even if your fave mascara doesn’t leave behind major clumps, your lash hairs could always use a nice comb-through to get them extra separated and fluttery, and MSQ’s Eyelash Comb is here to do just that. 

This handy tool catches clumps and flakes from your lashes in instances where perhaps you’ve applied too many coats of mascara and need to brush through all the gobs of product. Or maybe you just want a finishing touch to ensure your lashes look as defined and fanned out as possible. Regardless, you’re going to want this easy-to-use, portable tool on hand. You could even carry one at all times in your bag in case you need to do touch-ups throughout the day. It comes with a plastic cap, so there’s no need to worry about how you’ll transport the stainless steel lash comb in your purse.

Nearly 10,000 shoppers have given the Eyelash Comb an overall 4.3-star rating on Amazon. 

“I honestly cannot believe how big of a difference this tool makes. It’s the key to separated and lifted lashes,” one wrote. “The tool also helps curl my lashes better [and] after applying mascara. This is by far the best $5 I’ve spent to elevate my eye makeup.”

You heard the shopper! Elevate your eye makeup with MSQ’s Eyelash Comb that’s on sale now for just $5 at Amazon.

RELATED: This Mascara Is So Volumizing, Reviewers Warn: ‘Don’t Get Lash Extensions Before You Try This’—Snag It For $8 While You Can 

Photo: MSQ.

Another five-star reviewer raved, “Where has this been all of my life?!? Recently bought a mascara that clumps together giving my eyelashes a weird, spidery look. This completely eliminated that effect and I love it! Such a cheap, easy fix that is now part of my everyday routine.”

I can 100 percent relate to that shopper, as my lash comb has become an essential step in my makeup routine too. It’s so satisfying to glide the product through my lashes and remove all the clumps in seconds. 

When using this tool, make sure your layer of mascara has already dried. You don’t want to run the curved comb through your lashes while the mascara is still fresh and wet.

Another reviewer found the comb helpful for a different purpose. “I have lash extensions and this does a nice job separating any of the hybrid/volume lashes that stick together occasionally. The long teeth on the comb make a huge difference,” they wrote. 

Now that you know what your makeup routine has been missing, get ready for gorgeous, fluttery lashes all thanks to this $5 lash comb. You might want to order a few so you can keep them in your makeup bag at home, your work bag, your everyday purse or really wherever you might find your lashes in need of a midday pick-me-up.

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

A little while back, I got an eyelash comb in a goody bag from a makeup event. I remember being scared of it because it honestly looked like it could poke my eyeballs out in an instant. But eventually, I got around to using it and my opinions completely changed. I’ve officially been converted into a lash comb stan and now, I see them in my TikTok feed. Needless to say, eyelash combs are here to stay and about to become one of your most prized possessions in your makeup bag.

Just as how combs for your hair help separate and detangle your strands, eyelash combs part your lashes after you’ve applied mascara. Even if your fave mascara doesn’t leave behind major clumps, your lash hairs could always use a nice comb-through to get them extra separated and fluttery, and MSQ’s Eyelash Comb is here to do just that. 

This handy tool catches clumps and flakes from your lashes in instances where perhaps you’ve applied too many coats of mascara and need to brush through all the gobs of product. Or maybe you just want a finishing touch to ensure your lashes look as defined and fanned out as possible. Regardless, you’re going to want this easy-to-use, portable tool on hand. You could even carry one at all times in your bag in case you need to do touch-ups throughout the day. It comes with a plastic cap, so there’s no need to worry about how you’ll transport the stainless steel lash comb in your purse.

Nearly 10,000 shoppers have given the Eyelash Comb an overall 4.3-star rating on Amazon. 

“I honestly cannot believe how big of a difference this tool makes. It’s the key to separated and lifted lashes,” one wrote. “The tool also helps curl my lashes better [and] after applying mascara. This is by far the best $5 I’ve spent to elevate my eye makeup.”

You heard the shopper! Elevate your eye makeup with MSQ’s Eyelash Comb that’s on sale now for just $5 at Amazon.

RELATED: This Mascara Is So Volumizing, Reviewers Warn: ‘Don’t Get Lash Extensions Before You Try This’—Snag It For $8 While You Can 

Photo: MSQ.

Another five-star reviewer raved, “Where has this been all of my life?!? Recently bought a mascara that clumps together giving my eyelashes a weird, spidery look. This completely eliminated that effect and I love it! Such a cheap, easy fix that is now part of my everyday routine.”

I can 100 percent relate to that shopper, as my lash comb has become an essential step in my makeup routine too. It’s so satisfying to glide the product through my lashes and remove all the clumps in seconds. 

When using this tool, make sure your layer of mascara has already dried. You don’t want to run the curved comb through your lashes while the mascara is still fresh and wet.

Another reviewer found the comb helpful for a different purpose. “I have lash extensions and this does a nice job separating any of the hybrid/volume lashes that stick together occasionally. The long teeth on the comb make a huge difference,” they wrote. 

Now that you know what your makeup routine has been missing, get ready for gorgeous, fluttery lashes all thanks to this $5 lash comb. You might want to order a few so you can keep them in your makeup bag at home, your work bag, your everyday purse or really wherever you might find your lashes in need of a midday pick-me-up.

We all know how confusing food advice can be. Eat this. Don’t eat that! And a quick search on Amazon will come up with tens of thousands books on diets. We’re overwhelmed by conflicting advice.

Personally, I like to go back to science and think about what food is. From a chemical point of view, it’s just different combinations of atoms – such as carbon, oxygen and nitrogen – that nourish us.

When it comes down to basics: we can be over-nourished (too many calories) or undernourished (too few calories). We can be building muscle or losing it. Each of us is different in how our bodies use food, but the good news is that we can measure objectively how we’re doing.

How Do I Know How My Body Is Doing?

One basic way is to measure our body mass index (BMI), which measures body fat based on height and weight. That’s a good start.

We can also check our bone density through a DEXA scan.

Another measurement we can do at home is to measure how much muscle mass we have. There are a bunch of smart scales that will measure more than weight. A Google search for best smart scales will quickly find them. Look for one that measures muscle mass; sometimes measured as skeletal muscle.

What Is Muscle Mass?

Muscle mass is calculated by subtracting our fat from our overall weight. So muscle mass includes our bones and fluids.

Unfortunately, as we age, we lose muscle through what doctors call sarcopenia, a natural part of aging. Research shows that we typically lose between 5 to 13% of our muscles by our sixth and seventh decades.

Can I Reverse Muscle Loss?

We can build muscle mass through diet and exercise. The building blocks of muscle are proteins so it’s critical that we’re eating enough protein.

How much protein we need depends on how active we are. The US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 0.8g of protein per kilo of weight for an average adult, who doesn’t exercise that much.

More protein is better, particularly if you’re active and exercising. The Mayo Clinic recommends 1.1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kg of weight for people who exercise regularly, so about 113 grams of protein a day for a woman, who weighs an average 75.5 kilos.

The good news is that if we eat too much protein, we’ll just excrete it in urine. So this is a case of more is better than less.

What Does 113 Grams of Protein Look Like?

It might feel a bit weird to start weighing food, but I’ve found it helps to get a feel for what an ideal protein day looks like. Reading labels on food also helps. I also use Google to answer basic questions like: how much protein is in a cup of peas?

Look for sources online like the USDA (US Department of Agriculture), which has done the hard work in analyzing what’s in what we eat.

As an example: I weigh 70 kgs and I exercise regularly, so I need 70 x 1.1 grams of protein a day minimum. That’s 77 grams of protein. Once I start adding it up, I really have to work at getting enough protein into my diet.

Here’s an example of what a minimum 77-gram protein day looks like for me:

Breakfast:

¾ cup of yogurt = 7g

2 tablespoons of flax = 3g

1 egg = 6g

Snack

¼ cup of walnuts = 5g

Lunch

Piece of salmon (150g) = 30g

1 cup of spinach = 1g

1 slice of bread = 2g

1 avocado = 3g

1 cup of green peas = 8g

Snack (ideally after exercise)

Protein shake = 15g

100g of almonds = 21g

Total protein:  80g

This is just one example of a protein day. There are many great combinations of food that will fuel your body. The key to success is in finding one that works for you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How much protein a day should you be eating, based on your weight and activity? How much protein are you eating now? What foods are high in protein that you could incorporate into your diet?

As we get older, life can become less hectic, especially as we move away from working longer hours, raising young children, and everything in between. With that, older adults are more likely to experience a new set of life challenges that can impact their emotional and mental state like loneliness or isolation, changes in health, chronic pain, and loss of friends or family. These life-altering changes can lead to difficult emotions like anxiety, grief, or depression.

In navigating new emotions and experiences, one of the most important things we can all do is aim to stay present and keep an open mind to all our thoughts and feelings, accept them for what they are with no judgment good or bad. Research on the mind-body connection has shown that mental and emotional health are also important aspects of one’s physical well-being. A great tool for this is a strong mindfulness practice.

What is Mindfulness Anyways?

Mindfulness is a popular form of meditation and awareness that can help you maintain a healthy physical, mental, and emotional state of mind. The goal is to help you stay present in the moment, tuning into yourself and your immediate surroundings. Mindfulness is proven to have many health benefits, not to mention regular practices can leave you feeling more grounded, provide a more positive outlook on life, and may even ease worries and anxiety.

A 2012 study reported that a simple eight-week meditation program reduced loneliness in older adults. Additional benefits include improved brain function and reduced risk of certain health conditions such as chronic stress, hypertension, heart diseases, and other illnesses that older adults may be at higher risk of developing. Consistent mindfulness meditation has even been shown in clinical trials to reduce chronic pain by as much as 57 percent.

Easy Ways to Practice Mindfulness

If mindfulness isn’t already a part of your daily routine or if you’re interested in going a bit deeper, here are a few activities to consider.

Daily Breathing Practices

The most tried and true practice is connecting with your breath. Sit, stand, or lie comfortably, with your eyes closed, and bring awareness to your breath as you inhale and exhale. Notice how your body feels as you breathe in and then out.

“Box Breath” is a common breathing exercise that includes inhaling to the count of four, holding the breath to the count of four, exhaling to the count of four, and holding to the count of four.

Positive Affirmations

Sometimes we need some encouragement, and it starts with how we talk to ourselves. Repeating positive affirmations challenges negative thoughts and helps rewire our conscious and subconscious minds and bring us into the present.

Positive affirmations could include something like: “I release any negative thoughts that do not serve me,” or “Every day I am making a positive impact in the world.” Choose something simple that has a deeper meaning for you.

Coloring

The act of coloring allows the body and mind to relax as your brain focuses on the art or drawing in front of you. Try assigning colors to what you feel or allowing yourself the pleasure of coloring outside the lines!

Journaling

Putting pen to paper through journaling can provide another outlet to help you examine your inner thoughts and feelings, no matter what they may be. Feel free to sit down and just start writing or select a prompt question that could help guide your journaling session.

Connecting with Nature

If you are able, take a daily walk outdoors, soak up the daylight and the fresh air. Focus on what you see, feel, smell, and hear. Try to slow down and notice the little things. Tending to a garden, or even taking a moment for simple reminders and connections like listening to the raindrops as they fall, can have a similar effect.

If you need an added incentive, consider experimenting with some of these practices with a friend. Challenge each other to incorporate new practices into your morning routines, connect with nature together, or simply check in with your friends to express your gratitude for them.

People who practice daily mindful activities report a more positive outlook on life, live with greater enthusiasm and less worry. So, take a deep breath, and enjoy being present.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have any mindful tips? What mindful activities will you add to your routine? What is your favorite positive affirmation?

We all come to a stage in life when we ponder the possibility of moving to a new home. However, before committing to such a big step, consider what is driving this idea.

Motivations for Thoughts of Moving to a New Home

Retirement

How many of us, during our working years, have dreamed of living in a mild climate and enjoying all life has to offer? Yet, as we age, the realities of such a decision come to the forefront. Practical questions like “Exactly where would I like to move” and “Can I afford it?” arise. These and other important questions need to be thoroughly addressed before forging ahead.

Empty Nest

If you are a parent, your life changes significantly once the kids leave the house. Perhaps now the family home feels a bit too large for your needs. On the other hand, you may love your home and prefer to remodel it to meet your new situation. Such remodeling may need to include accessories like grab bars and handicap-accessible spaces if you plan this to be your “forever home.”

Health Status

If health status drives thoughts of moving, you have many options to consider. First, can your existing home be retrofitted to accommodate your needs? If not, what are the housing options in the local area? You may be looking for one-level living, closer proximity to family or a location near critical healthcare facilities.

If you’re thinking of moving out of town, you probably will seek same things. However, a lack of familiarity with the new environment could mean you’ll need to spend more time finding the right fit at a price you can afford.

Living Costs

How will cost impact the decision to move or not? A complicating factor for retirees is they may still be getting used to living off their savings, pensions and social security. It may take a while to adjust to the new financial reality, so moving plans must be deferred.

On the bright side, it will be a excellent time to research various relocation sites. Many popular retirement destinations offer lower costs, like no state income tax.

Lifestyle Choices

Changes like retirement or an empty nest could naturally motivate a re-examination of what we want out of life. If your current living situation is satisfactory, staying put may make sense. Conversely, you may be ready for a change because of:

•             A desire to be closer to family

•             Divorce or becoming a widow

•             Seeking a new location or mode of living (e.g. – city versus rural)

The Downsides of Moving

Even if making a move later in life seems like the right thing, it’s essential to consider some negative consequences.

Learning a New Routine

The familiar rhythms of life get upended with a move, so it may take time to feel settled. Expect to feel some stress during this period. Take positive steps to relax, and remember to be patient.

Relationship Stress

Primary relationships undergo pressure during a move and the subsequent transition time. All parties in a move are struggling to adjust. Allow space for everyone to recalibrate at their own pace. Also, moving often means meaningful relationships evolve to the long-distance type. Making an effort to connect with old networks can help in the adjustment process.

Grief

Moving from an established location can trigger grief almost as strong as the death of a loved one. It will take time for the feelings to subside before the joys you sought in the new location are more apparent daily.

Moving in later years can open up a positive new phase in life. Understanding your motivations to move and preparing yourself for an adjustment period will decrease the transition time to get to your desired lifestyle.

To learn more about finding your new home later in life, check out my eBook at Cantissimo Senior Living.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you considering moving to a new location? What are you motivating factors? What would you be looking for in a new location? Do you think you would be able to adjust quickly to your new home and surroundings? Have you already inspected one or more possible places?